Raziel Nostrom, also known as The Serpent, is a notoriously brutal vampire: as the enforcer for his brother's crime family with the power to wield a particularly deadly skill, he's responsible for countless fatalities spanning decades. The work keeps him quite busy, but tradition demands he get married at some point, too. Side note: it's only "till death do us part", which in Nostrom family vampire speak translates to "until he sacrifices her during their honeymoon". So he'll marry this never before seen human, a young farmer's daughter named Monica, and it'll be business as usual soon enough. But Monica is as unexpected as she is enthralling, throwing Raziel off his game and off his schedule...
...giving Nadi enough time to kill Raziel and his whole family. Raziel has no idea the woman he's marrying isn't some meek country girl, but a shapeshifting assassin with a skeleton's worth of bones to pick with the Nostroms, most notably because Raziel murdered her entire family 80 years ago. That's a lot of preparation time, and the proverbial stakes are high, this being her only shot. But why is Raziel this attractive? Why does he make her feel seen and understood? 80 years of planning threatens to derail, simply because she never considered the possibility of falling in love with her target.

I devoured this book, and my verdict is: what a tasty treat. I didn't want to put it down. The Serpent's Bride is dark, with a broody, urban fantasy atmosphere that immediately draws you in. It features a mafia / crime family plotline, with the MMC being the enforcer, but Kathryn Ann Kingsley keeps it contained. There's enough to paint a thrilling, fast-paced and detailed picture of what this crime family is up to without overwhelming the reader with too much gore and violence. It's dosed enough to reveal the cruelties, and some scenes are blatant, but the book isn't literally dripping in blood.

Most of the book revolves around Nadi ("Monica") and Raziel, and their marriage of convenience. It's a trope loved by many, but it comes with an intriguing twist. Women being married off to vampires isn't new, but when said woman is a shapeshifting fae mermaid with mass murder plans, well... that's a whole 'nother vibe.

I just think the shapeshifter aspect is so, so cool! It lets our FMC get away with a whole lot, but it's also just an interesting supernatural creature to read about, something different, allowing the character to be very layered. Nadi is a badass assassin. Raziel doesn't really know it (I love that he has no clue he's in a true enemies-to-lovers story), but she is his match in every way. She gives as good as she gets and she's obviously very intelligent and capable. But in this universe, fae were cast out when vampires and humans formed an alliance. It's compelling to see her find a confidence in whatever body she wears, and simultaneously to get a peek into her mind, revealing her to be quite vulnerable and insecure about herself - her true form and her fish tail.

The romance truly sparkles when Nadi's insecurities begin to seep into how she begins to develop feelings for Raziel, who makes no secret of how disgusted he is with fae; Nadi (shocked she even cares) believes he's attracted to Monica for her face and body. She doesn't realize his attraction to her has everything to do with how she carries herself: he sees a confidence in her, and he desires her for the challenge she poses. Because as much as Nadi doubts herself when it comes to her true appearance, she is so very competent in her work, and that is what Raziel is pleasantly surprised with, what he sees and responds to. I utterly love all of that, because it keeps the door open for authentic possibility for these two. It doesn't really feel like power is skewed, but it's delightful that Raziel initially believes himself to be in full power and control.

Raziel's ignorance also means that he for the longest time just sees her as a disposable sacrifice, and then there's a shift in him, which is awkward for him, and that's how it comes across. Up until then he basically figured he'd f*ck her, suck her and chuck her - as is expected of him by his family's tradition (spouses are not to be kept). Love isn't a part of the plan. Similarly, Nadi is very successful at walking the line between not giving herself away, and not making Monica too meek, and uninteresting. Nadi is so calculating, that when she realizes she's falling for the guy and it's kinda mutual, it's almost amusing - if it weren't so tragic. Of all the men to fall for, she falls for the man who murdered her family. Of all the women he falls for, it's the one he's never going to be allowed to keep. (And the one who wants to off him.)

Nothing about their relationship is cut and dry, and the reader does not know where they stand throughout this book, the unpredictability of which is very refreshing. There's a sexual dance between them now, both of them trying to establish a dominance over the other, both of them succeeding, shocking the other. There's a brutality almost to their romance, which fits the setting and their characters sublimely. In this book, I'm not looking for roses and chocolates, because Nadi isn't exactly a Good Person, herself. She's a killer, too. Morally, she's probably on sort of an equal footing with Raziel. It makes her journey for vengeance interesting but also questionable, because isn't she the same as him? Killing loose ends, killing for cash, killing with no chance of justice? And at the same time, Raziel isn't entirely what he seems, either, his narration not entirely reliable (yet the most riveting).

The book (part one of a multi-book story) ends on a really cool cliffhanger. Some things in the book are a bit predictable but I see them as vehicles driving the rest of the plot and the other (more stunning) plot twists. Kingsley builds up the story's tension, and allows for a feeling of dread to slowly make its way to the surface. This isn't a comfortable read, but that's absolutely a good thing.

I hoped to learn more about the fae, the backstory and the different beings and clans, and cross my fingers we get more of that as the story continues in the next book. I find Nadi's mermaid form to be mesmerizing in its description, a beautiful creature, and I hope more fae will make an appearance. I really enjoyed reading about the vampires and their traditions so far though, and thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to the Nostrom family and their dynamics. Can't wait for the fireworks next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.

LOVED IT!!!!!!

I’m a sucker for a REAL enemies to lovers romance. Not just “they had an argument once and then they fucked”. NO I need them to absolutely hate each others’ guts and have deep-rooted resentment. Which Raziel and Nadi do!!!!!!! Well at least on Nadi’s part lol.

The tension was sizzling, angst burning and betrayal…. betrayal-ing I guess

I was not ready for the ending either! I shall need book 2 immediately please miss Kathryn Ann Kingsley thank you xxxxxxx

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and love the mix of vampire and mafia dark romance elements throughout.

I found Nell the FMC character strong but not overbearing and loved to see her go toe to toe with Raziel the MMC - it led to great tension and flirty banter which I absolutely adored. Whilst some of the plot was slightly predictable, it didn't detract from the story and I did love seeing the FMC get herself out of trouble rather than playing the damsel in distress.

All in all I loved it and would recommend it to those dipping their toes in dark romance and us veterans who love a good enemies to lovers! And after that ending I can't wait to see what comes next...

This is a story of Nadi, the FMC who is Fae, who learns to become an assassin in order to kill the vampire responsible for murdering her entire family! Raziel is the MMC and Vampire responsible for the deaths of Nadi’s family. Nadi who’s been waiting for the right moment to avenge her family, gets her chance, when she learns he is to be married. And when Nadi discovers that Raziel having never met the bride to be, sees this as her perfect opportunity to get her revenge, and disguises herself as the bride to be! Only her mission doesn’t go as she planned and things get complicated, as in she starts to develop feelings for him! And he of course is intrigued and fascinated by her! I enjoyed reading this story, I love the little twist at the end, it has you hooked to want to read the next book to find out what happens next! I rated this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

I have to start this review off by saying, I need book 2 in my hands at this very moment. The Serpent's Bride has everything I love in a Dark Fantasy.
A stabby FMC on her revenge arc who glamours herself as his arranged wife in order to get close to him and rid the world of him and his family. Monica/Nadi was an amazing, strong willed FMC that even when she sensed her feelings changing and possibly not completing her goal, she stayed firm and did not cower to her emotions or desires, Oh but did she take, which leaves a mystery of why the two's connection is so dangerous to begin with for book 2 (I hope!)

Razkeil is a long haired head mafia vampire who is feared by all but not his "human" bride and it fascinates him. He was sly, humorous, psychotic, and an oldie but a goodie Vampire who takes what he wants but senses he is missing in him and maybe he's done playing the games laid out for him.

A Dark Romantsy with an ending you do not see coming, my jaw was on the floor at the last line, not being able to take my eyes off my screen. Go read it!

I devoured this book like candy! It’s a darkly hilarious, sharp-witted vampire revenge story packed with spice, jaw-dropping twists, laugh out loud moments, and a swoon-worthy vampire book boyfriend you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked with an angsty, revenge driven MFC, an irresistible enemies to lovers dynamic, and a vampire mafia style romance? Yes, please. I savored every minute of it. And that ending? Completely unexpected in the best way, I didn’t see it coming, but it was exactly what I needed. Now I’m desperate for book two!
The audiobook was fantastic and deliciously steamy. Desireé Ketchum delivered a great performance, though I think including a male narrator for the dual POV would have taken it to the next level.

*Thank you to Kathryn Ann Kingsley, Bookouture Audio, Second Sky Books and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Well, well, well… if that wasn’t a twist of fate! I did not see that ending coming. And it was definitely a surprise.

Nadi watched her family murdered by a vampire clan and seeked revenge against Raz’s entire family for it. Little did she know that after worming her way into his life, he already figured out she wasn’t who she said she was, and that she had an agenda he couldn’t have guessed.

I loved the enemies to *lovers* vibe of the Serpents Bride and how much drama it held cover to cover. I’m so looking forward to the next book and how Raz and Nadi team up to unalive his family.

And the spice? The smexiness? 🥵 yes please! Give me more of that.


Plot 4/5 ⭐️
Spice 5/5 🌶️

Did I read this in one sitting? Absolutely. Did I stay up way too late finishing it? Also yes and I have zero regrets (minus my toddler deciding to wake up early, of course 😅). Kathryn, I am still not okay with that ending… why would you do this to me?! This book was phenomenal. Vampire romance is my ultimate weakness, and this one delivered everything I wanted and more. From the first page, I couldn’t put it down, and the only reason I stopped reading was because the book came to an end.

The Serpents Bride is a dark fantasy with fae, vampires and stupid humans. An arranged marriage between a vampire Prince and a simple farm girl is the perfect cover for our assassin FMC to take her place. She wants to get close to the vampire family and kill them all. But of course the girl always falls for the guy, and she has to balance her feelings with her mission. This is not a dark romance due to there not being a HEA.

This very much gives cat and mouse, but at times you don't know who's the cat and who's the mouse. The FMC is strong and sassy, she knows her own power even in a dynasty that sees her as less than garbage. Reading this feels like watching a high stakes card game. The characters make very questionable choices when they're pushed to the cliff edge. Some of which, however, don't necessarily fit the characters mission or beliefs, which does lead to bit of a broken reading experience.

The first quarter or so of this book was slow for me. However, once I got around 40% of the way through things started to pick up and then didn't stop.

The chemistry between these two was insane. Raziel and Nadi were giving me Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes.

I seriously loved learning about the fae and the vampires. I liked that there was a blend of some things we are used to and some things we are not.

Also, it was amazing that Nadi had a backbone and stood up for herself. I also loved how Raziel was attracted to her confidence. It wasn't about her physical beauty but her fire, her inner strength.

Also, that ending...WHAT DO YOU MEAN??

I need more.

The Serpent's Bride was a fast paced and highly entertaining fantasy that had me on the edge of my seat!

Nadi is seeking vengeance for the murder of her family and when she learns that Raziel is to marry a human girl whom he has never seen before, she takes the opportunity. I absolutely adored this concept and the execution certainly did not disappoint. Nadi is a strong and intelligent FMC, who is the definition of morally gray. Raziel is also definitely morally gray so he and Nadi made for an evenly matched pair.

I absolutely adore the trope where the MC marries the love interest with the intent to kill them and Kathryn Ann Kingsley has written one of the best examples of this trope! I absolutely adored this book and I am extremely eager to read more!

Whew this book was everything you could want in an enemies to lovers but still enemiesboom. The two main characters are both morally grey bordering on black and they were made for each other. I loved the story line and the twist/cliff hanger at the end has me salivating for the next book!!!

“The Serpent’s Bride,” by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

I loved this book so much. I absolutely love the plot about hidden identity arranged marriage in order to kill someone. The tension with the plot was perfect. I loved the tension with the two main characters that were forced to be near each other but also hate each other but also are drawn to each other against their will. I love it when the characters have depth and have more sides that we get to see, and this book had so much of that. I also loved how strong the FMC was especially because she had to pretend to be a simpering woman lol. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Aquatic Fae X Vampire
-Arranged Marriage
-Hidden Identity
-Strong FMC

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

Nadi is out for revenge. She is wearing a grand disguise. She mustn’t be caught.

Raziel is a vampire. He’s a 🔪er. He took her whole family.

There’s a fine line between hate and love … is that line lust? How far will Nadia go to complete her plan?

Please just go ahead and sign me up for book 2.

Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope. Are they lovers? Are they still enemies in the end? Frenemies?!

#TheSerpentsBride #NetGalley #thenerdfam

@thenerdfam @secondskybooks
@kathrynannkingsley @netgalley

I switched back and forth between the ebook and audio. This was my first book narrated by Desireé Ketchum and I can’t wait to hear more from her. She really brought Nadi to life and you could feel the struggle of sorting out the FMC’s feelings.

Blurb:
I will disguise myself as the vampire’s bride.
I will win over his family.
And then I will murder every last one of them.
All my life I’ve been training to take revenge on the vampire who killed my parents. But Raziel Nostrom is a prince of the city’s most powerful mafia clan—completely untouchable.
When I learn that Raziel is marrying a woman he’s never seen before, I know my chance has finally come…
I will disguise myself as Raziel’s sacrificial bride. I will gain access to his vicious and beautiful family. And I will murder every last bloodsucking one of them.
Raziel is just as ruthless and deadly as I expected, but I had no idea how magnetic he would be up close, with an intoxicating smile and ruby-red eyes that seem to look right into my soul. There’s a dangerous tension between us that I’m struggling to ignore.
I have to strike fast. Every second I wait brings new danger to my life—and my heart. But as I sharpen my blades and prepare to take my revenge at last, I need to face the truth…
I’m falling in love with Raziel Nostrom.

The Serpent’s Bride is the first book in a spicy vampire romantasy series perfect for fans of true enemies-to-lovers romance and marriages of convenience tropes.

3,5/5 stars.

It was a fast paced book, but it took me quite a long time to get through it. It was also action packed, but at the same time it could have been a bit shorter.

I liked the plot and the characters. The romance was fun, but I didn't quite buy it. I didn't get how they became so obsessed over each other so fast, but did like the other way slow burn of the romance. And I think I should've seen the ending coming a mile away but I didn't, which was very positive thing for me.

I am interested in seeing where the story goes next.

Dark romance with fae and vampires? Yes, please! Loved the journey and all the twists and turns along the way! Very much looking forward to the rest of the story - that ending was something!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Do you want to feel my bite? Do you want me to drink you? Do you want me to taste you and truly make you mine?”

i LOVEDDDD this book! dark, bloody, and delicious. nadi is passionate, vengeful, and so badass. raziel is murderous, broody, and so fucking hot. the tension? hot and heavy. the chemistry between them was on point & im obsessed. it’ll have you hooked from the first chapter!

if you want a dark paranormal romance book then this is the book for you. i’m so ready for book 2!

the line between hate and passion is so fine.


🩸tropes/vibes🩸

🩸 feminine rage
🩸 vamp x fae
🩸 assassin fmc
🩸 marriage of
🩸 can’t trust anyone
🩸 dark paranormal romance
🩸light bdsm
🩸 he’s dying for a taste of her
🩸 she wants to murder him & his family
🩸 cliffhanger

A dark, gothic vampire romance where fae shifter Nadi infiltrates a powerful vampire mafia clan to wipe them out,but her plan derails when she’s forced into a marriage of convenience with their ruthless leader, Raziel Nostrom. What starts as pure revenge becomes a dangerous dance of attraction, betrayal, and survival, leading to a killer plot twist that completely flips the stakes.

Tropes you’ll eat up:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
💍 Marriage of convenience
🧛‍♂️ Vampire mafia
🦊 Fae shifter FMC
⚖️ Morally gray characters
🗡️ Revenge mission gone wrong

That ending literally had me gasping OUT LOUD! I will be diving into book 2 when it comes out!

The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley follows Nadi on her quest for revenge against Raziel and his vampiric family, and what a quest this was! I loved Nadi's fearsome determination and Raziel's laissez-faire attitude. Actually, that attitude of Raziel's was one of my favorite aspects of the book. He had no qualms about being a murderer - in fact, it was Nadi's power, her strength and murder-traits that made him fall deeper and deeper in love with her. Nadi, for her part, was an intriguing character, but I felt like aspects of her past were left too vague, particularly her fae past and her history with her uncle. I think in the backstory regard, I could connect more with Raziel than I could with Nadi. Her reasons behind wanting to kill Raziel were a bit cliche, and there wasn't anything in particular that stood out to me about her. However, as I said before, I loved her determination, her ability to be vulnerable, and that she wasn't immature. In enemies-to-lovers, a huge problem I usually have is that the characters are immature, but neither Nadi nor Raziel were immature in the slightest, and their character voices stayed consistent!

I kind of wish the pace went slower, because I wanted to see more of some bonding with Nadi and Raziel. I think they had chemistry, but I wanted that to be explored more. Nadi's attraction and feelings for Raziel are more clear than Raziel's feelings for Nadi, which I wonder will be expanded in the second book. I also feel like there were a lot of secondary characters that were introduced, but none of them quite contributed to the story. If they play a larger part in the second story, I think they should have gotten more of that time taken from the first story and moved to the second. Though I have to say, I loved Nadi's interactions with Lana.

I was really excited to read this book because I love mafia romances and vampire romances and figured that having both things would be great, but it wasn't. I really would rate this 2.5 stars but decided to round up because the narration was pretty good on the audiobook. I just couldn't connect with the story. I felt like there was essentially no world building and the FMC and MMC were bland. The FMC is supposed to be a fierce assassin, but she couldn't kill the one guy she set out to unalive.... with no explanation as to why. There were no redeeming qualities in the MMC and nothing that made me want to see the relationship bloom between them. I felt a little bored at times and really only finished it because of the audiobook. Also, I'm still confused as to why she had a mermaid/fish tail.

I couldn't really get into the story and it being in 3rd person POV makes it even harder to engage me.