Rating: 4.5🌈

Cursebreakers, Inc is a series that has released books 1 and 2 in the terrific new paranormal fantasy romances from the authors known as A.M. Rose.  Sexy, fascinating, dystopian in the world setting, magical and often horrifying, Rose grabbed me from the beginning of this novel.

 The Cursebreakers, a group of men (in this case) who are born with a mark that lets the magical governing agency know what they are and what they might be capable of magically as they develop.  The history and backgrounds of each Cursebreaker is  relayed by the characters in their stories, in most cases not very pleasant ones. And, as we find out in Book 2, how exactly this group was formed. 

Like a House on Fire sets down the basic foundations of the world and agency. It’s a tantalizing framework that immediately begs for more exploration and detailed knowledge because of the defining features Rose lets us see through the lens of their creations.

The first of the Cursebreakers is Ash, who has an affinity with fire and fighting. He’s impulsive and highly skilled in a certain type of curses as is everyone in their group. Each having a specific skill set or sets of magical abilities to breaking curses.  

It’s a two person POV, and the magical drama, which is horrifyingly subtle at first, is built skillfully as the scenes bounce between the two protagonists. 

Morgan and his bff, Brea, arrive at a dilapidated house he’s just inherited by an aunt he barely knew.  It’s not an ordinary house, fyi. Various things happen and he’s trapped inside. 

In a panic, Brea calls the Cursebreakers and Ash is sent to handle what’s assumed to be a simple case. It’s not.

From the central point of a strange situation, an unknown magical force which happens to be a house, Rose writes a novel that tells multiple stories.  Ash and Morgan develop into fascinating layered characters, people with depths able to develop different aspects of their personalities as they explore and deal with each new frightening situation. 

Then there’s all the magical elements, the spells and craftwork, the tools and techniques created to enhance the characters and world building. It’s remarkable and feels believable in such a dark fantasy environment. 

As the terror and suspense keeps multiplying, more series knowledge and intense magical energy becomes available that pulls in other members of the Cursebreakers so we meet them and lays a foundation for new plots going forward.

There’s a trigger warning for people with issues with tight spaces and claustrophobia. Take note because I found parts, ok many parts, of this story terrifying. 

I just was so invested in this story and the characters. A definite page turner and a must read for all lovers of paranormal or fantasy dark romance. 

Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design 

Cursebreakers, Inc.:

• Like a House on Fire # 1
• Fool Me Twice #2
• A Thousand Cuts #3 – March 12, 2025

Buy link 

        Like a House on Fire (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Right, so…let’s see how he got himself in this mess.

An estranged family member left him a house. Which is great. The house looks like it’s a soft breeze away from crumbling. Less great. The house is cursed and now Morgan is trapped inside it. Anything BUT great.

Cursebreaker, please! And make him hot. Morgan’s been through a lot.

Herbs? Check. Fire? Check. Being the best at his job and knowing it? Double effing check.

Ash had everything he needed to get his client out of a cursed house. So how in the world did he get himself trapped inside with him? Why is the house so against them leaving? And why is his client the hottest thing since wildfire?

Time for a new plan.

One that involves breaking the curse, and breaking the bed. Not necessarily in that order.

• Publication date: March 8, 2024
• Language: English
• Print length: 301 pages