Of Curses and Kisses (Rosetta Academy) Hardcover – February 18, 2020

I love Sandhya Menon’s YA contemporary romances, so when I heard she was writing a new series of retellings, and set at a boarding school no less (two of my favorite things) I thought, “Sign me up!” This one is a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was refreshingly different in that the beast was only a beast in his mind, and the beauty had a vendetta that made her not so much of a beauty, but there were still some familiar elements of the original, like a “tower”, a “West Wing”, and a version of petals falling.I liked that Grey challenged Jaya’s firmly held beliefs about her duty to her family and country, and that she challenged the beliefs his father instilled in him. I enjoyed their push-pull relationship, because it was realistic.I also enjoyed the other characters in the story, even though I keenly felt Jaya’s frustration with DE’s love life as well. I can’t wait to see who the next books in the series will be about, because I enjoyed Rahul and Leo and even Caterina towards the end.The only downside was that I knew who had ACTUALLY run the articles about Isha from the beginning. It was obvious early on that it wasn’t Grey, and it was painfully obvious to me who it was. I was frustrated it took Jaya so long to figure it out.In the end, though, everything worked out, and I loved the setting as well. Even though there was typical high-school drama, it was a light and thoroughly enjoyable read.

If you know me, you know I am a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast retelling because it is my all time favorite fairytale. This was definitely a new take on the story that I have not seen before and I loved every second.Modern day Princess Jaya Rao deeply cares for her family, follows tradition and takes the status of being a royal very seriously. Then there is his Lordship Grey Emerson who is a broody loner that has been living under a curse all his life. In fact it was a Rao ancestor who cursed the Emerson line, when a brilliant rudy was stolen and never returned.Now, due to an unfortunate incident, Jaya and her younger sister have transferred to St. Rosetta’s International Academy. Jaya, believes Grey to be at fault for their current situation so she has devised a plan for revenge: I'll make Grey fall in love with me, then I'll break his heart.Obviously things did not go as she originally planned and I was invested in their relationships progression. I loved that Menon actually allows her characters to talk through their issues to come to an understanding instead of just jumping to conclusions. I was very satisfied with how the story wrapped up and I cannot wait to see more from this series in the future 🥰Audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Both voice actors are perfect for their roles making it a wonderful listen.

I live for anything fairytale related and this book had me so excited, there’s just something about a YA modern day retelling that sets me up for ALL the feels.While it was a bit of a slow burn, I loved this take on Beauty and the Beast that set the reader up with lots of back story with a fantastic focus on friendship and family.I loved having the dual POV in this one to get both sides of the story as the story combines the cute high school romance with just enough similarities to the original story, but with a lot of flair and fun to make it it’s own!Jaya is a GREAT teenage character full of angst and expectations that make her character development enjoyable to read - kind of the love to hate her, eyeroll at her actions kind of protagonist - she surprises you with how much you love her at the end!Pick up this one if you love the following:♥ interracial teen romance with plenty of angst and drama♥ boarding school settings♥ a swoon-worthy own voice retelling of a classic favorite fairytale

4.8-5 StarsI absolutely loved this contemporary/ light fantasy. Beauty and the Beast retellings are my favorite and Sandhya did an amazing job writing her own interpretation. Sandhya's version of the curse was imaginative and original. The characters were strong yet flawed and grew as the story went on. Not to mention they were also relatable. Not only was I swooning over the love and romance but I also admired the friendships within this story. I am currently invested in Rahul, Isha and D.E. and hope they all get their own happily ever afters. To say I am eager for book 2 is an understatement. With that being said, don't worry, of Curses and Kisses ends with a happily ever after.(I also bought the audiobook and listened to it at 1.2x-1.5x speed)

I am part of Sandhya's street team, so I was able to read an arc of this book. I genuinely loved this book! I really enjoy retellings and this one did not disappoint! Jaya and Grey are such a good couple! Everyone should pick this book up! Whether you are a veteran reader of hers or a newbie I really think all will enjoy this one!

This was such a cute Beauty and the Beast inspired retelling, with a fun contemporary setting at an elite international boarding school. It had all the elements of the fairy tale (library, rose, dancing, etc) but incorporated in such an innovative way. I loved seeing Jaya and Grey come together, although at times I just wanted to shake Jaya and tell her "You're allowed to be happy! Your whole life doesn't have to follow tradition!" I was also highly amused by Jaya thinking Grey was a "feral boy" when they first met.I loved this setting and the fairy tale retelling. I'm so excited to see what other books are in this series, which fairy tales they are, and which characters they'll be about. This was an adorable, romantic book and I can't wait for more.

I am a HUGE Sandhya Menon fan! I loved so much of this book, especially the character arcs, which are always some of my favorite things with Sandhya's writing. I had a bit of a rough time with the main female character at times, but her arc really did make sense and in some ways, I even liked how much I wrestled with some of her thoughts.The retelling of Beauty and the Beast is EXCELLENT- very creative and compelling. I don't want to spoil the book, but it definitely kept me interested to the very end!

Really beautiful story

The book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a modern fairytale, where beauty and the beast attends St. Rosetta. The trope is enemies to lovers, one of my favourites! It is about the complicated lives of two teenagers with the weight of family honor placed on their heads and the decisions they have to make whether to choose love or family. It is a brilliant story with twists that would literally wring your heart! It's a 4.5 stars for me, a perfect winter read!

Novela ligera y de fácil lectura, ideal para practicar el idioma si tienes de un B2 en adelante. La trama es muy simple y juvenil pero resulta muy entretenida.