4⭐️ 3🌶️

Wow! What a wild ride!

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book since despite knowing Roxilana and Selene are the same person, or at least the same soul, they felt like two different people. Especially since for the longest time Selene didn’t believe she was Roxilana.

But I shouldn’t have worried. I loved diving into this book and seeing where things began. It made me understand Memnon’s obsession and need for vengeance. Because that man was OBSESSED.

I loved Roxilana, she was so smart, brave, and kind. Trying to hang onto her humanity despite being married to a warrior king with many enemies.

I mostly loved Memnon. It frustrated me how much he kept from Roxilana afraid that if she knew the truth she would fear him or leave him. But I was ok with it because I knew how obsessed he was with Roxilana and would do anything to keep her happy and with him. Where he lost me is where it came to Eislyn and his ambition. None of that was about keeping Roxi happy, in fact he repeatedly ignored her thoughts and feelings (which should be particularly hard since he can literally read her mind and feel her through their bond) with predictably disastrous results.

It’s funny because even though I knew how this book was going to end, I still felt blindsided. That’s how much this book sucked me in. I want to dive into a reread of Bewitched already!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC.

The Curse That Binds is a prequel to the Bewitched series and as soon as I finished it I wanted to go and reread book 1 and 2. It was very interesting to be able to see how their relationship evolves over the years, as well as seeing their development as individuals, especially Roxi's since the book begins with her at 7 years old. And also be able to understand more behind Memnon's motivations. This book was really good, I love Laura Thalassa’s writing even the author's notes were interesting and I would like to read a lot more about it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Having read Bewitched and Bespelled first, I was anxiously awaiting this prequel story about Memnon and Roxy and this book was even more than I could have asked for!
I loved hearing little tidbits in the first two books, but finally having the whole story was amazing. From the first time the two become acquainted, to the slow way they get to know each other, to when they unite and become an unstoppable force, I was absolutely captivated.
The characters are raw and real - both have their flaws, but their enduring love for each other is unable to be shattered. I appreciated that Memnon was not perfect by any means, but always was so tender and caring toward Roxy.
I especially loved the end as I felt like it raced toward what everyone really wants to know: how things got to be the way they were in Bewitched. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
If you were intrigued by Bewitched and Bespelled, you’re going to devour this book the way I did. I can’t wait to continue reading this world and Roxy and Memnon’s story!
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Netgalley for the eARC!

I had the chance to read a eARC of The Curse That Binds thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books. I appreciated the shift in setting to ancient times. It was interesting to learn more about Roxilana and Memnon’s past and how their story began, especially with the mythological elements woven in. While some parts of the story felt a bit long, overall it was a solid read that added meaningful context to the main series.

I do not know if there are words to express how much I am in love with this series and Laura Thalassa's writing, but I will try. I knew the moment I picked this book I had to cancel all my plans because nothing else was getting done until this book was read! I legit read it in practically one sitting, that's how deep I'm in with Roxilana and Memnon story. This prequel was a rollercoaster journey that gave so much more meaning to this series. There were so many chapters that were included in the first two books that was great to read in context of a continually timeline. The love that literally crossed across continents. THIS MAN MARCH HIS WHOLE ARMY TO COME AND GET HER. Like please that man could have had anything he wanted lol.

With this book, the writing and the way the stories just flow together. There has been no point while reading this series where my mind wandered or I got distracted. Something about it just pulls me in and immerses me in the world as if I am watching a movie. (Speaking of, these rights need to be sold asap!)

Overall it made me look at book one in a whole new light. Obviously Memnon did not know what happened in those final hours before his sleep but damn Roxilana legit went through hell and that's the thanks she gets??? Still love them down though I just wish he did more groveling in book 2 lol. As long as my girl gets her happiness because the pain and the loss that she experienced had me tearing up multiple times.

5 ⭐ 2 🌶️

I've been excited for this story and ohmygoodness, it did not disappoint. It was exciting and suspenseful and heartbreaking and just everything I was hoping for when going back to Selene and Memnon beginnings.

I really enjoyed Roxilana's (aka Selene's) journey to Memnon. Runaway bride is such a fun trope and it had me giggling in this one. But watching her turn from a young adult into a powerful queen was so amazing. She was strong and sure and I loved how she handled diversity.

Then that ending. How on earth does an ending you know is coming still feel like such a bloody cliffhanger? It has me itching to read Bewitched and Bespelled all over again. I absolutely loved this prequel story.

Thank you so much to Laura Thalassa and Bloom for this advanced copy!

I am screaming, crying, throwing up. Laura has me in a chokehold with this ARC and I might never recover because this was the fantasy love that I showed up for. There wasn't a moment of this book that left me wanting. I absolutely adored our MMC with my whole chest and it's exactly the kind of love we love for, we die for, we change the world for.

Half of this read was just me shouting, he loves her, he loves her, he loves her!

If someone ruins this book for me I'll cry so please join me or leave me on my merry way into the rest of the Bewitched series.

Screaming for Laura Thalassa’s The Curse That Binds!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Let’s be real—it deserves more than 5)

I was in love with Memnon before but now I am absolutely devoted and OBSESSED.

I don’t even know how to function after finishing The Curse That Binds. Laura Thalassa has done it AGAIN, and this time she ripped my soul out in the most beautiful, excruciating way. This book is technically a prequel, but don’t be fooled—this story binds (pun fully intended) everything together in a way that made my jaw drop and my heart race. I was screaming, wiggling, kicking my feet, and genuinely almost fainting at multiple points.

From chapter five onward, I was 1000% HOOKED. There was no going back. The tension? Immaculate. The twists? Unholy. The spice? Chef’s. Freaking. Kiss. 🔥🔥🔥

If you’re already obsessed with the series, just buckle up. This book delivers EVERYTHING you didn’t know you needed. It adds layers of depth to the world, wrecks your emotions, and somehow makes you fall even harder for characters you thought you already knew.

Laura Thalassa, I don’t know what deal you made with the Fates to write like this, but thank you. 10/10. 5/5. Infinity stars. My soul is not okay, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Curse That Binds is a prequel story to the Bewitched series that covers the entirety of Roxilana and Memnoch’s relationship during Selene’s first incarnation of self. Even though this book is being published after the release of Bespelled, the second book in this series, I feel it would best be read after finishing Bewitched.

I spent a lot of time during Bewitched and Bespelled wondering how such a love as Memnoch and Roxilana’s could’ve gone so wrong? How did such a wondrous love go sour? The Curse That Binds gives us the answers and isn’t gentle about it, but it also gives us an extensive look into how such a great and enduring love came to be in the first place, from adolescent yearnings in the quiet darkness and daring rescues from despot rulers to reading lessons in secret rooms and making love under the stars. You can truly see how these two fell so hard and deep for each other and why they went the lengths they did for one another. 4⭐️


I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Action-Adventure/Book Series/Romantasy/Historical Fantasy/Spice Level 2/Witch Fiction

The Curse that Binds is actually a prequel to the Bewitched series. Have I read the Bewitched series? No. So, there was a learning curve in reading this, but honestly, it wasn't really a problem. I wasn't going to pass up fated mates!

One thing I loved right away was that there was no way to have a miscommunication in this story-they can talk to each other in their minds. They can actually do this before they even meet, so it leads up to an in person meeting really well. I loved that aspect. The plot is rich and engaging. There were certain parts that I feel probably alluded to the first 2 books, but it just makes you want to read them! Their love story is tragic though, so be prepared. This was a beautifully written fantasy that had dynamic characters and a rich world. I am giving it 3.5 stars until I can read the previous books and really understand what happened.

Laura Thalassa once again exceeded all of my expectations with The Curse That Binds just like she has with all the other books of hers that I’ve read!

I’m so glad Laura decided to write a prequel to her Bewitched series in order to give us Roxi and Memnon’s story! Who doesn’t love two characters that will give the world to each other? Roxi and Memnon are both absolutely incredible characters and being able to read their story brought all of the emotions forward for me!

Laura does such an amazing job with these characters and this story gives us so much backstory to the original story but I love that it didn’t take away from the original story either! Roxi and Memnon’s love for each other shines in this book but they have an incredible friendship as well and I love that they see each other in every way!

Per usual, Laura brings the spice and boy do these two have that amazing chemistry! If you want to read about a man who wants to make sure his woman is satisfied, then Memnon is your man!

I’m so happy that the wait for this book is finally over and as you can tell, I loved everything about it! I absolutely can’t wait for book three in the Bewitched series to come out!

Before I got my hands on this, I’d never read any of Thalassa’s previous works and didn’t know what to expect from the story or the series it belongs to. After reading it, I’m adding everything and anything she’s written to my tbr.
The fact that the series is called Bewitched sums up my whole reading experience of the book perfectly. I was absolutely captivated, by the plot and by Roxilana and Memnon’s relationship, and it’s going to take me a long minute to get this book out of my head.

The Curse that Binds by Laura Thalassa 💚
Bewitched, Book 2.5 - Prequel
Series

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
Adult • Romantasy
ARC Review
528 Pages
🗓️ July 1st

💚fated mates
💚I’ll burn down the world for you
💚loss
💚battle
💚betrayal
💚curse

❣️ “You are the only thing that matters to me in this godsforsaken world. I won’t let you die, Memnon. Not today.”

He would give her the world. I would give this book all the stars in the sky. It made and unmade my heart and forever changed the fabric of my very being.

Prequels are always hard on me. I can’t just ignore what comes next so I also know all the heartbreak I’m going to face before it’s all over. I had the after present on my mind the entire time but the truth is, I needed to know the before. I needed to see them falling in love, living that love, and being thrown in the middle of deep rooted betrayals.

I thought I loved them before. Ah, my sweet summer child. That was nothing compared to what I’m feeling now. How I would cross the world and travel the ley lines for them.

A new favorite book. A favorite series. Two favorite characters.

When Roxilana is 7, she loses her family in a fiery attack and she finds herself in Rome. Aged 12, she starts hearing a voice in a head - the voice tells her to call him Memnon
At 18, Memnon rescues her on her wedding day and takes her to his warring kingdom
🌶️: LOL yes

This is a prequel to the Bewitched Series that I haven’t read yet, but it worked as something that got me very interested in reading Bewitched next!

This book captivated me from beginning to end. Immediately fell in love with the characters and was so excited to be back in the same universe as the bargainer series! I actually ended up reading this as the prequel to bewitched and be spelled, so I’m very excited to jump into those next as a continuation of a curse that binds! If you love fated mates, war, magic and strong MMC/FMCs then I highly recommend! You can read this either before bewitched or after bespelled, but I’m very glad I read it first.

Update after finishing bewitched and Bespelled- I HIGHLY recommend reading this as a prequel. Loved Roxi and Memnon, but I think I loved Selene MORE after reading A curse that binds first. By the time I got to Bespelled, I could not stop reading and now I’m desperate for the series conclusion!

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for sending me an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion!

After finishing the first two books in this series, I needed to know more about Roxilana and Memnon’s backstory! This was written so well, and the story had me wanting to read more and more with each page I read. Memnon is no doubt one of my favorite MMCs, the mouth on this man 🥵 I’m excited for the last book whenever it releases! If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend that you do!

Tropes:
Fated mates
Mind reading (of each others)
Spice
Burn the world for her vibes
Forced proximity

I enjoyed the pace of the book as it didn’t move too fast or slow. We get the history behind Roxilana and Memmon which adds soooo much depth to their backstory and history with one another. It made me love them even more and it truly was an incredible experience to read about.

A searing love story that transcends time and place. If you've ever wished for that longer epilogue this one's an extra large gift from the author. It's actually a prologue, if you're going by timeline.

If you liked/loved the first two books then you have to pick this up! Curious about Selene's past life as Roxilana? Want to see how they met? Want to experience that first night? This book satisfies all those and more.

I actually went into this book blind. Had no idea it was Roxilana and Memnon's story. I thought it was some sort of follow-up to Bespelled. The stress I felt when I realized what it was about... OMG. Just because I knew what the ending was. Heartbreaking. I loved experiencing "first-hand" their first life together. So, thank you, Laura Thalassa, for writing a full prequel novel.

While this book is actually a prequel to the series, I actually do recommend reading it after the first two books. It avoids spoilers and you really get to experience what the characters are going through in their current lives. So like I said, this story is the prequel. We get to rewind in time to see how Roxi and Memnon’s story truly began and how it ended before we meet them in Bewitched. And it was great! We learn a lot about these two characters. How they met, how they found one another, and the lives they spent together before they were betrayed. And the biggest thing we see with them, is just how much they loved one another and what they were willing to do for the other. We also understand their magic just a bit better and how they end up how they are in present day. It definitely made me understand Memnon a lot better. To see how he was and how his magic truly affected him. But we could also see how devoted to Roxi he was. And the same with her to him. She may not have always loved certain things he did. Violence is something she never enjoyed but at the end of the day, she loved Memnon more. I really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing how their story began. I really have been enjoying this series and it was nice to slip back into it since it has been a while. And it made me more excited for book 3! You definitely want to check this story out if you have enjoyed the series so far!

I am "Bewitched" by The Curse that Binds by Laura Thalassa. I was lost into the mesmerizing tale of Roxilana and Memnon even when I have already read the Bewitched series books and I know what's going to come for them. This romantasy is brilliantly written with heart stopping feels in every page. The author has once again left me speechless.

This is the story of the poor girl from Rome and the sorcerer king from Samartia who were bound by the gods. They could hear each other since they were young and they formed a powerful bond till they meet.Memnon comes to rescue her from an unwanted wedding and they become one. By now, Roxilana has found her magic too. But the immense power of Memnon comes at a cost. As she becomes an integral part of the Samartians and Memnon starts wanting more power, the disbalance grows till they are both destroyed in different ways.


The soulmate love of Memnon and Roxilana is the driving force here. Memnon is beyond powerful. He is ruthless to his enemies. Protecting his people is his life. But Roxilana is his everything. It's an all consuming obsession and bone deep devotion..and it's terrifying and beautiful at the same time. The magic is slowly covering his heart with darkness and with every battle, Roxilana lost a part of him. Specially when he brought her back from dead. She vowed to be there by his side and she kept her vow , till their very last breaths. It was full of adrenaline rush, twists and adventures but their love was the focus point. my heart was swooning and overflowing with all the feels. And it broke into a thousand pieces, even when I know it's not the end. I immediately want to re read the Bewitched books because I feel I would love them even more now. The angst, the scorching hot chemistry, the epic love transcending space and time..it was simply amazing.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily