Serpent & Dove

I liked this one more than I expected I would, especially after reading some unfavorable reviews before I started it. The whole thing is fun, cute, flippant but with a serious heart. It contains some great discussions about right versus wrong, evil for the greater good, and blinding loyalty to any cause. There are enough answers to make this a one-and-done story, so I was surprised to see that it is the first in a series. I am not certain how Ms. Mahurin is going to make it happen without the story becoming repetitive. Also, I do think we need more sexy times between the characters because they are done so well.

She needn't have worried. surely she heard the thundering of my heart and realized her advantage.

(this book's acknowledgments section was wonderful and made my heart very warm)

Well this was a wild and incredibly strong debut and I am very jealous!! The real stand-out here for me was the cast. While me and Reid had our differences, I was really charmed by Lou (even in her more obnoxious moments), and I'm shelving the sequel mostly just to spend more time with everyone. (that rescue squad at the end of the book was the team-up I didn't know I needed.)

It was unapologetically tropey, a bit crass, a touuuch bloody, and overall really fun. Star knocked off for some dragging and some plot reveals that felt weirdly convenient, but overall this show more was really addictive and great. show less

I have so many feelings about this book. When I started it, I didn’t have many expectations because I had heard such mixed reviews on it. It exceeded my expectations with the romance which was the part I was most excited for. I loved that it was an enemies to lovers romance, and that it was semi slow burn. I liked the main characters Reid and Lou and think they complimented each other well. I definitely see the “I’m not like other girls” trope being used with Lou, and I’m not a fan since it is kind of overused in YA. I also loved the character of Ansel because I love how open minded and caring he is. I didn’t understand how Beau was suddenly on their side. Like I know he slept with Coco, but isn’t his family supposed to show more hate witches like the Chaussers do? I was confused as to why he suddenly sort of accepted them and helped them. I could maybe accept the fact that it was to save his own life, but he didn’t know about that at first. Lastly, I feel like there was a lot going on plot wise that I was confused as to what was important for a little while. But it seems to have set up the second book nicely, and I can’t wait to read it. show less

Give me the sequel and give it to me now! I haven't been this obsessed with a young adult fantasy/adventure for years and I'm ALL IN!

A witch is forced to marry a witch hunter... who doesn't know she's a witch. How can this possibly go wrong?! Delightful and full of characters that just reach out to you from the page and right into your heart. Funny, inventive, and endlessly witty. I won't say much more than that, other than I read this book in like one day. I couldn't put it down! As a final note, I will say I pictured the Archbishop (head of the witch hunters) as Frollo from Hunchback of Notre Dame. You're welcome.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Serpent & Dove

Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took residence in the one town she thought she'd be safe, Cesarine. Hiding in plain sight, Louise gave up her magic and became a street thief. But the atrocities of the Church will never let her forget she is a witch. The Chasseurs hunt any who would dare show magic in the city, and she is reminded time and again why she must never use her power. But when a public incident involving Louise and Chasseur Reid Diggory threatens to bring embarrassment to the Church, they will find their fates woven together. Bound by marriage, witch and Chasseur must find a balance, and Louise will have to be ever so careful.

Serpent & Dove is one of those show more books I picked up and put down time and time again at the bookstore. The cover lured me in, the premises sounded interesting, but I was worried it would fall into the repetitive young adult tropes. Then I received it as a secret Santa gift and decided to give it a try. And I am glad I did.

Do not expect a magic heavy story. If anything the magic accents the storyline instead of being the main focus. Yes, Louise is a witch, but using magic in Cesarine is a death sentence. In this world, magic evokes a smell that is impossible to miss. However, Louise is not defenseless without her magic. She has a sharp wit and survival instincts that save her in some of the most precarious situations.

Reid is set in his ways, as can be expected, and watching Louise unnerve him time again with her behavior is hilarious. While he tries to be in a constant state of control and seriousness, Louise breaks out into bawdy tavern songs and embarrasses him for the fun of it. With the two being complete opposites, it makes their story all the more entertaining. And Shelby Mahurin has a knack for putting her characters in compromising situations, ramping up the tension, and switching points of view in the next chapter, leaving you to wonder what happens next.

The romance in Serpent & Dove takes an extremely long time to develop, as it should. Most of the tension and conflict built into the story does not surround the relationship, but the outside forces opposing Louise. And by the time the plot starts to edge the two towards one another, there is enough history between them to make it work. I loved every moment of it, and I am not the type to root for romance in a novel.

Serpent & Dove is a well crafted story of enemies to lovers. There is a little bit of everything mixed into the storyline, daring heists, action, friendship, sisterhood, proof that love can be a powerful magic all it's own and so much more. show less

There are more than a few things I didn't like about Serpent & Dove. But that didn't stop me from reading for hours, thinking about getting back into the story, and getting irritated that I was doing anything other than reading about Lou and Reid.
It's ridiculous. But I loved it.

This book was a fantastic read. Lou is a criminal and Reid is a straight lace, religious man who has a giant stick up his ass. The two meet and all hell breaks loose. This book had so many components going on and I absolutely loved it. Some of my favorites include witch meets witch hunter, who are forced to get married; two people who absolutely hate each other, end up falling in love; and lastly, the humor in this book is second to none. My neighbors can attest that they would hear me laughing in random parts during this book. “Would you, oh brave and virtuous Chasseur, stick your tongue down my throat and your hand up my skirt? My ass needs grabbing” is one of the best lines in this book. This book has it all - humor, love, family show more drama, and twists and turns throughout. I was really pleasantly surprised by this book and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out in 2020! show less