Grant Rossi is never getting a happily-ever-after.

Ever since he was a kid and made a wish on his family’s iconic Wishing Rose, his romantic relationships have been cursed to end. Following his most recent (and extremely public) dumping, Grant is languishing in a hot Chicago summer, abandoning his beloved design projects to sink back into depression. But when his family suggests spending the summer helping his aunt and uncle refurbish their beautiful but rundown B&B and vineyard—the home of the Wishing Rose that changed everything for him—Grant decides to accept. Maybe he can finally find a way to recover his creative spark…and break his curse.

But things at the vineyard are not what Grant expects. The place is in almost total disrepair, and—even worse—the person his relatives hired to help is his former childhood crush, Ben—the first boy who broke his heart.

As their chemistry sparks and the summer heats up, the wedge between them can’t be ignored. But while they race to restore the B&B in time for the beloved local rose festival, grumpy but lovable Ben starts to break through Grant’s carefully crafted defenses. Can Grant find a way to overcome his curse and open his heart, even when it’s broken?

What I loved best about Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts by Adam Sass is how the story is an authentic romance, real and beautiful, without any easy answers, full of complexity and mature emotions. 

In the story, the characters are genuine and even though the narrative plays with the enemies to lovers trope, it does so in a thoughtful and provocative way, making readers think about how the pair came to be at odds in the first place, that the situation is complex and emotional. I also love how realistically Grant’s depression and trauma is dealt with as he works through the past and both young men work through and handle trust issues between them. It is a beautiful romantic story full of trust, growth, and love of self as much as the love between the pair. 

If you enjoy love stories with original ideas and realistic emotions, this is the novel for you. Both Grant and Ben are delightful characters who will charm you and make you fall in love with them as much as they fall in love with each other. The highs and lows are emotional in this authentic romance that is also full of familial love. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 boyfriends.