I'd fallen so deeply for Serpent & Dove, so deeply that I ordered custom made signs with my favorite quotes, merchandise, signed copies, and so much more. Serpent & Dove was easily my favorite read when it came up and I would do anything for Lou & Reid's relationship. The world was invigorating, the plot refreshing, and the characters dynamic.

Enter Blood & Honey. An ARC I was so interested in receiving that I just about cried when the email came through that I had been accepted. I started it immediately, excited to be back in the world of Serpent & Dove once again. It was an honor to get it so early and I knew I'd binge read it quickly. Then, I got to 15% of the book and realized I'd read the same series of events no less than three times, that nothing had really happened at all, and that the cast of characters had expanded to be a bit larger than manageable. I ached for something interesting to happen and, while there was a bit of sexy lap sitting that made me happy, it wasn't nearly enough to make me stay interested. I will definitely have to come back and revisit it at a time where I can handle a slow beginning. Truth be told, I'd rather have a 400 page book full of action than a drawn out 500+ page book where nothing happens for a large chunk of it. I dearly hope my mind will change, but I will wait until it is fully released to read it, hopefully when times are slower and I can have the patience for it.

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020 and it did NOT disappoint. I felt like I held my breath for the hours it took me to read this book. It was action packed from start to finish, but still found moments of happiness and connection with the characters. I loved the continued world building and learning to understand the magic system even more than in the first book. At times it did feel a bit rushed, but the pacing was overall really good and never lets up. This series is an essential fantasy series that I recommend to all lovers of YA fantasy, witches, magic, and romance. I also appreciate that while there are some steamy scenes, they don't take over the book and make it still approachable for young adults, although I would say keep it to high school and above!

Thank you Net Galley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this book!

Wow, what a book and what an ending. Blood and Honey certainly lives up to all the hype surrounding it. This was my most anticipated read for 2020 and I tried not to rush through it and savor every moment. Expect to be shocked, filled with emotion, and, dare I say it, heartbroken.

Trouble in paradise, sweet Ansel, sassy Beau, new and mysterious characters - Shelby Mahurin once again creates an enthralling novel that is so hard to put down. All I can say after those final chapters : is it 2021 yet???