A curse for genuine tenderness is the theme explored in Stephanie Garber's novels. In her books "Caraval" and "Legendary," Garber portrays a world where genuine tenderness is both coveted and cursed. The main character, Scarlett Dragna, experiences the weight of this curse as she navigates the mysterious and dangerous game of Caraval. The curse exists in the form of emotional manipulation, where individuals who show genuine tenderness towards others are taken advantage of. This curse is designed to make people question the authenticity of others' feelings and ultimately push them to harden their hearts. Throughout the story, Scarlett is repeatedly tested by the curse, facing moments where she must decide whether to trust others and show genuine tenderness or protect herself from potential harm.
“Heartwarming, thoughtful, and romantic: Brigid Kemmerer took me on a magical journey with this dark fairy tale about growing up, falling in love, and making impossible choices. I can't wait to see where these characters go next.” —Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling co-author of MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE
Has everything you d want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale a finely-drawn fantasy world, a heroine rarely seen in fiction, and a tortured hero with a secret. Little Miss Daisy reading her romance books with the cute covers and hot content inside I m considered the reckless Lancaster so when I get in trouble on the first day of school, my punishment is having to work in the headmaster s office every day, stuck with Daisy.
Throughout the story, Scarlett is repeatedly tested by the curse, facing moments where she must decide whether to trust others and show genuine tenderness or protect herself from potential harm. Garber emphasizes the idea that genuine tenderness is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for deep connections and love between characters, but on the other, it exposes them to vulnerability and potential manipulation.
Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 10-20-2023
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO READ? HOLY MOLY DO I HAVE YOU OVERED!! SINCE SO MANY BOOKS WENT LIVE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS, AND SO MANY are rocking the Amazon charts as we speak, I’m going to label the standouts as “in the top 100, top 50, top 10“… You get the picture. 😉
And as fast as they are charting, maybe these are officially already tried-and-true awesomeness? *fingers crossed*
My “favorite thing this week (so far)” is…
MY UPCOMING WEEKEND PROJECT!! Which started by getting these 16″ x 16″ matted frames from last week’s Prime Day shopping extravaganza and finally being able to put my watercolor canvas sea turtle prints (this one, and this one but mine were actually not yet framed like these yet, but these are the same as my prints and they are 16×16) up this weekend. Project. Planned. I can’t wait!!
P.S. And LOL yes, my house is “nautical/coastal” due to some HUGE fish/fishing paintings that my man loves and purchased for the house. 😂 I had to match the vibe, yeah? I am loving it!!
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND !!
- House of Gods (Royal Houses Book 4) by K.A. Linde “...Return to the story of Kerrigan Argon, a half-Fae, half-human as she seeks her place in an unforgiving world filled with magic, mayhem, and romance. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and V.E. Schwab...”
- Jingle Bell Fling by Scarlett Cole
- Roughneck: Steamy Small Town Dark Romance Collection (Stud Ranch Standalone) by Stasia Black
- Mad Love: Bad Boy Romance Collection by Naughty Aphrodite
- The Love of My Next Life (Next Life Duet Book 1) by Brit Benson
Elijah: Have you read The Love of My Next Life by Brit Benson? (It’s a duet) Yes, it’s angsty (although probably not as angsty as the stuff in your list). It’s mostly petty high school drama type of thing, but it’s very entertaining and I really liked the main couple together! He’s possessive and she’s really attracted to him. It’s very interesting, and although it wasn’t quite the type of angsty romance drama I was looking for, I definitely really enjoyed it. 🙂
P.S. Can I ask you for recommendations? I’m looking for a certain type of read in this genre, and I’ve only read The Next Life duet so far (it was my introduction to this type of story).
Maryse: Thank you Elijah!! Have you read anything off of this list yet? —> What to Read After Beautiful Disaster: https://www.maryse.net/books/my-favorite-books/what-to-read-after-beautiful-disaster.html
I think you’ll LOVE these!!
- My Darling Christmas (Willow Valley Book 4) by S.L. Sterling “…Then I saw Cadence and for the first time since my wife died I actually thought I could heal. She made me feel alive, made the pain go away. So why did I feel so guilty? One minute I was longing to hold her, the next I was pushing her away, until I finally pushed too hard and sent her running. I didn’t want to fail my best friend, and I didn’t want to fail Cadence. We all needed our Christmas wish and I decided to do whatever it took to make sure we got it...”
- A Soul to Revive: Duskwalker Brides: Book Five by Opal Reyne
- Forgot to Say Goodbye: He Falls First, Enemies to Lovers, Office Romance by S.L. Scott “...I did exactly what I said I wouldn’t. I fell for him. Two years later, the same man walks into my life. Again. A lot has changed. Not his devastating good looks, or that smug grin, but for me everything. Now that Noah’s back—in my office and hanging around after hours—I can’t get distracted. I must protect my secret—the one who calls me Mommy...”
- Joker’s Queen (Hunters Creek Archangel’s Warriors MC Book 10) by Ciara St James
- Tempted By The Devil (Kings Of Mafia) by Michelle Heard #6 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE RIGHT NOW!! MAFIA ROMANCE/ARRANGED MARRIAGE TO A MAN SHE’S TERRIFIED OF!! “…Attending a party with my stepbrother, I’m in for the surprise of my life. It’s not a regular party, but instead, my wedding . To Angelo Rizzo. A coldhearted man who’s feared by all. Including me. Turns out my stepbrother owes the Cosa Nostra money, and I’m being used to repay his debt to Angelo Rizzo…”
- The Daddy Arrangement (The Situationship Series Book 3) by Jesse H Reign
- Chosen Boy: A Fake Relationship Hockey Romance (The Puck Boys of Brooks University Book 4) by Hannah Gray #101 on all of Amazon Kindle right now! Almost in the top 100!! “…The season gets even harder when the hockey team is forced to work with the dance team for a fundraiser, and I’m paired with the daughter of my family’s sworn enemy. As much as I hate to admit it, Sutton Savage is hard not to notice with her dark hair, big blue eyes, and angelic face to go along with those mouthy lips. Soon, it’s damn near impossible for me to hate her. And before I know it, I’m striking up a deal with her for her to be my girlfriend. My fake girlfriend...”
- Shadows of You (The Lost & Found Series Book 4) by Catherine Cowles #4 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE RIGHT NOW!! SMALL TOWN NEW START/SINGLE MOM IN HIDING, BUT SHE MEETS A SURLY MAN… “…It was supposed to be a fresh start. A small town where I could hide my little girl from the shadows that haunt us. A place where I could keep us safe. The last thing I expected was him. A surly, broody mountain of a man who helps me save an injured deer in a snowstorm. Now, Roan Hartley keeps showing up with his glowers and grimaces. But they only make his rare smiles and the gentle way he talks to my daughter mean that much more...”
- Cory Sloan is Swearing: An enemies to lovers sapphic romance (Sloan Sisters Sapphic Romance Book 2) by Jamey Moody
- I Will Make You Pay by Teresa Driscoll
MichelleS: The Promise, The Friend, I Will Make You Pay, I Am Watching You – by Teresa Driscoll
I read these back to back because I got totally sucked into her world. These are suspense, crime thrillers. They take place in England, and I just loved all the lingo. If you are in the mood for some suspense, try these.They are stand alones, but there are a couple of recurring characters, which makes them even more appealing (the private investigator and cop).
- Into Their Woods (The Eerie Book 1) by Ivy Asher and Ann Denton “...I didn’t think pulling off for a quick bite to eat in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere would change everything. I was wrong. Now I’m running through the forest wearing nothing but a red cloak, being hunted by wolves . I don’t know what in the f**ked up Red Riding Hood role play is going on here, but I’m desperate, terrified, and not ready to die. When they attack, I know this is it . Except…it isn’t. Because the den of wolves that bite me somehow turn into men…”
- The Playmaker (Fire and Ice Series Book 1) by Michelle Scott
- Guarding Gabby: A SANCTUM Novel by Pepper North
- In the Gray by Christina Lee “...One split-second decision leads to losing everything and living on the streets. Still, I’d choose my current conditions over being harmed by someone I loved. The only bright spot in my struggle to survive is the handsome stranger and his dog. Despite how compassionate Foster seems, I don’t want any handouts. I need to stay safe and stand on my own two feet after what I’ve been through. But when I find myself in a bind, I allow Foster to rescue me, if only for a night...”
- Intrigues of Wicked Lords: A Historical Regency Romance Collection by Emily Honeyfield
- Cruel Crypts by Becca Steele “... Knox Ashcroft . One of the so-called gods of Hatherley Hall. He’s everything I despise–a spoiled, arrogant, lacrosse-playing rich boy. From the moment we met, he made it clear that the loathing was mutual. I don’t belong in his world, and he wants me gone. Too bad for him, I’m not leaving until I get what I came for...”
- No Rules (No Regrets Book 2) by Nora Phoenix
- Three Daddies Under the Mistletoe: A Military Reverse Harem Romance (Lucky Lady Reverse Harems) by Kai Lesy
- Love for Christmas: Ten sweet, heartwarming Christmas romances by Alexa Verde
- Grimstone by Sophie Lark #99 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE!! SHE INHERITED HER UNCLE’S MANSION! “... Remi Hayes is beginning to think she’s cursed —her fiancé cheated on her, her brother Jude is a major pain in her ass, and the moldering mansion she inherited from her uncle might just be haunted. Flipping Blackleaf Manor already feels impossible, even before Remi is blackmailed by Dane Covett, the dangerously hot doctor-next-door, and Grimstone’s most eligible bachelor—if you can ignore the fact that everyone in town thinks he murdered his wife. Remi doesn’t want to believe it, especially after Dane sews up a gash in her thigh and steals a kiss in payment...”
- What Doesn’t Kill You (New Beginnings) by Elle M Thomas “…With an idyllic childhood, a gift for academia, and a desire to become a doctor, nothing was going to stand in her way. And then, one fateful night an attractive man with an easy smile, natural charm, and an apparent sense of chivalry changed that…”
- Never Happen to You: A Chilling Cold Case Suspense and Mystery (True Crime Junkies Book 3) by Christy Barritt
- It’s A Hell of A Midlife: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel: Good To The last Death Book Ten by Robyn Peterman
- Never Fall For The Fake Boyfriend (Never Say Never Book 3) by Lauren Landish #15 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE! HE SHOWS UP IN HER VACATION CABIN!! “...I’m embarrassed and scared, but the bear spray might’ve been a bit overkill. Especially since this AirBnB mix-up is turning out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Maybe. Cole Harrington is grumpy and mysterious, grunting out one-word answers and definitely keeping secrets. But he’s also got blue eyes that don’t miss a thing, broad shoulders that carry the weight of the world, and a smile you have to work for. And he seems to hate everyone… but me…”
- Thorns of Silence: A Dark Mafia Romance (Thorns of Omertà Book 4) by Eva Winners
- The Shining by Stephen King
Shayla: I would have to say The Shining. It totally creeped me out!
Kim: The Shining was terrifying…
Northernstar: I remember reading The Shining by Stephen King when I was just a teenager and I scared myself half to death! Ahhh, those were the days LOL.
Booklady: The Shining by Stephen King was a book that sent chills down my spine.
- October in the Earth: A Novel by Olivia Hawker “...Rumbling across America, Del is soon drawn into a transient community among outcasts—and finds a special friend in Louisa Trout. A nomadic single mother, Louisa teaches Del the ways of the boxcars and promises to help her reach a migrant enclave where Del can learn the skills she’ll need to survive. But as they move forward together under desperate circumstances, even the closest of bonds threatens to break. With the Depression taking its toll, Del must gather her strength and faith. As she carries on toward one unknown after another, her life becomes a fulfilling, sometimes dangerous, and exhilarating adventure…”
- Keep: A Grumpy Single Dad Romance (Fury Brothers Book 2) by Anna Hackett #9 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE!! SHE’S NOW LIVING WITH THE GRUMPY SINGLE DAD! “…I always look on the bright side of things. Life’s too short not to. Super grump extraordinaire Colton Fury is the total opposite. Luckily for him, along with the muscled bod, tattoos, and rugged face, it works for him. When I start getting creepy calls at the office and someone breaks into my house, it becomes clear I’m a target, and Colt sort of…loses his mind. He turns even bossier and more protective. Now I’m living with him and his super cute daughter...”
- Emerald: Rojo Gems, Book 1 (Rojo 2nd Generation: Rojo Gems) by Cee Bowerman
- Jasha’s Baby: A Russian Mafia Romance (Antonov Babies) by Bella King
- You Said I Was Your Favorite (Lancaster Prep Book 5) by Monica Murphy #48 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE RIGHT NOW!! SHE TRIES TO GO UNNOTICED BUT HE NOTICES HER! “…Nobody in our class pays attention to the groundskeeper’s daughter and I think she likes it that way. Moving through the halls like a ghost, wandering across campus unnoticed. Am I the only one who actually sees her? Little Miss Daisy sitting in the front of the classroom, always the model student. Little Miss Daisy reading her romance books with the cute covers and hot content inside… I’m considered the reckless Lancaster so when I get in trouble on the first day of school, my punishment is having to work in the headmaster’s office every day, stuck with Daisy…”
- Shadow’s Darkness (Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 10) by Mary Stone #71 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE!! SHE’S INVESTIGATING THE DEAD BODY THAT WAS HANGING… “…The scene suggests suicide—an unlocked padlock, a rope, a toppled bench, and the lifeless body. The plot thickens when they unearth the fact that the man’s high school love and former wife, claimed by cancer, lies buried close by. Surely, the man took his own life. Rebecca’s gut says otherwise. When she investigates the dead cybersecurity expert’s office the next day and interrupts a burglary in progress, things are suddenly not so cut and dried...”
- Secret Mafia Daddy: A Forced Marriage Romance (Alpha Mafia Daddies) by Kira Cole
- Irish by Brittanee Nicole “...the son of the Irish Mob would never be mine. I belonged to the Italians. And the moment my mother sold me to the head of the Italian Mafia, I became the one the people of Boston were warned about. The only person more feared than me in our city is the Irish Ghost. When I finally flee my marital prison with my sons and my sister in tow, I unwittingly run straight into the ghost of the Irishman who died in a fiery explosion years ago...”
- Be My Everything: BWWM, Clean, BBW, Plus Size, Small Town, Billionaire Romance (Curvy Girl Chronicles Book 10) by Jasmine Carter
- Dark Hunger: Vampire Romance by Melody Lynch
- The Liar by Nora Roberts
Donna: The Liar by Nora Roberts was awesome. I gave it a definite 5 stars.
I love the strong sense of family in this book.
- The Surrogate Series: Omnibus by Haley Rhoades
- Forbidden Billionaire’s Second Chance: An Older Brother’s Best Friend Romance by Sierra Stone
- Fake It Till You Make It: The Star’s Unexpected Baby by Holly Rayner
- Eclipsed Heart (Twisted Fate Trilogy Book 2) by Jen L. Grey “…everything changed the day I met Bodey, my sexy fated mate. With him by my side, magic surges through my veins, making me stronger than anyone. When marked queen, I wasn’t ready for the throne… or the enemies brought with it…”
AUDIOBOOK L VERS!
- Forgot to Say Goodbye: He Falls First, Enemies to Lovers, Office Romance by S.L. Scott
- Shadows of You (The Lost & Found Series Book 4) by Catherine Cowles
- October in the Earth: A Novel by Olivia Hawker
- Eclipsed Heart (Twisted Fate Trilogy Book 2) by Jen L. Grey
PREORDERS (going live soon!! 😀)
- Notorious: A Medieval Romance (Age of Honor Book 5) by Tamara Leigh – October 21, 2023
- Wilted Flowers (New Beginnings) by Sienna Grant – October 21, 2023
- Sins Of The Father (New Beginnings) by Kate Bonham – October 22, 2023
- Say My Name: A Dark Mafia Romance by Jenika Snow | Oct 23, 2023
- City of Darkness (Underworld Gods Book 3) by Karina Halle – October 23, 2023
- Twins for the Wild Orc: Sweet Monsters Treats by Michele Mills – October 23, 2023
- The Duke Starts a Scandal: A Novel (Duke Hunt Book 4) by Sophie Jordan | Oct 24, 2023
- Immortal Prince (Age of Vampires Book 2) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti – October 24th 2023
- Twisted Union: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (The Moretti Mafia #2) (The Moretti Mafia Series) by Ivy Davis – October 24th 2023
- The Cutthroat Countess (Wicked Women of Whitechapel Book 3) by Minerva Spencer – October 24th 2023
- Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant – October 24th 2023
- The Woman in Me by Britney Spears – October 24th 2023
- Off Course (Brantley Walker: Off the Books Book 9) by Nicole Edwards – October 24th 2023
- The Forever Pact (The Bachelors of Paradise Valley Book 1) by Jaimie Casey and J. S. Cooper – October 24th 2023
- When a Dragon Falls (Embraced by Magic Book 4) by Kerrelyn Sparks – October 24th 2023
- The Crossbreed Series Companion: An Insider’s Guide by Dannika Dark – October 24th 2023
- The Elysean Academy of Darkness and Secrets (The Holy Bloodlines Book 2) by D.N. Hoxa – October 24th 2023
- The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin – October 24th 2023
- A Curse for True Love (Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 3) by Stephanie Garber – October 24th 2023
- Always Orchid: A Novel (Goodbye Orchid Book 3) by Carol Van Den Hende – October 24th 2023
- A Christmas to Remember: A Novel (Blessings Book 11) by Beverly Jenkins – October 24th 2023
- The Duke Starts a Scandal: A Novel (Duke Hunt Book 4) by Sophie Jordan | Oct 24, 2023
- Dust Born: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Cambio Springs Book 4) by Elizabeth Hunter – October 24th 2023
- No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18) by Jeff Kinney – October 24th 2023
- Cooking con Claudia: 100 Authentic, Family-Style Mexican Recipes by Claudia Regalado – October 24th 2023
- A Curse for True Love (Once Upon a Broken Heart, 3) by Stephanie Garber – October 24th 2023
- Never Happen to You (True Crime Junkies Book 3) by Christy Barritt – October 24th 2023
- Too Far (Blacklist Book 2) by Sylvia Day – October 24th 2023
- The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Dinner’s Ready!: 112 Fast and Fabulous Recipes for Slightly Impatient Home Cooks by Ree Drummond – October 24th 2023
- The Christmas Cabin by Michelle Major – October 24th 2023
- The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child – October 24th 2023
- Spymaster by Bianca D’Arc – October 24th 2023
A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.
The curse for genuine tenderness is also reflected in the theme of illusions and deceit that pervades the world of Caraval. The game itself is built on illusions and plays with the characters' emotions, making it difficult for them to discern truth from falsehood. This further reinforces the idea that being too tender-hearted can lead to a loss of clarity and trap characters within a web of manipulation. Ultimately, Garber's exploration of the curse for genuine tenderness highlights the need for balance in relationships and the importance of self-preservation. Scarlett's journey serves as a cautionary tale, showing the consequences of blindly trusting others and the value of maintaining a level of skepticism. By weaving this theme throughout her novels, Garber delves into the complexities of human emotions and the dangers of vulnerability in a world where genuine tenderness can be both a blessing and a curse..
Reviews for "The allure of tenderness in Stephanie Garber's "A Curse for Genuine Tenderness"
1. Jane - 2 stars:
I was really disappointed with "A Curse for Genuine Tenderness" by Stephanie Garber. The plot was confusing and difficult to follow. I found myself constantly flipping back and forth, trying to make sense of the story. The characters were also poorly developed and lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself not caring about their fates. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and underwhelming read.
2. Mike - 1 star:
I just couldn't get into "A Curse for Genuine Tenderness". The writing style was overly flowery and pretentious. The author seemed more focused on trying to sound poetic than actually telling a coherent story. It felt like I was reading one long, convoluted metaphor with no substance. I gave up halfway through because I couldn't bear to continue slogging through pages of pointless descriptions. This book was a major disappointment for me.
3. Emily - 2 stars:
"A Curse for Genuine Tenderness" was a letdown for me. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. The pacing was also off, with slow and dragging moments, followed by rushed and chaotic scenes. I was hoping for a captivating and magical experience, but instead, I was left feeling bored and underwhelmed. The potential was there, but the execution fell short.