What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets & Curses of Fate
“Tell me of all your sins and I will love you anyway.”
Della waited an eternity for her fated mate, and the moment she met Haden Vale, she knew—he was hers.
But fate is cruel. When destiny threatens to rip Haden away, Della makes a desperate choice—one that carries an unthinkable cost. To save him, she must sacrifice Remiah Vale—Haden’s twin sister. In a single, heartbreaking instant, their love is shattered before it can ever truly begin.
For years, Della has outrun the consequences of choices, defying divine laws and clinging to the fragile hope that she and Haden can reshape destiny. But fate does not forget. The stars have been watching, waiting—and now, they demand retribution.
Haden will finally learn the truth—the lies, the betrayal, the curse Della placed upon them both long before they ever met in Kizar.
Now, Della must face the ultimate question: Will Haden see her as the woman who loved him beyond reason or the one who doomed them both?
Because rewriting fate always comes at a cost.
Della waited an eternity for her fated mate, and the moment she met Haden Vale, she knew—he was hers.
But fate is cruel. When destiny threatens to rip Haden away, Della makes a desperate choice—one that carries an unthinkable cost. To save him, she must sacrifice Remiah Vale—Haden’s twin sister. In a single, heartbreaking instant, their love is shattered before it can ever truly begin.
For years, Della has outrun the consequences of choices, defying divine laws and clinging to the fragile hope that she and Haden can reshape destiny. But fate does not forget. The stars have been watching, waiting—and now, they demand retribution.
Haden will finally learn the truth—the lies, the betrayal, the curse Della placed upon them both long before they ever met in Kizar.
Now, Della must face the ultimate question: Will Haden see her as the woman who loved him beyond reason or the one who doomed them both?
Because rewriting fate always comes at a cost.
- GenresRomantasyFantasy Romance
Paperback
Published May 3, 2025
37 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 5, 2025
Gods this book. This author has me in a chokehold and will always read all her damn books. Haden & Della’s story was an emotional roller coaster and it’s not even done! Secrets & Curses of Gods is next and may or may not finish their story. I honestly wasn’t expecting their backstory to be as eventful and impacting but damn it was. Thank you Shay for the ARC, you killed it once again. Prepare to be upset, sad, happy, giddy, bashful with the spice scenes (good lord the way he talks to her and sometimes her to him 😉), and just overall kept on your toes.
April 21, 2025
I was blessed with the chance to be an ARC reader for Secrets and Curses of Fate.
“We were destined for heartbreak. We were destined for destruction. And would destroy each other in the name of love. “
I am so glad that Shay Taylor decided to have Haden and Della’s story be two books instead of one! I thought I knew what I wanted from reading about them before, but she has given me so much more! No spoilers here but let’s just say the amount of twist on things I thought I knew blew my mind! Secrets, betrayal, heartbreak and so much love.
If you have read Shay’s “Secrets and Curses Series” you have to read this book! I cannot recommend her work enough. She has now become a must read author for me!
“We were destined for heartbreak. We were destined for destruction. And would destroy each other in the name of love. “
I am so glad that Shay Taylor decided to have Haden and Della’s story be two books instead of one! I thought I knew what I wanted from reading about them before, but she has given me so much more! No spoilers here but let’s just say the amount of twist on things I thought I knew blew my mind! Secrets, betrayal, heartbreak and so much love.
If you have read Shay’s “Secrets and Curses Series” you have to read this book! I cannot recommend her work enough. She has now become a must read author for me!
April 24, 2025
No spoilers review!
OH MY GOOD GRACIOUS - This backstory of Haden and Della had me in its grip this week. You will hear me singing the praises of Shay Taylor and this series over and over again. I recommend it to all of my book friends stuck in a slump because they are easy reads that also have that intrigue, making you want to keep turning the page.
In this book specifically, we not only get Haden and Della’s backstory - there is flirty banter, a badass FMC, spice, conspiracy, magic, secrets, curses, mental health and bereavement representation, fated mates - so many of my favorite book tropes with an absolutely fantastic take on an all-consuming love that will leave you wanting more. There is nothing I love more than a couple willing to do AN👏🏼Y👏🏼THING👏🏼 for one another - can't wait for the fifth book releasing May 13th Secrets and Curses of Gods.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book as an ARC and would like to thank Shay for allowing me early access to be able to provide a review for those looking for their next favorite read and next favorite author 💜🫶🏼
OH MY GOOD GRACIOUS - This backstory of Haden and Della had me in its grip this week. You will hear me singing the praises of Shay Taylor and this series over and over again. I recommend it to all of my book friends stuck in a slump because they are easy reads that also have that intrigue, making you want to keep turning the page.
In this book specifically, we not only get Haden and Della’s backstory - there is flirty banter, a badass FMC, spice, conspiracy, magic, secrets, curses, mental health and bereavement representation, fated mates - so many of my favorite book tropes with an absolutely fantastic take on an all-consuming love that will leave you wanting more. There is nothing I love more than a couple willing to do AN👏🏼Y👏🏼THING👏🏼 for one another - can't wait for the fifth book releasing May 13th Secrets and Curses of Gods.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book as an ARC and would like to thank Shay for allowing me early access to be able to provide a review for those looking for their next favorite read and next favorite author 💜🫶🏼
April 20, 2025
ARC reader here, and let me just say—Secrets & Curses of Fate absolutely delivered! I’m so glad this story is being told across two books, because diving deep into the backstory of Haden and Della felt essential before we pick back up where things left off in Secrets & Curses of Crimson. Shay Taylor masterfully tugs at both the heartstrings and the expectations of her readers (as we’ve come to expect from the previous books), and Secrets & Curses of Fate was no exception.
I cried, I laughed, I was happy, and thoroughly mad—in no particular order, and sometimes all within a single chapter. I won’t spoil anything for you here, but I can’t WAIT to reach out to other readers to talk about how this book made me feel (haha). After only catching glimpses of Haden and Della’s relationship earlier in the series, it was incredibly satisfying (and at times, shocking) to finally get a deeper, more personal perspective of their full story—one that adds even more emotion and complexity. I’m already counting down the days until the next book’s release!
I cried, I laughed, I was happy, and thoroughly mad—in no particular order, and sometimes all within a single chapter. I won’t spoil anything for you here, but I can’t WAIT to reach out to other readers to talk about how this book made me feel (haha). After only catching glimpses of Haden and Della’s relationship earlier in the series, it was incredibly satisfying (and at times, shocking) to finally get a deeper, more personal perspective of their full story—one that adds even more emotion and complexity. I’m already counting down the days until the next book’s release!
April 20, 2025
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC, and want to say thank you to Shay Taylor for including me. I am honored. I absolutely loved the first trilogy of this interconnected series.
This book caught me off guard. Maybe I was hyper focused on Thea and Cassius reading the original three books, but I was not expecting the depth and twists of Haden’s character.
*Spoiler for the first three books if you have not read them*
We go into Secrets & Curses of Fate knowing that Della and Haden are not on good terms. She had a hand in his sister dying. And he, understandably so, hated her because of it. And we know from those books that his twin sister was Mikel’s mate, Mikel being Della’s twin.
This book was a “trust the process and keep going” book at the beginning, but there is absolutely a reason for the way it starts out. A lot of questions were answered from the original trilogy, but you’re left with so many more questions. Haden’s character development is wild in a good way, and I definitely didn’t see the twists and turns coming. I had to back track, reread and then highlight sections to reference back to when the second book comes out. (Note: I love this in books! When tidbits of information are thrown out there, and you know it’s important but you don’t know why yet, I absolutely eat this up. The moment it all makes sense is so satisfying.)
I loved the heartwarming moments and also the moments that were heartbreaking and made me tear up.
Overall book rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spicy level: 3 🌶️
This book did have a few small grammatical errors, but I’m not someone who really cares about it, unless it’s distracting to the storyline. Shay Taylor has done a fantastic job continuing in this universe and I’m excited to see what the next book holds for Haden and Della. And of course, we love seeing the characters we loved from the original three books appear.
This book caught me off guard. Maybe I was hyper focused on Thea and Cassius reading the original three books, but I was not expecting the depth and twists of Haden’s character.
*Spoiler for the first three books if you have not read them*
We go into Secrets & Curses of Fate knowing that Della and Haden are not on good terms. She had a hand in his sister dying. And he, understandably so, hated her because of it. And we know from those books that his twin sister was Mikel’s mate, Mikel being Della’s twin.
This book was a “trust the process and keep going” book at the beginning, but there is absolutely a reason for the way it starts out. A lot of questions were answered from the original trilogy, but you’re left with so many more questions. Haden’s character development is wild in a good way, and I definitely didn’t see the twists and turns coming. I had to back track, reread and then highlight sections to reference back to when the second book comes out. (Note: I love this in books! When tidbits of information are thrown out there, and you know it’s important but you don’t know why yet, I absolutely eat this up. The moment it all makes sense is so satisfying.)
I loved the heartwarming moments and also the moments that were heartbreaking and made me tear up.
Overall book rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spicy level: 3 🌶️
This book did have a few small grammatical errors, but I’m not someone who really cares about it, unless it’s distracting to the storyline. Shay Taylor has done a fantastic job continuing in this universe and I’m excited to see what the next book holds for Haden and Della. And of course, we love seeing the characters we loved from the original three books appear.
April 25, 2025
This is my first ever Review and as an ARC reader so thank you Shay.
Spice 4🌶️
Recommend 10+⭐️
Emotions 🤭😂🫣🫦😏😭
I got the honor of being an ARC reader for this book and can I just say-Shay your writing is like watching a movie play in my mind, it is done so beautifully and I can’t stop recommending your books.
I admit I began Secrets & Curses of Fate not knowing if I was gonna to enjoy it as much as I did secrets & curses of exile (because I am and will always be obsessed with Thea and Cassius) but when I tell you-Della and Haden… wow just wow-and that spice was definitely spicing.
In the first three books of Secrets & Curses you meet Della and Haden.Secrets & Curses of Fate you experience what is Della and Haden.
You are brought back in time to find out how our beautiful Goddess Della and her mate Haden came to be how they are now.
You will get to experience both sides of their story and while you are reading Della’s POV you are feeling every emotion that she is feeling. From wanting to protect and love to wanting to find answers. While in Haden’s POV you are gaining more and more information that makes you want to just keep digging deeper.
By the time you reach the end of the book you are gonna be trying to scream to them everything you have discovered.
There are so many emotions that you are going to experience while reading this book; I was laughing, kicking my feet, crying and blushing hard.
The cliffhanger is definitely what Shay does best.
I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait for the next book to come out but I am so excited to get to read more of Della and Haden’s story because they have so much more to tell us and I need to see what happens next.
“Orange”😭
Well done Shay, you are an amazing Author. I will forever be a fan of your writing.
Spice 4🌶️
Recommend 10+⭐️
Emotions 🤭😂🫣🫦😏😭
I got the honor of being an ARC reader for this book and can I just say-Shay your writing is like watching a movie play in my mind, it is done so beautifully and I can’t stop recommending your books.
I admit I began Secrets & Curses of Fate not knowing if I was gonna to enjoy it as much as I did secrets & curses of exile (because I am and will always be obsessed with Thea and Cassius) but when I tell you-Della and Haden… wow just wow-and that spice was definitely spicing.
In the first three books of Secrets & Curses you meet Della and Haden.Secrets & Curses of Fate you experience what is Della and Haden.
You are brought back in time to find out how our beautiful Goddess Della and her mate Haden came to be how they are now.
You will get to experience both sides of their story and while you are reading Della’s POV you are feeling every emotion that she is feeling. From wanting to protect and love to wanting to find answers. While in Haden’s POV you are gaining more and more information that makes you want to just keep digging deeper.
By the time you reach the end of the book you are gonna be trying to scream to them everything you have discovered.
There are so many emotions that you are going to experience while reading this book; I was laughing, kicking my feet, crying and blushing hard.
The cliffhanger is definitely what Shay does best.
I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait for the next book to come out but I am so excited to get to read more of Della and Haden’s story because they have so much more to tell us and I need to see what happens next.
“Orange”😭
Well done Shay, you are an amazing Author. I will forever be a fan of your writing.
April 25, 2025
Let me preface this by saying; I am an ARC reader for Shay (She is one of my favoriteeee indie authors!), I am obsessed with the first 3 books in this series, and I am very much a vibe reader. Now that that is out of the way let's get into it!
The book starts off kinda slow in my opinion, maybe because I already knew they wouldn't get their happily ever after because of their strained relationship in the first 3 books (this one is a prequel to Secrets and Curses of Exile), but it picked up pretty quickly with the second "personality" (Void) that Haden has. I was very intrigued when it was revealed who Void actually is and by the end I was sucked in hard! Hearing a little bit of the background of how Della came to be in Thea and Cassius's lives was a perk too (I love them so much). I am so glad that Della and Haden are getting their own story and that the story will continue to after Thea broke her curse. Maybe we will even get more snippets of their times together while trying to help Thea break her curse.
I am still holding out hope that they will end up with their happily ever after though and can't wait to continue their story in the next book!
The book starts off kinda slow in my opinion, maybe because I already knew they wouldn't get their happily ever after because of their strained relationship in the first 3 books (this one is a prequel to Secrets and Curses of Exile), but it picked up pretty quickly with the second "personality" (Void) that Haden has. I was very intrigued when it was revealed who Void actually is and by the end I was sucked in hard! Hearing a little bit of the background of how Della came to be in Thea and Cassius's lives was a perk too (I love them so much). I am so glad that Della and Haden are getting their own story and that the story will continue to after Thea broke her curse. Maybe we will even get more snippets of their times together while trying to help Thea break her curse.
I am still holding out hope that they will end up with their happily ever after though and can't wait to continue their story in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
What did I just read???
This is the beginning of Haden and Della’s story and how they came to be. You get to see where they started and how they met and follow them along their journey to where their relationship is in Book 3, Secrets & Curses of Crimson. Shay has written very emotional stories for her characters and this was no different. Even though I knew I would hurt, I was still not prepared for the heartbreak and tears. 😭 There are twists and turns that I never could have expected and now I only want more. Her writing always captures me and I cannot wait for the next book to see where their story goes.
*This is an ARC review*
This is the beginning of Haden and Della’s story and how they came to be. You get to see where they started and how they met and follow them along their journey to where their relationship is in Book 3, Secrets & Curses of Crimson. Shay has written very emotional stories for her characters and this was no different. Even though I knew I would hurt, I was still not prepared for the heartbreak and tears. 😭 There are twists and turns that I never could have expected and now I only want more. Her writing always captures me and I cannot wait for the next book to see where their story goes.
*This is an ARC review*
April 26, 2025
Shay you did it again!
I have been super blessed to be an ARC reader again for this book.
Another rollercoaster of emotions in this book following a more in depth look into Della and Haden. I think I’ve laughed, cried and wanted to throw my kindle through a wall all in space of a chapter 🤣 (a few times over)
I was so excited to hear Della and Haden were getting their story and it really did not disappoint. I already cannot wait for the next part!
I have been super blessed to be an ARC reader again for this book.
Another rollercoaster of emotions in this book following a more in depth look into Della and Haden. I think I’ve laughed, cried and wanted to throw my kindle through a wall all in space of a chapter 🤣 (a few times over)
I was so excited to hear Della and Haden were getting their story and it really did not disappoint. I already cannot wait for the next part!
April 21, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
I received this ARC courtesy of the author, so thank you Shay!
I was so excited to learn we were going to get a spin off book for Della and Haden. Since we got a brief glance of them in the Secrets & Curses trilogy for Cassian and Thea, and what we got made me have so many questions about them. Then, the author came out and said their story was going to be 2 books!? I was like, yesssss!
Book 1 here is a real deep dive into Haden and Della’s backstory and history. And at first, it was a little hard to keep up with and understand but KEEP GOING! I promise it’ll all connect and make sense.
I would suggest reading Cassian and Thea’s story first. While Della and Haden aren’t the main focus of that, I still think it helped knowing the few things we did from that trilogy and connect the dots for this book.
This book brings us right up to the events of Secrets & Curses of Exile so I’m excited for the next book (also coming out in May!!) to dive into those events and beyond is my guess. You truly are getting their full story.
There is definitely a lot of mystery and secrets going on throughout the book that had me wondering and trying to guess. I’d get some things but was completely off on others. The reveal towards the end had me going “why didn’t I guess that!?!?”
I am aching for the next book!
Shay has been one of my favorite authors who isn’t afraid to put spice into her stories in Cassian and Thea’s story and she did not disappoint for Della and Haden’s story either! 🌶️ I can see some very intense scenes coming in the next book, in the spiciest of ways 😜
3🌶️
I received this ARC courtesy of the author, so thank you Shay!
I was so excited to learn we were going to get a spin off book for Della and Haden. Since we got a brief glance of them in the Secrets & Curses trilogy for Cassian and Thea, and what we got made me have so many questions about them. Then, the author came out and said their story was going to be 2 books!? I was like, yesssss!
Book 1 here is a real deep dive into Haden and Della’s backstory and history. And at first, it was a little hard to keep up with and understand but KEEP GOING! I promise it’ll all connect and make sense.
I would suggest reading Cassian and Thea’s story first. While Della and Haden aren’t the main focus of that, I still think it helped knowing the few things we did from that trilogy and connect the dots for this book.
This book brings us right up to the events of Secrets & Curses of Exile so I’m excited for the next book (also coming out in May!!) to dive into those events and beyond is my guess. You truly are getting their full story.
There is definitely a lot of mystery and secrets going on throughout the book that had me wondering and trying to guess. I’d get some things but was completely off on others. The reveal towards the end had me going “why didn’t I guess that!?!?”
I am aching for the next book!
Shay has been one of my favorite authors who isn’t afraid to put spice into her stories in Cassian and Thea’s story and she did not disappoint for Della and Haden’s story either! 🌶️ I can see some very intense scenes coming in the next book, in the spiciest of ways 😜
April 28, 2025
This was an ARC read and let me tell you... I CANNOT wait for the final book! It feels like everything is building toward something huge, bringing together the journeys of Thea, Cassius, Ardella, and Haden in a way that fills in all the missing pieces beautifully.
I absolutely loved the depth this book gave to Ardella and Haden’s story. I always had the feeling there was more to Haden than we were shown before, and this book confirmed it. We finally understand why both Haden and Ardella are the way they are — and it makes their bond even more powerful. Their love story has easily become my favorite; it’s full of resilience, distance, and defying impossible odds.
While Thea and Cassius will always have a special place in my heart, their story was tied so tightly to the curse that it sometimes felt just out of reach. I'm hoping we’ll still get glimpses into their future too as the next series unfolds.
As always, Shay Taylor kept me on my toes, I could never predict what was coming next. And trust me, have tissues ready because this story breaks your heart in the most beautiful way. But there’s still hope, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say: Pick it up. Read it. It’s absolutely worth it.
I cannot wait for Book 5!
5/5 stars. Another masterpiece from Shay Taylor.
I absolutely loved the depth this book gave to Ardella and Haden’s story. I always had the feeling there was more to Haden than we were shown before, and this book confirmed it. We finally understand why both Haden and Ardella are the way they are — and it makes their bond even more powerful. Their love story has easily become my favorite; it’s full of resilience, distance, and defying impossible odds.
While Thea and Cassius will always have a special place in my heart, their story was tied so tightly to the curse that it sometimes felt just out of reach. I'm hoping we’ll still get glimpses into their future too as the next series unfolds.
As always, Shay Taylor kept me on my toes, I could never predict what was coming next. And trust me, have tissues ready because this story breaks your heart in the most beautiful way. But there’s still hope, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say: Pick it up. Read it. It’s absolutely worth it.
I cannot wait for Book 5!
5/5 stars. Another masterpiece from Shay Taylor.
April 21, 2025
*I was sent an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Orange is the color of your soul. It will always be my favorite.” 🧡
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!!
If you read the Secrets & Fates trilogy you know that Shay likes to take you on a ride and then change it up! Usually more than once! Just when you think you’re on steady feet, next thing you see is the ground coming towards your face!
You get a glimpse of Della and Haden when you read Thea and Cassius’ story. I was intrigued by them before I even knew this book was going to exist. I mean, fated mates where one of them hates the other?!
My heart breaks for Della and even tho I trust Shay to give her a HEA…my girl better get everything she deserves! My gawd! As the “Gods favorite” they sure wrote her the short end of every stick! After everything she went through this book all I got to say is in the next one…”hell hath no fury”
Haden, Haden, Haden. Even after the epilogue I still have so many questions. This explained why Haden is the way he is while he’s in Crimson with Thea and Cassius. It’s hard for me to write a review about Haden because who he was in the book, I want to have a smidge of redemption and groveling in the next book.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Orange is the color of your soul. It will always be my favorite.” 🧡
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!!
If you read the Secrets & Fates trilogy you know that Shay likes to take you on a ride and then change it up! Usually more than once! Just when you think you’re on steady feet, next thing you see is the ground coming towards your face!
You get a glimpse of Della and Haden when you read Thea and Cassius’ story. I was intrigued by them before I even knew this book was going to exist. I mean, fated mates where one of them hates the other?!
My heart breaks for Della and even tho I trust Shay to give her a HEA…my girl better get everything she deserves! My gawd! As the “Gods favorite” they sure wrote her the short end of every stick! After everything she went through this book all I got to say is in the next one…”hell hath no fury”
Haden, Haden, Haden. Even after the epilogue I still have so many questions. This explained why Haden is the way he is while he’s in Crimson with Thea and Cassius. It’s hard for me to write a review about Haden because who he was in the book, I want to have a smidge of redemption and groveling in the next book.
April 27, 2025
First off, this woman is a GENIUS.
Secondly, this book broke me.
Shay, thank you for making me part of you permanent ARC team, best thing that ever happened to me <3
Okay, so... Secrets & Curses of Exile was bad in terms of making me utterly confused and honestly making me lose my mind, but this book... This book definitely surpassed that...
Jeckyll & Hyde meets Frozen (you'll see what I mean when you read it), I had such a hate/love relationship with this story. Shay excells at writing these really BADASS, CONFIDENT and STRONG fmc's, and Della was more than I could have ever hoped for. She is amazing and had me cheering her on, many, many times!
Then there's Haden. If you've read Secrets & Curses of Exile, you know what I mean when I say, I HATED him in that book. But there's so much we didn't know about him. You will get to know him a LOT better in this book, and at times, you won't know wether to hate or to love him. Hell, I'm still not sure myself...
Honestly, I need Secrets & Curses of Gods nów, before I lose my mind and become a sobbing mess, unable to leave the safety of my bed...
Well done, Shay!
Secondly, this book broke me.
Shay, thank you for making me part of you permanent ARC team, best thing that ever happened to me <3
Okay, so... Secrets & Curses of Exile was bad in terms of making me utterly confused and honestly making me lose my mind, but this book... This book definitely surpassed that...
Jeckyll & Hyde meets Frozen (you'll see what I mean when you read it), I had such a hate/love relationship with this story. Shay excells at writing these really BADASS, CONFIDENT and STRONG fmc's, and Della was more than I could have ever hoped for. She is amazing and had me cheering her on, many, many times!
Then there's Haden. If you've read Secrets & Curses of Exile, you know what I mean when I say, I HATED him in that book. But there's so much we didn't know about him. You will get to know him a LOT better in this book, and at times, you won't know wether to hate or to love him. Hell, I'm still not sure myself...
Honestly, I need Secrets & Curses of Gods nów, before I lose my mind and become a sobbing mess, unable to leave the safety of my bed...
Well done, Shay!
May 2, 2025
Oh my heart....
I read the first 3 books in this series and I do recommend you read them, BUT, I don't think it's strictly necessary, but does help with character knowledge and backstory. This book does end on a cliffhanger, but not a heart-stopping crisis-inducing one thankfully. I AM however, counting the minutes until the next book comes out, and I may stare off into space from time to time just thinking about it like that meme from the show Narcos where Pablo is sitting on the swing staring - that'll be me, so thanks for that Shay.
Della and Haden, our star-crossed lovers have a rough go of it in this story. Poor Della doesn't even know the forces at work against her and her love for Haden. And Haden, he's not all he seems to be as we learn in this book. For his part, he does seem to truly love Della, but right now, I'm not very happy with our guy here. I have a feeling I'll like him even less in the next one, but I will hold out hope that he will make it up to her in some grandious way.
It would seem that the next book just might pick up in the same timeline as Book 1 of the series and I CANNOT WAIT to read it.
I read the first 3 books in this series and I do recommend you read them, BUT, I don't think it's strictly necessary, but does help with character knowledge and backstory. This book does end on a cliffhanger, but not a heart-stopping crisis-inducing one thankfully. I AM however, counting the minutes until the next book comes out, and I may stare off into space from time to time just thinking about it like that meme from the show Narcos where Pablo is sitting on the swing staring - that'll be me, so thanks for that Shay.
Della and Haden, our star-crossed lovers have a rough go of it in this story. Poor Della doesn't even know the forces at work against her and her love for Haden. And Haden, he's not all he seems to be as we learn in this book. For his part, he does seem to truly love Della, but right now, I'm not very happy with our guy here. I have a feeling I'll like him even less in the next one, but I will hold out hope that he will make it up to her in some grandious way.
It would seem that the next book just might pick up in the same timeline as Book 1 of the series and I CANNOT WAIT to read it.
May 3, 2025
Shay Taylor, how do you do it?! Yet again, we have another FMC who is unaware of her past and its impending impact, and I NEVER saw it coming … again! As I delved into Secrets & Curses of Fate, I found myself hesitating with every turned page, knowing the fate of Della & Haden, but unable to stop. The ending left me in shock!
The seamless transition between Haden’s dual personalities was masterfully executed. “But in reality, we were never supposed to fine one another: enemies, polar opposites, forbidden. Maybe that is why it felt too good. Because I knew this was not written by heaven or hell. We chose to be with each other and change fate so it would happen. But now I was about to destroy her anyways.” ~Chapter 30~
The multiple points of view narrative beautifully conveyed the heartbreaking tale of a Goddess willing to do anything for what she believes is fated love. “I’m all in.” ~Chapter 9~
The way Taylor ties this back to Thea & Cassius from the first three books is pure genius. And I never thought the Goddess of Life would have such a filthy mouth in the bedroom...
The seamless transition between Haden’s dual personalities was masterfully executed. “But in reality, we were never supposed to fine one another: enemies, polar opposites, forbidden. Maybe that is why it felt too good. Because I knew this was not written by heaven or hell. We chose to be with each other and change fate so it would happen. But now I was about to destroy her anyways.” ~Chapter 30~
The multiple points of view narrative beautifully conveyed the heartbreaking tale of a Goddess willing to do anything for what she believes is fated love. “I’m all in.” ~Chapter 9~
The way Taylor ties this back to Thea & Cassius from the first three books is pure genius. And I never thought the Goddess of Life would have such a filthy mouth in the bedroom...
May 4, 2025
Shay Taylor’s latest installation in the Secrets & Curses series is the best one yet. Aside from cheesy ads for pay-by-the-chapter wolf shifter books, I have yet to see someone truly address the concept of rejecting a mate bond in fantasy romance.
Secrets & Curses of Fate confronts this conflict head on and leaves the readers to grapple with the aftermath. One of the key themes throughout this series is the conflict between fate and free will. The conflict heightens with Della and Haden’s first book.
Tropes include lovers to enemies (yes, in that order), fated mates, forbidden love, and found family. There are several spicy scenes in this book, and they were well done.
I adored the first three books of the series, and didn’t know how I’d feel about leaving Thea behind as the main character. I think I like Della and Haden even more than Thea and Cassius. Her characters are all so complex, and I loved the way the world of Secrets & Curses expanded in the fourth book.
I stayed up all night reading this, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
Secrets & Curses of Fate confronts this conflict head on and leaves the readers to grapple with the aftermath. One of the key themes throughout this series is the conflict between fate and free will. The conflict heightens with Della and Haden’s first book.
Tropes include lovers to enemies (yes, in that order), fated mates, forbidden love, and found family. There are several spicy scenes in this book, and they were well done.
I adored the first three books of the series, and didn’t know how I’d feel about leaving Thea behind as the main character. I think I like Della and Haden even more than Thea and Cassius. Her characters are all so complex, and I loved the way the world of Secrets & Curses expanded in the fourth book.
I stayed up all night reading this, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
April 21, 2025
In this instalment we get a fuller understanding of Della and Halden’s previous interactions and how it’s shaped them into the characters we see in previous books.
I have to say my heart broke for Della. All she wanted was to find her mate, that was her whole purpose. The utter desperation and despair she’s gone through, I’m really hoping she gets redemption in books to come!
Halden, well I have to say due to some MAJOR plot twists (which I won’t share here) I’m really not sure what to make of him after *that* ending.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book which I readily devoured, as I do with all of Shay’s books.
I really am intrigued to see where this story goes. Really, really hoping everything works out in the end, but as I said before I’m not sure what that actually looks like?!
I have to say my heart broke for Della. All she wanted was to find her mate, that was her whole purpose. The utter desperation and despair she’s gone through, I’m really hoping she gets redemption in books to come!
Halden, well I have to say due to some MAJOR plot twists (which I won’t share here) I’m really not sure what to make of him after *that* ending.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book which I readily devoured, as I do with all of Shay’s books.
I really am intrigued to see where this story goes. Really, really hoping everything works out in the end, but as I said before I’m not sure what that actually looks like?!
April 30, 2025
Okay. I’ve gotta be honest, I was like 😵💫 in the beginning and started thinking that maybe I remembered a LOT less of book 3 than I thought and questioned my sanity. BUT I knew I’ve loved everything Shay Taylor has created so far so I kept going and man, I am so happy I did. She’s done it again and captivated me with this insane storyline that had me flipping the pages faster than ever. I love love love all the layers to it. The only part that bugged me was how Haden was initially (and in the end which was the beginning of it all) so confident and and flirty but the whole middle of the book he was such a sad little boy. Painful to watch his character be minimized to so little and his confidence stripped away till he wasn’t even the same person anymore and it took away from his attractiveness. The plot was FANTASTIC and I can’t wait to read anything else Shay Taylor does!!! 🤩
May 6, 2025
What to expect:
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Fated Mates
✔️ Rejected Mate
✔️ Powerful FMC
✔️ Gods & Goddesses
✔️ Heartbreak
✔️ Betrayals
✔️ Twists
After finishing Secrets & Curses of Fate, all I can say is thank goodness the next book (Secrets & Curses of Gods) is scheduled for release at the end of the month! I felt bad for Della in Thea and Cassius’s trilogy, but now my heart feels even more for her character after all the twists, heartbreak, and betrayal in Della and Haden’s story. I will anxiously be awaiting the next installment in this series. I have 1-Click pre-ordered the next book and will count down the days until the release date. Della & Haden’s story was not at all what I was expecting or where I envisioned their story would lead, but honestly, I ate it up like popcorn. I will reread Secrets & Curses of Fate, which makes it worthy of my 5 / 5 Star rating.
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Fated Mates
✔️ Rejected Mate
✔️ Powerful FMC
✔️ Gods & Goddesses
✔️ Heartbreak
✔️ Betrayals
✔️ Twists
After finishing Secrets & Curses of Fate, all I can say is thank goodness the next book (Secrets & Curses of Gods) is scheduled for release at the end of the month! I felt bad for Della in Thea and Cassius’s trilogy, but now my heart feels even more for her character after all the twists, heartbreak, and betrayal in Della and Haden’s story. I will anxiously be awaiting the next installment in this series. I have 1-Click pre-ordered the next book and will count down the days until the release date. Della & Haden’s story was not at all what I was expecting or where I envisioned their story would lead, but honestly, I ate it up like popcorn. I will reread Secrets & Curses of Fate, which makes it worthy of my 5 / 5 Star rating.
April 22, 2025
ARC read this (thank you, Shay)!!! I have ARC read this entire series, and I will continue to do so as long as Shay allows it.
I love this story!!! The passion, the angst, the twists and turns, the longing, the trauma, and the answers to so many questions we've had in previous books were fantastic!!!! AND still left us with more questions to be answered later. I don't know how Shay packs so much into each story and makes it flow flawlessly and seamlessly, but she does, and it keeps you HOOKED on EVERY word!!
This is a straight-up emotional roller coaster and and I'm already ready to ride again. The story is beautiful, very well thought out and perfectly executed.
If you love magic, fated mates, SPICE, secrets, betrayals, love and angst, I highly recommend this entire series. 🩷🩷🩷
I love this story!!! The passion, the angst, the twists and turns, the longing, the trauma, and the answers to so many questions we've had in previous books were fantastic!!!! AND still left us with more questions to be answered later. I don't know how Shay packs so much into each story and makes it flow flawlessly and seamlessly, but she does, and it keeps you HOOKED on EVERY word!!
This is a straight-up emotional roller coaster and and I'm already ready to ride again. The story is beautiful, very well thought out and perfectly executed.
If you love magic, fated mates, SPICE, secrets, betrayals, love and angst, I highly recommend this entire series. 🩷🩷🩷
April 30, 2025
A riveting, tragically beautiful masterpiece that grabs your heart and never lets go. From the mesmerizing world around the story, to the absolutely gorgeous way Shay paints a picture with her words. Shay weaves a tale that is both haunting and hopeful, with every page pulsing with raw emotion and lyrical depth. The love between Della and Haden is breathtaking—tender, powerful, and unforgettable. Their connection lingers long after the final page, making this a story that etches itself into your soul. Simply stunning.
This is yet another absolutely stunning work by Shay. I really loved this book, and I think you would too.
*I was an ARC reader for this book and I'm trying to keep my reviews spoiler free. This review was given with honesty.
This is yet another absolutely stunning work by Shay. I really loved this book, and I think you would too.
*I was an ARC reader for this book and I'm trying to keep my reviews spoiler free. This review was given with honesty.
April 27, 2025
I have ACR read all of the Secrets & Curses books, including this book. Shay Taylor has given us a HUGE plot twist in this story. Every time you think you know what's going, YOU DON'T! Della and Haden had such a huge impact in the first set of books, and their story was just glitter thrown throughout those, so seeing them in depth is wild. I love the dark Haden trying to be soft and loving. Then you have Della, who is all love and light....but is she? I hate (I'm lying) the suspense of not knowing what's going down. I loved books 1-3, and now I have another one to add to my collection. Thank you Shay for writing a world I can get lost in.
April 30, 2025
I loved this book.
I loved the fact that it gave us a deeper insight into Haden's character than the previous books.
It made perfect sense to tell the story in two books, in order to give the reader more details about their past and Haden and Della's relationship.
Regarding Della´s character, the book allowed us to get to know her relationship with the other characters and to understand her origin story.
I think that only a good book can make the reader feel all kinds of emotions for the characters.
I found the concept and perspective of destiny in the book very interesting.
I'm very curious to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
I loved the fact that it gave us a deeper insight into Haden's character than the previous books.
It made perfect sense to tell the story in two books, in order to give the reader more details about their past and Haden and Della's relationship.
Regarding Della´s character, the book allowed us to get to know her relationship with the other characters and to understand her origin story.
I think that only a good book can make the reader feel all kinds of emotions for the characters.
I found the concept and perspective of destiny in the book very interesting.
I'm very curious to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
April 30, 2025
Disclaimer: arc reader. Absolutely loved this book. Love this author. Shay Taylor is such an underrated author. Her characters are so well defined it's like you know them in real life. When reading the secrets and curses trilogy, I had so many questions about Haden and Della. This book was exactly what I needed and cannot wait to get more of their story. The twists and turns left me wanting more. Their love story is so complicated, but still makes you want to root for them. Looking forward to the next book!
May 3, 2025
I devoured this book in one sitting—Shay Taylor absolutely nailed it again! Haden and Della’s chemistry is off the charts, with flirty banter that had me smiling the whole way through. Their backstory, built up beautifully over books 1–3, made this installment hit even harder emotionally. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m counting down the days until the next one.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC—I’m so grateful to have been gifted the opportunity to read this early. A must-read for fans of the series!
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC—I’m so grateful to have been gifted the opportunity to read this early. A must-read for fans of the series!
May 3, 2025
After reading the Secrets & Curses trilogy I was hooked. Loved Shay Taylor’s ability to create an amazing world that captivates you. I am happy to have been fortunate in being able to read her next book as an ARC reader.
Shay has an amazing way of taking you on a journey and emotional roller coaster with the characters. I was excited to get the story of Della and Harden, being able to see a deeper dive into their story after reading the first books. I particularly love seeing Della’s strength and resiliency, she is truly the strong FMC I love to see. I can’t wait until the next book!!!
Shay has an amazing way of taking you on a journey and emotional roller coaster with the characters. I was excited to get the story of Della and Harden, being able to see a deeper dive into their story after reading the first books. I particularly love seeing Della’s strength and resiliency, she is truly the strong FMC I love to see. I can’t wait until the next book!!!
April 24, 2025
Shay Taylor has a way of bringing out all of your feelings as you read her books. I went through them all with this one! I thought I knew how Haden and Della’s story was going to go, but I really had no clue. The same twists and turns that I loved in her original series are present in this one and I’m here for them all! I’m dying for the next book! Shay Taylor has quickly became one of my favorite authors!!
April 28, 2025
Thank you, Shay, for letting me be an ARC reader for all your books.
Curses, magic, fae, gods, fated mates, what more could you want out of a story.
I was not expecting to need the story of Haden and Ardella as much as I did until reading this. The twists that Shay always delivers with her books are "Chef's kiss" and did not disappoint with this one. I can't wait for the next one to continue the story between Haden and Adrella.
Curses, magic, fae, gods, fated mates, what more could you want out of a story.
I was not expecting to need the story of Haden and Ardella as much as I did until reading this. The twists that Shay always delivers with her books are "Chef's kiss" and did not disappoint with this one. I can't wait for the next one to continue the story between Haden and Adrella.
April 29, 2025
Oh my goodness, I’ve been a HUGE supporter and HIGE raver about Shay Taylor since I discovered her on her first book!
This one had me thrown for a loop… I was lost, I was completely confused, but I saw another review and she mentioned to trust the process… So I trust the process and I trusted Shay which I’m so glad I did because wow this book hit it out of the park. I can’t wait for the next one and to see how both worlds finally collide.
Well done 👏🏼👏🏼
This one had me thrown for a loop… I was lost, I was completely confused, but I saw another review and she mentioned to trust the process… So I trust the process and I trusted Shay which I’m so glad I did because wow this book hit it out of the park. I can’t wait for the next one and to see how both worlds finally collide.
Well done 👏🏼👏🏼
April 30, 2025
Shay did it again... I'm not okay right now.
My feelings went from happy to angry and all I want is to have the next book.
The story about Della and Haden is a beautiful and lovely love story with lovely scenes🌶️🌶️; until it isn't... I became really emotionally attached to both Haden and Della, but also to Remy; Haden's twin sister.
From the trilogy we know that Haden and Della 'hate' eachother, but the story behind this... I'm mad haha.
Well done Shay, can't wait till the next book 🥰🥰
My feelings went from happy to angry and all I want is to have the next book.
The story about Della and Haden is a beautiful and lovely love story with lovely scenes🌶️🌶️; until it isn't... I became really emotionally attached to both Haden and Della, but also to Remy; Haden's twin sister.
From the trilogy we know that Haden and Della 'hate' eachother, but the story behind this... I'm mad haha.
Well done Shay, can't wait till the next book 🥰🥰
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews