The Serpent's Bride 

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

An Unexpectedly Addictive Read, A Dark, Lush Romantasy You Won’t Put Down

The Serpent’s Bride was an unexpected delight in the best possible way. I went into this book with no real expectations and ended up absolutely hooked. If you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, or dark fantasy worlds dripping in tension and danger, this book is calling your name.

The story blends some of my favorite tropes: a bride offered as a sacrifice, a slow-burning romance, and the ultimate clash between two powerful, ancient races, Fae and Vampires. Their hatred for one another runs deep, creating a violent, high-stakes world that feels almost mafia-esque in its ruthlessness. But underneath all the blood and betrayal is a delicious romantic tension that reminded me of Romeo and Juliet, tragic, intense, and completely addictive.

I was especially thrilled by how well the slow burn was executed. It kept me turning the pages (or in this case, glued to my earbuds), desperate to see where the relationship would go next. And I have to give credit to the author for writing a female main character I genuinely liked—lately, that’s been a rare treat. She was strong, layered, and relatable without falling into the usual tropes that tend to drag down heroines in this genre.

I also had the pleasure of experiencing this book in audio format, and let me just say: the narrator nailed it. They brought every moment to life with such emotion and energy that it made the whole experience even more immersive.

And that twist at the end? Absolutely brilliant. It had me shouting in frustration, in the best way, because now I have to wait for the next book! I'm dying to know what happens next.

There was one small detail I didn’t love, but I can’t even talk about it without spoiling a major plot point. That said, it didn’t dampen my enthusiasm or affect my rating at all.

If you're searching for a romantasy that blends high-stakes tension, rich worldbuilding, slow-burn romance, and a story that will keep you emotionally invested until the very last page, The Serpent’s Bride is the perfect pick. Highly recommend!