“I will rip apart the fates and weave them back together, so the only result is that we are together. I did it once and I’ll do it as many times as I need to. You will be mine and mine alone.”
Della Della will stop at nothing to reclaim Haden. But just as she's on the verge of doing so, a surprise acquaintance reveals secrets that even she had forgotten. Will the truth she’s been hiding protect her, or will it tear apart the fragile world she's built? As the stars themselves tremble, Della’s wrath is about to unleash on those who dared deceive her—and Haden will discover a side of the woman he loves that could shatter everything between them.
Haden The truth has come crashing down, and as lies unravel, Haden faces an impossible choice. Can he undo the damage he's done before he loses Della forever? He's bent fate before, but some destinies cannot be rewritten. As Della's dark secrets come to light, Haden must will he stand by her, or pursue the retribution he's sought against the gods and stars, even if it means losing the woman he loves?
A dark fantasy romance where fated mates are torn apart by tragic choices, forbidden desire, and a morally gray hero who would defy gods, destiny, and divine law to claim what was never meant to be his.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would give it 100 stars if I could! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review
This book was an absolute masterpiece. Shay Taylor has done it again. There were so many ups and downs, plot twist after plot twist. I cried, laughed, screamed and so much more. Della is an absolute queen. The way she so easily created twists and turns for the villains of this story was perfection. I never would have thought she was who she actually is. By the end of this book I had just about enough of Malamay and Diath. I don’t know how many times they pissed me off. I loved that ending for her and Haden.
I have hardly ever felt so emotionally attached to a character in a book, but with Della I could literally feel her heartbreak. When she cried I literally cried. I loved the edition of Death being brought in and I really hope that we get a story of the other realms because I’m already invested in him.
Shay Taylor is a master of world building and character development! I highly recommend this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Once again, I’m honored to be part of Shay’s permanent ARC team!
I told my friend, Eva, to prepare herself, because NOTHING is what we thought… I don’t know how Shay’s mind works, but I am in AWE of it! Every time you think you have things figured out, she finds a way to COMPLETELY twist things around. I’ve come to expect it of her, but this book… THIS BOOK! Plot twist on plot twist, no one is as they seem, and don’t even get me started on Della. I love her even more now!!
If you’ve read my review of Secrets & Curses of Fate, you now this book reminds me of Jeckyll and Hyde. Well, let’s just say, I prefer one of Haden’s ‘sides’ to the other (iykyk)
Thank you for giving my babies a HEA, Shay! Please, NEVER stop writing books!!! The world needs your stories ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to the author for an arc copy of this! I have been loving Della and Haden’s story! ❤️
Just when you think you have it all figured out, you get hit with a curve ball!
Wow! What an ending to Della and Haden’s story. I’ll be honest, this book makes you think! Trying to keep up with it all, I honestly don’t even know how Shay did it while writing it! 😂 I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what happened next. Who manipulated who and who’s been pulling the strings the whole time?
Haden and Della’s love and devotion for one another was truly magical to read on page. I shed tears so many times during this book!
The spice? 🌶️ omg, the spice!! ❤️ always love a man with a dirty mouth and a little praise kink along with major jealousy issues 😜 they both truly want to make sure the whole heavens know who they each belong to ❤️ as always, I love how Shay Taylor is not afraid of spice in her books, because for me, it only adds to the story.
We got to see more of some old friends like Thea and Cassius, but also add in some new characters like Ezra (honestly, if he doesn’t get his own story, I will riot! He was such a fun added character!), and the God of Death (who we ARE getting a story for! Yay!).
This is all set up very nicely for some other stories to be written from. Like I said, we’re already getting the God of Death, but I need Ezra’s story, Abe’s story (that epilogue people!!), and possibly the next generation’s story (if you know you know!).
Hope on for the rollercoaster ride and enjoy! This book makes you think in the best way possible!
I will never NOT be completely enthralled by Shay Taylor’s books. The characters, world building, romance, spice, banter, ugh just everything. More twists and turns in this second book of Haden & Della and they finally get their HEA. I guessed a couple things but dude the rest!? I was like omg omg and there’s times I got emotional. I will forever be honored to read her books as ARCs because gods be damned, they are pure gold. Even when this being like the final bit of the secrets & curses series, you meet new characters that are just hilarious. Annnnnnnd an intro to the new FMC & MMC to her new series!! I’m beyond ecstatic for more works of art from Shay.
❄️ ARC READER REVIEW ❄️ • Semi-spoiler ✨ Badass FMC ✨ Love sick MMC ✨ Loyal side characters ✨ Villian/Morally Grey MMC & FMC ✨ Secrets upon secrets upon secrets • I love this whole series & I’m so glad I got to be an arc reader! Haden & Della touched my heart when I read the first three books I knew these last two were gonna get me. • I did not expect the story to take the turn that it did. We figure that Haden is the villain & it shows that he is as being a God of Hell & what he did to get Della but what Della did? Oh boy. • Della is a badass FMC who doesn’t let anybody tell her what she can & can’t do. • Haden reincarnated side broke my heart several times because he was so confused in the beginning. I loved the God Haden, he put the other side in his place & finally said “we’re becoming one now.” (IYKYK) • I can’t say much else without giving away spoilers, read it & enjoy 😌😘 I hope we get more stories with these side characters.
This book wrecked me... in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, Secrets and Curses of Gods is drenched in grief, tension, and the aching hope that justice will finally be served after centuries of pain. Shay doesn’t just write a story, she pulls you into a world where the stakes feel so real, you find yourself crying, hoping, raging, and loving right alongside the characters. The emotional weight of this book is no joke. I was anxious, devastated, and somehow still full of hope all the way to the final page. Shay made me care deeply... TOO DEEPLY... and I would do it all over again. One of the most breathtaking moments came when everything clicked into place, when past books, past choices, and quiet moments of foreshadowing all came crashing together in one single chapter. It was like watching puzzle pieces slot into place, wave after wave of realization hitting and all I could do was whisper, “Oh my god… so THAT'S why.” That moment alone deserves a standing ovation. What I love about Shay’s writing is how she gives you just enough to stay intrigued, but never too much to spoil the surprise. Her stories are anything but predictable. I audibly gasped several times, earning strange looks from people around me and I loved it. In a sea of fantasy books that often follow the same beats, Shay manages to surprise, twist, and deliver genuine emotion every single time. The world building is immersive and intricate, reminiscent of SJM-style realms (think Crescent City, ACOTAR, TOG vibes), but wholly her own. The layered realms, the cultures, the magic systems, it all feels rich and lived in. And don’t even get me started on the characters. They’re witty, flawed, and unforgettable. Each one feels unique and deliberate, and even the ones who made me want to scream? I loved them for it. (IYKYK) Haden’s character arc in particular stood out for me, his growth is beautifully written and fully earned. I only wish we got a bit more space to see certain relationships flourish, especially with some newer characters that I'm DYING to know more about. But even then, Shay makes you feel the bond through shared survival alone. And yes, this book brings the closure this entire series needed. Though the journey spans across different couples, this finale pulls everything together with purpose and emotional resonance. It’s satisfying in all the right ways, and even if I wanted just a little more bite in the revenge arc, let’s just say… some deaths made up for it. If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you doing?! Grab your tissues, cancel your plans, and dive in. Shay has officially earned a permanent spot in my Top 3 authors, and this series? It’s unforgettable.
*I was sent an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I DEVOURED this book! Seriously started it last night and finished this morning. The only reason I didn’t finish it last night was because I have work this morning and couldn’t stay awake lol.
The only reason I didn’t give this a full 5 stars was because there were a few parts that I got a little lost in the changes of Haden’s two sides before they combined in to one.
The twists and turns and the absolute boss ass manipulations Della did to have Haden be hers…my hero! This woman loves hard and everything she knowingly put herself through so everyone could be happy was heartbreaking. There were times I actually cried because my heart was breaking for her! I loved seeing her relationships with everyone progress and grow and come back together. There were times I could barely keep up with the twists and turns that Della had to put in to motion HUNDREDS of years ago but in the end it all came together seamlessly.
Haden. Idk what words to use to describe this man. The many many MANY declarations of love he professes throughout this book for Della had me in a constant state of SWOON. This man damned himself and was wiling to damn everyone around him to have his woman.
The side characters we were introduced to were some of my favorites. I hope to see future stories for Ezra and Abram 👀 when I caught the ALMOST slip from Mikel about being “tr-twins” I literally GASPED. One of my favorites moments was finding out the truth about Brim and who he truly was and his immediate annoyance at learning what Della made him look like for YEARS 😂
I can definitely see why the editor recommended making Della and Haden’s story two books and I’m glad she did! To get the full experience of their story it would not have been given justice in just one book. Before this book was even sent to me, I had requested to be a permanent part of Shay’s ARC team. I absolutely LOVE everything I have read by this author and recommend the Secrets & Curses trilogy to anyone who wants a romantasy recommendation! I cannot say enough nice things regarding Shay’s work! Read Read READ her stuff!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book? THIS BOOK. I am unwell in the best possible way.
From the very first page, I was hooked—and by the end, I was emotionally ruined, spiritually blessed, and fully convinced that I may never love another fictional couple the way I love Haden and Della, but knowing Shay and how she writes I will say that about all her books.
The love story between Haden and Della?? Soul-shattering, fate-defying, rip your heart out-and kiss it better. Shay really said “let me make you believe in love and then make it hurt.” And I loved every second.
The writing? Absolutely gorgeous. The world building is rich, the pacing keeps you on edge, and the spice is so beautifully written I had to pause multiple times just to breathe. The love confessions? Devastating and delicious. The twists? I did not see them coming, and I live for that kind of chaos.
What truly sets this book apart, though, is this isn’t your average fated mates story—this is fate actively trying to tear them apart while rewriting destiny. The emotional weight behind that? I’m still recovering.
There’s betrayal. There’s love so powerful it defies the stars. There’s a god of wrath who shouldn’t have a heart—but he does, and he gave it to her. And through it all, there’s this electric, undeniable connection between these two characters who will do absolutely ANYTHING and I mean anything for each other.
This is why Shay Taylor is my favorite author. She writes stories that feel like myths wrapped in heartbreak, with just enough heat to burn you alive and enough heart to make you believe in soulmates.
Read it. Obsess over it. Cry about it. Thank me later.
I finished this book 2 days ago after reading it in less then 24 hours because I just could not put it down. I NEEDED to know what happened next! The twists and turns of this book were amazing. I have been reading this series since day one and I think this one is my absolute favorite! I love that we still get glimpses of Cassius and Thea as well.
The love between Haden and Della is so beautiful and the spice is fire! The tears I have cried through this series is crazy, very few authors are able to make me actually cry and Shay is definitely one of those authors. If you need a book to make you feel all the feelings the characters are going through then this is definitely that book/series. I don’t do spoilers in my reviews because I want people to go into books not knowing what to expect so I won’t say much else about this book but I definitely think that if you are looking for a amazing series with the best characters, epic love stories and twists that will have you audibly gasping and crying then this is definitely the series for you. Shay really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat and ready for more! She even has a new series coming out that I am dying for right now!!
Thank you Shay for an amazing series this is now in my top 5 series ever! I will never not recommend these books to anyone that is willing to listen!
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC, and I wanted to pass a huge thank you to the author Shay Taylor! You continue to write books that completely suck me in and hold me captive. It’s been an honor.
This book was a fantastic wrap up for Della and Haden. It answered every question and left no stone unturned. You walk into this book with an understanding of what’s happening and then quickly learn that literally nothing was as it seems. Della is a badass and Haden is everything.
Since this book has yet to be released, this whole review is spoiler free. I wasn’t sure if I would care about Della and Haden. I loved Thea and Cassius so much that I didn’t want to move on from them. I just wanted more. You get plenty of the original couple in both books (Fates and Gods), and it truly feels like a good continuation of the original storyline. You will also walk away from both books with an added depth to every character. I’m so excited to see what else Shay Taylor has to offer. She does a great job surprising readers and keeping you on the edge of your seat. Absolutely loved and absolutely recommend.
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 Gods 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.
I absolutely devoured this book! What an amazing ending to Della and Haden's story! 🥰
The emotional roller-coaster had me laughing, crying, and gripping the edge of my seat. It truly rips your heart out and then puts it back together, piece by beautiful piece.
This story keeps you guessing with such satisfying twists and turns—you know, those "aha!" moments when everything clicks? It is masterfully written and will definitely stay with me as one of my god-tier reads.
We even get a chance to see old friends we know and love and make some new ones along the way. I'm really hoping Brim and Ezra get their own stories! 🤞
Shay Taylor has easily become one of my favorite authors. I'll read anything she writes because it's pure gold!
All of the Secrets & Curses stories are a MUST READ for anyone that enjoys dark romantasy!
Have to say my opinion of Haden did a complete 360 in this final instalment of the series. He is a complete sweetheart (with a VERY dirty mouth at times).
The complexity with the plot was absolutely brilliant! Della has been very busy shaping sequences of events which has taken hundreds of years to develop. It was truly awe inspiring to read how everything came to fruition in the end!
I loved Della and Haden’s story. The sheer longing which spanned hundreds of years was beautiful to read.
I loved the side characters, was great to see Thea and Cassius again as well and meet new characters who I’m intrigued to learn more about. After that epilogue certainly feel I need to know a whole lot more about Abe’s character.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy thanks to Shay. Can’t wait to read what comes next!
Secrets & Curses of Gods – just wow. I had ideas about how Della and Haden’s story might wrap up, but this blew all my expectations out of the water. That’s the magic of a truly gifted author.
Give me a badass FMC any day, and Della? She delivered, baby. The twists, the turns, the unforgettable side characters - all of it pulled me in. This was a delicious journey, I actually did not expect it to go in this direction.
There was enough packed into this book to fill 800 pages easily, but somehow it stayed under 400 and still felt perfect. 🙌📖✨ I truly, wholeheartedly, couldn’t put it down.
I’m desperate to know if we will be seeing more Secrets & Curses of _______ in the future, because I’m so not ready to let go of this world yet.
Amazing part 2 for Della and Haden Seriously, there are so many twists and turns and secrets in this book! I could not put it down! Shay has done a great job building this world and you can't go wrong with any of the books in this series. Books 1-3 are about a different couple - but I strongly recommend you read them first as there is so much storyline carried through this entire series. When we end Book 4, there is so much betrayal between Della and Hayden, but they don't know all the secrets yet. As they are revealed in book 5, all the little details start to come together. I was in it from the start and finished in 1 day. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Della has definitely been playing the long game.
ONCE AGAIN SOOOOOO GOOD! It felt so cohesive right where the first book left off and it had so many twists and turns I ate it up in two days (and I purposely went slow so I wouldn’t read it too fast)! I don’t want to jinx anything but dare I say there may or may not be some more left to the story with other characters??????? Gosh I hope so!!! I also loved seeing a sneak peak into some of the characters from her upcoming book! I loved how this showed exactly how much Della and Haden did for their love in the past! Against all odds they were going to make sure they would be together, no matter what fate or the gods had done to try and stop them! So great!!!!
I consider that the story keeps the reader hooked from the beginning, and presents several twists and turns.
Therefore, I consider that this book allows the reader to see a deeper and more interesting perspective of Della's character, as well as her relationship with Haden.
It was also interesting how the concept of free will was innovative and implemented in this story.
I also really liked the new characters that were introduced into the story, as well as the participation of Thea and Cassius.
I think that the end of the story provided a well-deserved ending or beginning after so much suffering.
What to expect: ✔️ Enemies to lovers ✔️ Fated Mates ✔️ Rejected Mate ✔️ Powerful FMC ✔️ Twists
Della and Haden’s story continues in the series's final installment, which is full of twists, secrets, and revenge. As the story comes to a head, so much more of Della’s story is revived, and secrets are explained. Haden finally gets his wake-up call about who Della is to him. I found it an enjoyable end to the series, and it was the satisfying ending I was looking for. I could see the author returning with more of the characters' stories in this world. I am giving Secrets & Curses of Gods a 4 / 5 Stars rating.
Wow! What an amazing ending to Haden and Della’s story. I misread so many parts of Della and I am here for it! The way Shay throws out secrets and twist blows my mind. I would think I had it all figured out and then, BAM, another truth would be revealed and have my jaw on the floor. It was everything I wanted and more. I highly recommend every book she writes. If you are looking for a books that have action, secrets, romance and heartbreak and some seriously amazing twist…look into this series!
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book and Shay Taylor has done it again! This book was amazing. I laughed, I cried, I felt terror and I felt rage. I love how Shay can make you question everything you thought you knew about a character. She keeps the story beautifully interesting as well as makes you fall in love with her world. I loved everything about Haden and Della's story. Not only did I love our main characters but there were so many side characters and characters from past books. This book just gave me a warm feeling at the end. It was amazing!! And the spice!!!! 🌶🌶🌶
Haden and Della’s story continues, with unpredictable twists and turns, and just as much steamy to match.
I’m an ARC reader for Shay Taylor. These books are everything I’ve wanted in a book. I never expected to like them as much as I do. And I can’t believe they’re not at the top ten.
Trust the process and hang on because this is such an amazing ride to the end. I loved the new characters! I loved seeing a peak at more of this world. ! The ending. Wow. Loved. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Every turn of this story was like; oh wow! Wow. And omg !
The whiplash in this book!! There were so many twists and turns that my brain just kept exploding and I loved every minute of it!! I don’t know how Shay does it but every book she writes just keeps getting better! Haden and Della’s story was fated and written in the stars. I love how strong and independent she made Della! So much badassery and ass kicking! Also, getting to see Thea and Cassius and see how they continued their love and story was so heartwarming. Please please please don’t walk but run to read this series! You will not be disappointed!
This was FANTASTIC!!!! Ughhh I don’t even know where to start but I think this was my fav book of the series. The banter between gods was chefs kiss and the layers upon layers of plots and character development had me eating this book up!!! I don’t want to share ANY spoilers because this is a journey you have to take on your own. It was such a damn good one- I’m excited for everyone to enjoy! God it was beyond delectable, intriguing and completely jaw dropping. Loved every second!!! I’m sad I finished it! Looking forward to anything Shay Taylor writes next!
ARC reader, thank you, Shay!!Whew, what a ride!! There is A LOT going on, which did leave me confused in several parts, but not enough to take me out of the story. Della and Haden definitely worked hard for their love story and it was great to see them finally get their HEA. The Secrets and Curses series has been a wild ride. I feel like this book wrapped it up, and left some things open ended for us to use our imagination. I'm now ready to jump into the next world Shay writes.
Okay wow, I don't have words for this story... You just did it again Shay! 😍
The story about Della and Haden continues... but it really is NOT what you think. The whole story is plot twist to plot twist.. but in the end, wow I loved the ending.😍😍🌶️
You really need to read this because wow... I really don't have words for how good of a story this is.❤️
Thankyou again Shay, for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for you🥰🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I tell y’all Shay is my favorite author, I mean it. She put me through the emotional RINGER with this series! I didn’t know at first how I would feel about Della & Hadens story, because I LOVED Thea & Cassius’ story so much. But damn am I glad I stuck with them. All of the foreshadowing was amazing being able to put all of the pieces together finally! & I loved still getting to see my favorite characters from previous books. I can’t wait for Shay’s next book! ❤️❤️
*ARC reader review.* After reading the first trilogy in the series I was hooked and have truly enjoyed finishing Della and Hadens story. I know I’m enjoying a book when I have to force myself to sleep at least a few hours for work the next day. Once again, we have an amazing story, with great characters, and a beautiful magical world that keeps you on your toes. The plot twists keep you guessing and engaged to the very end. If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend.
Super grateful to have read this as an ARC member again. Shay really does spoil us!
Another amazing story following Della and Haden’s story. I was expecting heartbreak. I was expecting love and longing and I was definitely expecting to be crying alongside the characters once more. What I was not expecting was the absolute WHIPLASH from the twists and turns in this story 🤣 It was absolutely a 5/5 read.
I had the great opportunity of receiving an e-ARC copy of this book from the authors Shay Taylor.
This story kept my attention the whole time. I enjoyed every moment of it! I loved the ending of this story so much. Della and Haden's love story is so memorable 🥰 I can't wait to read more about other characters!
Shay is such an amazing author; I have loved every single one of her books so far. I can't wait to dive into her next series, A Fourth Born.