The Serpent’s Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Morally Grey, Emotionally Devastating, and Completely Addictive…
If you love dark romantasy with Fae, vampires, revenge plots, and enemies-to-lovers tension that actually delivers—The Serpent’s Bride is the book you’ve been waiting for. Kathryn Ann Kingsley has crafted an intoxicating blend of fantasy, slow-burn romance, political intrigue, and just the right amount of spice to keep you turning pages late into the night.
At the center of this story is Nadi, a shapeshifting water-type Fae who has spent the last 80 years becoming an assassin—cold, calculating, and completely driven by one thing: vengeance. Her target? The infamous vampire noble, Raziel Nostrom, who slaughtered her family when she was a child. Nadi has spent nearly a century planning her revenge, and when she discovers Raziel is betrothed to a human woman, the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself. She impersonates the human girl, Megan, offering her a chance at freedom—and takes her place in Raziel’s castle, plotting to destroy his life piece by piece until he’s the only one left. Then she’ll end him too. Simple. But this isn’t a simple story. Once inside his world, Nadi is forced to confront the fact that Raziel is not just the monster she imagined. He’s brutal, yes—but also complex, intelligent, and not without moments of surprising vulnerability. Worse still, he absolutely despises the Fae, making Nadi’s secret identity a constant and deadly risk. As they grow closer and their relationship begins to shift, Nadi finds herself caught in a tangled web of emotions she never expected to feel. Can she truly abandon the revenge that has defined her entire life? Especially knowing the lengths—and the darkness—she’s already embraced to get this far?
What makes The Serpent’s Bride stand out is how tight the storytelling is. The pacing is near perfect, balancing emotional development with action and worldbuilding without ever dragging. The banter and chemistry between Nadi and Raziel are electric, and their evolving dynamic feels natural, believable, and deeply satisfying for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance. This book also doesn’t shy away from exploring morally grey territory. Nadi is not a soft heroine—she’s fierce, flawed, and forged by trauma, and the narrative doesn't try to paint her decisions in black and white. The same goes for Raziel, whose brutal past is explored in layered, complex ways. The emotional stakes are high, and the tension—both romantic and narrative—is beautifully sustained throughout. And let’s talk about the spice: it’s there, and it’s good. Not overdone, not underwhelming—just the right amount of heat to match the intensity of the plot and characters. The only downside? This is just book one of the Bloodlines series and it releases August 28, 2025 which means a sequel is nowhere in the near future. I already know the wait is going to hurt. Kingsley leaves you wanting more—in the best (and most frustrating) way.
The Serpent’s Bride is a dark, seductive, and emotionally gripping start to what promises to be a must-read romantasy series. It’s perfect for fans of stories with strong female leads, complex love interests, revenge-fueled plotlines, and high-stakes supernatural politics. If you loved romantasy and spice this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
RATING: 5/5
SPICE: 3.75/5
