Ended too soon, I need more. I absolutely love C.A. King’s work. Having read several of her books so far, I always find my way back to her. Selene is a rock bottom gambling addict that goes way to hard on everything she does. Going above and beyond every job she gets but seems to keep finding herself hearing “Your Fired” too soon. A last-ditch prayer if you will she feels she’s finally found her dream job. A place to live? Check. Gets paid? Check. Tropical island? Check. She takes the chance but quickly questions why anyone would want to leave the island before dark. Questions why the mask rule at night and curious about what the truth is behind the “Curse” of the island. Will breaking the rules be in her favor this time? Can she keep a job past the first week? What is the curse? Everything about this book drew me in and kept me glued to the pages. It was the edge of your seat mystery and some steam that kept you wanting to see what would happen next. Has you asking questions about what the truth is. Just when you finally get some answers and understanding it’s over. Honestly amazing but too short. Praying the amazing, talented author uses this as an intro to a new little series because honestly, I need more of Selene and the Six owners of Forbidden Island. Also, the history of the island was amazingly interesting, the depth of the details and how everything fits together perfectly. Chef’s kiss. Curiosity killed the cat. Satisfaction brought him back.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2024-02-03 18:59:482024-02-16 08:00:30Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Ayla Phipps
This story was pretty fast paced. I liked the element of a mystery that developed and gave answers fairly fast. The main character had flaws that were acknowledged and talked about rather than being ignored. I respect the writer more for adding something many people face in real life while adding fantasy too.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rose McCaskeyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRose McCaskey2024-02-03 11:11:132024-02-16 07:59:16Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Rose McCaskey
This book was incredible, I absolutely love this author and everything that I have read of theirs so far. This book is supernatural fantasy spun with a while lot of myths, intrigue, suspense, and a little bit of oh Lala. Selene gets his amazing job on this island where most people don’t stay, so why and what could be the reason. this book was a short quick read, but it is absolutely worth it. you wouldn’t be able to put it down you’ll be hooked from the beginning and read till the end. This book is well worth the read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2024-02-03 06:18:322024-02-16 07:57:58Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Jennifer Reimer
I am a big fan of this author and have yet to be disappointed by any story she tells. This one included. Curse of the Forbidden Island is a short story with romance, mystery and plenty of entertainment. I wish it was a full novel. I enjoyed it thoroughly and cannot wait to see what’s next from C.A. King!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2024-02-02 23:58:052024-02-15 12:25:22Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Amber Howard
Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A King is another fantastic, cleverly crafted, and highly original paranormal treat. And another great read from Ms. King’s seemingly limitless imagination! Selene has been on a bit of an unlucky streak of late, jobless and homeless she is desperate to find something that will get her back on her feet. Then the perfect position appears that includes somewhere to live- and it’s located on a tropical island. A winning combination for sure. But stepping onto the island starts off a bit of a mysterious and steamy adventure—- and certainly grabbed her attention… Well worth the read to uncover the mystery and discover all the spicy details for yourself…. This is a paranormal reverse-harem romance with mystery, secrets, steam, intrigue, drama, a touch of danger, tension, and engrossing developments. I am always excited when I see that Ms. King has released another book, as I always know that I am going to love every word- and this was no exception. From the moment I laid eyed on the beautiful and intriguing cover, I was hooked. The story was fun, mysterious, steamy, and captivating. The only issue I had was that I wish it was longer- as I would have loved to sink my teeth into a full-length novel, because this is a very short novella (52pgs), and although the story was ‘complete’, I really wanted to know more- and stay immersed in Ms. King’s world longer. I am hoping that this is the first book/introduction to a new series- so fingers crossed. This is a wonderfully crafted and intriguing tale that kept me entertained the whole way through. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-02-02 23:47:252024-02-14 13:07:35Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Angela Hayes
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy this author’s writing style as well as her attention to details that make her stories realistic. This book is no different. It has suspense, connectable characters, and a plot that made the story easy to read. This is a shorter story but it sure packs a punch. I read this book in one sitting as it is that great. I enjoyed the characters and what they added to the story. A fast paced story that will have you turning pages fast. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2024-02-02 22:46:242024-02-15 12:09:43Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Bobbi Wagner
If you want a quick raunchy read with a twist at the end, this is the book for you. This was a quick short story that can be read in one sitting that made you wanting more. Each chapter is a tease of what is to come and easily built onto each other which led to a tantalizingending. It did however, felt like a campfire story for adults as there wasn’t much depth. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Glaspiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Glaspie2024-02-02 22:30:302024-02-15 12:24:29Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Amanda Glaspie
This book was a good one. I enjoy the author’s writing style and even though this was a short read i enjoyed it alot. This was a paranormal romance that was very faced paced and had new interesting things happening around every corner. It was fun and a little mad at times but i laughed plenty and it just make me more excited to read more by this author in the future. I would recommend this to someone that is looking for a quick reverse harem read! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2024-02-02 20:46:322024-02-15 12:23:51Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Anastasia Dodson
Steamy quick read that has Selene losing a job and then gaining a job that seems to good to be true. What Selene finds is an island with rules that pertain to after dark activities, ones that she finds herself indulging in all that the island has to offer. There are rules on the island, but can Selene stick to them.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. I was not sure what to expect and thought the sensuality of the story pulled you in. What a unique book, would read more of this type from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2024-02-02 19:55:282024-02-15 12:23:44Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Emily H
Curse of the Forbidden Island is a short, steamy novella. Selene lands a new job at a remote tropical resort. She has no idea what she has gotten into with her new employers. The story is rapidly paced and left me wanting a lot more to the story. I won’t give details away because I think they are best discovered while reading the story yourself. If you enjoy paranormal, romance, reverse harem, and more, this might be a great read to grab. I read the story in one sitting and wanted to know more about Selene, her employers, and the island. The story was developed but I would have read a much longer detailed version to get my fix. I always enjoy books by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. I hope she dives further into this storyline and maybe makes it a series of stories or develops a longer version of this book. I recommend grabbing this when you need a quick getaway. I look forward to what she releases next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2024-02-02 19:28:252024-02-15 12:23:24Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader
C.A’s books are so diverse and that is what I enjoy about her writing. You never know what you will get. I can tell you one thing though; they are always good reading. There is not one book that I have not loved.
Curse of the Forbidden the Island is a sexy, paranormal romance with a twist.
This reverse harem tale is hot, sizzling and very steamy. It is short with only 52 pages, but it still packs a punch. Yes, I wish that her stories were longer. It is fun and will have you laughing at times at the madness being uncovered.
She always loved a good mystery. She found more than she was bargaining for when she decided to learn the secrets of the island.
What happens on the island stays on the island, right? But what really goes on there is something you will find out when you read this book. I can’t wait to get stuck into more of CA’s work.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-02-02 18:58:322024-02-15 12:00:12Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Jenni Bishop
Selene can’t hold down a job. Everyone thinks she hovers, stares, and smells weird. The day she loses her last job, she also learns that she is being evicted. She goes to see her only friend to see if she can help. A job posting is found and it’s quite intriguing. The job is on an island where masks must be worn at night. Only the guests and the owners stay on site on the island, but Selene finds herself staying at the hotel too since she has no other means for housing.
Things sure do change at night! Nothing is as it seems during the day and Selene learns a lot when she removes a mask.
This was an interesting read. I enjoyed it for the most part. I do feel like the story could have been longer to explain a few more things in detail but I also appreciate that it was a shorter read (52 pages). I’m curious if this will be a story developed more further in a future series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2024-02-02 17:12:342024-02-15 12:14:00Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Julie Johnson
This was a short read, but I liked the premise. I found the main character, Selene, relatable in the sense that she’s a bit socially unlucky. The only thing I would have enjoyed more is if there had been a little bit more build-up to the big reveal. Otherwise, this is a great little jaunt into the land of steamy imagination.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2024-02-02 14:56:482024-02-14 21:18:23Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Naomi McDonald
I love this short story by one of my favourite authors. It was so easy to connect with the story and be swept away by everything taking place. I hadn’t read the blurb before starting the book, so hadn’t expected the RH element. However, that really just added to the story. This author has truly become one of my favourites over the last couple of years and I am always so excited to get my hands on another of her books. This one was absolutely brilliant. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-02-02 14:52:412024-02-14 13:15:41Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Kerry Baker
Selene, the main character, immediately finds herself in a position where she has no place to live and no job. She thinks she always puts 100% effort into her jobs, yet she continuously finds herself let go. So much so, the local job finding business refuses to help her. This doesn’t stop her from asking for something, anything they can offer. Thankfully someone takes pity on her and conveniently walks away so she can preview any job listings their office received. This is when her life forever changes.
Selene thinks she’s found a cushy job in paradise and after speaking with one of the owners, finds that her room and board would be covered if she takes the position to live on the island while completing her job. The details were a bit sketchy, but she rolls with it. When she first arrives, she isn’t bothered by the fact that she will be the only employee who stays overnight on the island other than the owners and the visitors staying at the establishment. Then she is informed that if she ventures outside after dusk, she must wear a mask at all times.
She immediately finds the mysterious island exciting, intriguing and a tiny bit dangerous.
The author created yet another paranormal romance plot that is a bit outlandish, but still satisfying for those who enjoy a bit of steaminess. Selene is a bit annoying at first, but you will soon grow to love her. While the book is a quick read, I felt it was missing a bit more details to fully reach its potential. I think overall readers will enjoy it, but it leaves you wanting to know more. Maybe a good start to a series for this character/location? Either way, I cannot wait to read the author’s next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2024-02-02 11:07:392024-02-14 21:17:14Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Darla Yocom
I love this story. Curse of the Forbidden Island is a supernatural fantasy story with a mix of intrigue, myths and definitely some steam. Although the story was short, it really packed a punch. I loved the premise of the storyline and I could not put this down until the very end…..
What can possibly happen when you are down on your luck looking for the next job….Selene finds out when she find a job that could good to be true. Imagining the perfect job on a beautiful island with all amenities included! When talk about the island and the myths linger….Selene is still all in. When pieces of the puzzle come together….what is the Curse of this island…..
Definitely read and find out, I do not want to give any spoilers away…..and the ending!!! Another great story by this author….
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2024-02-02 06:54:532024-02-14 21:16:41Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
I really liked the premise of this short story and I really hope/wish/want/plead with C.A. King to do a more in-depth telling of this story. The Curse of the Forbidden Island is a paranormal/horror/reverse harem/romance that definitely has the potential to be a fantastic book. My biggest issue with it is that I felt rushed throughout and there were some plot holes and parts of the plot that I wish were more developed. I also really wanted the characters to be more developed. I felt that the information we were given was just dumped on the reader (sometimes seemingly at random) and it could have been more developed. I also recognize that this short story is only 52 pages long and there’s only so much time which is why I’d really love to see this developed into a longer story. The plot is there and I think King has the ability and wherewithal to do it. This is a super quick 20-30 minute read (depending on how many distractions you have ;)) and it’s spicy in all the right ways. Like I said, I enjoyed it but I’d just like to see more character development and some of the plot holes filled in and more plot development as well. Reviewed by @meggs1717
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-02-02 06:39:402024-02-14 21:16:28Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Megan Conley
I loved this one. What a cool PNR read. It was fascinating from the start. Looking for that fresh start, she ends up at a resort that most employees don’t stay on at night. I laughed at the story. I had unfog my glasses because there’s a bit of steamy romance. It’s a story that will catch you right from the start. You won’t want to put it down. You’ll want to if the island is cursed or not and th author won’t tell you early. I love the writing of the book. She’ll make you wait till towards the end. Really fun characters that make the story with their personalities. I found the story made a dull evening quite entertaining. It’s a quick read that’s well worth it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-02-02 05:43:232024-02-09 14:00:29Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Shelly Kittell
Nothing anyone said in the daylight was going to change a thing. The fact remained: what happened at night was real enough to change things forever.
It was always the same: a warm night, a scream of desire on the wind, the pounding of the ocean waves. Yeah, about as cliché as it got. Knowing that didn’t make it any less real. When there was a mystery afoot, she was there searching for answers.
They weren’t fooling anyone. It was obvious the six owners of the resort were masquerading as Casanovas. That was the reason for all her snooping around: she was going to figure out exactly what was happening on the island, if she had to rip one mask off of them at a time.
In retrospect, maybe she wanted to keep her job instead of playing detective.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.
Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.
To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn’t open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn’t need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.
I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes—I want them to know they are making a difference.
Fast forward to today…
C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author has over 75 books available across multiple fantasy sub-genres.
Awards include:
Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers’ Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards – Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards – Best New Adult
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction – New Adult genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult – Fantasy – Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Cambridge Times Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Curse-of-the-Forbidden-Island-1.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-02-02 00:00:002024-02-12 14:30:25Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King
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