The Curse of the Goddess: The Queen and the Heiress, Book 1

The Curse of the Goddess: The Queen and Heiress by C.C. Gonzalez is hands down an amazing book filled with sapphic romance, mystery, and multiple unexpected plot twists. Valda, princess of the Sky Kingdom, is a stong warrior woman, who has been told she will meet her mate on her 25th birthday and instead is faced with the most devastating challenge, blindness. Maris is an orphan from the Sea Kingdom who has faced her own challenges growing up and wants answers to her suffering. Both come together with Maris helping Valda recover and adjust to her blindness. Their relationship grows and unfolds in a funny, frustrating, and sexy way. Valda is smug about her appearance and effect on women, while Mira is attracted to her but reluctant to admit her feelings. Watching the relationship unfold between the two was beautiful and also agonizing as well. There are some unexpected and expected plot twists that occur including a huge cliff hanger at the end. Overall, this is a must read book and I for one cannot wait for the second book.

I have had trouble finding a romance book I enjoy for a long time, and this is finally one of them. I read through this in a fairly short burst over about two days. The plot was enjoyable, even if it was not the most original thing ever (I felt it was probably meant to be easily digestible,) and the characterization I felt was strong for the most part. It being romantasy, I was however put off a few times by elements that felt way too modern, but I did not feel these were unforgivable shortcomings. It has some editing errors. Most often this was a paragraph not being intended, a sentence missing a period. Occasionally a word was simply wrong (scarab.) I have some misgivings about the ending. However, I'd recommend the book in spite of its imperfections. SPOILERS BELOW. I rated this 4* instead of 5* because of the ending. Around 70% of the way through the book, I identified that it was spending too much time building up and that the ending wouldn't resolve in a way that felt satisfying. The reality was worse. I had a strong sense that Gonzales really wanted the dramatic scenes as it played out with the reveal of Maris' investigation, and I did not feel this was earned at all. Maris has an outrageous reaction to this information that seemed to throw all of her character development up to that point in the trash. It even hits as far as to utilize a time where Maris all but explicitly states that Valda murdered her father and not Arwin, which had me yelling "YES HE DID."…

I'm honestly still beating myself up over not reading this book sooner! I loved everything about it, from the story itself to the characters, everything just flowed so beautifully, I couldn't put it down! I was completely enraptured by both FMCs in this story, they each stole my heart in their own special way. Valda and Maris are just so perfect for each other. The constant push and pull is so fun to follow and the banter is A++! if you are looking for a beautiful Sapphic romance with political intrigue, hidden identities, back stabbing and an adorable oversized cat this is absolutely the book for you! The sequel is right around the corner and after the cut wrenching ending This story delivered idk if I'm honestly prepared for the story to continue but I have to know what happens to them next! Favorite Quotes: “I have opened you up like a true seashell,” she said, her lips hovering over Maris, stealing her breath away. “I have your pearl now.” "Maris couldn’t help but notice the way the princess’s voice caressed it, drawing out every syllable with a gentle touch. It was as if Valda had taken Maris’s name and transformed it into something more, something magical and alluring." "I want to see you how much you want me, Seashell." And gods, she wanted her. She wanted her from the first second she laid eyes on her. She shouldn’t. Not now. Not ever.

I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. It is a captivating novel that moves pretty quickly. Slowing down to throw a lot of spice your way, but it fits. The two main characters are attracted to each other in a fated way, so the way they are all over each other in private fits perfectly with new love. Especially since it could ruin Valda's reputation. I love that we watch Maris progress throughout the book and how both FMC support each other in incredibly harsh situations. This was a wonderful story that I was so immersed in, I could not wait to get back to it each evening and pretty much thought about throughout the day to where the next chapter was going to bring me. Love the F/F characters being so independently strong and not just having to have one or the other being the constant strength. Excellent job C.C. Gonzalez!! Thank you. Read this book. Immerse yourself in it and enjoy the ride. Now on to book 2, The Stolen Kingdom!

SO GOOD! Well written, great plot, excellent relationship development