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Shifter City Fated Mates #1
A Curse of Fate
A new romantasy from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller Jaymin Eve.
I'm a shifter who can never bond with a pack. Not if I want to live.
The day I watched my mom's pack destroy her, was the day I knew I had to run from the shifter cities.
Mom and I share the same designation, which means we'll share the same fate.
For ten years I hide from the cities and the alphas who control them.
Until my luck runs out.
Dragged to Golden Claw against my will, they charge me as a rogue. I'm facing death until one of the strongest alphas in the city scents me as his match.
Scents me... and claims me.
Even worse? He's part of the most powerful pack of alphas the cities have ever seen.
I have to reject them. It's the only way to avoid my mom's curse of fate. And my own.
Except, these alphas have never been rejected a day in their lives, and they're definitely not about to start now.
* This is a why choose romance with very dominant and possessive male main characters. The female main character will not choose between the love interests. It's a full length (95k words) romantasy and contains adult themes and descriptions that are suitable for 18+. This is part of a series and ends on a cliffhanger. It won't hurt too much, though, I promise. Or maybe you like a little pain with your pleasure. Either way, you'll be just fine.
I'm a shifter who can never bond with a pack. Not if I want to live.
The day I watched my mom's pack destroy her, was the day I knew I had to run from the shifter cities.
Mom and I share the same designation, which means we'll share the same fate.
For ten years I hide from the cities and the alphas who control them.
Until my luck runs out.
Dragged to Golden Claw against my will, they charge me as a rogue. I'm facing death until one of the strongest alphas in the city scents me as his match.
Scents me... and claims me.
Even worse? He's part of the most powerful pack of alphas the cities have ever seen.
I have to reject them. It's the only way to avoid my mom's curse of fate. And my own.
Except, these alphas have never been rejected a day in their lives, and they're definitely not about to start now.
* This is a why choose romance with very dominant and possessive male main characters. The female main character will not choose between the love interests. It's a full length (95k words) romantasy and contains adult themes and descriptions that are suitable for 18+. This is part of a series and ends on a cliffhanger. It won't hurt too much, though, I promise. Or maybe you like a little pain with your pleasure. Either way, you'll be just fine.
358 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2024
5232 people are currently reading
14714 people want to read
About the author
Jaymin Eve
84 books13.1k followersJaymin Eve is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi novels filled with epic love stories, great adventures, and plenty of laughs. She lives in Australia with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and a couple of crazy pets. To date, she has sold over three million ebooks, and still can't believe that she gets to create fantasy worlds as a job.
For action, adventure, romance, and a guaranteed HEA, start one of her series today.
Reading order:
Secret Keepers series (Paranormal Romance) House of Darken. House of Imperial. House of Leights. House of Royale.
Storm Princess Saga (PNR/Fantasy)
The Princess Must Die. The Princess Must Strike. The Princess Must Reign.
Curse of the Gods (Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance series) UpperYA/NA
Trickery. Persuasion. Seduction. Strength. Neutral. Pain.
Supernatural Prison (UF/PNR romance -shifter, vampire, fae, magic user) Upper YA/NA
Dragon Marked. Dragon Mystics. Dragon Mated. Broken Compass. Magical Compass.
NYC Mecca Series (UF/PNR Romance - shifters) Upper YA
Queen Heir. Queen Alpha. Queen Fae. Queen Mecca.
Hive Trilogy (UF/PNR Romance - vampires) Upper YA
Ash. Anarchy. Annihilate.
Walker Saga (Fantasy/adventure/romance - gods, mermaids, dragons) YA
First World. Spurn. Crais. Regali. Nephilius. Dronish. Earth.
Stay updated:
http://www.jaymineve.com
https://www.facebook.com/JayminEve.Au...
For action, adventure, romance, and a guaranteed HEA, start one of her series today.
Reading order:
Secret Keepers series (Paranormal Romance) House of Darken. House of Imperial. House of Leights. House of Royale.
Storm Princess Saga (PNR/Fantasy)
The Princess Must Die. The Princess Must Strike. The Princess Must Reign.
Curse of the Gods (Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance series) UpperYA/NA
Trickery. Persuasion. Seduction. Strength. Neutral. Pain.
Supernatural Prison (UF/PNR romance -shifter, vampire, fae, magic user) Upper YA/NA
Dragon Marked. Dragon Mystics. Dragon Mated. Broken Compass. Magical Compass.
NYC Mecca Series (UF/PNR Romance - shifters) Upper YA
Queen Heir. Queen Alpha. Queen Fae. Queen Mecca.
Hive Trilogy (UF/PNR Romance - vampires) Upper YA
Ash. Anarchy. Annihilate.
Walker Saga (Fantasy/adventure/romance - gods, mermaids, dragons) YA
First World. Spurn. Crais. Regali. Nephilius. Dronish. Earth.
Stay updated:
http://www.jaymineve.com
https://www.facebook.com/JayminEve.Au...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,240 reviews
November 6, 2024
I. AM. OBSESSED. OB-SESSED. This book got me out of a months’ long book slump. I giddily read this entire thing, kicking my feet and giggling as I went. And I am not prone to giggling during books! I’m not at all being dramatic when I say I am dying for book two. This was perfection.
January 22, 2025
Currently 26% in:
In the beginning, I really admired the way that the FMC was written; strong, resilient, and intelligent. However, she is beginning to lose that independence and making very dumb decisions. Her inner monologue: "I don't want anything to do with my scent matches." What she does instead: surrounds herself with their business and submits to their (the mates) proposals.
It was nice to have hope that we would get a strong female lead, but that hope is slowly eroding.
So far the dumb ass nicknames are: omega, little omega, lamb, kid, and pretty girl.
Also, the formula for RH mates is also present in this book: the dominate one (who is probably into BDSM, that's a prediction on my end), the golden retriever and the one who hates the FMC for [insert dumb reason].
53% in:
Only about 4 or 5 days have passed since Emme was caught, and everyone in her life has betrayed her so far. She keeps saying things like "I can't trust them or their actions" yet she simpers to them (her mates) every single interaction. I miss the strong FMC from the first ten pages. Where did she go?
Completed
Well, I saw that cliffhanger coming from a mile away. Also saw Finley saying the "she is toxic and will tear us apart so I have to stop her from bonding with my mates" line because this book follows the formulaic shifter RH men trend. Ya know, it's okay if not all men want to bond to an omega, but give actual reasons not imaginary ones.
The first 90% or so of the book, 5-6 days had passed since Emme arrived at the compound. THen all of a sudden a week flies by.
I said it earlier, and it bears repeating: I missed the Emme from the first chapter. She had personality, spunk and seemed like a fun girl. However, she was lost and her personality never returned.
Updated list of very dumb and not at all original nicknames: little omega, omega, pretty girl, lamb, darlin' girl, freckles, sunshine, shortcake, sweet omega, baby, my sweet omega.
I'm pretty sure that Fin and Hunter don't even know Emme's name. They just call her by her designation, as if that is all she is.
In the beginning, I really admired the way that the FMC was written; strong, resilient, and intelligent. However, she is beginning to lose that independence and making very dumb decisions. Her inner monologue: "I don't want anything to do with my scent matches." What she does instead: surrounds herself with their business and submits to their (the mates) proposals.
It was nice to have hope that we would get a strong female lead, but that hope is slowly eroding.
So far the dumb ass nicknames are: omega, little omega, lamb, kid, and pretty girl.
Also, the formula for RH mates is also present in this book: the dominate one (who is probably into BDSM, that's a prediction on my end), the golden retriever and the one who hates the FMC for [insert dumb reason].
53% in:
Only about 4 or 5 days have passed since Emme was caught, and everyone in her life has betrayed her so far. She keeps saying things like "I can't trust them or their actions" yet she simpers to them (her mates) every single interaction. I miss the strong FMC from the first ten pages. Where did she go?
Completed
Well, I saw that cliffhanger coming from a mile away. Also saw Finley saying the "she is toxic and will tear us apart so I have to stop her from bonding with my mates" line because this book follows the formulaic shifter RH men trend. Ya know, it's okay if not all men want to bond to an omega, but give actual reasons not imaginary ones.
The first 90% or so of the book, 5-6 days had passed since Emme arrived at the compound. THen all of a sudden a week flies by.
I said it earlier, and it bears repeating: I missed the Emme from the first chapter. She had personality, spunk and seemed like a fun girl. However, she was lost and her personality never returned.
Updated list of very dumb and not at all original nicknames: little omega, omega, pretty girl, lamb, darlin' girl, freckles, sunshine, shortcake, sweet omega, baby, my sweet omega.
I'm pretty sure that Fin and Hunter don't even know Emme's name. They just call her by her designation, as if that is all she is.
December 18, 2024
DEVOURED!!! in like half a day lol never finished a book so fast in my life
Hunter fucking REEVES everybody. I'm afraid my weakness is always when the grumpy, unapproachable, hotter than the sun, powerful beyond belief alpha MMC begs to be claimed by his omega. I'm just like other girls 😩
Also this is how you do a mysterious scary MMC!!!!! My man Slade Riverson talked a total of probably like 10 sentences the whole book aside from his little chapter pov and I FELL IN LOVE LMAOOOOO not me blushing and giggling at 3 am just because the dude walked.
Oh and FINLEY???? Jaymin Eve said ✨rejected mate✨ trope and she MEANT IT. Dude never really said a word to the fmc. Just down right hating her in his inner monologue and I was SO DOWN FOR IT lmaooo he said he was not gonna be around her and he really WASN'T. Jaymin Eve took tension building SERIOUSLY in this book.
I think it was perfect that we got to see more of Hunter & Kellan first in this one, just made sense personality-wise. I loved the pacing. Kellan was instantly obsessed with the fmc but weirdly I found it endearing instead of annoying like I normally would.
Fmc, Emmeline, was also very reasonable. Trauma-driven but was willing to see reason & weigh in different perspectives & adjust based on new information. I think she was very smart and also very strong-willed. A little BBS but that was more because she was an omega in the presence of her fated mates I think and even then she STILL had no problem saying no.
I just KNOWWW some people would probably find her obsession with cars and bikes (and her very impressive knowledge about them) a pick me behavior but it was SO cool to me and she never claimed she was different and that matters okay!!! 😭😭😭 just added a layer to her character that I thought was endearing.
ANYWAYS this was EXCELLENT. Everything I ever wanted in my shifter/omegaverse RH. So easy to read and extremely entertaining.
Does it have the typical RH MMC line up - grumpy leader, mysterious quiet dude, manwhore & the golden retriever? Yes absolutely and you will never hear any complaints coming from me LMAOOOO I'll be sitting my ass on reddit using those exact keywords to find my next RH reads every single day 🤣
This was very well written (when it comes to RH at least) no cringy ass nicknames (except maybe from Kellan but he was also just silly goofy) and also great characters & great plot.
I'm going to be so brave and say this might be my favorite RH series ever right next to Ironside Academy and if you know me you know this admission is a big deal to me LOLLLL
The vibes of this reminded me of the Bonds That Tie series (and maybe a little of Cursed Legacies) because the fmc rejected the men and some of the men also couldn't care less about her. Based on this one book I have a feeling it's gonna be WAY better than Bonds That Tie tho and I'm SO excited.
I screamed at the ending because at one point in the book I thought to myself "...what if...." I do that a lot while I read because sometimes my imagination is better than what's written lol but then what do you know........ my dreams came true at the very end 🤣
(I'm very ecstatic) (but it left on a cliffhanger so now I have to wait till like APRIL of 2025 so I'm feeling a little heartbroken) (all I do ever since I went down the RH rabbit hole is WAIT I swear)
──────✧ pre-read
“This is dedicated to the “big boy” trend.
Need a big boy?
Want a big boy?
I’ll give you four.”
HELL YEAH JAYMIN EVE SAY LESS LOL
“Mark your alpha. Claim me so that no other does.”
Hunter fucking REEVES everybody. I'm afraid my weakness is always when the grumpy, unapproachable, hotter than the sun, powerful beyond belief alpha MMC begs to be claimed by his omega. I'm just like other girls 😩
Also this is how you do a mysterious scary MMC!!!!! My man Slade Riverson talked a total of probably like 10 sentences the whole book aside from his little chapter pov and I FELL IN LOVE LMAOOOOO not me blushing and giggling at 3 am just because the dude walked.
Oh and FINLEY???? Jaymin Eve said ✨rejected mate✨ trope and she MEANT IT. Dude never really said a word to the fmc. Just down right hating her in his inner monologue and I was SO DOWN FOR IT lmaooo he said he was not gonna be around her and he really WASN'T. Jaymin Eve took tension building SERIOUSLY in this book.
I think it was perfect that we got to see more of Hunter & Kellan first in this one, just made sense personality-wise. I loved the pacing. Kellan was instantly obsessed with the fmc but weirdly I found it endearing instead of annoying like I normally would.
Fmc, Emmeline, was also very reasonable. Trauma-driven but was willing to see reason & weigh in different perspectives & adjust based on new information. I think she was very smart and also very strong-willed. A little BBS but that was more because she was an omega in the presence of her fated mates I think and even then she STILL had no problem saying no.
I just KNOWWW some people would probably find her obsession with cars and bikes (and her very impressive knowledge about them) a pick me behavior but it was SO cool to me and she never claimed she was different and that matters okay!!! 😭😭😭 just added a layer to her character that I thought was endearing.
ANYWAYS this was EXCELLENT. Everything I ever wanted in my shifter/omegaverse RH. So easy to read and extremely entertaining.
Does it have the typical RH MMC line up - grumpy leader, mysterious quiet dude, manwhore & the golden retriever? Yes absolutely and you will never hear any complaints coming from me LMAOOOO I'll be sitting my ass on reddit using those exact keywords to find my next RH reads every single day 🤣
This was very well written (when it comes to RH at least) no cringy ass nicknames (except maybe from Kellan but he was also just silly goofy) and also great characters & great plot.
I'm going to be so brave and say this might be my favorite RH series ever right next to Ironside Academy and if you know me you know this admission is a big deal to me LOLLLL
The vibes of this reminded me of the Bonds That Tie series (and maybe a little of Cursed Legacies) because the fmc rejected the men and some of the men also couldn't care less about her. Based on this one book I have a feeling it's gonna be WAY better than Bonds That Tie tho and I'm SO excited.
I screamed at the ending because at one point in the book I thought to myself "...what if...." I do that a lot while I read because sometimes my imagination is better than what's written lol but then what do you know........ my dreams came true at the very end 🤣
(I'm very ecstatic) (but it left on a cliffhanger so now I have to wait till like APRIL of 2025 so I'm feeling a little heartbroken) (all I do ever since I went down the RH rabbit hole is WAIT I swear)
──────✧ pre-read
“This is dedicated to the “big boy” trend.
Need a big boy?
Want a big boy?
I’ll give you four.”
HELL YEAH JAYMIN EVE SAY LESS LOL
November 2, 2024
4 stars feels kinda generous because frankly not much happened in this book, but 3 stars does not feel like enough when considering my enjoyment, so here we are. This was entertaining, but I found the female main character extremely inconsistent and kind of dumb. She kept thinking one thing, but then she'd bend to these guys so easily in her dialogue. She's basically immediately flirty with Kallen yet very rude to Hunter right away, and it didn't really make sense because she doesn't know either of them yet so why is she acting so differently towards each of them. Also, we really didn't get a lot of Slade or Finley as characters - I don't care about Finley, but I'm veryyy interested in Slade. The hockey storyline also felt really forced for all of the hockey romance girlies (since hockey romance is such a popular fad right now in the booktok world). I don't think the hockey part made a lot of sense with these characters and the world, and it kept making me lol. As far as I can tell, the main male characters are weapon manufacturers like Tony Stark, bar/restaurant owners for every bar/restaurant in the city, apartment building tenants, mercenary bodyguard/police force leaders, street racers, council government leaders, and professional hockey players....lol pick a lane? The cars/motorcycle thing was whatever, but sometimes it felt a little too ~she's not like other girls~. I wish they explored more of her blatant dyslexia.
I also hate hate hateeee when books have insta-best friends, and this book had that with TWO characters with the FMC (Cora and Chels). She basically meets another woman and is like "you're my bestie" (I also hate in books when characters use the word "bestie" because who uses that term, not ironically, over the age of 16?). Like girl, you say that you trust no one and can't wait to escape, yet you have known her for 2 seconds and you're putting rushed labels on your friendship. It's OK for a FMC to not have a best friend immediately. Let us have the slow-burn friendship that more people can relate to.
I wish we learned a bit more of each characters' back story. The random tidbits that kept getting dropped in inner monologues got a little annoying. Just tell us and move on.
Also, although it wasn't fully explained yet, I kept getting annoyed at Emme's rationale for being on the run. I assume her mother's pack fully bonded the mother, stole her omega powers (which are still 100% unexplained), and then killed her. However, Emme seems to believe everything her mother (who was evil) ever told her at face value, and she hated her mother. I get her being on the run to not have the same fate as her mother, as an omega, but she has no reason not to trust Hunter and Kallen enough to stay. She's constantly trying to figure out ways to run when everyone in the Golden Claw city has treated her pretty well. But I get that she has trauma and can't trust people - I just got annoyed because she'd trust everyone in a scene and call them besties and be lusting over her mates, but then the next chapter she's like, "when I escape and run away...".
Anyways, all that said, I read this in like less than a day, and I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
I also hate hate hateeee when books have insta-best friends, and this book had that with TWO characters with the FMC (Cora and Chels). She basically meets another woman and is like "you're my bestie" (I also hate in books when characters use the word "bestie" because who uses that term, not ironically, over the age of 16?). Like girl, you say that you trust no one and can't wait to escape, yet you have known her for 2 seconds and you're putting rushed labels on your friendship. It's OK for a FMC to not have a best friend immediately. Let us have the slow-burn friendship that more people can relate to.
I wish we learned a bit more of each characters' back story. The random tidbits that kept getting dropped in inner monologues got a little annoying. Just tell us and move on.
Also, although it wasn't fully explained yet, I kept getting annoyed at Emme's rationale for being on the run. I assume her mother's pack fully bonded the mother, stole her omega powers (which are still 100% unexplained), and then killed her. However, Emme seems to believe everything her mother (who was evil) ever told her at face value, and she hated her mother. I get her being on the run to not have the same fate as her mother, as an omega, but she has no reason not to trust Hunter and Kallen enough to stay. She's constantly trying to figure out ways to run when everyone in the Golden Claw city has treated her pretty well. But I get that she has trauma and can't trust people - I just got annoyed because she'd trust everyone in a scene and call them besties and be lusting over her mates, but then the next chapter she's like, "when I escape and run away...".
Anyways, all that said, I read this in like less than a day, and I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
February 15, 2025
This was exactly what I needed! It reminded me of why I love shifter romance. The dominant alphas, primal urges, sexual tension, fated mates, bonds, found family, all of it!
November 2, 2024
Nothing new but an enjoyable and easy read.
December 25, 2024
Look, was this revolutionary?? No, not at all!! But it was incredibly addictive and very entertaining, and it really hit the spot for a trashy, fun, rh romance. I’m invested! Hit me with book 2 asap 🙏
October 17, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
Jaymin… babe… what are you doing to me?
This is easily my favourite shifter romance I’ve read (yes, that’s right, I said it).
The dynamic of a modern day setting with banter, a sprinkle of spice and an epic cliff hanger that sent me into a tailspin, made for an epic book that I’ll be thinking about for months.
I wanted to be best friends with Emme, she is my soul-sister, but I would be on my knees for these Alpha’s without a second thought because 3 broody Alphas (a couple super traumatised ones, slay) and 1 golden retriever Alpha, make me one slutty gal.
This book is so well written and sets the rest of the series up beautifully - I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the rest of the books because how on earth am I supposed to read anything else after that cliffhanger?! I NEED MORE.
Anyway, if you can’t already tell, this was a hands-down easy 5 ⭐️ read 🖤
Jaymin… babe… what are you doing to me?
This is easily my favourite shifter romance I’ve read (yes, that’s right, I said it).
The dynamic of a modern day setting with banter, a sprinkle of spice and an epic cliff hanger that sent me into a tailspin, made for an epic book that I’ll be thinking about for months.
I wanted to be best friends with Emme, she is my soul-sister, but I would be on my knees for these Alpha’s without a second thought because 3 broody Alphas (a couple super traumatised ones, slay) and 1 golden retriever Alpha, make me one slutty gal.
This book is so well written and sets the rest of the series up beautifully - I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the rest of the books because how on earth am I supposed to read anything else after that cliffhanger?! I NEED MORE.
Anyway, if you can’t already tell, this was a hands-down easy 5 ⭐️ read 🖤
October 31, 2024
I tried DNF 50%
This is a shifting omegaverse. Supposedly.
At 50% I needed some sort of insight. Emme (heroine) is literally giving nothing to the plot except that she wants to run. Every other thought from her is she wants nothing to do with her bonds. Only 1 of the Alphas is even trying and even then the rest sabotage him.... Soooo... Why are we here?
Emme is a 5ft 11inch "omega" eeerrmmmm?? I actually thought she was an Alpha herself. This should have been the delicate balance of strong and vulnerable. Not whatever this is. The twist about omegas being able to ignore Alphas and their barks.... Being stronger than Alphas dominance?
The delivery burnt it to krisp.
There is nothing omega soft about Emme, nothing. Why even write her as omega????
Seriously though, a Prime Alpha and she just sits there like "yeah whatever" her actual fated mates and again no particular interest. Why bother with that tangent??
I have serious questions.
Digging ones heels is all fun and games till the fact that she keeps saying No should mean No.
Let's hear anyone else's story in Shifter City to me this was tedious.
This is a shifting omegaverse. Supposedly.
At 50% I needed some sort of insight. Emme (heroine) is literally giving nothing to the plot except that she wants to run. Every other thought from her is she wants nothing to do with her bonds. Only 1 of the Alphas is even trying and even then the rest sabotage him.... Soooo... Why are we here?
Emme is a 5ft 11inch "omega" eeerrmmmm?? I actually thought she was an Alpha herself. This should have been the delicate balance of strong and vulnerable. Not whatever this is. The twist about omegas being able to ignore Alphas and their barks.... Being stronger than Alphas dominance?
The delivery burnt it to krisp.
There is nothing omega soft about Emme, nothing. Why even write her as omega????
Seriously though, a Prime Alpha and she just sits there like "yeah whatever" her actual fated mates and again no particular interest. Why bother with that tangent??
I have serious questions.
Digging ones heels is all fun and games till the fact that she keeps saying No should mean No.
Let's hear anyone else's story in Shifter City to me this was tedious.
July 11, 2025
Safe and Predictable Shifter Story
Standard Shifter fare. No big surprises. I was ready for it to be over after the FMC wondered for the hundredth time if she could really stay with this pack. Characters are pretty cliche and flat, not much growth.
Standard Shifter fare. No big surprises. I was ready for it to be over after the FMC wondered for the hundredth time if she could really stay with this pack. Characters are pretty cliche and flat, not much growth.
July 31, 2025
“She deserved all the love, and I knew if she opened herself to the rest of the pack, she'd find all four of us were the pieces she'd been missing her entire existence.”
A Curse of Fate snuck up on me. I saw it recommended in a Facebook group and decided to give it a try, it's been some time since I was only reading Tessa Hale and I wanted a bit of a change of her formula. Jaymin Eve delivers a nice story with an interesting heroine and her 4 super hot fated mates. While the premise was compelling and the characters had potential, I found myself entertained but I felt like something was missing.
Emmeline is a rogue omega who wants nothing to do with pack life, and I respected her boundaries. She’s emotionally guarded and deeply affected by her past, but not passive. Her resistance to the alpha quartet wasn’t about drama, it felt authentic. She questions fate. She challenges tradition. She doesn’t melt just because four alphas say she’s theirs, she demands more.
Each alpha is distinct and layered, and I loved how their personalities complement and occasionally clash with Emme’s. Hunter is intense and dominant, the one who pushes hardest. Kellan is the warmth, light-hearted, golden-retriever vibes, but fiercely loyal. Slade is the wildcard, all edge and danger. Finley is quieter, broody, emotionally restrained, and that slow thaw? Yes, please. While I liked the variety in the group, some dynamics felt stronger than others, and I’m hoping later books flesh them all out more fully.
I appreciated that nothing was rushed. Emme’s trauma wasn’t magically healed by romance, she took her time, and the connection between her and the alphas was more about emotional tension than instant gratification. That restraint worked well.
I believe what bothered me the most was I felt the world-building here lacked a bit. We were told about a lot of cities and many kinds of shifters, but we don't really get to experience that. I guess I can understand Emme can't go out in the world right now, but still, it made the world in this book seem a little flat. In regards to the plot, I was interested and invested, however there was a lot of setup and not enough payoff. Much of this book felt like an extended prologue to something bigger. I kept waiting for the story to hit that next gear, and while the tension is promising, it never quite exploded the way I hoped it would. This definitely feels like the foundation, not the finished portrait.
Also, some of Emme’s internal monologue felt circular after a while, the same doubts and fears on repeat. Understandable, given her trauma, but it occasionally slowed things down when I wanted the plot to move.
Finally, A Curse of Fate has a strong emotional core and a heroine worth rooting for, but it didn’t fully land for me. The bones of a great story are here, I just wanted tighter writing, deeper development, and a bit more momentum. That said, I’m curious enough to keep going and hope the next book delivers on the potential that’s clearly building beneath the surface. Worth reading for the setup and emotional tension, but be prepared for a slower, slightly rough ride.
✨ RATING
- C (characters): 6/10
- A (atmosphere): 7/10
- W (writing): 7/10
- P (plot): 6/10
- I (intrigue): 7/10
- L (logic): 7/10
- E (enjoyment): 7/10
↬ TOTAL: 6.71 = ⭐⭐⭐ + 0.5
💦 SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
🔖 TROPES:
- Fated mates
- Reverse harem
- Forced proximity
- Hurt and comfort
- Found family
- A bit of hockey on the side
- Wolf x Wolf x Wolf x Dragon x Bear
- Touch her and die
- Slow burn
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: child abuse, domestic abuse, kidnapping
“How hard would it be to return to purgatory after being this close to heaven?”
February 2, 2025
I basically read this in one sitting and I didn’t even notice. Suddenly it was 3 hours later and I was 90% inte the book. That’s how addicting (-ly good) this book was.
Feel free to send me an ARC of the sequel (pls)
This series will probably turn out to be my fav of Jaymin’s book series and that is one difficult job. It has tough competition.
Feel free to send me an ARC of the sequel (pls)
This series will probably turn out to be my fav of Jaymin’s book series and that is one difficult job. It has tough competition.
April 10, 2025
That ending!!! I will be reading book 2 soon
December 7, 2024
Why?
The alphas knew she had been on the run since childhood. Second, two of them were upset about her rejecting them, but it seemed as if she was right. I don’t understand how they didn’t ask about her childhood experiences, especially after she assumed that they would kill her. This fact is glossed over. I hate that Amazon keeps recommending me books that are written by people who want a quick buck.
The alphas knew she had been on the run since childhood. Second, two of them were upset about her rejecting them, but it seemed as if she was right. I don’t understand how they didn’t ask about her childhood experiences, especially after she assumed that they would kill her. This fact is glossed over. I hate that Amazon keeps recommending me books that are written by people who want a quick buck.
December 15, 2024
The cover does the book dirty
March 9, 2025
2.8 ⭐️
I got high the last half of the book and it was definitely better then if I was reading it sober. I’m not ashamed with my decisions.
I got high the last half of the book and it was definitely better then if I was reading it sober. I’m not ashamed with my decisions.
October 31, 2024
You can find this review of A Curse of Fate on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to GD Author Services and the author Jaymin Eve for giving me this amazing opportunity to read A Curse of Fate early!
I cannot explain the devastation this book has inflicted upon me. At the same time, I cannot explain how much this book felt like a blessing to my slump healing heart. 🤌🏻✨ For all time, this book shall be referred to as the reward bestowed upon me for suffering through a terrible terrible slump. RBUMSATTTS for short.
Moving on.
I will admit that three things drew me straight to reading this book. The first was the cover—I mean, can you blame me, look how beautiful it is—the second was the author who’d written it—I mean, have you read her Shadow Beast Shifter series?—and last but not the least, the blurb. I mean, I’m sorry, but after reading The Bonds that Tie series, I haven’t found other Why Choose themed books as good as that series was. I loved how much reading A Curse of Fate was reminiscence of that series even while it paved a path unique to itself. So, if you’ve read J. Bree’s series and are searching for another that’s as well done, stop reading this review right now and go check out Jaymin Eve’s addictive new release that I guarantee you will devour—like I did—in one sitting.
Need I go on?
The plot in ACoF initially remains heavily focused on the more emotionally charged aspects of the theme. This is honestly such a great ploy to ensure that the readers are unaware that they’ve stepped straight into quick sand that slowly but surely drags them deeper and deeper into itself until the bigger picture begins to emerge and you’re reeling and realizing where you likely are. Emotionally and plot-wise that’s where Eve leaves us hanging; in that high stakes moment of revelation and shock.
The characters in any story can truly make or break a book. However in books such as this one with a theme surrounding five main characters, it’s extremely important to flesh out your characters and establish them really well so the readers know exactly what to expect the moment a character walks into a scene. It’s my favourite aspect of this book. Every character gets their own time on page and as a reader you truly understand and learn them with no rush. The author doesn’t thrust all five personalities at you at once, but rather she introduces them as little pieces of a bigger puzzle that begins to slowly reveal itself. There’s still a lot more to go and I’m absolutely sat for it.
Also! For those who are curious, expect the see the famous four MMC personalities: the Possessive One, the Angry One, the Dangerous One and of course the Sweet One.
The pace in ACoF is something that I barely noticed. As I mentioned before, I didn’t stop reading or put down Eve’s book from the moment I started it. I was cruising through the pages surprising myself every time I checked the percentage on how far along I was. I read from morning to late evening and I still had not had enough. I could’ve devoured two more books before I felt a semblance of satiation. Essentially, the pace never let up and the book keeps you glued to its pages.
Poor Jaymin Eve, she likely spent weeks writing this baby and I consumed it whole in maybe six-seven hours and am currently sitting here demanding more. Sorry! *sad face*
A very smart way to do world building in a book is having the main character learn with the reader. This often ensures an even pace to the whole process, helps us connect to the narrator as they’re likely feeling what we are, and of course, adds a lot of mystery to the story as we slowly understand the rules and dynamics of the world. Eve follows this style with a little bit of pre-existing knowledge that throws in a few complexities emotionally and plot wise. Loved it.
L. O. V. E. D. I. T.
While I admit the book might seem to remind you of The Bonds That Tie sometimes here and there, I promise you it takes on its own personality soon enough that you stop seeing any similarities.
Five glorious stars! Check trigger warnings please! There are themes in this book that can be triggering for some.
A big shout out and thank you to GD Author Services and the author Jaymin Eve for giving me this amazing opportunity to read A Curse of Fate early!
I cannot explain the devastation this book has inflicted upon me. At the same time, I cannot explain how much this book felt like a blessing to my slump healing heart. 🤌🏻✨ For all time, this book shall be referred to as the reward bestowed upon me for suffering through a terrible terrible slump. RBUMSATTTS for short.
Moving on.
I will admit that three things drew me straight to reading this book. The first was the cover—I mean, can you blame me, look how beautiful it is—the second was the author who’d written it—I mean, have you read her Shadow Beast Shifter series?—and last but not the least, the blurb. I mean, I’m sorry, but after reading The Bonds that Tie series, I haven’t found other Why Choose themed books as good as that series was. I loved how much reading A Curse of Fate was reminiscence of that series even while it paved a path unique to itself. So, if you’ve read J. Bree’s series and are searching for another that’s as well done, stop reading this review right now and go check out Jaymin Eve’s addictive new release that I guarantee you will devour—like I did—in one sitting.
Need I go on?
The plot in ACoF initially remains heavily focused on the more emotionally charged aspects of the theme. This is honestly such a great ploy to ensure that the readers are unaware that they’ve stepped straight into quick sand that slowly but surely drags them deeper and deeper into itself until the bigger picture begins to emerge and you’re reeling and realizing where you likely are. Emotionally and plot-wise that’s where Eve leaves us hanging; in that high stakes moment of revelation and shock.
The characters in any story can truly make or break a book. However in books such as this one with a theme surrounding five main characters, it’s extremely important to flesh out your characters and establish them really well so the readers know exactly what to expect the moment a character walks into a scene. It’s my favourite aspect of this book. Every character gets their own time on page and as a reader you truly understand and learn them with no rush. The author doesn’t thrust all five personalities at you at once, but rather she introduces them as little pieces of a bigger puzzle that begins to slowly reveal itself. There’s still a lot more to go and I’m absolutely sat for it.
Also! For those who are curious, expect the see the famous four MMC personalities: the Possessive One, the Angry One, the Dangerous One and of course the Sweet One.
The pace in ACoF is something that I barely noticed. As I mentioned before, I didn’t stop reading or put down Eve’s book from the moment I started it. I was cruising through the pages surprising myself every time I checked the percentage on how far along I was. I read from morning to late evening and I still had not had enough. I could’ve devoured two more books before I felt a semblance of satiation. Essentially, the pace never let up and the book keeps you glued to its pages.
Poor Jaymin Eve, she likely spent weeks writing this baby and I consumed it whole in maybe six-seven hours and am currently sitting here demanding more. Sorry! *sad face*
A very smart way to do world building in a book is having the main character learn with the reader. This often ensures an even pace to the whole process, helps us connect to the narrator as they’re likely feeling what we are, and of course, adds a lot of mystery to the story as we slowly understand the rules and dynamics of the world. Eve follows this style with a little bit of pre-existing knowledge that throws in a few complexities emotionally and plot wise. Loved it.
L. O. V. E. D. I. T.
While I admit the book might seem to remind you of The Bonds That Tie sometimes here and there, I promise you it takes on its own personality soon enough that you stop seeing any similarities.
Five glorious stars! Check trigger warnings please! There are themes in this book that can be triggering for some.
March 8, 2025
I've found my newest book addiction! It should be no surprise that it's a shifter book! We know I love a shifter story!
We've got a group of 4 Alphas who are shocked to find that the run away rogue omega is their scent match. The only problem is she doesn't want to be.
These Alphas are willing to prove that they aren't like other Alphas and will never force her. But shit hits the fan when the secrets Emme is hiding start coming forward.
I loved meeting the characters in this book, and I am immediately diving into book 2.
Overall ☆☆☆☆☆/5
Spice ☆☆.5 /5 Angst is there but slow burn.
We've got a group of 4 Alphas who are shocked to find that the run away rogue omega is their scent match. The only problem is she doesn't want to be.
These Alphas are willing to prove that they aren't like other Alphas and will never force her. But shit hits the fan when the secrets Emme is hiding start coming forward.
I loved meeting the characters in this book, and I am immediately diving into book 2.
Overall ☆☆☆☆☆/5
Spice ☆☆.5 /5 Angst is there but slow burn.
November 8, 2024
Meh. Not much happens in terms of plot, character or relationship. As a reader, we learn almost nothing about the world or the characters. So it’s decently written, but just really boring with the same sorts of relationship dynamics I’ve read time and time again in books like this.
December 12, 2024
Nothing really happened??? I was very bored whilst reading
May 30, 2025
okay this was addicting. Emme is finally a clever protagonist, I love the shifter lore (more pls) and I may be in love with Kellan.
November 13, 2024
hitting 100 books with a BANGER!!! Can’t wait to read what happens next!!!
November 2, 2024
I liked it. I’m a sucker for Jaymin Eve. I just felt like everything and nothing was happening at the same time. It felt rushed but at the same time slow-going in its storyline/main plot.
I prefer a slow-burn. I felt that a little bit with one of the love interests in the pack but overall I felt the main character, Emme, gave in pretty easily. Her past and perceived personality at the start gave me a good idea of her strength and resolve but very quickly it felt like we were breezing by very real parts of what she went through to survive. When trama is hinted upon with heavy subjects - its a disservice to pull back. Emme is strong, we should be seeing that more and in different ways ON page.
Everything gave way for the romance between Emme and two of her packmates with little else included. Where are the family members in all this? What about her friends? I wanted outside connection that lead up to the ending but it felt like a force speed walking me to the final chapters. I’d really hope for more build-up, world building, and slow-burn wooing.
And Fin. Fuck that guy. I’m sorry but I could not get myself to empathize with him. What is his backstory to be a meanie poopoo head!!!! Like a level 10 ass!! Even if he grovels…I’m not feeling him. He hasn’t earned Emme’s respect or attention.
And onto Emme - her whole drive to be unattached (no pack) was Extremely vague and not extended on. I had to piece it together after 2/3 of the book by barely hinted subtext! I reached pretty far but once I did things made a little more sense. Like I know exactly where the story is headed regarding what happened with her mother but geez I had to really dig for it. A flashback, details of her childhood, anything would have made a clearer image and drawn a better understanding to how Emme feels with Alphas. I personally felt there were other ways to have brought out this part of the story in a well-rounded way.
Yet still, I will always pick up a sequel of Jaymin Eve’s. I’m excited to see what happens with these characters.
I prefer a slow-burn. I felt that a little bit with one of the love interests in the pack but overall I felt the main character, Emme, gave in pretty easily. Her past and perceived personality at the start gave me a good idea of her strength and resolve but very quickly it felt like we were breezing by very real parts of what she went through to survive. When trama is hinted upon with heavy subjects - its a disservice to pull back. Emme is strong, we should be seeing that more and in different ways ON page.
Everything gave way for the romance between Emme and two of her packmates with little else included. Where are the family members in all this? What about her friends? I wanted outside connection that lead up to the ending but it felt like a force speed walking me to the final chapters. I’d really hope for more build-up, world building, and slow-burn wooing.
And Fin. Fuck that guy. I’m sorry but I could not get myself to empathize with him. What is his backstory to be a meanie poopoo head!!!! Like a level 10 ass!! Even if he grovels…I’m not feeling him. He hasn’t earned Emme’s respect or attention.
And onto Emme - her whole drive to be unattached (no pack) was Extremely vague and not extended on. I had to piece it together after 2/3 of the book by barely hinted subtext! I reached pretty far but once I did things made a little more sense. Like I know exactly where the story is headed regarding what happened with her mother but geez I had to really dig for it. A flashback, details of her childhood, anything would have made a clearer image and drawn a better understanding to how Emme feels with Alphas. I personally felt there were other ways to have brought out this part of the story in a well-rounded way.
Yet still, I will always pick up a sequel of Jaymin Eve’s. I’m excited to see what happens with these characters.
November 11, 2024
Emmie, Hunter, Slade, Kellan, and Finley. Emmie has been on the run for many years. Her mother was killed by her bonded mates and she has been on her own ever since. When she is captured and taken to Golden Claw City, she is determined to find a way to escape. She ends up scenting and discovering her fated mate is Hunter one of the councilors to determine her fate. She learns that not only is he her fated mate but his pack is her are all meant for her. Emmie does not want to end up like her mother so she is determined to keep all of them away until she can make her escape.
I devoured this book and I loved every min of it. And then the ending talk about a brutal cliffhanger. I am in a book hang over now. Nothing I try will be as good as that. I love a good shifter romance and this one is delicious. I have read Jaymin Eve’s Shadowbeast shifter series and loved it. And this one will be the same. There wasn’t a lot of spice in this one, but it is still good.
I devoured this book and I loved every min of it. And then the ending talk about a brutal cliffhanger. I am in a book hang over now. Nothing I try will be as good as that. I love a good shifter romance and this one is delicious. I have read Jaymin Eve’s Shadowbeast shifter series and loved it. And this one will be the same. There wasn’t a lot of spice in this one, but it is still good.
November 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I liked the world and the characters. There was enough sexual chemistry and tension to keep my interest. This is slow burn since it's the first book in a series.
My only criticism is that near the end of every chapter from the FMC's POV she reiterated that she was going to have to leave or this was temporary or she couldn't be part of a pack. That got to be tiresome - we get it! You've got trauma and think that means you can't be in a healthy relationship.
My only criticism is that near the end of every chapter from the FMC's POV she reiterated that she was going to have to leave or this was temporary or she couldn't be part of a pack. That got to be tiresome - we get it! You've got trauma and think that means you can't be in a healthy relationship.
November 2, 2024
This was so good. It reminded me of what felt (to me) like the golden age of RH books circa 2018-2020. It had so many elements that I love and I enjoyed that the author is taking her time with the story development and really letting us learn the characters and the world they’re in. I wish I didn’t have to wait for the next one!
January 31, 2025
0 ⭐️ but goodreads hates that
can’t understand the appeal of this writing and non-existent story. how was this published. how was the word ‘vibe’ used on almost every page without worry. i think i could turn this review into a thesis but i’m so worn out from reading this that i won’t bother.
can’t understand the appeal of this writing and non-existent story. how was this published. how was the word ‘vibe’ used on almost every page without worry. i think i could turn this review into a thesis but i’m so worn out from reading this that i won’t bother.
January 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
i was obsessed with this shifter book. i loved emme so much and her alphas, (except finley was pissjng me off but i know he’ll make up for it) 🙂↕️
that cliffy?! EXCUSE MEEEEE. ugh!!!! PAIN. NEED. GNAWING.
there’s something about scent mates that just gets me everytime, and it was done so well in this book. i’m rooting for them all so hard i can’t wait 🥲
i was obsessed with this shifter book. i loved emme so much and her alphas, (except finley was pissjng me off but i know he’ll make up for it) 🙂↕️
that cliffy?! EXCUSE MEEEEE. ugh!!!! PAIN. NEED. GNAWING.
there’s something about scent mates that just gets me everytime, and it was done so well in this book. i’m rooting for them all so hard i can’t wait 🥲
October 12, 2025
2.5
I struggled not only to read this, but deciding how to rate it.
The first half is rough, irritating, and confusing. In the second half, our FMC is less whiny and repetitive (not by much), and the story starts to make a bit more sense. I almost DNF'ed before I got to that point, tho. I'm continuing the series, not because of the cliff-hanger, but for the potential of the series to be enjoyable.
I struggled not only to read this, but deciding how to rate it.
The first half is rough, irritating, and confusing. In the second half, our FMC is less whiny and repetitive (not by much), and the story starts to make a bit more sense. I almost DNF'ed before I got to that point, tho. I'm continuing the series, not because of the cliff-hanger, but for the potential of the series to be enjoyable.
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