Cursed

by Callie Pey

What do a guard, a murderer and a thief all have in common? The day Zrif met Elura on the beach under the full moon, he knew that she was one of his fated mates. But after a decade of regular intimacy, he is no closer to claiming her as she flees each encounter without even exchanging a few words. This continued rejection is bolstered by the arrival of the handsome Wild Elf Alpha, Arbane, who doesn’t seem to remember their own passionate encounter a few months prior. Zrif’s duties require him to continue as if he isn’t drowning in despair over his looming heartbreak. Zrif comes up with a plan to pull both of his potential mates out of this devastating game they’ve been playing. Heat turns quickly into confusion as their union unexpectedly reveals that time is not a luxury they can afford. He’d been prepared to deal with one curse, but the revelation of a second with more dire consequences turns what should have been a joyous moment sour.

Will the triad be able to lift the curses before it’s too late or will one of them have to forfeit their soul to the infernal lands for all of eternity?

135 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2023

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see CURSED was going to be released, a standalone novella in the DRYAD CHRONICLES world. This terrific little novella features Zrif, who is the son of one of the main characters from the other series, and Arbane, a wolf shifter elf. They meet Elura, a selkie, on a beach and after some passionate encounters (this is a steamy novella!) they realize the three of them are fated mates. But Elura has been hurt before by people who claimed they were her mates, and also she has been cursed by mermaids. The fantasy world building is detailed and rich and I loved the top notch storytelling as Zrif and Arbane (particularly the latter, who she’s a bit more afraid of) have to try to win Elura’s trust while also helping her find a way to break the curse holding her captive. I loved all three characters in this MMF pairing and am excited for the final book coming out next year in the Dyrad Chronicles! 5/5 stars.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick fast paced read that I couldn't put down, and hit every feel on the spectrum. This whychoose romance was lovely and so much fun to read. Steam and adventure always call to me, and this one delivered.

[Morgan Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I personally didn't like the writing style. It had a good plot i just wasn't feeling it

[C.K. Beggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy MMF fantasy romance with some spoilers for The Dryad Chronicles, so be forewarned!

What I love most about Callie Pey's work is the loving spirit each story contains. It keeps all the steam from feeling tawdry, with love scenes that often celebrate the bond. Cursed really captures the joy of finding who you're meant to be with after wondering if you'd always be alone.

There are also The Little Mermaid-retelling vibes! The undersea world was interesting and made for a great climax to the story. I enjoyed reading this novella and getting to know its characters.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Note: I received a copy and this is an honest, voluntary review.

[Andrea Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book I read from this author is so intriguing & I seriously can’t put it down once I start. This one was just as amazing as the others. & I love this world building. The characters have amazing personalities. The FMC is strong, fierce, & sassy. She has such an inner strength. The MMC’s were strong and sexy. I loved every bit of this book. The twists and turns. It’s unpredictable & I love that. I hate when I can see the ending coming from a mile away. Not with this book or any of her others. Jump in the books are all amazing! I love learning something new about this world. Highly recommend!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good paranormal romance that I enjoyed. I liked the characters and the world that it is set in. Voreios sounds like a lovely grove to live in. I liked how the Wild Elves were allowed to join the grove and then took part in protecting it. It took me a little bit to get into the story because sometimes I got confused over with male character’s POV I was reading. But part way through it got really exciting and I didn’t want to stop reading! I’m definitely interested in reading more books by this author set in the same world!

[meevreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed is a novella set in the Dryad Chronicles world. It contains spoilers for the series, so read at your own discretion.

Elura, Zrif, and Arbane are three fated mates, who embark on a quest to break Elura's curse in the mer kingdom, while navigating their budding relationship, which started with mistrust from the FMC.
It's fast-paced, though it didn't keep my interest up until the action started, in the last 15-20% of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed it, it had spice, drama, action, and a HEA ending.

Thank you Callie for the early copy 💖

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I have read another book from Mrs. Pey and this one is just as great. Zfif, Elura and Arbane just pull you in and you just want to root for them. I loved how the author tied in courting. You don’t hear about that now days to often. I felt like I was on the ride with the characters and just kept my heart pumping. Defiantly a book I would recommend for sure.

[whatnolareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I must say that I didn't read the previous books but this one read easy enough. It follows Zrif, arbane, and Elura as they try and figure out how to break a curse put on Elura by mermaids. The fantasy world-building is detailed the author did an amazing job of telling the story and character-building and explaining the world. I am going back and read the other books. I love the author's writing style

[Shira · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC re-release review:


This is a fast novella read featuring Zrif a satyr, Arbane a wolf shifter and Elura a selkie. They both met Elura in a beach in a cove and after some passionate encounters (most of which Elura ran from after) they realized that the three of them are fated mates. Along with some curses that need to be broken the fantasy world building is detailed. I liked all 3 characters. This a a MMF why choose.

Thank you@CalliePey for the opportunity to read this book

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated mates, past lovers, and a pair of curses.

One night with two different lovers leads to pining for them. But a fear of the family curse and thoughts of them not feeling the same lead to pining. However, a little communication leads to a chance to have all your mates together.

However, the woman you trap so you can speak with her turns out to also be under a curse and she is running out of time before she is forever trapped.

Can these three together overcome two different curses and find their happiness? Will they be able to overcome the sinister plots of others or will they just push it back to another day?

This was a fun quick read. I was not sure what I was getting into with it but I was super impressed and can not wait to see what happens next.

[Katarina Poppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed is a book included in the Dryad Chronicles. There were a few things from the book that I was a little confused about, but this stems from me having not having read any of the other books in the series beforehand.

Callie's writing style easily draws you in to the story. She does a phenomenol job of both world and character building. It is a fast paced, easy read that provides some Little Mermaid vibes.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed is a wonderfully complete novella that includes a quest, fated mates and so many paranormal creatures. As soon as Elura, Zrif and Arbane are all drawn together you can’t stop rooting for them. Also, I love the idea of courting for life and choosing those you love again and again every day.
I can’t wait to read more by Callie Pey!

[Cathy Mesaric-Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed is a wonderfully complete novella that includes a quest, fated mates and so many paranormal creatures. As soon as Elura, Zrif and Arbane are all drawn together you can’t stop rooting for them. Also, I love the idea of courting for life and choosing those you love again and again every day.
I can’t wait to read more by Callie Pey!

[tor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story that hits feels of loss, mistrust, and love. Sometimes our fated are who we least expect. When protecting the one you love comes first the mates in this book have to learn to trust each other to grow. This does tie into the Dryad series. I would suggest reading 1-4 first to understand what is going on and who the characters are. Fast read and good spice!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story, quick fast paced read. The world building is well written for a novella. We follow Elura, Zrid and Arbane. When they find each other and form a mate bond, the men are determined to help Elura To break her curse so they can start a life together. This was action packed, I couldn't put it down once I started it.

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun novella about Arbane, Zrif, and Elura. Their relationship and how they worked together to try to break Elura’s curse and Arbane’s curse. I really enjoyed this little side story in the Dryad Chronicles Saga.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zfif, Elura and Arbane’s story – a well woven and intriguing tale. A story full of emotions, drama, and twists that totally captivated my attention from beginning to end.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ziff, Elura and Arbane's romance is sweet, steamy and full of raw emotion. This triads road to love and happiness is filled with page turning danger. The
fantastical world of this novella is so rich in details I was totally engaged and will be checking out this talented authors other works.

[Ally Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! This novella was definitely fast paced and opened the door for the Dryad Chronicles perfectly. It gave some spicy, shifter, mmf little mermaid-ish vibes and honestly I ain’t mad about it.

[Reema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by Callie Pey is a quick paced novella set in the same world as The Dryad Chronicles. This book contains some spoilers if you have not read the other books but can also be read as a standalone if this is something that doesn’t bother you.

We are introduced to previous characters, Zrif and Arbane and meet Elura as they discover what fate has in store for them all. The why choose adventures of Callie’s stories are fascinating and I found myself happily wishing to be in a Zrif and Arbane sandwich!

As well as the spicy elements to this story, and there are a few 🔥, there is also the promise of adventure as Zrif and Arbane help to discover and break the curse bestowed on Elura. Will they succeed or will Arbane’s own curse be compromised along the way?

This gripping tale had me on the edge of my seat and begging for more. I cannot wait for the next instalment. 💕

[Ralitsa Vasileva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/5⭐
As usual Callie Pey doesn't disappoint. The book is another great read in the Dryad Chronicles.
The story tells of fated mates (they are more than two) who go on a journey to break a curse. As usual there is spice and action. It is fast paced but the beginning is a bit slow.
The character and world building is as good as always. The story is easy to read.
Highly recommended!