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Secrets & Curses of Mates
Abram has waited his entire existence for his fated mate.
Elowyn is cursed to never find hers.
Elowyn, Queen of the Deathweaver Coven, has spent her life paying for her mother’s sins. Her coven is dying, her future is bound by duty, and the only way to save her people is to break her bloodline curse. With time running out and the wrong men circling her crown, Elowyn makes a desperate plea to the moon for a different fate.
Abram, the God of Fates, has spent centuries enforcing destiny—not questioning it. He knows bonds. He knows duty. And he knows Elowyn is a complication he cannot afford. Yet no matter how hard he tries to stay away, he is drawn back to her again and again, caught between what the heavens demand and what his heart refuses to release.
As dangerous magic stirs, suitors fall away, and a single spell threatens to change everything, Elowyn and Abram are forced into a collision neither of them planned. The closer they grow, the higher the cost becomes—because some choices defy the gods themselves.
In a world where fate is law, loving the wrong person could destroy everything.
A dark fantasy romance filled with slow-burn tension, sharp banter, forbidden longing, and the kind of passion that dares the heavens to intervene.
Elowyn is cursed to never find hers.
Elowyn, Queen of the Deathweaver Coven, has spent her life paying for her mother’s sins. Her coven is dying, her future is bound by duty, and the only way to save her people is to break her bloodline curse. With time running out and the wrong men circling her crown, Elowyn makes a desperate plea to the moon for a different fate.
Abram, the God of Fates, has spent centuries enforcing destiny—not questioning it. He knows bonds. He knows duty. And he knows Elowyn is a complication he cannot afford. Yet no matter how hard he tries to stay away, he is drawn back to her again and again, caught between what the heavens demand and what his heart refuses to release.
As dangerous magic stirs, suitors fall away, and a single spell threatens to change everything, Elowyn and Abram are forced into a collision neither of them planned. The closer they grow, the higher the cost becomes—because some choices defy the gods themselves.
In a world where fate is law, loving the wrong person could destroy everything.
A dark fantasy romance filled with slow-burn tension, sharp banter, forbidden longing, and the kind of passion that dares the heavens to intervene.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
5 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 29, 2026
ARC Review 🤍
Just when I thought there couldn’t be anymore heart strings to tug and pull on the amazing author Shay Taylor does it again with the 6th book Secrets and Curses of Mates! The story of Abram and Elowyn will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. From the first to last page I was sucked in. The twists that continue throughout the plot never cease to amaze me. I cannot wait for the 7th book already!!
If you’re looking to have your heart broken and rebuilt multiple times within a fantasy realm, unique storyline, with a dabble of spice this series is for you!
Shay Taylor’s writing for this genre is by far my favorite!
Just when I thought there couldn’t be anymore heart strings to tug and pull on the amazing author Shay Taylor does it again with the 6th book Secrets and Curses of Mates! The story of Abram and Elowyn will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. From the first to last page I was sucked in. The twists that continue throughout the plot never cease to amaze me. I cannot wait for the 7th book already!!
If you’re looking to have your heart broken and rebuilt multiple times within a fantasy realm, unique storyline, with a dabble of spice this series is for you!
Shay Taylor’s writing for this genre is by far my favorite!
January 24, 2026
5⭐️
3.5🌶️
Shay, you warned us to be ready to have our hearts ripped out and put back to together reading Elowyn and Abram’s story and you were not kidding! Thank you for another arc of yours! I always eagerly await! And I’m so glad you decided to write Abram (and Ezra’s story coming soon), I know you went back and forth about it. I tell you, it was worth it!
Which is stronger: fate or choice?
The pull these 2 have had over the course of this series has been so intense and despite not being his mate, Abram can’t stand the thought that someone else is. But is he really willing to say “F the heavens” and defy what the threads of fate have woven for him and Elowyn.
For Elowyn, there’s a part of her that hopes that it’s the curse laid on her coven that’s hiding their mate bond, because the thought of someone else being his makes her sick, even when he insists he can’t stand her.
When her spell goes wrong (or maybe horribly right?), passions ignite but fate comes forth. Choices need to be made and each choice has their consequence.
I love the little family that has developed throughout this series and we keep seeing all the characters (Cassius, Thea, Della, Haden, Ezra). Abram and Ezra being best friends is just golden 😂 I just love them ❤️
Spice?? 🌶️🥵 omg, Abram is definitely a passionate man 🥵🥵🥵 as always, Shay writes some great spice in with his stories.
How Shay interweaves not 2, but 3 (Gods of Gilyx series coming in 2026 but we get the introduction of characters throughout the other 2 series) series just blows my mind. How things connect and the Easter eggs throughout…like the woman is a magician!
It was so fun to dive back into the Secrets & Curses series, especially since we’ve see Abram throughout the Fourth Born series as well. I can’t wait for Ezra’s book as well! We get a little dip into Ezra and Farris’s story in here.
At this point, if Shay writes it, I’ll read it 😂
3.5🌶️
Shay, you warned us to be ready to have our hearts ripped out and put back to together reading Elowyn and Abram’s story and you were not kidding! Thank you for another arc of yours! I always eagerly await! And I’m so glad you decided to write Abram (and Ezra’s story coming soon), I know you went back and forth about it. I tell you, it was worth it!
Which is stronger: fate or choice?
The pull these 2 have had over the course of this series has been so intense and despite not being his mate, Abram can’t stand the thought that someone else is. But is he really willing to say “F the heavens” and defy what the threads of fate have woven for him and Elowyn.
For Elowyn, there’s a part of her that hopes that it’s the curse laid on her coven that’s hiding their mate bond, because the thought of someone else being his makes her sick, even when he insists he can’t stand her.
When her spell goes wrong (or maybe horribly right?), passions ignite but fate comes forth. Choices need to be made and each choice has their consequence.
I love the little family that has developed throughout this series and we keep seeing all the characters (Cassius, Thea, Della, Haden, Ezra). Abram and Ezra being best friends is just golden 😂 I just love them ❤️
Spice?? 🌶️🥵 omg, Abram is definitely a passionate man 🥵🥵🥵 as always, Shay writes some great spice in with his stories.
How Shay interweaves not 2, but 3 (Gods of Gilyx series coming in 2026 but we get the introduction of characters throughout the other 2 series) series just blows my mind. How things connect and the Easter eggs throughout…like the woman is a magician!
It was so fun to dive back into the Secrets & Curses series, especially since we’ve see Abram throughout the Fourth Born series as well. I can’t wait for Ezra’s book as well! We get a little dip into Ezra and Farris’s story in here.
At this point, if Shay writes it, I’ll read it 😂
February 13, 2026
I have loved everything about this series. It was so hard for me to pick up this book because I was worried it would be the last one in this series. I felt so many emotions reading this book. Love, hate, betrayal and so much more. I flew through this book and cried so much. Finally getting to see Ab’s story and who his mate will be had me reeling the entire book. I felt so deeply for Elowyn. The emotional roller coaster she had to endure throughout this book had me crying and screaming all at once. “I would spend eternity remembering the man who never chose me.” I felt like I was experiencing her pain and I felt so broken for her.
I loved that we got glimpses of the little family that Abraham will eventually have. I loved being able to picture him being a father.
“but her soul already belongs to me. And if I have to rip apart the entire fucking realm to take back what’s mine… I will.” Abraham seems like a softy but he absolutely fights what he wants and believes.
I absolutely loved how this book ended and I cannot wait to see what Shay has in store and I hope we can see some more of Abraham.
I loved that we got glimpses of the little family that Abraham will eventually have. I loved being able to picture him being a father.
“but her soul already belongs to me. And if I have to rip apart the entire fucking realm to take back what’s mine… I will.” Abraham seems like a softy but he absolutely fights what he wants and believes.
I absolutely loved how this book ended and I cannot wait to see what Shay has in store and I hope we can see some more of Abraham.
January 26, 2026
**ARC Read: GAWD DAYUMMMM!!! As always, a roller coaster of emotions with these books. Abram and Elowyn’s story, is heartbreaking. Everything was just going wrong and my heart broke for El. She deserved so much more and I hope she can finally become who she was meant to be. Abram and El together 😮💨😮💨 looooovvveee them! The cliff hanger though, ugh….i don’t want to wait!!! lol I love the other characters from the other books are still intertwined and interacting, and even from other series’. These books really do need to be read in order or you’ll be all kinds of messed up in spoilers. I honestly don’t know which couple I like more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 🤗
Another book in my all time favourite series completed in a day! i could not put this down, these characters become like family and im sad to see another go but again loved the ride 🥹
Cursed coven queen who just wants love 🥹
The elusive God of Fates finally out of the shadows and hes ofcourse *chefs kiss*
Forbidden mates + slow burn = tensionnnn
The angst? Delicious.
Elowyn is powerful, stubborn, and impossible not to love, and Abram falling for her had me kicking my feet.
If you like dark romantasy, fate-breaking love, and gods who fall HARD — read this immediately.
As usual cant wait for the next 🥰
Another book in my all time favourite series completed in a day! i could not put this down, these characters become like family and im sad to see another go but again loved the ride 🥹
Cursed coven queen who just wants love 🥹
The elusive God of Fates finally out of the shadows and hes ofcourse *chefs kiss*
Forbidden mates + slow burn = tensionnnn
The angst? Delicious.
Elowyn is powerful, stubborn, and impossible not to love, and Abram falling for her had me kicking my feet.
If you like dark romantasy, fate-breaking love, and gods who fall HARD — read this immediately.
As usual cant wait for the next 🥰
January 24, 2026
❤️ARC Review❤️
We were warned. We were very clearly warned about how much this book was going to tear us apart before it was even released but 😭😭😮💨 nothing could have prepared me for how much I cried throughout this book😂😭
I received this book as an ARC reader, and I ended up giving up sleep to read it in one sitting because once I started, I physically could not stop. The yearning between Abram and Elowyn is unreal. It is quiet, intense, and consuming. The kind that lives in stolen looks, restrained touches, and everything left unsaid. You feel how deeply they are drawn to each other long before anything is ever spoken, and that slow burn makes every moment hit harder.
Shay writes love in a way that feels earned. Abram and Elowyn do not get an easy path, and that is what makes their connection so powerful. There is pain, waiting, sacrifice, and resilience woven into every page, and it makes the emotional payoff devastating in the best possible way.
“To the damned and the devoted. May your ruin be beautiful.”
That line alone perfectly captures the soul of this story and the love that Abram and Elowyn fight so hard for.
This is the kind of book that leaves you emotionally wrecked and completely in love with the characters by the time you turn the last page. Shay put so much heart into this story, and it shows.
Read it if you are ready to feel everything.
We were warned. We were very clearly warned about how much this book was going to tear us apart before it was even released but 😭😭😮💨 nothing could have prepared me for how much I cried throughout this book😂😭
I received this book as an ARC reader, and I ended up giving up sleep to read it in one sitting because once I started, I physically could not stop. The yearning between Abram and Elowyn is unreal. It is quiet, intense, and consuming. The kind that lives in stolen looks, restrained touches, and everything left unsaid. You feel how deeply they are drawn to each other long before anything is ever spoken, and that slow burn makes every moment hit harder.
Shay writes love in a way that feels earned. Abram and Elowyn do not get an easy path, and that is what makes their connection so powerful. There is pain, waiting, sacrifice, and resilience woven into every page, and it makes the emotional payoff devastating in the best possible way.
“To the damned and the devoted. May your ruin be beautiful.”
That line alone perfectly captures the soul of this story and the love that Abram and Elowyn fight so hard for.
This is the kind of book that leaves you emotionally wrecked and completely in love with the characters by the time you turn the last page. Shay put so much heart into this story, and it shows.
Read it if you are ready to feel everything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shay writes the most amazing angsty, grovely books and I am here for it! This book is part of a series where you really should read them in order to get the context and understanding of what's going on with the plot. But just be prepared to devour them in a binge read to end all bing reads.
In this book, you have Elowyn, and outcast witch queen who is cursed for something her mother did. Her entire coven holds her mothers actions and the curse against her, even though it really was not her fault. And Abram, the god of fate, who is so busy trying to fix everything for everyone else, he forgets how he treats the person he most cares about. They are not fated mates, but they both want to be more than anything. But Abram, knowing he has a mate out there, continues to push Elowyn away. Only Elowyn is expected to marry and fall in love to break her curse - well what happens when you have one obsessed god whose obsession might be trying to marry someone else? Well, you know - and now you've got an accidental marriage bond to deal with. There are times throughout the book I wanted to just smack Abram upside the head, and he would've deserved it; they do get their HEA. I'm still rating 5 stars but I feel like I could've used some closure on some things at the end: Elowyns father, her coven, etc.
In this book, you have Elowyn, and outcast witch queen who is cursed for something her mother did. Her entire coven holds her mothers actions and the curse against her, even though it really was not her fault. And Abram, the god of fate, who is so busy trying to fix everything for everyone else, he forgets how he treats the person he most cares about. They are not fated mates, but they both want to be more than anything. But Abram, knowing he has a mate out there, continues to push Elowyn away. Only Elowyn is expected to marry and fall in love to break her curse - well what happens when you have one obsessed god whose obsession might be trying to marry someone else? Well, you know - and now you've got an accidental marriage bond to deal with. There are times throughout the book I wanted to just smack Abram upside the head, and he would've deserved it; they do get their HEA. I'm still rating 5 stars but I feel like I could've used some closure on some things at the end: Elowyns father, her coven, etc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Secrets and Curses of Mates by Shay Taylor is one of those stories that grabs hold of your heart and refuses to let go. Abram and Elowyn’s journey is powerful, emotional, and absolutely devastating in the best way. This book made me cry more than once , not just from sadness, but from the sheer intensity of everything they endure.
No one should have to survive what these two go through. The pain, the trials, and the weight of their pasts feel raw and real, making every moment hit that much harder. Elowyn’s power is nothing short of magnificent. Watching her grow into her strength while still carrying so much vulnerability made her impossible not to root for.
And Abram… his steady presence and unyielding love truly carry the story. He is the kind of character who anchors everything , protective, devoted, and fiercely loyal. The bond between them feels deep and earned, not forced, which makes their connection even more beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
This book is emotionally heavy, intense, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a story that will wreck you, heal you, and leave you thinking about these characters long after you finish the last page, this one is absolutely worth the read.
⭐ Highly recommend for readers who love emotional fantasy romance with high stakes and powerful character bonds.
Thank you for this ARC Shay!
No one should have to survive what these two go through. The pain, the trials, and the weight of their pasts feel raw and real, making every moment hit that much harder. Elowyn’s power is nothing short of magnificent. Watching her grow into her strength while still carrying so much vulnerability made her impossible not to root for.
And Abram… his steady presence and unyielding love truly carry the story. He is the kind of character who anchors everything , protective, devoted, and fiercely loyal. The bond between them feels deep and earned, not forced, which makes their connection even more beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
This book is emotionally heavy, intense, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a story that will wreck you, heal you, and leave you thinking about these characters long after you finish the last page, this one is absolutely worth the read.
⭐ Highly recommend for readers who love emotional fantasy romance with high stakes and powerful character bonds.
Thank you for this ARC Shay!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another absolutely fantastic instalment from Shay!
We’ve had glimpses into the chemistry between Abram and Elowyn in previous books and I was so looking forward to learning more about them in detail. I have to say this did not disappoint!
Elowyn is an absolute firecracker! She is selfless, she is devoted, she is definitely not afraid to put Abram in his place and I was here for ALL of it!
Abram was completely torn between his feelings for Elowyn and hanging on for his mate. I adored the pair of them. The chemistry, the passion, the banter, the spice oh my days the spice 🔥🔥🔥
“You can pretend all you want, but your gaze tells me everything. I see the way you shiver when I touch you. The way you track every move I make… like you already know you’re mine.”
I can’t begin to describe how much I adore all these characters. Everything I enjoy in a Romantasy, can’t recommend it enough!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for my honest review! Can’t wait for the next one, looks like it’s going to be epic!
We’ve had glimpses into the chemistry between Abram and Elowyn in previous books and I was so looking forward to learning more about them in detail. I have to say this did not disappoint!
Elowyn is an absolute firecracker! She is selfless, she is devoted, she is definitely not afraid to put Abram in his place and I was here for ALL of it!
Abram was completely torn between his feelings for Elowyn and hanging on for his mate. I adored the pair of them. The chemistry, the passion, the banter, the spice oh my days the spice 🔥🔥🔥
“You can pretend all you want, but your gaze tells me everything. I see the way you shiver when I touch you. The way you track every move I make… like you already know you’re mine.”
I can’t begin to describe how much I adore all these characters. Everything I enjoy in a Romantasy, can’t recommend it enough!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for my honest review! Can’t wait for the next one, looks like it’s going to be epic!
January 29, 2026
Beginning Secrets & Curses of Mates, I was suspicious of a familiar path—something closely echoing Secrets & Curses of Fates. I was completely wrong. And honestly? I don’t know why I am surprised since Shay is always pulling the rug out from under me with perfectly timed plot twists that keep the pages turning.
One of the highlights of the book is the dynamic between Elowyn and Abram. Elowyn’s sharp snark paired with Abram’s full-on alpha male energy makes for a wildly entertaining clash of personalities. Their banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and the push-and-pull between them adds both heat and heart to the story.
And then there’s the romance. Shay Taylor has a serious gift for writing declarations of love, and chapter 30 proves it yet again. If anyone ever needs swoon-worthy wedding vows—or just a reminder of how powerful well-written love can be—you’ll find them here (and, honestly, in any of Shay’s books).
Secrets & Curses of Mates is surprising, emotional, and endlessly entertaining—another strong addition to an already compelling series.
One of the highlights of the book is the dynamic between Elowyn and Abram. Elowyn’s sharp snark paired with Abram’s full-on alpha male energy makes for a wildly entertaining clash of personalities. Their banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and the push-and-pull between them adds both heat and heart to the story.
And then there’s the romance. Shay Taylor has a serious gift for writing declarations of love, and chapter 30 proves it yet again. If anyone ever needs swoon-worthy wedding vows—or just a reminder of how powerful well-written love can be—you’ll find them here (and, honestly, in any of Shay’s books).
Secrets & Curses of Mates is surprising, emotional, and endlessly entertaining—another strong addition to an already compelling series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️Thank you Shay Taylor for yet another ARC.⭐️
A solid 4 stars ⭐️. I love Shay’s writing and storytelling. If you enjoyed her previous installments you will absolutely enjoy this as well. It’s a quick engrossing read.
I think some of my own expectations left it falling a bit flatter than some of her other stories and couples. I loved Brim in previous stories and I think because of that I felt we didn’t have enough of his character development or the FMC’s to feel as connected to them. I also didn’t get the see their love grow for each-other aside from the spice and later on love confessions (which admittedly were both great). That being said I still enjoyed the book I just wanted more depth this time around. I am eager for Ezra’s future story though…….
A solid 4 stars ⭐️. I love Shay’s writing and storytelling. If you enjoyed her previous installments you will absolutely enjoy this as well. It’s a quick engrossing read.
I think some of my own expectations left it falling a bit flatter than some of her other stories and couples. I loved Brim in previous stories and I think because of that I felt we didn’t have enough of his character development or the FMC’s to feel as connected to them. I also didn’t get the see their love grow for each-other aside from the spice and later on love confessions (which admittedly were both great). That being said I still enjoyed the book I just wanted more depth this time around. I am eager for Ezra’s future story though…….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I would spend eternity remembering the man who never chose me.”
Another amazing read by Shay Taylor! Abram and Elowyn’s story had me hooked the entire way through, the secrets, the yearning, the tears, I couldn’t put it down.
My heart was breaking for Elowyn so many times throughout the book, from the way she was excluded from her own coven to the moments she had with Abram, I loved that we got to see her vulnerable side as well as her strong side towards the end of the book. She’s one of my favourite characters in this world.
And Abram 🙊 I loved his possessive side, and when he said ‘my wife’ 🫠🫠🫠 there was moments I was screaming at him to just choose Elowyn but the way everything fell perfect into place in the end was amazing!
4.5⭐️|2🌶️
Another amazing read by Shay Taylor! Abram and Elowyn’s story had me hooked the entire way through, the secrets, the yearning, the tears, I couldn’t put it down.
My heart was breaking for Elowyn so many times throughout the book, from the way she was excluded from her own coven to the moments she had with Abram, I loved that we got to see her vulnerable side as well as her strong side towards the end of the book. She’s one of my favourite characters in this world.
And Abram 🙊 I loved his possessive side, and when he said ‘my wife’ 🫠🫠🫠 there was moments I was screaming at him to just choose Elowyn but the way everything fell perfect into place in the end was amazing!
4.5⭐️|2🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having arc read all of Shay’s previous books, I have been waiting with bated breath for Abram’s story. So thankful to be a permanent arc team member!
That being said, what the hell Shay 😭 once again, I am left with more questions than before I started reading the book. I need answers woman! Besides that, 10/10. Loved seeing all the familiar names, they feel like family ♥️
I’m also mega proud of myself for accurately predicting some of the things in this book. People got what was coming to them, good riddance I say. Some people didn’t though, they deserve better 😭 stupid fates and destinies!!
Ezra’s story please! (And the Gods of Gilyx series please and thank you)
That being said, what the hell Shay 😭 once again, I am left with more questions than before I started reading the book. I need answers woman! Besides that, 10/10. Loved seeing all the familiar names, they feel like family ♥️
I’m also mega proud of myself for accurately predicting some of the things in this book. People got what was coming to them, good riddance I say. Some people didn’t though, they deserve better 😭 stupid fates and destinies!!
Ezra’s story please! (And the Gods of Gilyx series please and thank you)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC of this book by Shay and am always excited to read her books! This one was no different in terms of being really good and I could hardly put it down for needing to find out how it ends. It follows Abram God of fates and Elowyn. I enjoyed Abram as a side character in the first 5 books of this series but glad Shay gave him his own book. This story was interesting and sad at times. The characters are well thought out and their story is really good. I love how Shay’s book all weave little parts of other realms and characters into each story and then different books have the same characters at different times depending on the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 🖤
We’re officially six books into the Secrets & Curses series, and I can confidently say this one wrecked me in the best way. I truly loved Secrets & Curses of Mates. I couldn’t put it down and was hooked from the very first page. The yearning. The heartbreak. The ache of it all. Ughhhhhh!
Every emotion felt so tangible that I could physically feel what was written on the page. That kind of storytelling is exactly why Shay Taylor is one of my favorite authors and why this is my all time favorite series. I am soooo looking forward to the next book already. I just know the Easter eggs left for us are going to be uncovered in the next one, in the craziest ways.
We’re officially six books into the Secrets & Curses series, and I can confidently say this one wrecked me in the best way. I truly loved Secrets & Curses of Mates. I couldn’t put it down and was hooked from the very first page. The yearning. The heartbreak. The ache of it all. Ughhhhhh!
Every emotion felt so tangible that I could physically feel what was written on the page. That kind of storytelling is exactly why Shay Taylor is one of my favorite authors and why this is my all time favorite series. I am soooo looking forward to the next book already. I just know the Easter eggs left for us are going to be uncovered in the next one, in the craziest ways.
January 26, 2026
*ARC READ*
Oh my heart! I didn’t think I could emotionally handle this book, I spent the first half crying so so much! I LOVE Abe, I really enjoyed reading from his point. He’s just kinda popped up on the other books with mysterious words and a moody kinda vibe, so reading his view on things felt so good!
I was so excited to jump back into this world, I’ve missed it! And once again it did not disappoint!
Thank you again Shay Taylor for giving me the opportunity to read this before release and thank you for this incredible world you have created. Your books are truly special! ❤️
Oh my heart! I didn’t think I could emotionally handle this book, I spent the first half crying so so much! I LOVE Abe, I really enjoyed reading from his point. He’s just kinda popped up on the other books with mysterious words and a moody kinda vibe, so reading his view on things felt so good!
I was so excited to jump back into this world, I’ve missed it! And once again it did not disappoint!
Thank you again Shay Taylor for giving me the opportunity to read this before release and thank you for this incredible world you have created. Your books are truly special! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review*
My jaw is on the dang floor with this one!!! The Rollercoaster of emotions this book went through is insane! I have loved every book Shay has ever written but this one by far is my absolute favorite!
The yearning and forbidden live is this book is top tier. The emotions of both the FMC and MMC went straight from the pages and into my soul. This book kept me on my toes from the first page and its not very often a book can do that to me.
I highly recommend this entire series and world of Shay's books to anyone who loves/wants an easy-to-follow yet deep lore romantasy series!
My jaw is on the dang floor with this one!!! The Rollercoaster of emotions this book went through is insane! I have loved every book Shay has ever written but this one by far is my absolute favorite!
The yearning and forbidden live is this book is top tier. The emotions of both the FMC and MMC went straight from the pages and into my soul. This book kept me on my toes from the first page and its not very often a book can do that to me.
I highly recommend this entire series and world of Shay's books to anyone who loves/wants an easy-to-follow yet deep lore romantasy series!
January 25, 2026
There is a very particular scene, and let me just tell you… 😈😈😈 I love that for them… but anyways I have been WAITING FOR THIS ONE! Idk why I was so excited about their story but it did not disappoint! I loved the coven pieces (even if they were not people who deserved to be mentioned because they suckkkkkk) but I loved that added layer to the whole series! Also all the little Easter eggs that seem like little throwaway comments but then at the end turn out to be so important! 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
ARC review
I am always grateful and excited to read any book written by Shay. I truly have enjoyed every single one of her books and this one is no different.
This book in the series we follow Abram God of Fate and Elowyn a witch Queen with a curse she must bare because of choices of her mother.
Not to be fated to eachother but to be chosen is the theme in this book to me and I loved every roller-coaster emotions we had to have to go through in this story.
ARC review
I am always grateful and excited to read any book written by Shay. I truly have enjoyed every single one of her books and this one is no different.
This book in the series we follow Abram God of Fate and Elowyn a witch Queen with a curse she must bare because of choices of her mother.
Not to be fated to eachother but to be chosen is the theme in this book to me and I loved every roller-coaster emotions we had to have to go through in this story.
February 15, 2026
Book six of the Secrets and Curses series continues to wreck you in the best way. A roller coaster ride that you can’t get off of. It follows Abram the god of fate as he fights to keep the woman he loves. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a man that would burn every world to be with the one he loves. Secrets, lies, twists, turns, family, obligations and power. It continues to set the stage for the upcoming fight to save the realms.
February 24, 2026
Elowyn and Abrams story is an amazing story to read. From them not wanting anything to do with each other, to being bound by a cursed marriage. All ending it with them denying their actual mates!
The spice was spicing of course, especially when they claimed eachother and gave into the inevitable.
If you are looking for a good book to destroy you, then put you back together you’ve come to the right place. Shay Taylor’s an amazing author and I cannot wait to read Ezra’s and Farriss story.
The spice was spicing of course, especially when they claimed eachother and gave into the inevitable.
If you are looking for a good book to destroy you, then put you back together you’ve come to the right place. Shay Taylor’s an amazing author and I cannot wait to read Ezra’s and Farriss story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
Amazing! Received an ARC copy from the author.
This series is so good! I feel like I need to read them all again. They’re interconnected and it’s so good to hear about the other characters that have books already and those with books still to come. This is my favourite series and can’t wait for the next book!
This series is so good! I feel like I need to read them all again. They’re interconnected and it’s so good to hear about the other characters that have books already and those with books still to come. This is my favourite series and can’t wait for the next book!
January 30, 2026
Shay never fails! The heartbreak in this book is crippling
This wasn’t one of my favourite couples stories I will admit, it felt a bit more of a whirlwind with less depth than some of the others personally but still a great read and definitely worth it.
Super grateful as always to have received the ARC copy from Shay. 100% recommend
This wasn’t one of my favourite couples stories I will admit, it felt a bit more of a whirlwind with less depth than some of the others personally but still a great read and definitely worth it.
Super grateful as always to have received the ARC copy from Shay. 100% recommend
February 20, 2026
100000/10 This book was amazing. I loved it so much. I think as a series end it was such an amazing read. Shay Taylor will forever have my money. I loved every single one of her books. The way she had the plot and then adds the spicy I would definetly say top tier. You cant go wrong with any book of hers. I highly recommend this book/series to you.
Review of advance copy
ARC reader
5⭐️
This book is amazing!
I loved Abram and Elowyn love story!
I really enjoyed reading about the other characters from the previous books and about the characters with books still to come.
I can’t wait for Ezra’s and Farris book!
5⭐️
This book is amazing!
I loved Abram and Elowyn love story!
I really enjoyed reading about the other characters from the previous books and about the characters with books still to come.
I can’t wait for Ezra’s and Farris book!
January 26, 2026
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down! Shay caught me in my feels for the whole book! I absolutely loved Elowyn and Abram’s story! So many roller coasters in it! The ending was perfect! Once I pick up a Shay Taylor book I know that is the only thing I’m doing that day!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shay Taylor never fails to amaze me. This story was on awaited and so worth it! Abram has always been one of my favorites and this book just solidified why! Shay really knows how to hone in on your emotions to make the story feel real!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're a fan of bully romance, you'll eat this one up.
I was pretty disappointed by Abram's gaslighting/bullying, but that's a ME thing.
I was pretty disappointed by Abram's gaslighting/bullying, but that's a ME thing.
March 6, 2026
My rating is actually 4.75 stars but Goodreads doesn't allow for partial stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another Gem Added to the Treasure That is the Secrets and Curses Series!!!
Secrets and Curses of Mates just solidified why the Secrets and Curses series is my favorite romantasy series of all time!!! Shay Taylor is an absolute force and has a way of writing stories and characters that make you feel so deeply, it's practically a tangible thing. I have been waiting with bated breath for Abram and Elowyn's story and it was everything and more!!!
We follow Abram, the God of Fate, and Elowyn, the Witch Queen of the Deathweaver Coven...
The vibes:
• Yearning for something you can never have, but cannot live without
• A curse to never know true love
• Accidental marriage
• Finally giving in to feral desire
• Fixing what was broken
• A journey to rewrite fate itself
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My heart was racing, aching, and overflowing all at once!!! If you love emotional trauma followed by the perfect payoff, you need this!!! The continued lore and character cameos from the rest of the series were the cherry on top!!! RUN DON'T WALK to start this series!!!
Secrets and Curses of Mates just solidified why the Secrets and Curses series is my favorite romantasy series of all time!!! Shay Taylor is an absolute force and has a way of writing stories and characters that make you feel so deeply, it's practically a tangible thing. I have been waiting with bated breath for Abram and Elowyn's story and it was everything and more!!!
We follow Abram, the God of Fate, and Elowyn, the Witch Queen of the Deathweaver Coven...
The vibes:
• Yearning for something you can never have, but cannot live without
• A curse to never know true love
• Accidental marriage
• Finally giving in to feral desire
• Fixing what was broken
• A journey to rewrite fate itself
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My heart was racing, aching, and overflowing all at once!!! If you love emotional trauma followed by the perfect payoff, you need this!!! The continued lore and character cameos from the rest of the series were the cherry on top!!! RUN DON'T WALK to start this series!!!
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