November 2025
Featuring A CURSE OF SHADOWS AND ICE by Catherina Maura
Description
A cursed emperor. A princess born of forbidden magic. One marriage to save a kingdom—and doom their hearts.
When the Shadow Emperor demands Princess Arabella’s hand, she has no choice but to agree… or watch her kingdom burn. But behind the threat lies a man bound by a curse as old as his empire—one that only Arabella’s magic can break.
As they strike a dangerous bargain, lessons in control turn into stolen glances and heated nights. Hatred melts into hunger. And soon, Arabella must decide: free his empire from darkness, or lose the only man who’s ever seen her light.
A Curse of Shadows and Ice is a darkly romantic Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with betrayal, magic, and a love that defies fate.
This exclusive deluxe hardcover edition features stenciled and sprayed edges, custom endpapers, and is available only through the first limited print run.
About the Author
Catharina Maura is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes angsty, fast-paced contemporary romance novels that break your heart before they lead you to a hard-won happily ever after.
Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures.
You can find Cat's socials and latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio
What others are saying…
“If you like world building that will transport you, but not overwhelm you with minutia detail, this A very spicy, imaginative retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and...oh boy!!....it was SOOOO GOOD!” — Reader Review
“I am a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings, and this one did it justice. I liked the growth of characters, the dialogue was good, and the love story was good too.” — Reader Review
“I absolutely loved this beauty and the beast retelling. It was heartfelt and at time heart breaking, and I loved every minute of it. The details of the world they live in, the magics and lifestyles was very good world building. The plot echoes the fairytale as we known it but makes it so much better.” — Reader Review
“I am always a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast story, and Maura has done a wonderful job in her adaptation of the classic tale. She has kept true to the time-old tale, but has added enough unique twists to make the story her own.” — Reader Review
“I wasn't expecting this book to move me as much as it did. I thought it would be another fantasy romance, but the amount of love in Felix and Arabella's story is so overflowing, that I fell in love with both of them. Arabella for being strong and not giving up on her future, the future she wanted. And Felix, for warming up to her and letting love fuel his determination to keep Ara safe. If you're looking for a fast fantasy romance I would certainly recommend this book. It's full of magic, sort of a beauty and the beast retelling, evil, some action, but most of all, love.” — Reader Review
“This is a beautiful, spicy and intriguing retale of beauty and the beast that left me wanting more!!” —Reader Review
“I have read so many Beauty and the Beast retellings and by far this was my favorite 😍 I love the way that the author is able to capture the flaws of both characters and then make them redeem themselves by the end. If you like spicy books with a great plot.” — Reader Review
“Very different take on Beauty and the Beast, but still absolutely amazing. Arabella and Felix must fight the curse taking over Eldiria. After a forced marriage, fights against the curse, and many emotional roller coasters, Beauty and the Beast find their happily ever after.” —Reader Review
“This book is in my top 10. I originally read it because it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling but once I started, that didn't even matter. It doesn't feel like a story that's already out there. It reads fresh and original. Arabella is exactly how I want all female characters to grow. The strength and confidence she had in the end was inspiring and makes you want to cheer out loud. Felix character makes you fall in love with him from the very beginning. It's a love story for all times.” —Reader Review
 
                         
                                                            