A good read even without having read the first book, and got me curious about the series! Nice mix of historical and fantasy fiction!

My favorite in the series so far! I did book 1 and 2 on audio and absolutely adored them and the narrators. As this is a prequel, I knew this would hurt and boy did it. I loved Memnon and Roxilana and getting to know more about their story rather than the intermingling of Roxilana/Selene and Memnon. Laura Thalassa is my favorite author ever since I read Rhapsodic in 2017 so I knew this would never let me down. She just gets better and better with each book she writes.

I don't know if anyone can write sexier romantasy than laura thalassa! The way memnon dirty talks!!!!!!!!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I absolutely loved this book, it swept me away from the very first page! Roxilana is such a strong, captivating heroine, and her journey from doubting herself to embracing her power was both emotional and empowering. The magical bond between her and Memnon was intense, passionate, and beautifully written. I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic.

After finishing Bespelled I was desperate to know more about Roxilana’s story and see a completely different side of this romance.

This was everything I hoped it would be and seeing all the love and heartache Memnon and Roxilana had only made their bond stronger through Selene.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for these characters.

🖤 The Curse That Binds by Laura Thalassa
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🏛️ “I have crossed rivers and kingdoms, I have fought armies and bandits to be here before you. For you are mine and I am yours, and those are my soul’s deepest truths.”

🖤 Before she was Selene, Queen of the Coven, Roxilana was a girl orphaned by Roman cruelty. When she starts to hear a voice in her head, Roxi believes she’s gone mad. But soon, the voice on the other side becomes her only comfort. Finally, Memnon rescues Roxi and makes her his wife. But their story is only beginning.

🏛️ This isn’t just romance; it’s history, magic, and destiny stitched together with blood and sorrow. The world-building is rooted in ancient civilizations, honor-bound kingdoms, and brutal magic.

🖤 Memnon proves to stay on my list of top book boyfriends. His unhinged love for Roxi knows no bounds. And his mouth? 😮‍💨🥵 I love this male.

🏛️ The way this prequel threads into the rest of the Bewitched series is seamless. It adds another layer to their story. I cannot wait to go back to the present day and see their next adventure.

🖤 Read this if you love:
- Historical Fantasy
- Ancient Rome
- Fated Mates
- Possessive MMC
- Prequel

🏛️ Thank you, @read_bloom, for the eARC!

THE BEST READING ORDER: read this book after book 2.

I loved being back in Memnon’s world and seeing him in his original environment/“first” life. And I’m so glad to finally have met Roxilana. She is a “softer” FMC at first but grows into a badass. And while she still keeps her morals, Memnon is losing all of his - except when it comes to her.

I love Laura Thalassa’s writing and I CANNOT WAIT for book 3 - there was literally nothing wrong with this book other than the fact that it’s not book 3.

Love love loved this book! 😭 almost devastated it’s over. But now I’m going to reread book 1 & 2. (Since this was basically the backstory to book 1)

Absolutely loved everything about this book. The backstory to Roxi and Memnon was EVERYTHING I could have wanted and more. It was such an all consuming love. That type of love that will find you in every single lifetime.

I love how devoted they were to each other. MEMNON crossing continents to find her?!?!?! 🫠

The only thing that drove me absolutely NUTS was the freaking advisor. I had to physically put the book down because I literally wanted to jump in the book and end her.

Anyway! ♾️/5 ⭐️!!!! Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review

Absolutely devoured this book from start to finish. Laura always has the best way of getting you sucked into her world.

I didn't find this story engaging and repetitive, I do struggle with the writing style too and pacing wasn't good enough, I had to power read at times. I like the setting and it feels that writer did her research to make details historically accurate. It is rewarding to read more about Memnon and Roxi, but I they could be more developed.

The long-awaited prequel to Roxi and Memnon’s story was everything I hoped for and more. After being completely bewitched by books 1 and 2, I was thrilled to finally get the origin story of this unforgettable couple—the beginning of their centuries-long love.

It was enchantingly romantic, intense in plot, and beautifully bittersweet. Falling in love with these two all over again, knowing the fate that awaits them, made the experience even more powerful.

I’ve never been so captivated by a story while already knowing how it ends, but that only added layers of meaning and emotion to an already beloved romantasy. Roxi and Memnon’s love endured vast distances, time, war, and betrayal—and now, with book 3 on the horizon, I’m more invested than ever. I just want to see them finally get the happily ever after they deserve.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

The Curse That Binds hooked me from the very first chapter with its dark, atmospheric worldbuilding and morally grey characters. The pacing was strong, with just enough mystery and tension woven through to keep me turning the pages late at night.

What I loved most was the dynamic between the leads — equal parts tension, banter, and raw vulnerability. Their chemistry felt both inevitable and dangerous, which made every interaction electric. The magic system and curse element were creative, and I appreciated how the author layered in lore without overwhelming the story.

That said, a few moments felt slightly predictable, and some side characters could have used more depth. But overall, this was the kind of romantasy that delivers: swoony, addictive, and a little bit ruthless.

If you enjoyed From Blood and Ash or The Serpent and the Wings of Night, this belongs on your TBR.

4.75 stars

The backstory that I have been waiting for 😍😍😍 omgggggg after getting glimpses and yearning for it, I have to stay its every bit as amazing as I hoped!!!

Definitely a book to read in order so nothing is spoiled!

Honestly I don’t even know how to review this!!! I was constantly on the edge of my seat! I loved the connection between Roxi and Memnon. I fell for him even more! And it gets spicy 😮‍💨 love the way this man dirty talks, his protectiveness and really just everything!

End though I knew how it ended, it did hurt any less! GAH! I’m so ready for the last book 😍!

This was a fun prequel that had me on the edge of my seat. I’m even more excited for the third book!

My anxiety kept building throughout The Curse that Binds so much that when I approached the ending I wanted to break my kindle! I’ve read Bewitched and Bespelled, so I knew the ending of this prequel, and yet I still wasn’t prepared for my feelings.

New readers can read The Curse that Binds first in The Bewitched Series and still enjoy each subsequent book.

Laura Thalassa wrote this as its own important building block for Roxilana and Memnon, rather than a quick novella. Told from Roxi’s perspective starting in her childhood, we follow her struggles to survive under Roman rule. Years pass before she and Memnon meet, but being fated soulmates means they’ve seemingly known each other forever.

This obviously isn’t a fairy tale romance. The Curse that Binds tells of a beautiful and ancient love and also their missteps along the way. A sweet and kind-hearted character like Roxi struggles with the brutality that Memnon’s position requires. War is constantly at their doorstep, and while she can’t stand it, Roxi takes on the burden alongside her husband. Even when she’d rather live a simpler and more humble lifestyle. Memnon is on a quest to give Roxi everything which ultimately will cost them a price too great to pay.

Even though Memnon goes too far in the name of love, I still think he’s my favorite.
Readers will likely be desperate to jump right into Bewitched. Even though I knew that cliffhanger that was waiting for me at the end, I was still screaming inside! I wish I could experience Bewitched and Bespelled brand new.

I forgot how much I loved this series. This is a must read if you love the characters and want their backstory. It reads a little like a diary that spans over years. If you've read Bewitched and Bespelled then you already know the ending but seeing how their relationship began and how it all unfolds makes me feel more invested and i am excited for the final book! I need them to get their HEA especially after all of that!

3.5⭐️🌶🌶🌶

Thank you so much Netgalley for the eARC.

As a prequel to the Bewitched series, this book was such a treat. I absolutely adored the series itself, and this story added so much depth and richness to the world. It’s more of a romantic love story than the main series, but it’s done with the same heartfelt writing and captivating style that made me fall in love with Bewitched in the first place.

I thought the backstory was beautifully told—it felt both tender and powerful, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the characters and their journeys. While it doesn’t have quite the same intensity as the main series, that softer tone worked perfectly here.

If you’ve read and loved the Bewitched series, I highly recommend picking this up. It adds so much to the overall story, and the romance will stay with you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

This premise was so interesting to me how Memnon and Roxilana came fated to be in ancient Rome/Samaritan times. They both have magic which get awakened after they meet; Roxi being a witch & Memnon a sorcerer but he seems to tread on the dark side. I hadn't read any of the first 2 in the series yet as I was told it could be read a standalone. Most of that is true. I wasn't fully lost. I think some side characters I didn't fully understand their reason of existence. Some of the story mainly dragged a bit for me. The ending does have me wanting to read book 1.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Oh my gosh I just LOVE Laura Thalassa and I literally did not want to put this one down. Just holy crap, Batman this was so captivating I adored every single minute of it!