Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
There’s something haunting about a body touched by magic.
| I read Serpent & Dove as part of the Happy Pengwyn Book Club on instagram, and I think it made the book that much more enjoyable. If you can find a group of people to talk about this book with I would highly recommend doing it that way. I also listened to the audiobook, which was excellent. You are immediately thrown in to the action and at first it can be quite jarring. It took me awhile to get my bearings and to connect to the story- I would say about 70 pages. But suddenly, as I started to understand the world more and more, I fell in love with this book! It has everything that I love- hate to love romance, atmospheric setting, witches and magic, strong friendships, etc. etc. If you are not a fan of romance, than I would skip this one. The relationship is at the centre of the plot and I was here for it. There is nothing better than the banter that a hate to love romance creates, and Serpent & Dove delivered! Lou is a strong female lead character and she gets a kick out of making people, especially Reid, uncomfortable. She just brought me so much delight. Reid is one of my new favourite love interests- he reminds me of Mr. Darcy in some ways. He is proud and strong in his convictions but also has a great heart. There are also a lot of great side characters, particularly Ansel- a buddy read favourite! He is just so damn sweet! I will say that the magic was a little bit confusing and I had me scratching my head at times. I hope that it is further explored in the next book. I can not believe we have to wait until August of 2020. Let the countdown begin! |
Yes, especially for this time of year! If you have been looking for a witchy book, look no further. It reads a lot quicker than the page number would lead you to believe, once you push threw the slower beginning.
I’m very excited to read this!
Great review!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thank you! I think you’ll love it!
This sounds interesting! I often say I’m not a romance fan, but I do love dynamic relationships, and your description makes me think this one’s worth digging into. Thanks for the review!
Thank you! Romance can be hit or miss for me but this one had other layers to it!
Excellent review, Kristin. Really looking forward to read this book after reading your review. 🙂
Ah thank you!
I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about this one and I have been intrigued by it!! I think it could be my kind of book as I love romance in fantasy settings and I love a hate to love!! Great review– I’m glad you enjoyed this one!! 🙂
I think you would really love it!
I’ve been dying to reas this, i keep eyeing it up on amazon great review
It is amazing. Hope you can get your hands on it soon!
Great review!
I plan on reading this one next 🙂
Thank you. Hope you love it as much as I did!