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Series: Fated Mates of Shadowbone Academy (Book 1)

Release date: 29 August 2025

Language: English

Tropes: Fantasy and paranormal romance, Why choose, Forced proximity, Shadow powers, Touch her and die vibes, Strong but clumsy heroine, Possessive and protective MMCs, Hidden powers, Fast-paced action and humor.

Steam level: Slow-to-Medium burn romance

 

Enter Shadowbone Academy where shadows come alive, the professors are dark gods, and humans battle for immortality.

When I get locked in my local library overnight, I look on the bright side: I'm surrounded by smutty books, my backpack is full of snacks, and a cushion fort is calling my name. What I don't account for is the four powerful, breathtakingly beautiful, and lethally dangerous shadow warriors who crash my impromptu slumber party.

Professors from Shadowbone Academy, an elite war college in the shadow realm where students train to become ruthless shadow warriors, they're here for me. Unfortunately, my strengths include stubbing my big toe, dreaming about book boyfriends, and enjoying chocolate like my life depends on it. I'm not cut out for fighting shadow monsters, but enrollment isn't negotiable, and I'm not ready to die just yet.

To make matters worse? Yeah, I'm pretty sure these four professors are my fated mates no matter how they try to deny it. I swear, someone is definitely having a laugh, and it's not just me.

Let the fun times begin.

A Curse so Cruel is a fun but dark(ish) why choose fantasy romance novel, and the first book in the Fated Mates of Shadowbone Academy series. It features a clumsy, relatable heroine, and her droolworthy, reluctant mates who will do anything to possess her. The story is in first person, present tense, and note that while the main focus is on our leading lady, there is also MM in the harem.

This series is connected to the Game of Psychos series, but can easily be read as a standalone series. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author's website.

• Book size: 203mm x 127mm (8in x 5in)
• Black and white interior
• Chapter illustrations
• 382 pages

• Shipped from Adelaide, South Australia
• If you require shipping to a country that is not listed, please contact: mia@miahartson.com