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Curses & Keys
For three thousand years, Phaedra has collected the treasures of the world and removed their curses, protecting humans from supernaturals. When the vampire council leader dies, she’s asked to lend her academic expertise to the valuable but dangerous artifacts he collected during his lifetime.
At the gala to present the collection, an attack sets off a chain of events that leads the supernatural council’s best security team in a chase across the globe.
The team, led by the mage Jamison de Vere, includes Hawthorne, an elf and expert in ancient botany, Gatlin, a protective shifter, and Mathias, a sophisticated vampire geek. Phaedra, mysterious and full of secrets, becomes their prime suspect until the enemy sets their sights on her.
From one ancient Greek site to another, Phaedra and the team race to find the panels forged by the gods long ago. The attraction between her and the team runs high, and with every piece found, Phaedra’s secrets are exposed, including her biggest secret of all. The one that will tear them all apart.
This is a paranormal why choose, featuring a FMMMM relationship. 18+ years of age due to mature content.
At the gala to present the collection, an attack sets off a chain of events that leads the supernatural council’s best security team in a chase across the globe.
The team, led by the mage Jamison de Vere, includes Hawthorne, an elf and expert in ancient botany, Gatlin, a protective shifter, and Mathias, a sophisticated vampire geek. Phaedra, mysterious and full of secrets, becomes their prime suspect until the enemy sets their sights on her.
From one ancient Greek site to another, Phaedra and the team race to find the panels forged by the gods long ago. The attraction between her and the team runs high, and with every piece found, Phaedra’s secrets are exposed, including her biggest secret of all. The one that will tear them all apart.
This is a paranormal why choose, featuring a FMMMM relationship. 18+ years of age due to mature content.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2025
128 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Stella Brie
30 books431 followersAuthor of steamy contemporary and paranormal romance books, Stella Brie lives outside of Nashville, TN, with her husband and golden retriever, Bailey.
After her husband challenged her to write a paragraph, she wrote a book! Ideas are pestering her night and day now. She's currently in her writing cave, but when not writing, you can find her reading, boxing, traveling and all the other good things in life.
After her husband challenged her to write a paragraph, she wrote a book! Ideas are pestering her night and day now. She's currently in her writing cave, but when not writing, you can find her reading, boxing, traveling and all the other good things in life.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 22, 2025
This was a lot of fun! Solid 4.25 read.
I like Phaedra despite her flaws. I can't say too much without giving too much info, but I am a little frustrated with her actions and look forward to seeing her make amends for her actions.
While a lot of things in this story are very common, like the same old assortment of supernatural species, I love that Phaedra's power is pretty unique. It's not something I've seen before, so that was exciting. The relic finding/academia behind that was fun too.
I dunno, I got a spicy headache so I'ma just...
We Got:
4 guys in the harem. (Pre-established bros)
Some spice
We got vampires, griffins(shifters), mages, fae, elves, etc.
Portals into other worlds, but no way to access them.
Some brooders.
Some academic types.
Shitty parent.
Cursed objects!!
Lots of dueling factions.
World travel.
Black market trafficking of antiques.
Vampire warrior.
Royalty.
Greek gods.
I like Phaedra despite her flaws. I can't say too much without giving too much info, but I am a little frustrated with her actions and look forward to seeing her make amends for her actions.
While a lot of things in this story are very common, like the same old assortment of supernatural species, I love that Phaedra's power is pretty unique. It's not something I've seen before, so that was exciting. The relic finding/academia behind that was fun too.
I dunno, I got a spicy headache so I'ma just...
We Got:
4 guys in the harem. (Pre-established bros)
Some spice
We got vampires, griffins(shifters), mages, fae, elves, etc.
Portals into other worlds, but no way to access them.
Some brooders.
Some academic types.
Shitty parent.
Cursed objects!!
Lots of dueling factions.
World travel.
Black market trafficking of antiques.
Vampire warrior.
Royalty.
Greek gods.
September 2, 2025
Love it
I loved this and I need more! It's a paranormal cross country treasure hunt with magic. Adding in the sexy why choose men and don't really need anything else!
I loved this and I need more! It's a paranormal cross country treasure hunt with magic. Adding in the sexy why choose men and don't really need anything else!
October 27, 2025
so so
I enjoyed the overall plot, even though some of it was fairly obvious pretty early on. It’s different to any other book I’ve read, which is always a bonus.
Where this book fell down for me was the romance. It was so rushed and didn’t feel entirely natural or plausible. There was no gradual buildup and none of the usual angst when an FMC is interested in more than one MMC, and a reverse harem needs that. A single conversation happened between the MMCs only after one of them had already slept with the FMC and it was so blasé.
Because of how rushed the “romance” was, her response when they learn the truth of her past seems overly exaggerated, as does theirs but theirs is slightly more understandable.
I enjoyed the overall plot, even though some of it was fairly obvious pretty early on. It’s different to any other book I’ve read, which is always a bonus.
Where this book fell down for me was the romance. It was so rushed and didn’t feel entirely natural or plausible. There was no gradual buildup and none of the usual angst when an FMC is interested in more than one MMC, and a reverse harem needs that. A single conversation happened between the MMCs only after one of them had already slept with the FMC and it was so blasé.
Because of how rushed the “romance” was, her response when they learn the truth of her past seems overly exaggerated, as does theirs but theirs is slightly more understandable.
September 4, 2025
This series opener is something new and exciting. I haven’t read something even a bit similar to this which is really appreciated with the hundreds of books published per year. It’s really a gem. It’s an intriguing story with many secrets and things left to discover. Even though the start was a bit slow for my taste - a lot of explaining and “theory” and background - but it’s necessary for a good story. And the thing with P.. I kind of predicted she would be her sister but I haven’t predicted the twist to that story.
And the cliffhanger? Even though it wasn’t something heartstopping, it felt even worse in a way. Poor Phaedra, hasn’t she suffered enough? I really need the second book like yesterday… at least the first few chapters.
Anyway, I’m really curious how it will all play out.
And the cliffhanger? Even though it wasn’t something heartstopping, it felt even worse in a way. Poor Phaedra, hasn’t she suffered enough? I really need the second book like yesterday… at least the first few chapters.
Anyway, I’m really curious how it will all play out.
September 2, 2025
4.25⭐️ I really enjoyed this start to Stella Brie’s new series! I made the mistake of starting it last night and we’ll, lets just say I didn’t get much sleep 🤪 As someone else stated, this definitely gave the feel of The Rowan, but with a completely different plot. I love most things Ancient Greek and this was a unique and quite interesting take! Her book description is spot on with the vibes. My only constructive criticism is the writing felt a bit stilted and also rushed at other times. But I enjoyed the characters and their chemistry was 🔥! The cliffhanger was a bit tough… Can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the story!
October 17, 2025
It was fine.
I liked the uniqueness of Phaedra, the distinct personalities of the MLs, the slow-burn romance, and the action-packed plot.
However, I disliked the fact that she kept her secrets for so long, only for everything to come out within a few days. It didn’t feel realistic to me, and I wish the author had played with time more, maybe stretching those events over months or years instead of just days.
Also, there wasn’t much suspense about who she was, since I figured it out pretty early on, which was a bit disappointing.
I liked the uniqueness of Phaedra, the distinct personalities of the MLs, the slow-burn romance, and the action-packed plot.
However, I disliked the fact that she kept her secrets for so long, only for everything to come out within a few days. It didn’t feel realistic to me, and I wish the author had played with time more, maybe stretching those events over months or years instead of just days.
Also, there wasn’t much suspense about who she was, since I figured it out pretty early on, which was a bit disappointing.
September 2, 2025
Love the worlds this author creates!
Stella Brie has done it again! If you're a fan of her Killian Blade world, you're going to love this series. It carries a similar energy while still standing completely on its own. The story has big National Treasure vibes, blended with a fresh, magical world rooted in Greek mythology. The creativity in the worldbuilding is just so cool! The author comes up with the most imaginative concepts! And as always, I love how strong and compelling her characters are written.
Stella Brie has done it again! If you're a fan of her Killian Blade world, you're going to love this series. It carries a similar energy while still standing completely on its own. The story has big National Treasure vibes, blended with a fresh, magical world rooted in Greek mythology. The creativity in the worldbuilding is just so cool! The author comes up with the most imaginative concepts! And as always, I love how strong and compelling her characters are written.
September 24, 2025
Leave it to Stella to suck me into a world that has me so invested I forget it’s a series. Onlyi to get slapped by a cliffhanger that left me in tears!!!
I’m in love with this world - ancient Greek gods and Supernaturals - FMC Phaedra and everything this story has to offer! I need the next book!
If you love Mythology- supernaturals of all kinds and WhyChoose slow burn romance stories, then Curses & Gods Series is for you!
I’m in love with this world - ancient Greek gods and Supernaturals - FMC Phaedra and everything this story has to offer! I need the next book!
If you love Mythology- supernaturals of all kinds and WhyChoose slow burn romance stories, then Curses & Gods Series is for you!
October 2, 2025
I wish I loved this more, but I had to dig deep to finish.
The beginning and the end were really pretty good, but from 60-95% I just lost interest.
Who knows, maybe it was a me thing? The story was pretty good, if not a little long. The real issue I had was that the relationships didn't feel genuine. 🤷♀️
The end makes me want to continue ... I guess we'll see.
* I mean ... when was the last time I took 3 weeks to finish a book? 🤣
The beginning and the end were really pretty good, but from 60-95% I just lost interest.
Who knows, maybe it was a me thing? The story was pretty good, if not a little long. The real issue I had was that the relationships didn't feel genuine. 🤷♀️
The end makes me want to continue ... I guess we'll see.
* I mean ... when was the last time I took 3 weeks to finish a book? 🤣
November 29, 2025
Um lembrete para o meu eu do futuro. Apesar dessa autora sempre escrever mundos interessantes, eu não consigo me conectar com a escrita e personagem dela. Tudo parece acontecer de forma rápida, não consigo perceber o desenvolvimento das relações, parece tão artificial. Não sinto a conexão e química entre os personagens. Não consigo sentir nenhuma emoção, parece tudo sem sabor, como se simplesmente fosse a descrição de um fato, sem as emoções interligadas a cada momento e situação.
September 2, 2025
This is a great first book in this world. This story gives Raiders of the Lost Ark vibes (the historical/archaeological aspects) with a bada$$ FMC who works with a paranormal team that will become part of her why choose journey. This book has adventure, mystery, and found family. Dive in. Definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
September 4, 2025
Really great start to this series
It takes a lot for me to leave a review for a book. I know it's horrible me saying that but I have to feel like deep emotion or be impacted by it. Phaedra and her men were chef's kiss. I love the world building in this book in the Cliffhanger at the end kind of broke me.
It takes a lot for me to leave a review for a book. I know it's horrible me saying that but I have to feel like deep emotion or be impacted by it. Phaedra and her men were chef's kiss. I love the world building in this book in the Cliffhanger at the end kind of broke me.
September 14, 2025
Oh yes
I love this author so not surprised it's a cracker. Absolutely loving this new series so different, ancient Greeks and gods add in the supernatural and you have a fabulous story, so many twists and turns I almost thought Phaedra was the other P. I hope things work out between her men and herself. So Looking forward to the second book.
I love this author so not surprised it's a cracker. Absolutely loving this new series so different, ancient Greeks and gods add in the supernatural and you have a fabulous story, so many twists and turns I almost thought Phaedra was the other P. I hope things work out between her men and herself. So Looking forward to the second book.
September 16, 2025
Wow what an awesome book
Wow what an awesome book It had such detail About everything related to Greece. It really brings this story to life But the female character is going to have an awful hard time She does something in her past and Is paying the price And the men that she met never lived her life. I wonder what is going to happen next 🤔.
Wow what an awesome book It had such detail About everything related to Greece. It really brings this story to life But the female character is going to have an awful hard time She does something in her past and Is paying the price And the men that she met never lived her life. I wonder what is going to happen next 🤔.
September 15, 2025
well…
I’m not gonna lie I don’t feel bad for her looool. Like girl! I mean it’s been thousands of years but she ruined everyone’s life like woah. Very well written story. I do think she should’ve never gotten intimate with them until she told them but hey!
I’m not gonna lie I don’t feel bad for her looool. Like girl! I mean it’s been thousands of years but she ruined everyone’s life like woah. Very well written story. I do think she should’ve never gotten intimate with them until she told them but hey!
September 22, 2025
unique and intriguing story!
I started this book without much expectation- I was in a bit of a book slump. This book was such a unique storyline that it kept me engaged and guessing. Can’t wait for the next book!
I started this book without much expectation- I was in a bit of a book slump. This book was such a unique storyline that it kept me engaged and guessing. Can’t wait for the next book!
October 9, 2025
For a why choose book the spice is lacking. I do like the plot and characters though. I'd say it's 2.5 stars. I think I'd like it more if the sexual scenes were removed altogether, they just felt awkward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
Absolutely Amazing
I devoured this book it was beautifully written, and all of the characters were perfectly complex. I'm looking forward to the next release and can't wait to see where this quest takes them next!
I devoured this book it was beautifully written, and all of the characters were perfectly complex. I'm looking forward to the next release and can't wait to see where this quest takes them next!
November 3, 2025
Impressed!
I keep torturing myself by finding series that are just beginning! I need book two yesterday! Loved this read and the mix of magic and Greek mythology. I’m so curious to see how Phaedra
can earn everyone’s forgiveness, and when Gatlin will figure out he has feelings
I keep torturing myself by finding series that are just beginning! I need book two yesterday! Loved this read and the mix of magic and Greek mythology. I’m so curious to see how Phaedra
can earn everyone’s forgiveness, and when Gatlin will figure out he has feelings
November 16, 2025
Stella Brie, writes the best Romantic Adventure/Suspense Why Choose around.
Its Chic, Sultry,Mysterious & Always approachable - Plus noones whiny and older characterisation
and experience are welcome. Dialogue is on point and not flashy and weak.
Jasmin E Reads
Its Chic, Sultry,Mysterious & Always approachable - Plus noones whiny and older characterisation
and experience are welcome. Dialogue is on point and not flashy and weak.
Jasmin E Reads
November 24, 2025
First paranormal fantasy romance book I’ve enjoyed in months, maybe longer! Main character’s age, history, and personality is refreshing and I love the focus on history and archeology. Cliffhanger definitely sucks. Waiting impatiently for the second book.
January 1, 2026
Really wanted to love this one. It’s unique and different. Keeps you reading to the end for the plot.
The characters just don’t behave according to their developed personalities. Romance was none existent yet rushed. Just totally lacked relationship development.
The characters just don’t behave according to their developed personalities. Romance was none existent yet rushed. Just totally lacked relationship development.
September 29, 2025
Curses and Keys
This was a very interesting story. The plot and characters are wonderful written. I really hope the next book comes out soon. A very refreshing story. Great job!!!
This was a very interesting story. The plot and characters are wonderful written. I really hope the next book comes out soon. A very refreshing story. Great job!!!
November 6, 2025
so much fun!
I had fun reading this and the adventure they are on! I can’t wait for the next one and see where this goes!
I had fun reading this and the adventure they are on! I can’t wait for the next one and see where this goes!
November 9, 2025
great start
This is a great start to what seems like an amazing story. I love how adventure and history mix so well with the action and romance. Can’t wait for the next book.
This is a great start to what seems like an amazing story. I love how adventure and history mix so well with the action and romance. Can’t wait for the next book.
December 5, 2025
It was not a badly written book and the premise was interesting. I just couldn’t get into the characters. I didn’t care about any of them or their relationship to one another.
December 20, 2025
This was lowkey fun...I liked the treasure hunting + Greek mythology
December 23, 2025
So I need the second book out ASAP! Such an incredible read and really unique for the PRN space 👏👏👏
September 11, 2025
Phaedra is an immortal and has spent several millennia collecting treasures and dispelling the curses on them. She's at a gala where she meets Jamison, a mage. She eventually meets the rest of his security team along with Hawthorne, Gatlin, and Mathias.
If you’ve read Stella Brie’s Rowan series, you'll find a kindred bad*ss in Phaedra. The plot is well developed with the romance on slow burn and secondary. Greek mythology plays a major role, and if you’re familiar with the lore, you’ll catch some hints and foreshadowing along the way.
Tropes:
Paranomal
Greek Mythology
FMMMM
Fated mates\found family
Vampires, shifters, mages, elves
Hidden identity
Slow burn
If you’ve read Stella Brie’s Rowan series, you'll find a kindred bad*ss in Phaedra. The plot is well developed with the romance on slow burn and secondary. Greek mythology plays a major role, and if you’re familiar with the lore, you’ll catch some hints and foreshadowing along the way.
Tropes:
Paranomal
Greek Mythology
FMMMM
Fated mates\found family
Vampires, shifters, mages, elves
Hidden identity
Slow burn
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews