Welcome to Refracted Light’s
Jennifer L. Armentrout
blog tour stop!
sponsored by K-Books
.
.
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things–including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden’s adopted father, a man she’s sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out.
However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister’s hand again. And hell, she’d also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn’t? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time. (Goodreads summary)
.
.
It’s been two years since the accident that killed Ember’s dad… and her. Two years since her little sister Olivia miraculously brought Ember back to life. Two years since Ember’s mother sunk deep inside her self – into mental illness and depression. Two years that Ember’s been struggling to provide, care and keep her fragmented family afloat, all while trying to survive the cruelties of her high school and her former friends. Two years since she’s felt the comforting touch of another human being, because now her touch means death for any living thing. A lonely, exhausting way to live indeed.
.
.
When an unintentional tragedy occurs, Ember’s already tenuous life comes crashing down around her ears. She and her sister are whisked away to West Virginia under the protection of Jonathan Cromwell, a benefactor and protector (a.k.a connoisseur) of Gifted children. But it soon becomes clear that she’s not as desirable as her sister, that Cromwell & Co. view her as dangerous, unnatural and a risk. She’s tolerated because of her sister’s amazing talents and continually threatened with the frightening prospect of being shipped to the possibly-evil “Facility” should she make one false move. On top of that, she begins to fall for Cromwell’s adopted son, Hayden, whom she’d very much like to touch (but obviously can’t), someone at her new school begins harassing her in increasingly disturbing – not to mention, deadly – ways, and accepted truths once thought rock-solid are revealed to be standing on shaky foundations. Ember begins to wonder if she really has the whole story behind the night that ended her life, and why someone did, and still does, want her dead.
.
.
Ember. Ember. Oh, Ember. Her situation is just so frustratingly impossible, that I just couldn’t help but feel for her. Alive, but not truly living, innocence lost, childhood cut short – she’s alone, unwanted, unloved, judged for an ability that she has no control over. A scared girl with no one in her corner, Ember fears the very real possibility of killing someone, frightened of what her ability makes her. She’s stuck, her choices having been stripped from her by Jonathan Cromwell, and this frustrates and terrifies her… both for herself and for her family as she questions his motives. He and his household, with the exception of Hayden, have made it clear they barely tolerate her presence and only for the sake of Olivia. She loves her sister more than anything in the world and will do what’s best for Olivia, even if Ember herself is suffering. She’s a combination of both great maturity and surly teenage attitude, she’s realistic, practical, protective. Ember has a great inner strength and resolve that I’m not sure she’s even aware of half the time. She’s just a very empathetic character – one that inspires the reader to root for her.
.
.
Hayden. Well hello there, Mr. Love Interest. Ok. I didn’t really know what to make of Hayden when I first met him, honestly, I thought he was a teench creepy. However, he grew on me as the story went on. Hayden’s got a tinge of darkness to him, secrets, a tortured past. He’s extremely protective of the little “family” Cromwell has formed, stubborn to a fault, he’s an extremely powerful, gifted boy with quite the intimidating (and cool!) gift.
.
No… I’m not going to tell you what it is. Read the book.
.
I had slightly mixed feelings about their romance. I did end up wanting badly to see the two of them together, hoped that she’d somehow be able to overcome her curse, but at the same time, I wasn’t sure if I completely trusted Hayden. I felt like he wasn’t super consistent and gave her mixed signals, plus he was the tiniest bit of a creeper before they actually met. But like I said, he grew on me after a bit. And of course, the romantic tension that Jennifer does oh-so-well is present and accounted for.
.
.
Everybody else. Jonathan Cromwell is like a more sinister, less benevolent, and way more creepy Dr. X. The mayor of Petersburg, West Virginia (yes, THAT Petersburg), he “owns” everything and everyone in it. He’s gathered together a group of gifted teens who are highly devoted to him, add that in with his intentionally intimidating and slightly threatening manner, and I’m with Ember on this one… he’s just creepy and I don’t trust him. Turns out he doesn’t trust Ember either. I mean, I guess I can’t quite blame him, she’s like Walking Death, one touch away from realizing someone’s mortality. And Cromwell isn’t the only one who doesn’t want her there, the whole family would rather she were gone than pose the 24/7 threat she does. One wrong move and she easily could jeopardize their existence, their location, attracting the wrong kinds of people. She is tolerated however, under the threat of dire consequences, for the sake of Olivia. As always, Jennifer’s secondary characters, even if they just have the tiniest blip of an appearance, are never, ever cardboard-ish, but instead, thoroughly developed for the part they’re meant to play.
.
.
Story. While interesting and attention-grabbing, the story of wasn’t as complex as I thought it might be. Not that I didn’t fly through it, and not that it didn’t keep my interest, it certainly did, but Cursed is a novel that’s slightly more romance-centric than plot-heavy. Which isn’t necessarily a problem, it’s just with what Jennifer’s done with the complex threads of plot in Onyx and then again in Deity, I was just hoping to see some of that well-executed intricacy in Cursed as well. That said, I don’t mean to imply that this novel is poorly written, not at all. It’s just a bit more on the simpler side plot-wise than some of her more recent books.
.
The mystery is pretty well done. Jennifer does a great job of communicating Ember’s frustration and fear, of weaving an atmosphere of distrust, and of creating a building feeling of suspense.
.
.
Easter Eggs. Since Ember & Hayden live practically in the same town as Daemon & Katy, be on the look out for some Lux series easter eggs. <wink>
.
.
Overall. With Cursed, Jennifer has proven yet again her wonderful ability to create heroines that are at once so unique and yet so relateable, as well as a supporting cast of characters who feel like real, fully-rounded individuals. Thrown in her extraordinary skill for building deliciously palpable romantic tension and developing a suspenseful mystery, and you’ve got just the book to curl up with on a crisp, autumn evening.
.
.
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Title: Cursed
Published: September 18th 2012 by Spencer Hill Press
Format: Hardcover, 288 pages
Website: www.jenniferarmentrout.com
Source: ARC provided by publisher
My rating: 
A little bit about Jennifer…
Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.
All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.
Well, mostly. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.
She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don’t Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion).
Jennifer also writes adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn
Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
The Giveaway…
ONE (1) follower will win a Kindle/Nook ebook of Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout
.
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter. This is mandatory. Comments will not be counted as your mandatory entry. Rules and conditions are listed below the Rafflecopter form.
.
.
Happy Reading!
Awesome Review! I love books with a lot of mystery! It sounds like all the characters from the main character, her mom, her sister, Hayden, and his father are all important to the story, intriguing, and add to the mystery of the plot! It sounds like you really enjoyed the book. I love a story with romantic tension, round characters whether main or supporting, and relatable to the reader. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a great book!
You’re welcome, and yes, the characters and tension both are good
Thank you for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!
You know what? Jennifer ARmentrout ROCKS!! I love all her stories, her characters, her plots – and I don’t mind a romance-centric story one bit seeing as this is a stand-alone (at least that’s what’s been said – is it?)
Have you noticed how all the guys in her books are hot and cold and some are a bit creepy? Aiden, Seth, Daemon – they all send mixed signals and Seth is a bit of a creep sometimes:) However they all redeem themselves!
Great review:)
She does. And the word on the book is that it’s “a standalone with series potential.”
And I guess that’s true about the guys. I feel like Daemon & Aiden’s mixed signals are a bit more understandable though, and Seth IS a bit of a creep at times. lol
You know what’s incredible with her guys? You want to punch them half the time but you still love them!!
Truth.
I love and adore Jennifer! She’s an amazing writer and what I love most about her books are the characters! All of them are unique and awesome! I haven’t read this one yet, but I’d love to
She does rock the characters, doesn’t she? Thanks for commenting, Danny, and best of luck in the giveaway!
I love your review! I haven’t read this book but I REALLY REALLY WANT TO! So when I saw that you have a giveaway, I immediately entered! lol.
Anyway, thanks for the double awesomeness! Have a great week ;P
HUGS,
April
Hey you! Thanks
I hope you have a fantastic week too, and good luck in the giveaway!
I haven’t read this book yet but it is on my TBR pile and I do love other books by Jen.
Thanks for the giveaway and double awesome
Love the review!
You’re welcome and I hope you enjoy this one
Love Jennifer’s books!! All her characters are addicting! Thanks for the giveaway!!
You’re welcome! Thank you for entering and commenting!
Love the review!Icant wait to read the book but I’m sure it’s awesome just like all the other books by Jennifer.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you! I hope you get the chance to read it soon
Reminds me of Rogue from X-men. Unable to touch anyone. No human contact. But I also like the unique twists this story seems to have. Thx for the giveaway & for sharing your review. I’m ultra interested in reading this one!
It reminded me of a mix between X-Men and Pushing Daisies… but still a story of it’s own. Thanks for commenting, Rita!
I have not read the book yet so I don’t know if I agree yet. I am super excited to read it though and appreciate your review! Thanks for the giveaway too!
I hope you enjoy it when you’re able to read it!
Thanks for stopping by, Erika!
I haven’t read it, but your review is exciting! I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us next!
Oh yay! I’m glad it got you excited about the book! Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!
I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve loved all her other books. I look forward to this one. Thanks for the review!
Yeah, I’ll be interested in hearing what you think, Jenny! I don’t remember anyone talking about this book on Starbooks yet. We need to get a thread going 😀
*Drools* Am I allowed to drool? Well, I’m drooling. I WANT THIS BOOK. I will buy it regardless. JLA is a diva of all diavs in my world. I LOVE her adult stuff, and her Lux series, and will probably love her Covenant series (I’m reading them when the series finishes). Thank you for the review and giveaway!
Sure! *hands you a napkin* I’m impressed you’re holding out on the Covenant series. Cave! Cave to peer pressure and read them! 😉 lol
I haven’t read Cursed, but I’m sure I will love it. I love all of JLA’s other books!
Yeah, she’s a pretty rockin’ awesmome author
I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
I haven’t read this book, yet. BUT…it’s definitely on-deck. There are too many good books coming out right now!! It makes it difficult to choose!!
lol… I know what you mean
I haven’t read this yet, but havinf read the Lux and The Covenant series I have all my trust that this must be a really awesome book! Jen has a special way of writing that I just love!
Yes, she does
I hope you love this one just as much!
I haven’t read it yet but I can’t wait to! I’m very excited about the Lux easter eggs!
Yeah… it’s fun, ’cause you’re like, “Hey! I know what that is!” Thanks for stopping by, DeeDee.
I’m convinced JLA can do no wrong lol. I love all of her books. Cursed was no exception. I agree with you on Hayden. He was a tad creepy initially, but I still grew to love him. Great review!
Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives
Glad I wasn’t the only who got a vibe like that. lol But yeah JLA rocks.
Thanks, Teresa!
I have not read any YA books by Jennifer L. Armentrout yet. This review looks great.
thanks for a great giveaway
Oh you must and thank you! Good luck in the giveaway!
Yay! Happy to see this review because I love Jennifer and cannot wait to get my hands on Cursed to see how things pan out for Ember~
It’s good
I hope you get a chance to read it soon!
I have not read it yet, but I am CHOMPING at the bit!!! ACK! I love JLA, so I’m sure it will be phenomenal!
Teehee… well I hope you enjoy this one as much as you obviously love her other books!
Easter Eggs for Lux?! I’m in. Actually, I was already in, but that just sweetens the deal.
lol… they’re not huge, but it’s just kinda cool
I haven’t read yet but I’m dying to!
Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Great review!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
I havent read it yet but Im excited to!! Love Jennifers books
Wow, Now that I know about the Easter Eggs and they live in the same town, I can’t remember what else you said. He He!
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading this book yet, but I have read a couple of other books by the very awesome Ms. Armentrout and I loved them! I can’t wait to read this one, especially after reading your review. Even a little heavy on the romance, I’m sure I’m going to love it
Wow, this novel has a great premise. I really want to read it now!
I haven’t had a chance to read Cursed. Ever since I found her other books the Lux series on B&N I’ve wanted to buy them. And now even more I want to read them all and I can’t wait any longer, I’m going to order them now!! Jennifer’s book covers are very attractive and love them!!
Oh yes, you gots to read Jennifer’s books! The Lux series and the Covenant series are both favorites of mine
I hope you get the chance to read them soon!
I just finished ONYX last night, and I am completely in love with Jennifer’s writing! She is one of those authors whose books I would be happy to buy without even reading the blurb or reviews, because she’s just. THAT. AWESOME!
I look forward to reading this one at some point
Rachel!
Yeah, Onyx is SO…SO GOOD! And yes, she is one of those authors you can buy sight unseen. 
It sounds like a great book. I like the cover.
Yes. It was enjoyable
Thanks for commenting!
I haven’t read it yet and have yet to read anything by Jennifer Armentrout. *gasp* what is wrong with me???? He books sound amazing and I really need to get started!!!
yay! another awesome giveaway!!! woot woot! i love Jennifer Armentrout writing and i totally loooooooooove this book since i saw the book trailer! i want CURSED sooooo baaaaaad!! please let me win he he he :p THANK U FOR GIVING US A CHANCE ^_^
Unfortunately, I have yet to read this book. I am uber excited about it though and can’t wait to get a copy! This was a great interview. Thank you
Great review! I haven’t read it yet, but I can’t wait to! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
I haven’t read it yet, but everyone raves about Jennifer’s work! I’m dying to read something by her!
I haven’t read it yet, but it’s popular, so I’d love to!
Awesome review! I haven’t read any of her books yet bc $$ low right now but I am dying to get my hands on those books!
I haven’t read it yet, but I know I’ll love it just like any other JLA books. Thanks for the giveaway!
I haven’t read it yet… but boy, do I want to!! It sounds amazing! Thanks for the chance to win!
I’ve never felt for a character just by reading a review but Ember sounds amazing and strong. Haha the creeper part somewhat intrigues me. I’ve heard so many great things about Jennifer L. Armentrout’s books, I haven’t read any but I’ve got Obsidian on the way. I think I’ll check out Cursed after I finish it.