Cursed Kingdoms Series by Deanna Ortega

A dark and spicy fantasy romance that follows Jane as she delves into the shadows, secrets, and curses that bind her world.“I will never understand why women let men decide if they get to be the villain or the victim in their story.”In a world of talisman powers and magical rivalry, Jane finds herself playing many roles—depending on the situation, she is either as soft as a rose petal or as lethal as the thorn... moreA dark and spicy fantasy romance that follows Jane as she delves into the shadows, secrets, and curses that bind her world.“I will never understand why women let men decide if they get to be the villain or the victim in their story.”In a world of talisman powers and magical rivalry, Jane finds herself playing many roles—depending on the situation, she is either as soft as a rose petal or as lethal as the thorn. Swept deeper into a world of shadows and lies when her mentor, Baltazar sends her on a seemingly simple mission–donning the mask of dainty again, she finds herself fighting to maintain who she is beyond her pretty, painted exterior. The series of events to follow rip her in and out of her past, as she tries to move on from the unimaginable pain that led her to this life. Stealing from your soon-to-be fiancé is one hell of a wedding gift, but let’s hope he never discovers she is dodging eyes, lies, and daggers—while ensuring that not a hair is out of place for her royal obligations.But…what if half-truths can’t prepare her for this life? And when the mission’s cost is more than she bargained for—her freedom and her life—what if she doesn’t want to pay the price? At least she still carries the favor of her loyal mare. And though her luck in love is not great, it is never hard for her to find some way to quench her thirst in her droughted kingdom. When her fiancé isn’t lurking over his newest possession, she is easily entertained with her ex-lover and unwanted keeper. Entangled with a lost love, whose secrets threaten to undo everything she’s worked towards, she has to manage the most daunting mission yet. An unfit marriage to the Mad King’s son. Will the Cursed King’s daughter survive?“Looking into his eyes—the same ones I pictured every time mine closed—I wondered if things would have been different, if my mother had told me stories about great loves instead of tragic loss. But she hadn’t. And though I lived in a world of royals, I knew that princes weren’t noble, and that love didn’t prevail.”//CW: Violence (Graphic), Death, Mature Content, Mature Language, Sexual Content, Mental Abuse, Physical Abuse, Misogyny, Suicide (Mentioned), Sexual Assault (Mentioned), Death of a Parent, Child Abuse, Animal Death// less

After getting out of her arranged marriage—though not without bloodshed—Jane finds herself transported to a new land with two men she doesn’t know if she can trust. To save herself and her kingdom, Jane needs to untangle the web of lies she is caught in to figure out who she is behind all of her carefully curated masks.“A beast, even trapped behind the bars of a cage, is still a beast.”Alone once more with only the skills of a political pawn, Driata has few options... moreAfter getting out of her arranged marriage—though not without bloodshed—Jane finds herself transported to a new land with two men she doesn’t know if she can trust. To save herself and her kingdom, Jane needs to untangle the web of lies she is caught in to figure out who she is behind all of her carefully curated masks.“A beast, even trapped behind the bars of a cage, is still a beast.”Alone once more with only the skills of a political pawn, Driata has few options. She must decide whether she will continue to play a game controlled by others or master her own and take control of her future. Will she be able to rally her embittered people to stand against the oppression of the wicked crown? Driata must determine if she is ready to go to war in order to save her kingdom.“True power came from those who knew how to manipulate the ones who wield it.”Liam is the villain in Jane’s story, but he's desperate to be her hero. Baltazar’s constant threats may not be the only danger he has to face…and his soul may be stained in the process. What lengths is Liam willing to go to protect the few he cares for? The cost of Liam’s freedom may be too great.“I would not flinch. I would not falter. He would not break me.” less

Three years prior to the events of Ruin and Roses, Jane's friends strived to prevent future turmoil while her enemies worked to ensure it. Follow the stories of faces familiar and achingly new as we discover the true nature of the Cursed Kingdoms and how tragedy befalls our heroine... moreThree years prior to the events of Ruin and Roses, Jane's friends strived to prevent future turmoil while her enemies worked to ensure it. Follow the stories of faces familiar and achingly new as we discover the true nature of the Cursed Kingdoms and how tragedy befalls our heroine. Do the fates design our stories? Or are the very stars aligning to bring the kingdoms to their knees?Kiara, refusing to die for an emotion she hardly believes in, finds herself in Anwyn in a battle against fate, time, and love. After receiving conflicting orders from her king and his council, she's overseas alone and away from even a sky she recognizes. She must decide if she is going to battle fate or accept it.This prequel to the Cursed Kingdoms series by indie author Deanna Ortega will surely delight old fans and new readers alike. The answers you've been waiting for lie within these pages if you're only brave enough to read them. less