Ok this book was a fast fun read for me but I have one criticism. How does the most powerful Sorcerer almost due multiple times?
I love her childhood story, coming of age, fated and becoming a witch. I also especially love mind to mind inside communication! Makes for fun banter!!

First, I want to thank NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, and the amazing author Laura Thalassa for the opportunity to review this book.

I’ve heard a lot about Bewitched and Bespelled, and I’ve been super curious about them, so when I saw there would be a prequel, my interest grew even more. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going in because I hadn’t read the other books and wasn’t sure if that would be a problem. But to my surprise, The Curse That Binds stands strong on its own. The story was clear, cohesive, and completely immersive.

What I loved most is that the book takes place during ancient Roman times. The setting added so much depth and richness to the story. Watching the connection between Memnon and Roxalina unfold was captivating. The time they spend getting to know each other creates such a solid emotional foundation and the way this was done was very unique.

Laura Thalassa’s writing is so vivid, you feel like you’re living the story right alongside the characters. Their love story, set against the backdrop of war and laced with magic, feels both epic and intimate. The way Memnon and Roxalina complement each other on every level (physically. and emotionally) was beautiful to witness. There are moments of heartbreak that give the story weight and realism, and their love feels deep, powerful, and timeless. Another part I loved was the fact that there were bonds with other special characters and seeing their perspectives was amazing.

Yes, the book is a bit lengthy, but it needs to be. The pacing and development are done so well that it flows naturally, and I finished it in just two days because I couldn’t put it down.

I absolutely recommend picking this one up. It’s a magical, emotional, and beautifully written love story that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to dive into Bewitched and Bespelled next!

#NetGalley #LauraThalassa #TheCursethatBinds #MagicandPower #Loveistimeless #GriefandLove

I’ll be honest—series can be a struggle for me. By the time book two or three comes out, I’ve usually forgotten half of what happened in book one. That’s why I really appreciated this book. It gave me the full history of the characters' love story—from how they met to everything that led up to the events in book one.

I loved diving deeper into their connection and finally seeing how it all began, especially since book one drops us in after the curse has already started. Getting to witness their relationship develop from the very beginning made me even more invested in their journey. It added so much depth and emotion to everything I already knew about them.

If you’re like me and like knowing the “before” to truly appreciate the “after,” this book delivers exactly that. It made me want to reread book one with a whole new perspective.

I chose to read this prequel as a true prequel, so I haven't read the other books yet, but I will! Because this was amazing.

This book is an insta-love kind of deal, which I don't mind especially with it being a prequel. The bond and relationship between the 2 main characters was beautiful, it started when they were younger and grew as they grew. There are some shady characters whom I hated from the start and some who sneak up on you later, and really fricken ticked me off. The ending sort of went how I expected it to go with a couple of little things I didn't initially expect until just before they happened. The ending sets up the next book's events, which I cannot wait to jump into!

I very thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's what I'd expect from this author, I've been a fan since "The Bargainer" series.

I devoured this book and am so glad the author chose to make this a full book instead of a novella. Anything shorter would have felt rushed. Bewitched was the first of Laura Thalassa’s writing I read and I have been hooked since. Her writing is entertaining and her pacing is quick without feeling rushed. This is no exception.

This prequel is such a great, albeit tragic, ride. Knowing what will happen, you can see the writing on the wall, and so do many of the characters. I loved getting to know Roxy before she became Selene and Memnon before he lost much of his conscience. Now that I have this context, I really want to reread the first two books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

By far the best book in the series!

This is a prequel to the Bewitched and Bespelled books. This book provided so much detail about the MMC and FMC, really filling in knowledge you were wondering about from the first two books, such as the pet names the MMC has for the FMC. So much context is given to best understand the MMC, including why he is the way he is, his devotion for the FMC, and what happened that led to him being so awful in the first book. I know the glimpse of the past is revealed prior to the prequel, but this book provides so much more information. I loved it!

Honestly, I like the FMC more in this book as Roxi than the FMC as Selene in the first two books. I found Roxi's character development more interesting and I appreciated her thought processes being more mature. There are times when I wanted Roxi to stand up for herself the way Selene would; yet, again, I found Roxi more thoughtful and less impulsive and dramatic as Selene. I really hope now that Selene has all of Roxi's memories, we see the best version of the FMC, i.e., more mature and thoughtful, while being more assertive and standing up for herself (i.e., being less passive). I hope to see her more assertive towards Memnon who (in this book) always did what he wanted and often did not consider Roxi's perspective and wishes. What an amazing character development that could be for both FMC and MMC! I am also hoping Selene tells Kane off in the next book! Goodness, we see how much Roxi loves Memnon, yet Selene says no to Kane and then she continues to give him more chances, where he again pushes boundaries. Kane- NO MEANS NO. This book also gives more context to why the MMC had such a huge, harmful reaction towards Kane when Kane and Selene were about to have intimacy in the first book.

Overall, this book gives significant insight into the past, helping you better understand the first two books. I kept wanting to read to learn more and more. The pacing is well done, as there is character development, internal dialogue, relationship development, and action scenes. Some parts of the book you want to yell, JUST LISTEN MEMNON, because we know what is coming.

Once I finish this, I immediately ran back and skimmed over Bespelled. So much more made sense!! I believe that, when a new book comes out and makes you want to go back and read previous books, an excellent job was done. So much pre-thought must have gone into creating this series, then writing and publishing in a specific way that creates the biggest awe… well done!

FANTASTIC job Laura! I liked the series, but now I LOVE it because of this book.

Laura Thalassa's "The Curse That Binds," is an electrifying addition to the Bewitched series that will leave you breathless! If you thought you knew the depths of this magical world, prepare for a journey that will re-forge your understanding and ignite your senses. For me, this is hands down the best book in the series yet.
This origin story takes us back to the very beginning, unveiling the profound love story of Roxilana and Memnon. This is the original tale that sets the stage for everything we come to know later in the Bewitched series, a truly poignant and strikingly beautiful chronicle of their connection. It's an intimate look at two souls, innocent in their own ways, navigating a world filled with violence and trauma, yet finding solace and love in each other amidst the chaos. Their connection is a tender dance of coming-of-age, spanning time and distance, and it will undeniably tug at your heartstrings, making the later revelations in the series even more impactful.
Get ready for an adrenaline rush because the action and excitement in this book are simply phenomenal. My heart was racing more times than I can count! The suspense leading up to Roxilana’s vows with Quadratus is masterfully crafted. You'll be on the edge of your seat, wondering if Memnon will make it in time. And when "the screaming starts," be prepared for your heart to pound right along with Roxie's! The moment Memnon and Roxilana finally see each other is pure magic—a singular, all-consuming instant where the world fades away, leaving only their palpable connection. Laura Thalassa truly excels at crafting chemistry and passion that practically leaps off the page, a testament to her undeniable skill.
Beyond the intense drama, "The Curse That Binds" is also hilariously entertaining. The wedding hunt is a perfect blend of exhilarating action and laugh-out-loud humor that will have you simultaneously on the edge of your seat and giggling with delight. And the banter between Memnon and Roxie? Absolutely brilliant! Their conversations are witty, charming, and add another layer of depth and enjoyment to an already incredible read.
This book is an absolute triumph, and I simply cannot wait for book #3 in the Bewitched series! It's a solid 5 Stars from me!
And as a final testament to the power of their bond, one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"From the gods that made me to the gods that take me. From this breath to my last, I am yours."

Be sure to get your copy on release day! July 1, 2025

I want to thank #LauraThalassa,#Netgalley and #Bloombooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

+++I was given a copy of this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

Curse That Binds” by @laurathalassa was my most anticipated read of 2025, and it absolutely delivered. Ever since Roxi and Memnon’s flashbacks in Bewitched/Bespelled, I’ve been desperate for their full back story — and this eARC gave me everything I wanted and more.

From the moment Memnon makes his first “appearance”, I was hooked. Yes, I knew how the story ends going in, and still? The journey was worth every page. In fact, I immediately wanted to dive back into Bewitched — so consider this a warning to your TBR.

Memnon completely owns this book. His unhinged devotion to Roxi, the brutal-warrior-meets-soft-lover dynamic, and his playful edge? Top tier MMC. The tension around his use of magic continues to be one of my favorite threads in the series — layered, morally complex, and oh-so-satisfying.

And the character development? Impressively done, especially considering we already know the destination. Watching how it all unfolds with that looming ending in mind made it even more powerful. The backdrop of ambition, power, and fate? Perfectly handled.

This book is everything I hoped for — intense, emotional, unforgettable. Epic.

Thank you so much to Laura Thalassa, NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the eARC of this book!

This was everything I needed it to be! I was so happy to be back with Memnon and Roxi, I was completely obsessed with this book from the first few pages!

This is a prequel to the Bewitched Series (it goes back 2000 years). I absolutely loved going back to the start of their love story. It was full of action and the pacing was perfect, I struggled to put it down.

I fell in love with Roxi and Memnon all over again. Their obsession with eachother is quite literally dangerous, but I was so here for it. Their connection is extremely intense and consuming. This story just added layers and layers of depth to their relationship, it had me completely captivated!

The imagery in this book is incredible, I can tell how much work and research has gone into it and it has so paid off😍. I felt completely transported to ancient Rome!

I definitely recommend reading Bewitched and Bespelled before diving into this one because the mystery in Bewitched is one of the things that made it so exciting and gripping for me. BUT you can read this one first if you want to, either way, you need to read this series😍.

In my eyes, Laura Thalassa can do no wrong when it comes to romantasy. I absolutely adore the Betwitched series and couldn't wait to read this prequel. I read The Curse That Binds in one sitting because of how hooked I was.

While the previous two Bewitched books have mentioned the relationship between Roxi and Memnon, and we've been given snippets of events that have occurred, this was the first time that we were able to see it all unfold. It is by no means a peaceful nor gentle romance between the two of them, but the strength of both characters lends them to be an amazing couple. Their relationship is just as passionate and spicy as would be expected (even though I could've done with even more spice lol)! But it's also a very deep relationship and I loved seeing the two of them fall for each other and truly get to know each other. The only thing I wished for this book was that we could've gotten more chapters from Memnon's POV, as I love a true dual POV romance.

I loved getting more of a background for the characters as well as for their setting. I immediately felt immersed into the historical world and I would love to read even more about it.

The Curse That Binds was amazing and I already can't wait for the next book in the Bewitched series!

Love, magic and violence

I loved, loved this prequel to the Bewitched series. While the other books in the series have flashbacks of the end of Roxilana and Memnon’s love story, this book gives us the whole tale from beginning to end. And phew what an exciting tale it is - exhilarating adventure, palpable tension, unexpected twists, life-threatening danger, powerful magic, and spicy romance. Roxilana is a child from Brittania who ends up in the Roman Empire at age 7 after her family is massacred. At the age of 12 she begins to hear the voice of Memnon, a young male, in her head. While only psychically connected, first Roxilana’s witch magic awakens and then Memnon’s sorcerer magic does. Despite there being only a mental link between them at first, this is where their deeply connected relationship starts and ultimately leads them to meet, fall in love, and become the Sarmatian king and queen. The world building and storyline is so rich and vibrant, I felt like I was there with the characters feeling their feelings and living their lives. It also made the history nerd in me so happy. The story is full of all these juicy details of ancient Rome and Sarmatia - the people and the cultures all wound around the story of Memnon and Roxilana’s love story and the effect of power, violence, magic, and betrayal on them and their people. While I have read the two books in the Bewitched series, I do not think you would be lost in this story if you have not. Although, reading this will spoil a bit of Bewitched. 4.5 stars.

📖 The Curse That Binds by Laura Thalassa
💫 Prequel to Bewitched | Releases July 1, 2025
📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | Mythic Prequel | Soulmate Magic

“I would find you in every life, even if the stars burned out and the gods forgot our names.” ✨

Laura Thalassa does not miss.

The Curse That Binds swept me into an ancient world of whispered gods, soul-deep magic, and a love that’s both destiny and doom. This isn’t just a prequel—it’s an origin story for one of Thalassa’s most powerful female leads. Two thousand years before Selene, we meet Roxilana… and y’all, she is everything.

🔮 A god-touched connection
🔥 A swoony, sword-wielding king
👑 A queen awakening her own terrifying power
💔 A legacy forged through love and betrayal

This book had me hooked from page one. The tension between Roxilana and Memnon? ELECTRIC. The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss. And the tragedy that lurks beneath every tender moment? Devastating in the best way. If you love epic stakes, morally gray kings, and women coming into their power, this is your next obsession.

✨𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 & 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀:
💘 Soulmates
⚔️ Fated Love vs. Free Will
🖤 Powerful Queen Rising
🌪️ Ancient World Magic
👑 Forced Proximity & Political Marriage
🌌 Doomed-but-Desperate Love

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 | Tragic, sensual, unforgettable. I’m still reeling.

📦 Preorder for the STUNNING deluxe edition with printed edges—you’re going to want this one on your shelf.

#TheCurseThatBinds #LauraThalassa #BewitchedPrequel #FantasyRomance #SoulmateMagic #MythicalRomance #AncientMagic #SlowBurnFantasy #DarkRomanceVibes #Bookstagram #BookRecs #Romantasy2025 #BloomBooks #DeluxeEditionDrop #booklover #forbiddenmagic #bookishobsession

When it comes to Laura Thalassa there’s not much to say that hasn’t been said already. The third instalment was everything and more than I was expecting. This series will forever have my heart and Laura will continue to be an auto buy author for me

Memnon’s love for Roxy is the kind of love every girl dreams of💕

Every time this man opens his mouth I am vigorously highlighting each and every word!! And I am not a person that highlights books, only things that leave a great impact on me are highlighted, but with Memnon?! Literally every word!

I have been a HUGE Bewitched fan since it was published and it is my comfort read! I have read and listened to the multiple times and each time it just gets better!! So when Laura came out and said she was making a prequel I knew it was going to be epic!! Let me say she did not disappoint!!

The plot was ever evolving, Roxy’s character development from this meek scared and traumatized little girl to a badass witch queen was fabulous!! I am so glad I got insight into their past and how their love story began.

The hardest part for me was knowing how the book will end and hoping by some miracle there would be a HEA😭😭😭😭 If you have read Bespelled then you know how this book ends and let me say the impact that their whole story makes on you will hit you so much harder at the end now. Grab a box of tissues and hold on for dear life🥹

If I could rate this book, and every book in this series ♾️/5⭐️ I would, but Alas I am limited to 5⭐️

If you are debating on picking up this book don’t, just pick it up and read it!! You’re welcome♥️

Thank you to the author, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I'll start with the fact that this is actually the first of the author's books that I've now read, and I haven't read the series this is a prequel to.

I don't think this series is for me, and there was a lot in this that didn't particularly appeal to me. I generally liked the setup and world. The time skips were helpful. And I can see that this did appeal to a lot of people, but I'm not one of them.

The plot has similar elements to The North Queen series (generally, a woman from a "civilized" society being married to a man from a "barbarian/nomadic" society, integrating in with that world, forbidding the standard harem...) but not as compelling.

The ability for Roxilana and Memnon to telepathically speak to each other was interesting, especially at first. Though, kind of weird some of the things that he says to her, as I annotated several phrases with "but she's 12????" Despite this ability to talk to each other's minds, there is sure a ton that no one seems to ever explain to Roxi! Girl is just constantly thrown off guard by things.

Also, ever have a magic system that's too powerful? Part of what bugged me was there was no conflict! Memnon is super powerful, he can do anything, he and Roxi seem to be the only ones with magic (minus this one random fae lady) and there's nothing that can stand in his way or counter him, which honestly kind of makes it boring. (Also, " 'Annihilate.' BOOM!" ?????? No thank you.)

Finally, the spice was mid, and I found it really confusing that the author chose to acknowledge a deliberate choice not to use one specific word because of research, but used other relatively more modern words? Might just be a personal pet peeve, but it was jarring.

So overall, it's good that I read this so I can go ahead and cross the rest of the books off my potential TBR list.

Laura Thalassa delivered! This romantic fantasy sweeps you into Roxilana’s world as she discovers her magic and her soulmate, Memnon, a powerful king. Whisked from Rome to a distant land, Roxilana found love, power, and a destiny more dangerous than she imagined. The Curse that Binds included rich world-building, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes intrigue, this story is as enchanting as it is intense. A must-read for fans of fated mates and magical kingdoms! It leaves me hungry for more. Now having the history of Roxilana/Selene and Memnom, I am anxious to read what’s in store for them in the next book in the Bewitched series. Thank you NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Laura for the eARC!

I am convinced that Laura Thalassa can do no wrong. She is a phenomenal writer and storyteller. This book blew me away and WOW what an epic conclusion to the Bewitched series. My jaw is on the floor and I need this book to be released immediately so I have more people to talk to about it without spoiling the book. No words, just amazing.

New book from Laura Thalassa? Say less!

The prequel to her Bewitched series is almost here and boy, oh, boy!

I went in blind, without having read the other two first.. but, I will!

I love her writing, I love her characters and most of all, I love her smut!

"The Curse That Binds" takes place two thousand years before "Bewitched". We follow a young Roman slave, Roxilana, when she hears a male voice in her head and her magic Awakens.

Now, she has to fight men and gods to find her true destiny.

But, she has Memnon by her side. The voice in her head, her love, her soul mate.

Mrs Thalassa took my heart, made it beat again and then stumped on it!

I loved every page! I will be reading the rest of the series soon!

"I leave for but a moment and already the panther has taken my place"
Cats are the same no matter the size. Tough luck all powerful sorcerer, the cat will steal your cuddles.

I am so excited for this book after reading the other two. It's amazing to see them as they first meet. I have too many highlighted quotes and it's so romantic and lovely. The 'But, how did you two first meet?" question from the first two books are being answered in this book and it's just so really amazing.

I think it’s worth noting that I have read each book in this series as it was released. I know there are some reviewers that started with this book, so I think it’s important to say I’m coming into this book with some knowledge about the characters.

Now that that is out of the way, I just can’t stress enough that you can start with this book or read the series in the order they are published. Either way, the series is epic and this book just brought it up a notch. Obviously, with it being a prequel, we are going back to where it all started. What I want expecting was how much I fell in Love with their relationship. How beautiful and raw it is. Gives me so much more perspective on Memnon and his behavior towards Roxi in the other books. Oh… and if you recently did your reread you know there are some characters you are just gonna hate. Well, you get them up close and personal and man did I ever want to throw my book when they showed up. Now my only problem is, I need the last book. I NEED TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS. I can’t wait for you all to get your hands on this Jem, whether it’s your first look, or your third installment in this series. Just make sure your friends and family know you’re busy for the next little bit.