I enjoyed the first one and this one was just as good. I loved the characters' journeys and seeing how much growth they experience.

Blood & Honey is a very serviceable middle book set in an enjoyable fantasy world. In this second installment, we continue on our quest to defeat the evil witch lady Morgane (AKA Lou's maman dearest) by recruiting reluctant allies from all corners of the land to the cause. This book has a LOT of movement, travel, and characters plotting. The ratio of plotting to actionable drama was a bit disappointing, but the story kept its characters growing and learning so it was still an engaging read.

This book introduced a whooole host of new characters, adding plenty of additional pieces to the board when the final showdown arrives in book three. Some of the newbies are intriguing; however, they were not super duper layered yet - but the potential is there. In terms of Lou and Reid's relationship, I found it less fiery than book one. I'm still debating if I liked this version of their relationship more or less, but I'm leaning toward less.

All in all, Blood & Honey introduces lots of new kids on the block, is very travel and scheme-heavy, and doesn't fully deliver me the Lou and Reid feels that I know it's capable of, but it remains such an intriguing world that I'll be back for more.

This book starts where the first left off. I still love the characters and was entertained by this story. I did think, however, this book suffered a little from second-book syndrome, but the last quarter the book was fast-paced and more than made up for the somewhat sluggish middle.

Readers will be left guessing as to what will happen throughout the story. There were some good unexpected aspects of this continuation.

After ending Serpent & Dove on a cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to pick up this installment to see what was going to happen next! I absolutely devoured the first book so I was dying to get my hands on this one. First and foremost, I want to state that this book was not what I was expecting, but it was still a grand adventure nonetheless.

In general, this installment is about Reid and Lou, their relationship, and them coming to terms with who they truly are. Some may find that this book doesn't meet their initial expectations on what they predict it to be focused on, but I rather enjoyed how much it revolved around Lou and Reid dealing with these life altering events that arose in Serpent & Dove. This book was definitely filled with lots of action, excitement, character development and new characters. However, in comparison to the first book, it was almost a bit slower in the sense of what was going on at times as Shelby chose to dive more into Reid and Lou's internal battles/struggles. After everything they had went through in the first book, this decision makes perfect sense as who wouldn't have emotionally and mentally changed after going through such traumatic experiences? Now, I am not saying the entire book is based around their internal struggles, but it is a huge part of the book. The level of action and excitement from Serpent & Dove definitely shone through in this installment as well, so you won't be bored!

Overall, did the book loose some of it's punch or "suffer the second book syndrome"? I think in some ways yes, it did. I also think that Shelby did an amazing job with the story she chose to write about though, so I was in no way disappointed by it. If anything, I am more excited about the third installment as this one not only ended on another cliffhanger, but it left the door wide open for so many different possibilities to occur in the final book.

I would highly recommend this book and series to everyone! It was an amazing continuation of the story and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!

Thank You, NetGalley for this Arc!
I was so excited about this and it didn't disappoint. I was a little nervous because there were mixed reviews and I understand why some felt that this book was not as exciting( regarding the pace of the story). I agree that this could have wrapped in a duology, but I don't mind seeing them continue for another book. I love the characters and the story. It has been a long time for me to read a book based on the witch world for so long, which is why I LOVED serpent&dove. I can't wait until the third book!!!!!

The romance and the action in the second book in the Serpent & Dove series is just as sizzling and thrilling as the first book. Mahurin continues to build out this world and adds more witches and werewolves to the mix this time. The tension remains high throughout the read and the cliffhangers at the end will keep readers waiting anxiously for the next book in the series. The only flat note in this read for me was the development of Lou and Reid's relationship. Their emotions remain fraught and turbulent and the whole thing pushed the drama a little too far for my taste and wrapped it up a little too easily in the end. I will definitely be continuing with the series.

NON-STOP action, twists and turns, surprises, excitement! I had thought this was a duology going into the book and had my heart absolutely broken when it ended on a cliff-hanger. Now I have to wait for book #3...sigh.

I have a feeling this book is going to be very controversial. I mean, it is one of the most anticipated sequels of 2020, and I would be lying if I said it didn't quite live up to what I was expecting. But holy cow did I really like this.

When we left off with Serpent and Dove it felt like the story could honestly go in any direction; our characters went through hell to get to where they are, but they aren't out of the woods yet. I think what I really enjoyed is that Blood and Honey really doubled down on the fact that Reid and Lou's entire worlds have been turned upside down, and neither one of them are handling that well. Reid is retreating into himself, still angry and hurt by who/what he is now, while Lou is spiraling out of control, headed for self destruction.

I think those who are looking for a tight plot and more of a focus on the other characters will be disappointed because that's not what Blood and Honey is trying to do. This is about Lou and Reid wrestling with where they are now and the choices that got them there, it's messy and emotional and all over the place, but I think that's what makes it great. Sure, I was expecting it to focus more on Coco and Beau too, (and they do get development!) but that's not the story that Shelby is telling.

There is also a lot of set up here for the next book, and to be perfectly honest I think a lot of the writing choices here will make more sense once we have the complete picture. Does that mean it suffers from second book syndrome? A little bit, but it personally didn't take away from my enjoyment, if anything I'm even more interested and invested in where things are going to go.

Overall, I don't think Blood and Honey is going to sit well with a lot of people. It's complicated, messy, emotional, and the end is one that I feel will be very controversial. But I loved the work and care that is going into developing Reid and Lou's relationship, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

4.5/5

I read Serpent & Dove last year and enjoyed it. Like many readers, I thought that it was fast paced with fun characters, and anticipated the sequel. This book definitely struggles from middle book syndrome and this trilogy would have been better served as a duology. Very little happened for much of the book, with a lot of it feeling incredibly repetitive from the last book. While things did eventually get more exciting, the buildup to it wasn't necessary so it didn't end up feeling worth it.

The characters made a lot of ridiculous choices that didn't always seem to further the plot or their own characterizations (at times I have to wonder how Lou managed to survive so long being a persecuted member of society that is hunted down when she makes so many ridiculous choices, which at least in the last book seemed more understandable), and Lou and Reid's romance felt incredibly juvenile and cliched, where as in the last book they had a nice chemistry. Oftentimes in this book they argued about magic or were being horny and had to be told by the people around them to knock it off.

I'm still going to check out the third book, hopefully it lives up to our expectations!

I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved Serpent & Dove. I expected it to be super cliche with a witch and a huntsman falling in love. The french setting and culture added to the stereotypes I had built up in my head for the story. However, I got lost in the story and it proved to be the perfect quarantine escape. When the sequel showed up on my list to be reviewed, I leapt at the chance to read it. Overall, it wasn't the best read of the year. But it did continue where the first one left off. Lou's mom is setting a trap to kill her once again - this time most likely, it'll be at the archbishop's funeral. Lou and her friends split the party to rally allies to their cause. It doesn't always work out in their favor, but they do everything they can to persuade potential allies. They go to blood witches, the werewolves, the even the king to beg for an alliance. All the while, Reid finds out more about his magical side and Lou slips more into darkness. Beware, one of my favorite characters dies and it's not okay.

While I rarely love sequels, I did enjoy this one... until the end. The story is a whirlwind jilted romance that breezes between Lou's and Reid's point of view. This is a rare storyline where I find that I love the side characters than the main ones. Claud, Coco, Ansel, Blaise, Beau, Manon, Gaby, and even Jean Luc captured my imagination more than Lou and Reid. I would love to read side stories about them. A few characters seemed to be thrown in and some storylines don't seem to go anywhere. Baz makes a limited appearance and I love him, but it doesn't enhance the story much. Lou and Reid are thrown together and fall apart more times than I can remember and it made my head spin to keep track if they were on good or bad terms. And the end just seems like a way to continue the series on.

Overall, it's worth the read to find out what happens between Lou and Reid. Their personal drama/love drives the plot. I am glad things get messy and it's not a perfect story line. If anything, read it to find out who joins Lou's team and who turns their back on her.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved the deeper dive into characters and I loved the overall story. I laughed and I sobbed. A worthy sequel and I cannot wait for book 3!

Will be sharing a more detailed review and photos on socials approximately 10 days after the book is released. Just waiting on the physical copy I ordered from Shelby’s indie bookstore.

**4.5-5 Stars**

Blood & Honey was an action-packed thrill ride of a read that put our displaced heroes in a fight for their lives against potential allies, villains, and the many prejudices of a population of people. Mahurin unabashedly tore apart relationships, character’s identities, and loyalties while not shying away from the messy, sad complications of war—both external and internal. And through it all, avoided the dreaded slowness of a middle book in a trilogy by making it impossible to tear my eyes from everything happening within its pages.

All is not safe in Cesarine and I felt it every step of the way. But what was felt most strongly was the deep physical & emotional connection that was still wrapped around our beloved Lou and Reid. That though the outside world was doing everything to make them question who and what they were, their bond was still ever present—in the way they comforted, supported, and fought for one another. With Mahurin’s skill and storytelling remaining constant between books, it was as if we had never left them for the last year, making it incredibly easy to fall back into this world very quickly. For all the action and excitement and narrative advancement this book put me through (happily, really), I would’ve loved a few more slower moments to let the story breathe some and to let the characters have some reprieve against all the outside forces—but that’s just me, I’m greedy for the quieter moments that sometimes speak louder than the wild ones.

Even with a cliffhanger ending that made me snarl in (mock) frustration, Blood & Honey was a fantastic read written by a talented author whose characters speak volumes simply with the way they’re written. There are no words for how unjust the wait will be for the final installment and I know I’ll be starting back at the beginning again soon.

This was such a fun sequel. I love this cast of characters so much so I was very excited to revisit them. I love a group of witty friends more than anything in books so I love to watch those scenes unravel for the first time. I do think I liked the first installment much more than this one, but sequels rarely outshine the first book for me. I liked seeing classic witchcraft ideas come to life and learn more about the different witches in the series though. But.....the ending. WHAT?

Shelby Mahurin is back with a sequel to the acclaimed Serpent & Dove. This novel begins where the former left off with the protagonists on the run from Lou’s mother. Unlike, Serpent & Dove though, Blood & Honey is slow and repetitive. Some new characters are introduced, but the storylines of the main characters do not go anywhere. They have the same arguments and use the same tropes as the first book: Lou is reckless with her magic, Reid still doesn’t like magic, Lou teases Reid with curse words, and all of this causes still the same problems in their relationship. Nothing is resolved, and this novel feels like its sole purpose is to coast so that readers stick around for the third installment in the series. Readers get the point of view of both Lou and Reid in alternating chapters, but even trying to understand each perspective, the reader is just left upset at both characters. VERDICT: I loved Serpent & Dove, but the sequel leaves much to be desired.

I re-read Serpent & Dove before diving into the sequel, and was a little disappointed in Blood & Honey. I adored S & D so much. Lou and Reid were phenomenal characters and I just didn't get that same momentum in B & H as I did in the first book. I don't know what was lacking, but something is missing that the first book nails.

Wow. Just, wow. I don't know if I have the words to describe my feelings after this book, because right now the only word in my head is AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I am thoroughly pleased that Mahurin was able to maintain the rambunctious and alluring personality that is Lou throughout book two, especially with all the insanity that was going on around her. Lou is one of my favorite fictional characters, and she was just as dazzling in this book as she was in the first. Reid definitely showed a lot of growth after some serious battles with his internal demons. I was proud of the progress he made. Coco still shined in her supporting role, a solid pillar of a friend for Lou. And then.... do not get me started on THAT part / person. My heart is still wounded and suffering and I cannot go there right now.

I saw other reviewers say that they found this to be a filler novel and that the middle dragged. I do not feel the same. I love the interaction between all these characters. There are some new people we got to meet in that middle who turned out to be VERY interesting. Those new characters also had vibrant personalities that drew me into their involvement in this story. I was continually entertained by each new phase of the story. The only times I was not happy was whenever the chasseurs arrived, which given their role, is understandable.

I am completely in love with this series and after the epic conclusion to book two, my heart and soul will be screaming in a pit of despair until I get my hands on book three. Mahurin, I salute you. Fantastic job.

Fans who loved the first book won’t be disappointed in the second. Lou and Reid are now navigating life outside the confines of the tower and dealing with the fall out of what happened during the confrontation of Morgane. Reid is confronting a new identity and Lou is struggling to keep in touch with her own. I enjoyed the realistic emotions that played in their own heads and dealing with the conflict they have for one another. This is a transitional book, ones of gathering alliances, expanding world building and setting things up for a finale. The bawdy humor, steamy romance and typical snarkiness are all there is true form. But that ending was devastating. I’m not ready to talk about it quite yet...

I NEED THE NEXT ONE IN MY HANDS NOW.

I loved this. I thought I might need to re-read S&D again before starting this, but the first page had me dropped right back there like I’d never left. I really enjoyed this one. There was a lot of action and moments that had me literally in the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the sprinkling of romance and thought it was the perfect amount to not overtake the story. The last couple chapters had me crying and staying up too late to finish the book.
I’m upset that this one isn’t even out yet and I have an eternity to wait for the next installment.

Blood & Honey started as a solid sequel to the wonderful Serpent and Dove. It immediately picked up where the previous one left off and hit the reader with one action sequence after another. Newly introduced characters are engaging and riveting and help to hold the reader through the mess that is the relationship between the main two.

As far as straight storytelling goes, the plot itself was a bit of a let down. Especially when following such a hard hitter like its first title. Lou and Reid in the very first book were both lovable characters in their own right and the reader enjoyed the build of their relationship before it finally comes to a head in the end. Blood & Honey takes all of the initial relationship build between the two main characters and shatters it. Not to mention completely disregards the side character relationships with the main two as well as each other. What once was a budding romance between a witch and a Chasseur in training turns into heartbreak akin to a teenage drama, pulling the reader away from the main narrative and relationship.

The narrative continues to suffer because suddenly Lou and Reid are attempting to figure each other out yet again, overcome past traumas that have left them weakened as main voices, and still attempt to hold some semblance of plot and storytelling aspects.

The ending suffers from "character death shock" syndrome, reduces Lou to less than her initial character when she doesn't see a betrayal coming and just allows it to happen to her, and Reid spends 90% of the book arguing with himself, Lou, and attempting to yet again figure out who he is and where he stands.

Overall, I found this book to be a bit of a let down. Especially when it was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020.

An excellent follow up to the first in the series. A little darker, more intense, and just as passionate.