A Curse for True Love: A Love Letter to EvaJacks
When I first heard that A Curse for True Love, the long-awaited third installment in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series by the brilliant Stephanie Garber, was on the horizon, I could hardly contain my excitement. Having already been swept off my feet by the romantic and enchanting world she created, I was eager to dive back into the whirlwind of magic, heartbreak, and, of course, the ever-complicated relationship between Evangeline and Jacks. Let me tell you, this book did not disappoint—even if it did leave me gasping for air more than a few times.
The plot picks up amid a haze of uncertainty with Evangeline re-learning who she is after her memories are taken. The early chapters have a slower rhythm, focusing on her internal struggle. I found myself on the edge of my seat, feeling her confusion and the weight of lost memories. Once Jacks makes his entrance, however, things start to heat up! His infamous charm and morally gray personality bring not only electric tension but also some of the most poignant lines in the book. When he declares, “I’m your monster, Evangeline,” I literally gasped—ALEXA, PLAY LITERALLY ANY LOVE SONG BY TAYLOR SWIFT, because that moment? Pure magic.
Speaking of magic, while the romantic threads were beautifully woven, I couldn’t help but feel a tad let down by the overall enchantment of the plot. The book seems more focused on the relationship than the magic that initially captivated me in Garber’s world. Don’t get me wrong; I adored the slow burn of Evangeline and Jacks. Each moment of angst and longing was palpable—their dynamic felt like a high-stakes game of chess that kept my heart racing. Yet, part of me yearned for a drop more of the whimsy and unpredictability that characterized the earlier books.
Oh, Jacks! Can I just take a moment to gush about him? His transition from a love-hate figure to a loveable hero had me swooning and clutching my heart all at once. I initially found it hard to warm up to him, as I was team Tella all the way in the Caraval series. But growing to love his complexity was a journey worth taking. One of my favorite moments came when he said, “Please, Little Fox, remember.” I nearly fell off my couch it was so sweet—and oh, those character developments!
Now, let’s talk about the relationship. It’s heavy on the romance this time, almost bordering on obsessive, but I loved it! The forbidden, enemies-to-lovers vibe shone through wonderfully. When Evangeline and Jacks finally kissed, I almost screamed—I had been waiting for that moment since book one! Yet, candidly, I wanted more from that kiss. It felt a bit rushed, and after the buildup, I was anticipating fireworks.
Overall, I’d rate this enchanting tale a solid 4.3 stars. It’s a must-read for anyone who adores fantasy with a side of heart-wrenching romance. If you loved Garber’s previous works, this book beautifully continues the journey and will likely satisfy your cravings for EvaJacks. As for me, I’ll be holding onto the hope that perhaps, one day, we’ll revisit the world of Once Upon a Broken Heart again.
For readers who enjoy richly woven tales of love and heartbreak, with an intricate blend of magic and moral ambiguity, A Curse for True Love will resonate deeply. It’s not just a story; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves you both satisfied and yearning for more. Gosh, I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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