What a debut! I read this all in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. The story hooks you right away and doesn’t let go. I personally liked that it jumped right in to the plot. I will say a couple of the transitions in the beginning didn’t flow perfectly. For example, the MC’s time in one of the cities she visits before returning to the castle felt a bit out of place. After that though I was happy with the timeline of events. I loved the characters, political plotting, and the romance (though they aren’t enemies for very long, it is still a slow progression). I look forward to reading the next installment and found this to be impressive for a debut.

I enjoyed this romantasy book! This book started off really well grabbing my attention quickly but I felt that what the story was trying to be got lost along the way! I enjoyed the characters in this one and the romance worked well! Overall an enjoyable read that had a lot of potential but sadly missed the mark for me a bit. Definitely recommend checking this one out.

The Serpent and the Wolf is an engaging blend of romance and fantasy. Robinson’s debut novel starts off a little slow, but definitely gains momentum as the story takes shape. The world building, character depth, action, and slow-burn romance kept me turning the page. A few of the side characters could have used a little more development. However, the relationships feel authentic and the emotional stakes are high, making it a satisfying read. If you’re into romantasy but prefer more action to romance then this is a good one! An enjoyable read even with the imperfect pacing.

I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters and the affections that grew between them as they formed a layer of trust in the midst of so much distrust. The magic system was interesting and I loved the twists that the end of the book brought.

This had fun banter, great elements of a fantasy series, and enough suspense to keep me guessing all the players next steps! Cannot wait for the second book and to see what happens next.

Excellent romantasy with an arranged marriage and a kick butt FMC. Pacing was great and the characters were well-developed.

This book gave me the feeling of always being on the verge of getting answers but they’re not satisfactory or answering enough.
The writing was messy and choppy but it’s a debut… it just sadly never drew me in.
The slow burn was nice but the MMC didn’t feel like a character in his story… he wasn’t multi dimensional.
For me it’s a forgettable read. I had no desire to pick it up and my mind is already blank about this.

If you've been looking for a politically-heavy fantasy romance with a prickly, complex FMC and a sweet and competent MMC, then this is for you! Finally, a fantasy romance book with a complex, interesting plot on top of just the romance. Though the last 30% was not as awesome as the first 70%, I really enjoyed this.

You follow a woman named Vaasa who has been freshly married off to a powerful man of a different nation named Reid. She is the sister of the emperor of a voraciously hungry country and she fears what this marriage may cost her because she has a dark curse slumbering within her that also destroyed her mother. She must navigate this marriage with a man she does not know and agrees to help him get elected to a higher position if he helps her control the dark powers within her.

Vaasa is such a fun FMC because she is very prickly and would be unlikable if she wasn't well-developed. Her guardedness and casual cruelty at the start is understandable due to how she was raised. She also has shadow powers which is fun since usually the MMC has them. And in this world the MMC has no powers and he is both kind and competent. I really liked both of them and enjoyed their banter, even if it was a little much at times.

Definitely go in expecting there to be political maneuvering because it becomes quite central to the plot. Overall, I definitely recommend this to fantasy romance fans who are looking for one with a good balance between plot and romance.

Eeek, this was a fun book! It took me a little while to get into it. The comparisons to animals took me out of it and I didn’t like Vassa at first but it all grew on me.

This book is full of action from the very beginning and all the way to the end. I love political games in fantasy books. It definitely kept me turning the page in this one. I struggled a tiny bit keeping up with some of the names because there was a lot but overall I was a big fan.
I loved the found family aspect as much as the romance in this one. I loved how Vassa found and was accepted by her coven while she grew into her power.
The romance is a subplot so there’s not a ton of it in this book. I love a good slow burn though. I liked Reid but I’m hoping we get to know him a little more in the next book! I think he’s a great MMC and I want more of him. 🖤
This was a great Book One. It’s pretty wild that this is a debut novel as well. I am really excited to continue the series. The cliffhanger was delicious!

Recommended if you like witchy fantasy books where the romance is very slow burn and more of a subplot.

This was my favorite romantasy of the year! Familiar tropes with all-new twists (it's so hard to be surprised by this genre anymore) and enemies-to-lovers slow-burn banter that never made me cringe. Highly recommend it for fans of The Hurricane Wars or Fourth Wing. I do wish that the book had been a bit longer and showed more of the found-family relationships though.

This is easily one of top reads of the year. It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers that is filled with magic, action, and growth. My mind is still reeling from all of the twists and turns in this plot. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.

I loved Julie Garwood’s strong female characters who were carted off and did battle with hunky Highland Lairds. Now why would I interject that past history? The first page of The Serpent and the Wolf had me channeling all the enjoyment I had reading Ms. Garwood’s books all those many years ago. It is a true compliment.

Rebecca’s Robinson has captured the essence of that age old love conquest thing that splits individuals and nations. Her characters are great, her fictional setting really well thought out and described. The conflicts and battles are ferocious. The use of magic and darkness was just about believable. The undercurrent of humor and repartee are very special. The embracing of multicultural, diverse communities was subtle but extremely effective. Yeah, I really liked this book. If there is a negative it is the use of current jargon here and there which somehow sounded off - but a minor complaint.

Back to the hunky Headman - he commands armies, entire fleets and we are left wondering if they will be of any help - when the magic is all that is left and will determine all. Now, when is the next installment due to hit the shelves because I am a wreck thinking about what is to come.

Just one more little question - the copyright is accredited to Rebecca Gilmore - just wondering.

So many thanks to Saga Press / Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a copy.

Oh. My. God.

I don’t have the words to express how AMAZING this story was. Reid and Vaasa captivated me from the jump. Very rarely do romantasy books start with both the FMC and the MMC interacting in the first 20 pages, and while it’s not something that works for everyone - my god did it work here.

Vaasa had me from the jump. This cunning, scared, ambitious woman who refused to lie down and take what the world served her. She faced her challenges with poise and determination and my GOD I LOVE HER YOUR HONOR

But Reid? Let’s talk about this giant warrior of a man, who was instantly smitten with his arranged bride. If there’s one trope that’s gonna get me every time, it’s “He Falls First”.

Their relationship was real, it felt tangible and tragic to me. I can’t wait to read the next book, and I’m BEGGING for it to be here soon

Definitely a great high fantasy book! I was happy that it wasn’t over focused on the romance and did not lose the story in the progress. Yes there is romance but it’s a slow burn that fuels plenty of tension between main characters. The one thing I hope is there is more details on the mmc in the next book. Overall a great read

The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson completely blew me away. It’s not your typical romantasy—it’s clever, layered, and so original. The story pulls you into a world full of magic, political intrigue, and a romance that simmers in the best way. If you’re into slow-burn, high-stakes stories like Throne of Glass or One Dark Window, this is for you.

The book follows Vaasa, a sharp, dangerous princess sold into an arranged marriage with Reid, a golden-hearted foreman known as the Wolf of Mireh. Their dynamic? Absolute gold. She ties him to a bed and escapes on their wedding night, while he falls for her almost immediately. Reid is that perfect mix of soft and strong—completely devoted but never overbearing.

Vaasa, though, is the star. She’s ruthless, guarded, and doesn’t let anyone in—yet watching her learn to trust and open up was so satisfying. Their romance feels real, with the perfect mix of tension, banter, and slow-building connection.

This book has everything: strong characters, a gripping plot, and a romance that will make you swoon. I’m obsessed and NEED the sequel now…..

Thank you to NetGalley & Saga Press.

The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson is brilliant. I loved everything about it and the writing.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Let me start my saying, I ate this book DOWN!!!

For this book to be a debut novel, I am completely blown away. It was so well written and beautifully executed that I swore I was reading something from a seasoned author. Well done Rebecca! Plus, shout out to my fellow educator! 🫶🏾

What I loved ♡
-The book starts with a bang. From chapter one, you’re already drawn in.
-The found family and enemies to lovers aspect
-Badass FMC, Vaasa! I love how she could stand on her own but also has a vulnerable side (although it takes time for her to let her guard down)
-The twists! Omfg! The damn twists! Being a thriller reader, I’m usually good at catching the twists, but I saw none of it coming and I had to pick my literal jaw off the floor…….many times!
-Reid! He is the perfect MMC! “From who did this to you” to “my wife”😩! He just made my heart full the way he showed up for Vaasa, no questions asked and w/out a second thought. Even when she fought against it.
-The angst, the spice, and the dramaaaa! There was just the right amount of each of them.

This book has been added to my “books I’ll always recommend” list.

Dear Rebecca, I need book two right neowwwwww! Thanks 😊

I really enjoyed this one. I feel though the world building might have been a bit confusing in the beginning. It was hard to get an understanding at first. But when the story started flowing, it ended up being a really good read for me.

I can't wait for the next one!

I really enjoyed Vaasa as our fmc and Reid was a steady mmc. Vaasa definitely had a lot more character growth in this book so I look forward to hopefully seeing more of Reid's development in the next one. I was a little confused in the beginning because it jumps right into their marriage scene and then she's gone, so it started a bit slow for me but once they meet again I was invested. Vaasa is strong, smart, and despite being reluctant to connect - she's a fierce friend to have in your corner. Reid is just a really good guy - steady, strong, and loyal but he doesn't feel like a complex character yet. Their relationship is a slow burn, he falls first, arranged marriage turned marriage of convenience with fake romance vibes (but like they don't have to try too hard to fake it because they totally have the feels). It's not a super romantic book because of the slow burn and larger focus on politics but there's definitely tension and relationship development throughout and I'm excited to see where it all goes in the next book.

I really like the coven - all of them are strong, quirky, fun, loyal women who give Vaasa a community/found family she's desperately in need of and information about her own magic. They are an integral part in her development and while I would have liked to know more about the magic system and have a clearer history, I know that the mystery of Vaasa's magic is also a driving point of the story so I'm not too upset about it. There's plenty of action, deception, political intrigue, questioning loyalties, betrayal, etc. and I am here for the tension of it all! I will definitely be continuing with the series and recommend it to any fantasy readers who like books full of magic with elements of romance, found family, and touch him/her and die.

*slow burn
*sort of enemies to lovers
*black cat x golden retriever vibes
*reverse grumpy x sunshine
*arranged marriage
*fake romance
*touch them & die
*only one bed
*magic

I voluntarily read & reviewed a DRC from Saga Press via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Serpent and the Wolf is the first in the Dark Inheritance Trilogy by Rebecca Robinson. This story is full of well crafted characters that you will love or love to hate. I loved getting to know the main characters Vaasa and Reid and was rooting for them from the very beginning. It is a story that is set in a fantastical world full of love, greed, magic, and betrayal. The ending had me in tears and left me desperately wanting to know what is going to happen next.