Once Charmed, Twice Cursed. It never occurred to me that being "always lucky" could be a bad thing until I read this book, where once again the selfishness of human beings would become a blessing into a curse. Bria may be marked with the symbol of the fortune goddess, but she is born into a family full of selfish, unbearable people. They don't see her as a person, but as an object to exchange, and she has always let that be, hoping that the day she has to marry, her brother will realise the only person she wants is his best friend, Weston, the only "null marked" (unlucky) in town.

Firstly, I have to admit I wanted to shake Bria nearly the whole book, I was so glad for her character arc, I jumped out of happiness in the last chapters, and Weston... I missed a bigger change in his persona; he needs to improve his self-esteem, but I enjoyed their story. It was a fast and "easy" romance with the right amount of spice.

Secondly, I want to talk about the narrator. Kimberly M. Wetherell did an amazing job in this audiobook. Her acting was incredible, and I loved how she changed her voice and her cadence—chef's kiss. I am not sure I would have liked this book as much reading it instead of listening, she was the perfect Bria.

Finally, I want to thank Tantor Audio, Shaylin Gandhi, and Netgalley for letting me listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who really enjoys romance and wants to dip their toes into fantasy—especially readers in their late teens or early 20s. It’s a fun, light read, though I found myself wanting more from the world-building. The story wrapped up neatly, almost too neatly, and I doubt we’ll be seeing more of this world in the future.

When I saw it was marketed as fantasy, I expected more immersive elements and a broader world. But really, we only hear about five locations, and most of the story takes place in a single room—or, occasionally, another confined space like a carriage. That’s what I get for coming in with high expectations. That’s what I get for coming in with high expectations. Still, the romance plot was cute. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming, which kept things exciting. I always appreciate when an author can genuinely surprise me. I love foreshadowing, but it can sometimes give too much away—this book struck a nice balance.

At times, I also felt like I was parachuted into the middle of the story. I would’ve loved to see more of Bria and Weston’s decade-long friendship—the slow-burn of love behind shared smiles and traded books. Their bond and passion are obvious on the page, but I wanted more time with it, more build-up. Honestly, I would have loved an extra 150 pages to flesh out what felt missing.

The characters themselves were easy to connect with. Their growth felt natural, even if I wish Bria had reached her realization a bit earlier. Understanding both of their lives—marked by being charmed, cursed, and forced into new identities—added depth and made their journeys feel believable.

Overall, the romance was sweet and satisfying, and there’s definite appeal here for those looking for a quick, heartfelt story with just a dash of magic.

Once Charmed, Twice Cursed by Shaylin Gandhi is a standalone romantasy that I really enjoyed. I thought this was a fascinating story and was beautifully told.

I thought the characters were well developed and very interesting. Bria’s life was a reminder that too much of a good thing is bad.

The narration by Kimberly M. Wetherell was wonderful! I loved how she brought the story to life!

I thought this was a fun read. It was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it very much!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Once Charmed, Twice Cursed by Shaylin Gandhi
Narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell
Publisher: Tantor Audo
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy
Expected Publication Date: April 29, 2025

Loved this book! I even finished it in one day! Very quick read and a wonderful story line. There were some twists and turns but it kept me engaged.

This was a cute, charming book. It was a light read, but when that is what you are looking for, it’s perfect!

It’s a stand alone, which I love! There were a couple of questionable choices made by the author, a couple times when I went “now why did she do that?” But there were also times when I went “yes!!! I love that!!” So they canceled each other out.

The narrator was great. She really set the tone for the book.

This isn’t going to be one that sits with me forever, but it is one I enjoyed while I read it!

I love the way this book teetered the line between the Princess Bride and Assistant to the Villain. It is a low steaks fantasy, and not all too spicy either, but in the very best way. This is the kind of book you can lose yourself in and I absolutely lost myself in it.

It is sweet, believable, and altogether really fun story. I appreciate the way this book allows me to let go of reality for a little bit and jump into another world without intense stress.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5

Enjoyed the idea of the charms but I absolutely detest the FMC. She is spineless and ***potential spoiler*** never gains the grit needed to defend herself and the love she supposedly has for MMC. Maybe this would be better for a teenager or early 20 something to read who doesn’t have a lot of experience with confidence or defending their convictions. There isn’t a lot of detail to the plot and the book is basically a woe is me tale of waiting for the universe to present with the course I desire. The only reason I kept going was because the narrator did a fantastic job.

Once Charmed, Twice Cursed is a unique and imaginative story, one that stands out for its originality. Shaylin Gandhi introduces us to Bri, a young woman blessed (or cursed?) with Fortuna’s charm, making her a beacon of good luck for herself and those around her. It’s no surprise that she receives 99 marriage proposals... yet not from the one man she truly loves, Weston, a “null” marked by the curse.

While I appreciated the world-building and clever premise, Bri as a protagonist fell flat for me. Her constant reliance on luck — and the people it draws to her — left her feeling passive, especially when it came to important decisions or emotional growth. I kept hoping for some meaningful character development, but unfortunately, it never quite arrived.

This book had all the ingredients to be something great, but ultimately it didn’t deliver the depth I was looking for. Still, it’s a fresh concept and worth a read for those who enjoy fantasy with a twist. A solid 3 stars.

Loved this story. Definitely worth 5 stars. I would give it a try. I’m definitely going to read more from this author.

I had so much fun with this book! It hooked me from the very first page and I flew through it in less than 24 hours. The book has that delicious forbidden love element, a slow burn romance, and just the right touch of magic. The romance was full of tension and longing, and I was completely swept up in it.

The yearning between the main characters was everything. I was so invested in their connection. So many parts of the book felt so incredibly romantic even though they were resisting each other for most of it.

The world building is minimal, which was a pleasant surprise! It felt more like a historical romance with magical elements. It’s super accessible even if you don’t normally read fantasy. Although there was quite a bit of angst between the characters, it also felt a bit cozy because unlike a lot of other romantasy books, the fate of the world was not at stake and I loved that.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was really well done. It kept me engaged the whole time. This was such a fun, fast-paced read. I was already such a fan of Shaylin Gandhi after reading When We Had Forever and now I know I’ll read anything she writes..

I enjoyed this book in the beginning but I feel like it kinda trailed off in the end. It became incredibly unrealistic at one point and I hated that. I know it's a fantasy, but still. I did enjoy the narrarator and the publication, but the story felt flat for me. Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.

This standalone romantasy is a sweet and fun read that you can finish in one sitting. It dives into the world of Bria and Weston, whose relationship is all about the real-life consequences of love, not just instant crushes or slow-burn tension. Bria has the gift of good fortune, while Weston is a Null who can take away her magic with just a touch, creating some serious complications. He tries to keep his distance to protect her, but Bria is determined to forge her own path and not be used by anyone.
The story captures the importance of love and making your own choices, showcasing Bria's fierce independence and the strong connection between her and Weston. While some parts of the plot could be fleshed out more, the story still pulls you in and makes for a super enjoyable, feel-good read!

The struggle of being charmed with such good luck is real. When she walks down the streets, people touch and wave and try to get into Bria’s vicinity to be hopefully touched by her charmed good luck. And while her folks are off traveling the world with the money gained through Bria’s luck, her brother essentially sells her to the highest bidder. 100 proposals, and none are the one she wants. None of them are Weston. A null. The opposite of her luck. People give him a wide birth in the streets, and he has to work at least twice as hard to accomplish anything that would be pretty normal. And Bria is in love with him. And he did not propose. He wouldn’t even be able to touch her skin-to-skin without her charm being taken from her by his curse, and he promised Bria’s brother and family that he would never do that. The idiot comes to his senses AFTER Bria is promised to the Duke who is notorious for his cruelty, but generous with his coin. So off they go to wed. Until a masked robber overtakes her carriage and keeps her in a secluded cabin, using her luck to help healing an ailing friend. But not before they share a spine-tingling kiss in the carriage and Bria realizes that her captor is also a null.
This story was fun and fast, and honestly, that kiss had my spine tingling too!

“I love you in the permanent branded on my soul kind of way…”

Few books walk the tightrope between aching longing and magical realism quite like Once Charmed, Twice Cursed. Shaylyn Ghandi delivers a story as spellbinding as it is soul-wrenching, where love isn't just an emotion—it's a curse, a charm, a choice, and a battle.

Bria and Weston—two souls bound by something far deeper than fate. Bria is charmed, quite literally, gifted with a magic that makes her life enviable to many but controlled by those around her. Weston, her brother’s best friend and a null, lives under a heavy curse, one that renders love dangerous and freedom elusive. Together they are forbidden, yet inseparable. Betrothed to another man for political reasons, Bria is torn between duty and desire, a war that burns just beneath her composed exterior.

“I love you so much that I would gladly take just half of you over the entirety of any other man…” This declaration captures the raw, desperate longing between Bria and Weston. Their love is not allowed to thrive openly; it exists in whispers, stolen glances, and words never meant to be heard.

This isn’t just a story of forbidden romance; it’s a story of sacrifice, of the ache of wanting what you cannot have, and of the rare kind of love that carves itself permanently into your very being.

Bria’s charmed, Weston’s cursed, together they are simply two people in love.

A beautifully tortured tale of magic, longing, and soul-deep connection, Once Charmed, Twice Cursed will leave readers marked—just like Weston, just like Bria—long after the final page is turned.

Set in a world where everyone is normal, except those who have been either blessed or cursed at birth. Bria is born blessed and good fortune and luck surrounds her and everyone she comes in contact with. Weston is born cursed, unlucky with misfortune that follows him and those around them. The problem is, when a Blessed and a Null touch, their magic rejects each other, and the Blessed will lose their luck forever. Trouble is, charmed Bria is in love with null Weston.

This was a fun read (listen). It has the classic elements of forbidden love, some intrigue and a good dose of spice. Luckily the setting is relatively familiar and basic because there isn't much world building other than a description of their marks and what they mean as the story progresses. This does not stop us from enjoying the story. I may have yelled at the main characters a few times, but that's what makes it fun.

While the story isn't perfect, if you are looking for a forbidden love story with a bit of spice, check this one out. Loose ends are wrapped up, you'll get mad at the characters and then cheer for them, and overall enjoy the story. Audiobook narration was very well done.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once Charmed, Twice Cursed is a whimsical, high-stakes fantasy romance with a clever twist on fate, magic, and forbidden love. Bria’s journey—from the girl everyone wants to marry to the woman determined to reclaim her own destiny—was empowering and emotionally resonant. The dynamic between Bria and Weston had me hooked, and the masked highwayman twist? Chef’s kiss.

Kimberly M. Wetherell delivers a strong solo performance, capturing Bria’s charm and inner turmoil beautifully. That said, I really wish this had been duet narrated—it would’ve made the dual POVs and romantic tension even more immersive.

Between the divine blessings, Null curses, and a broody best friend with swoon-worthy restraint, this story offers an enchanting mix of romance and rebellion. A fantastic listen with just a few pacing hiccups—but absolutely worth the ride.

📖 Once Charmed Twice Cursed
🧚🏻‍♀️ Shaylin Gandhi
🎧 Kimberly M. Wetherell

This Beautiful Romantasy Standalone was a breath of fresh air with an absolutely enchanting narration 🎧💜

Tropes :
✨ Single POV
🪷 Low Fantasy
✨ Forbidden love
🪷 Brother’s best friend
✨ Princess Bride vibes with angst
🪷 Slow burn
✨ Touch her and ☠️
🪷 Charms and Cursed
✨ F0rbidden touch
🪷 Cozy cottage core vibes
✨ Broody grumpy MMC

I devoured this audiobook in less than a day !
The plot was incredible and so different from our normal romantasy reads that I couldn't stop listening to it !

The romance was full of mutual pining, slow burn and ANGSTTT ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥

And the FMC's character development was a thing of beauty! The way she overcame her timidness and dependency on others to save her and became this confident, self reliant woman is truly inspiring 💜

Kimberly's narration made a beautiful story absolutely enchanting !!

And I think this is a perfect book for a slump cure 🥰

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Thank you so so much @authorshaylingandhi and @netgalley for this incredible ALC 💜

I got the opportunity to listen 🎧 to this book about those blessed with the mark of the fortune goddess and those not. The book is narrated by Kimberly M Wetherell. She has a beautiful and calming voice and made the book very easy to listen to.

Bria is charmed, born under the favor of the fortune goddess.🤞
Weston bears the mark of the Null, those who can take it all away. ⛈️

As Bria’s brother arranged her marriage, she is captured by a masked highwayman. Bria begins to realize her blessings are more like a curse and the kidnapping may be the key to her happiness.

This was a fun read about the divinely lucky and absolutely cursed. I was so engaged with what was going to happen to the kidnapped bride, that I finished in one sitting! 💍 This was my first read by the author and she had such a refreshing story that I would absolutely pick up another book!

Thank you to author, Shaylin Gandhi, Publisher Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Okay so. I liked this book. I liked the romance. There is no world building so I got very confused about the time frame so imagining the characters was a little harder. The story was more focused on the main character than the world around her. So the Goddess that gave her “luck” was only referenced sparingly, so there were points I was lost there too. But the chemistry with our main characters was great, so it was easier to follow that part of the story.

2.5 ⭐️

As I listened to the audio of this, I’ll start by saying I really liked the narrator, Kimberley Wetherell, and I think she did a great job bringing life to these characters.

Honestly I’m a little disappointed as this didn’t go how I thought it would. It felt like nothing was really happening for a big chunk of time - or more that the same thing was happening. It was a lot of waiting around and things happening to the main character, rather than her doing anything.

I didn’t really like the main character, Bria, as I thought she came across quite whiny. She’s been blessed by the goddess and is considered ‘charmed’, and I can understand why she isn’t happy with her life, but it also feels a little much with all her complaining considering what an easy life she’s had. And she’s very much a damsel in distress, which can be fine, but I just found it annoying. Bria wasn’t really able to do anything herself and constantly had to be rescued. I was really hoping this would be a story of empowerment, but it was just about Bria’s infatuation with the same boy from her teen hood.

The magic system here is king of interesting, but the more I thought about it, the less I liked it. I don’t understand why the goddess would charm and curse people, and why they would cancel each other out the way they do. If the author had explored the idea of the goddess more and maybe had some explanation (a religion or something) around the goddess it would’ve made more sense.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of this book in return for an honest review.