The Heart of a Basilisk
I’m going into my writing cave to crank this book out, while working on finishing the audiobook to The Secrets of Jane’s sequel
This is going to be a standalone dark Romantasy with older second chance (he’s 43 and she’s 34), she’s been cursed to forget who he is but she DOES remember she hates him for a reason. He has been in love with her the entire time, and when she’s making a risky decision to save those in her life, he says he’s forced to get involve so she doesn’t risk her life.
She’s very confident, careful with her words, and also sharp tongued. It’s not an Improper Bastards book without a ton of banter.
Oh, and he has her cat that she gave to him ten years ago. He’s made sure not a single scratch has come to that cat 🐈⬛
Soren and Jane make a MASSIVE cameo and I’m so excited about that!!!
Have you ever found yourself completely engrossed in a story where a curse isn't just a plot device, but a living, breathing entity that sticks to the protagonist, shaping their destiny and pulling their love interest right into the heart of the conflict? I know I have! There's something incredibly powerful about those narratives, especially in dark romantasy and fantasy books, where the stakes are already sky-high. When a curse sticks to a character, it adds layers of tension and emotional depth that can be truly addictive. It's not just about a curse being lifted; sometimes, the most compelling part is when it *persists*, or even worse, when it *transfers*. Imagine a protagonist trying desperately to break free, perhaps from a curse of forgotten memories or a physical affliction, only for their love interest to bravely *encourage them to join hands*, knowing full well the danger. That moment when the protagonist reveals the curse to their love interest, and instead of fear or abandonment, there's unwavering support – that’s pure gold in any *novel*. It creates such a strong bond, a shared burden that truly tests the depth of their connection. This particular trope elevates the love story beyond simple attraction, pushing it into the realm of shared destiny and sacrifice. These stories often build to a powerful climax where the curse either binds them forever, forces a profound sacrifice, or transforms their relationship in an irreversible way. Think about the emotional weight when a love interest sticks by the cursed one, facing down ancient magic or dark fates together. This dedication is often a hallmark of "basilisk dark romance" and similar subgenres, where the curse might be tied to something primal, ancient, and dangerously alluring, making the fight for love even more desperate. The idea that a love interest would willingly risk everything, or even accept a shared curse, is incredibly romantic and provides a rich emotional payoff. Whether it's a forgotten past, a physical ailment, a magical bond, or an ancestral hex, the idea of a curse that sticks and profoundly intertwines two souls is utterly captivating. It pushes characters to their limits, forcing them to find strength in each other and revealing their true nature under duress. These narratives explore profound themes of fate, free will, and the ultimate power of love to conquer or adapt to even the most ancient of afflictions. The journey isn't just about breaking the curse, but often about how the curse itself shapes the love story, forging an unbreakable bond that wouldn't have existed otherwise. When I'm diving into a new fantasy or romantasy book, I'm always looking for those moments where the curse isn't just an obstacle, but an integral part of the protagonists' growth and their relationship. The shared struggle, the moments of despair, and the eventual triumph (or poignant acceptance) make these novels so memorable. It makes you wonder: what would you do if a curse stuck to someone you loved, and your only option was to join them in facing it? It's a trope that guarantees a rollercoaster of emotions and a truly epic tale.
