Shadow Borne

Cursed Immortals #1

by Rachael Slate

Three unbreakable rules
Two fated lovers
And one enchanted rose

Some shadows hide on the inside
Gifted with the power of concealment, Psyche has made a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But when she stumbles upon the beast's next sacrifice, Psyche sees a way to end this savage ritual. Determined to kill him, she trades places with the virgin maiden and enters his lair with dagger in hand. Only, the beast isn't a beast at all, and he hides in the shadows even better than she does.

He's the god of erotic love, but she doesn't know that
A millennium ago, Eros, son of the goddess of Love, Aphrodite, sought amusement in a wager with his mother. A thousand years later, it's the game playing him. He's desperate for Psyche to be the one to end his bet, but an accident with one of his arrows consumes him with lust for her. All will be lost if he can't overcome his nature and control his passions--and hers--before Psyche's curiosity seals her fate.

And learning the truth...will kill her
Cursed by his beauty, no one has ever loved Eros for himself. To win the wager and free his soul, he'll have to earn Psyche's trust--and her heart--without her ever glimpsing his true form. Should he fail, it will be her soul condemned...and his one chance at love, forever lost.

Halcyon Romance Series Reading Order:

Halcyon Romance:
Book 1: Moon Borne
Book 2: Earth Borne
Book 3: Water Borne

Lords of Thessaly: (series now complete!)
Book 1: Wicked Lord of Thessaly
Book 2: Brutish Lord of Thessaly
Book 3: Masterful Lord of Thessaly
Book 4: Untamed Lord of Thessaly
Book 5: Lost Lady of Thessaly

Cursed Immortals:
Book 1: Shadow Borne

Other books by Rachael Slate:

Chinese Zodiac Romance Series Reading Order:
Book 1: Trancing the Tiger
Book 2: Rematch (Standalone novella)
Book 3: By the Horns
Book 4: Match Me Later (Standalone novella)
Book 5: Reining Him In
Book 6: Matching Dragons (Standalone novella)
Book 7: Never Match a Dragon (Standalone novella)
Book 8: In Wolf's Clothing

Genres: Beauty and The Beast, Mythology, Romance, Paranormal, Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty's beast rocks!

Loved this retelling of beauty and the beast!!! Rachael slate is one hell of a storyteller,I love how she put her own spin on one of my fave fairytales!! Talk about hot great sex, theirs plenty of it,but what I love and what hooked me is the love story that unfolded. from the first their was a great chemistry Eros god of erotic love and psyche. But their passion lead to them trusting each other and spending time together and a lot of time was spent in the beast's library full of books on erotica and love making with PICTURES!!! I'm so gonna find me a beast with a library full erotica!!! The things this beast did slayed me!!!! One hell of a read!!! This was my first book by Rachael but it won't be my last!!! 5(wet panty stars)!

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

Wow....Rachael Slate has done it again. I adore all the books i have read of hers but Shadow Borne leaves me speachless and it is definately my favourite, i completely adored this!

Right from the first page of this book i fell in love with this story, i was hooked. Join my love of my favourite tale of Beauty and the Beast and my extreme interest in different cultures and their pantheon, this was a definite book for me and i can honestly say my favourite book.

I absolutely adore Psyche! She is filled with such inner fire and i loved that, she is a strong woman who is extremely compassionate, with such a big heart and a willingness to heal those she sees in pain. She is confident in who she is and what it is she wants and i love that. Eros is such an enigma, he is mysterious and exuded a power even while hiding who he really is. One of the things i loved about him while reading this you go on a journey with him as he learns to love and begins to realise that there is a big difference between love and lust. I adore the world that these characters are based in and would love to know more about the world and the characters within it.

The way that this book is written makes you feel like you are part of the world and the people within it, the descriptions are so realistic and full of vivid detail, it makes you just want to be there. I have read the other books by this author that mentions the other beings of this world but i can say if readers hadn't read them it wouldn't matter as the information given about them is definitely enough for readers to understand. This story is filled with suspense and tension and that keeps you hooked on every single word and i am now dying to find out what happens next and who the next story will be about (their daughter and her winged mate maybe :-))

This book is extremely addictive and once you start reading it, there is no going back and no stopping until you have absorbed the whole book. Everything that happens in this book flows with such ease, you feel immersed in it, everything that happens seems to happen at the right time making the story extremely readable. If i had a pick a favourite moment in this book i think i would have to say the first time that Psyche sees Eros for the first time and realises who he is, i also adored when Eros realises that the rose is blooming and it is explained to him.

[Coco.V]

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[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars:
4.5 Heartfilled Arrows
Psyche and Eros's story is beautiful! I love the adventure and romance of their journey, with passion entwined the whole way through. There's so much to learn for them and they go through trials to do it. There was never a dull moment while reading this and it wasn't just about Psyche and Eros uniting. It was about them growing and then growing together, overcoming obstacles individually and together.
I highly recommended reading this book, and the Halcyon series written by the same author.

[Cherri-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

He had to win her heart. 5 GOLD ARROWS

Before she succumbed to his curse. Holy Hades!! How could he make this maiden fall in love with him? What if the greatest threat…was himself? WOW OH WOW OH WOW! What an EROSPECTACULAR novel!! Rachael has done it again!! I ABSO-CURSING-LUTELY love, Love, LOVE this WINGASMIC & BEASTIFULLY erotic charged story! Of course how can you expect anything less when it stars the God of Erotic Love, himself! It is TRULY PSYCHENOMENAL!! TREMENDROSE even!! In fact, I even stayed up all night reading it! I couldn’t have put it down if I tried! Not that I tried, but you know what I mean!  I love reimagined fairy tales, but the way that Rachael seamlessly & impeccably blends her version of Beauty & the Beast into her MAGNIFIMYTH Greek mythology Halcyon Romance series makes this THE BEST Beauty and The Beast story EVER!!!! With Rachael's incredible talent and her ingenious creativity, semi-familiar stories become wholly new!! Her lush, vivid descriptions have the perfect amount of details, sharing information & secrets not only at the right time, but also in the right ways & amounts, keeping you entranced with her storytelling from beginning to end, from book to book, throughout the ENTIRE series and World even! Add in all of the beauty, magic, romance, passion & love, and the story explodes to life all around you! Her complex characters are so real that you can't help but to become them, seeing, hearing, feeling, experiencing & living every single moment with them, for them and even as them!! Blessed by the Gods & Goddesses themselves, Rachael is the ONLY ONE to have EVER been granted this privilege, this honor to be able to spend time on Mount Olympus, meeting, chatting with, interviewing, even to go on missions with these Gods & Goddesses, to take their previously only verbal histories, legends, even their own life stories and get it organized into written / recorded form! How else do you explain these intimately detailed stories?? Of course, it could also be that the Gods & Goddesses are just trying to curry favor with us again to build up their own vanity & power... Or maybe they just decided it’s the perfect time to ensure that none of them or their "stories" are ever forgotten! So, don’t squander this rare & precious gift, but cherish it in a manner befitting Zeus, errr, Apollo, hmmmm, Eros & Psyche themselves!! wink the Fates might command our destiny, but they do not control our future or our actions.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THIS ONLY HAD BORROWED SCENES AND IDEAS FROM BATB but I wouldn't count it as one, not wholly. The story started off great, even though it features Eros and Psyche, it gave off Hades and Persephone vibes instead.

Basically, Eros wasn't pleased with his mother Aphrodite's "love conquers all" behaviour and challenges her believe on Love trumps Lust. Boy, was he is for an awakening when 1000 years later, and still he hasn't won the wager or broken his curse. The idea was for a maiden to love him but to never see his real face. But who knew the joke's on him?

My favourite part, naturally, is the relationship building between Psyche and Eros during their time together in the 'enchanted' castle. Psyche started off pretty kickass, but into the 3/4 mark when she accidentally saw Eros's face for the first time, things started to dwindle and felt...sappy.

OVERALL I enjoyed the first half, but the second half felt lackluster. The romance felt strangely superficial after...isn't that weird? As much as I wanted to LOVE this, the romantic development was 50-50.

[Gina Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book.

It is a masterful blend of myth and faerytale, combining the stories of Eros & Psyche and Beauty & the Beast.

As with all of Rachael Slate's books, the characters are obviously well thought out, three-dimensional beings that you feel you are developing a relationship with as you read their adventures, the settings are described with enough detail to give your imagination a clear image without dragging the story down and the action is realistically paced while the sex is H-O-T!

The way elements of myth and faerytale are interwoven creates a completely new tale while still remaining recognizable as a blending with a few new elements thrown in. This new tale of both myth and faerytale features includes elements from her other books, subtly inserted to advance the story while tying them into a larger overall story while not requiring you to have read the others to enjoy this book.

From beginning to end, you feel drawn in, an actual participant in in the lives of these characters, god and mortal, feeling their elation and heartbreak as they struggle against the seemingly insurmountable obstacles to their HEA.

If you enjoy a story where the characters strive against such odds, sometimes having to fight back from seeming defeat to reach the pinnacle of destined love, then this is definitely a book for your library.

[Jennifer Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This is the most captivating Beauty and the Beast PNR I've ever encountered! Escaping one fate for another seemed like the right idea for Psyche. Little did she know the world she was entering. Could she live out the curse placed on her captor? Eros long since made a wager on love with the gods. A foolish wager. Now he is cursed until the wager is either won or lost. Can this unconventional woman be what he needs to free him from his curse? This story weaves an intricate tale of 2 people both captives in some form and how they become not only free but whole. This is a one-click and must-have for any book-lover's collection. Rachael Slate has outdone herself with this story! I'll be eagerly awaiting future books in this series!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely enjoyable and entertaining read. This unique book is part re-imagined fairytale (Beauty & the Beast) and part Greek myth that has been blended beautifully into a brilliant concept. In this book we get Eros and Psyche's story. A god cursed by his own beauty and a woman determined to end a deadly and barbaric ritual are brought together and sparks fly. Deep emotions and suspense add intensity to the read. I loved Psyche and Eros, the passion they shared and the sweet love that blossomed between them. I'm posting a completely honest, voluntary review.

[Stacy Aube · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and voluntary reviewed an ARC of this book.

Cursed immortals another great series in the making. This book blew all my expectations away. The way Rachael spins her stories is truly magical. This story just grabbed me from the very beginning and mystified me. Totally loved the Beauty and the Breast theme.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book from this author and I really like her style. I was thrown off by the mythical story line involving the Gods and what not, but overall the story was fun to read. A lot of eroticism but in a clean and adult fashion. This was a good spin off of the classic story of Beaty and the Beast and I would check out other books by this author.

[Sharon Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast meets Greek Mythology in this instalment to the Halcyon romance world! Eros is essentially cursed by a wager he made with his mother Aphrodite. Psyche takes the place of a young maiden left as sacrifice to “The Beast”, determined to kill the beast and free her kingdom of it forever only she soon finds things are not what she thought. As the war of the Gods draws ever closer, Psyche and Eros battle each other, unexpected foes, and even Fate to be together. This is an extraordinary story written so well the scenes are easy to imagine yourself there experiencing the action and the characters are portrayed so well they seem to leap off the page and drag you back with them!

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy

I thought it was a beauty and the beast story. It was the story of Eros and Psyche. I guess I should have saved it for February to read. Also since the characters are Eros and Psyche, there is a lot of erotic steamy scenes.

[Bonnie Chiarillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Wasn't too sure at first, but I did enjoy it.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Beauty and the Beast Rewrite I have read!!!

Eros has spent a thousand years attempting to break his curse. Once a century a maiden enters his realm and if he can get her to fall in love with him he will win his freedom. Not so easy, when the gods and goddesses hold a stake in the outcome and use their powers to influence the results.

Psyche is doomed to an arranged marriage; instead she releases the maiden to become the virgin sacrifice to the beast takes her place and attempts to kill the beast. Problem being, he isn’t really a beast. In fact she comes to care for him (and his library). Additional challenges, back stabbing sisters and further interference make the outcome of this one a very close call.

Excellent, gripping read!!

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek mythology with a Beauty and the Beast twist. My favorite thing about this book was the Beauty and the Beast twist. I was hooked right from the beginning. The twists and turns this one took kept me on the edge of my seat. With Eros the god of erotic love you know the chemistry between Psyche and him was going to get quite steamy. I really liked Psyche. She has such strength, bravery, and heart. A winning combination for a heroine. I loved the epilogue. It was the icing on this book. I thought it was the perfect touch to end on.

[Katrina Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Borne: A tale of Beauty and the Beast by Rachael Slate is Book 1 of the Cursed Immortals Series.

Wowza! What a fantastic start to a new series. Honestly, I’m a huge fan of anything Greek Mythology related and with Shadow Borne, Ms. Slate has delivered a perfect blending of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale we’ve come to love with Eros and Psyche’s story, all with a kicking twist. Ms. Slate has a true knack for weaving a tale that truly comes to life with her captivating characters, solid world buildup, vivid descriptions and spot-on wording; it’s not long before you’ll find yourself immersed in her storylines, and this one is no different.

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful mix of Ancient Greek Legend and fairy tales!

I'm a mythology/history buff so this series of novels just plays right to my heart! I know the Eros/Psyche tale well and I have researched the history of fairy tales, incl Beauty and the Beast, and this story meshes them wonderfully together.

Psyche may be high born but she has a sense of honour and duty. She takes the place of the maiden who was to be sacrificed to the beast and intends to kill him. But he is not what she expected, even though he does have a few quirks, like she isn't allowed to look at him and can't go into certain parts of his garden.

Eros (Soren) is a wonderful mix of cocky god, vulnerable & cursed male. He should be happy with his lot but he hates what his curse has wrought and dreads the thought of another maiden dying because of her curiosity. He finally sees Psyche as someone who may just be able to break the curse.

With a sub plot of Psyche being sold off by her horrid family to a less than savoury character and little glimpses at characters from other books in the Halcyon series, for example, this is a great bridge between the series and is really a prequel as it shows how Psyche and Eros got involved in getting some of our couples together.

I loved the premise that whilst Eros is seeking to be loved by Psyche, he is really on a journey of being able to accept and GIVE love! Brilliant story!!!

I voluntarily leave this review after reading an advanced reader copy. I was not compensated in any way for this review

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Wonderful fusion of Greek mythology, fairy tale story of beauty and the beast and the authors personal twist. Refreshing, exciting and a real page turner. Enjoy!

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Slate once again does not disappoint with this take off on Beauty and The Beast, it is one of the best I have ever read! Psyche is not the timid Beauty we are used to seeing, she is strong and confident and kick ass. Although a virgin she is quite adventurous when it comes to matters of intimacy however she keeps her heart guarded for the most part. Eros our Beast is a cocky sure of himself God who comes to find out he just might might not be as confident as he thinks he is. I love the fantasy world that Rachel Slate has created in which Gods and Goddesses walk amongst humans and use them like chess pieces. At first I was annoyed at the crass "Wager" Aphrodite and Eros entered into - It just seemed so unlike what a mother and son would do however by the end of the book you will fully grasp that Aphrodite, like all moms really just wants what's best for her son. I truly loved this ever twisting love story! Rachel Slate will continue to be a one-click Author to me.

[Alyssa White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read written by a wonderful author. I have never followed the story of Eros and this got me interested in it. I was quite involved with the story, my feelings were brought into it quite a bit. A wonderful and very sexy read. Finished it in one sitting. Can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC of this book for an honest review.

Well honestly it was AMAZING!! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite story and this lived up to it. Adding in the sexual side made it even hotter. I would suggest this book to any and everyone. Great read!!!

[LoveMyAuthors · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so entertaining and thoughtful, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Beauty and the Beast, meet Greek mythology with a little side of sci-fi...
the rose
the library
Cupid's arrow
the Underworld
and robot arachnids

Like I said, so entertaining and so outside the box. I loved it!

[K. Ramjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek Mythology meets Beauty and the Beast, Shadow Borne is an adventurous captivating story which merges the Greek Gods with a fairy tale. This well-written novel had me hooked until the end with descriptive scenes, interesting characters, romance, steamy sex scenes and adventure along the way. I loved Eros and Psyche together and the meddling greek Gods just added to the story. This story did not disappoint and I can't wait for other books in the series. This was a great read.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Eros and Psyche tale

I loved this book. It had the right amount of steaminess (you can't have a story about Eros that isn't hot) combined with a strong story.