Official Review: Lover's Curse by Ruthie L Manier

[katiesquilts]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lover's Curse" by Ruthie L Manier.]

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1 out of 4 stars

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Carra can only remember the last seven years of her life. She struggled with her amnesia at first, but she was able to create a life for herself and make friends. She's out with those same friends one night when a dark and mysterious man catches her attention. She feels a gravitational pull to him, his gaze seemingly seeing right through her. Carra isn't sure whether he's there to claim her as his own, or whether he's a part of her forgotten past that she should be running from. The only thing she knows is that he's ridiculously hot and handsome!

This is the basis behind Ruthie L. Manier's first book, Lover's Curse. Lover's Curse is the first book in a trilogy, but it does not read that way. Manier throws around made-up words and expects the reader to understand them with little explanation. Her characters are called Va'atacos and Suntanics, but they're basically vampires. I'm not sure if the book was purposefully written to make the readers understand things as Carra remembered them, but the lack of explanation and the assumption that we would be able to keep up was one of my biggest pet peeves with this book. I had a hard time believing that this was really the first book in the series.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the only major problem with Lover's Curse. The book is in desperate need of an editor. There are typos, grammatical problems, and a distinct lack of continuity in the author's writing style. I thought I liked Carra as a character, but the more time she spent around Dark Eyes, the more she started to sound like a female dog in heat. I was honestly disgusted by the way Dark Eyes referred to her at times. I thought about giving the novel up because I wasn't enjoying it at all, but I had already read over 60%, so I decided to just trudge on and see if it got any better.

The idea for the book and the way things came together in the end wasn't actually all that bad. I'm not sure if it was very original or not, but things made sense and loose ends were wrapped up. Unfortunately, that's all the praise I have. My complaints far outweigh the compliments I could give.

In the end, I can only give Lover's Curse 1 out of 4 stars. I can't remember the last time I've given such a low rating, but I feel like Manier could have fleshed out the novel more and at the very least made sure it was edited properly. As it is, the novel I received felt sloppy and immature compared to the novel it could have become. I don't think I'll be recommending it to anyone, and I definitely will not be reading the other two books in the Hemocil Society series. Lover's Curse was a real disappointment and I'm just glad that it was a quick read, because I don't think I would have been able to finish it if it were any longer.

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Lover's Curse
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Like katiesquilts's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Sahani Nimandra]

I am sorry! I kinda got disturbed by your account on Carra been around Dark Eyes like she is a stalking hawk and the way Dark Eyes referred to Carra. Made me wonder why? I am sorry, I don't think this book is for me. Thank you for the details!

[kandscreeley]

Well, I am curious about her amnesia. Where did it come from? Does it resolve. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like I want to read the book to find out. Thanks for the great information. I'll be avoiding this one for now.

[Mercelle]

From your review, I can see that there are too many unanswered questions in the storyline. I will gladly pass on this one.

[Amberlily]

If a new species of sub-species is introduced into a book, the reader has to understand what they are and how they function! It feels very lazy to leave that information out. I'll also have to pass on this one, it sounds like an out right mess.

[CommMayo]

Oh man! I'm sorry that that book was so terrible to read. I hate having to write such negative reviews, but you did it justice! Quick, pick up some Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward to get that crappy vampire romance cleared out of your brain!

[Maggie G]

I’m sorry the book was not fun to read, but glad you finished it so you could write a review for the rest of us! I’ll skip this one.

[kemp1kor]

I’m usually a fan of supernatural romance, but it sounds like this one could use some work. I definitely prefer when authors are informative about their fantasy worlds, especially when they’re able to do so without making it feel like an information dump. Sounds like this one isn’t for me, in any case. Thanks for the information!

[vinodsai]

I know its very hard to give 1 star for a book, I am glad you finished the book than DNF it. I'll skip these books. Thanks for your honest review.

[Bewa]

From this review I am sure I won't want to read the book. I like that the reviewer was honest enough to actually criticize the book. I hope Manier takes the corrections positively and writes better next time because it is obvious she is creative so all she has to do is put the review points in mind next time.

[katiesquilts]

From this review I am sure I won't want to read the book. I like that the reviewer was honest enough to actually criticize the book. I hope Manier takes the corrections positively and writes better next time because it is obvious she is creative so all she has to do is put the review points in mind next time.

I completely agree with you! I honestly felt bad having to criticize so much, especially when I also think highly of people who are willing to put in the hard effort it takes to write an entire book and get it published! In this case I hope the author can learn from her mistakes and come back stronger with her next book!

[Kat Berg]

Oh man! I'm sorry that that book was so terrible to read. I hate having to write such negative reviews, but you did it justice! Quick, pick up some Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward to get that crappy vampire romance cleared out of your brain!

I feel the same way, CommMayo, but I love your prescription for recovering from reading a bad book! Good advice!

[Cristina Chifane]

Since I have always been addicted to reading, I have this tendency of thinking that every book has something good to offer. I really appreciate the honesty of your review. I can find excuses for the author in terms of plot development, character building, etc., but never in terms of poor editing. Thank you for your review.

[prettysmart]

Sorry that the reading experience was awful...I really was expecting higher rating given the plot was inclusive of fantasy and vampires.

[Yoli García]

The part about Carra only remembering the last seven years of her life and then meeting a man to whom she feels connected to sounded interesting. Too bad the book needs a lot of work. Thanks for the review!