A review by misterintensity
Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon

3.0

After her sister Isha is scandalized, Jaya Rao vows vengeance on the one she believes is responsible for the scandal, Grey Emerson, by making him fall for her then breaking his heart. In this contemporary romance, the “beast” believes he is destined to die after turning eighteen because of a curse cast by “beauty’s” ancestor. The alleged curse is the extent of actual magic of the book. Without a fantasy element the emphasis is on romance and character relationships. The sisterly relationship between Jaya and Isla is a strong relationship, which readers wish for more Isha in the book. Readers are introduced to several characters but with the arguable exceptions of two, best friend Daphne Elizabeth and antagonist Caterina they don’t get much development. While the other relationships could have been more fleshed out, the romance between the leads is a nice slow burn. As the first book of the St. Rosetta’s Academy series, the school’s Aspen, Colorado setting comes to life. Readers might look forward to learning more about the school in subsequent books. Readers of Menon’s other novels would enjoy this one, as well as fans of Kasie West, Adi Alsaid, and Becky Albertalli.