Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts

Adam Sass

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A swoony contemporary romance from Adam Sass following a boy who is cursed to doom any romantic relationship—and the summer that changes everything.

Grant Rossi is never getting a happily-ever-after. Ever since he was a kid and made a wish on his family’s iconic Wishing Rose, his romantic relationships have been cursed to end. Following his most recent (and extremely public) dumping, Grant is languishing in a hot Chicago summer, abandoning his beloved design projects to sink back into depression.

But when his family suggests spending the summer helping his aunt and uncle refurbish their beautiful but rundown B&B and vineyard—the home of the Wishing Rose that changed everything for him—Grant decides to accept. Maybe he can finally find a way to recover his creative spark...and break his curse.

But things at the vineyard are not what Grant expects. The place is in almost total disrepair, and—even worse—the person his relatives hired to help is his former childhood crush, Ben—the first boy who broke his heart.

As their chemistry sparks and the summer heats up, the wedge between them can’t be ignored. But while they race to restore the B&B in time for the beloved local rose festival, grumpy but lovable Ben starts to break through Grant’s carefully crafted defenses.

Can Grant find a way to overcome his curse and open his heart, even when it’s broken?

Review

In Adam Sass’s latest novel, ‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’, I found myself completely swept away by the poignant story of Grant Rossi, a boy cursed to see every romantic relationship crumble before his eyes. Initially skeptical, I was quickly drawn into Grant’s world as he navigates summer at his family’s vineyard, where he hopes to break free from the curse that has haunted him since childhood. What struck me most was Sass’s ability to craft such authentic characters; Grant, despite his initial brashness, grew on me with each page turned, revealing layers of vulnerability and depth that made his journey towards self-acceptance incredibly compelling.

The heart of the novel lies in Grant’s evolving relationship with Ben, his childhood crush and the first boy to break his heart. Their chemistry sizzles off the page, filled with banter that is both adorable and laugh-out-loud funny. As Grant and Ben work together to restore the vineyard in time for a local festival, their bond deepens amidst the backdrop of the Wishing Rose—a symbol of hope and transformation. I found myself rooting for them, celebrating their triumphs, and empathizing with their struggles, especially Grant’s battle with depression and the weight of his romantic curse.

‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’ also shines in its portrayal of mental health and queer identity. Grant’s journey resonated deeply with me; his struggles with anxiety and the complexities of queer teenage life were portrayed with honesty and sensitivity. The novel’s exploration of themes like anger and envy within the LGBTQ+ community felt refreshingly authentic, making it not only a compelling romance but also an important narrative for queer teens today.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹/5