Holy moly! I did not expect that ending to be as intense as it was. After a slow first half of world building and character development, the back half hits with non stop action. Plus a ton of heat between MCs Vaasa and Reid as their relationship grew from passionate enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed the dialogue and banter between the two, especially Reid.

I thought the world building was well done and a unique approach to a universe with magic.

No critiques other than that Rebecca Robinson leaves readers on a major cliffhanger and I’m desperate for book two.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada | S&S/Saga Press, and Rebecca Robinson for an early review copy. These are my honest thoughts.

THIS WAS EVERYTHING!!

This new fantasy romance had me hooked, and I can’t wait to see where the second book takes the story! One of my favorite elements was the political intrigue, which added so much depth and tension throughout the plot.

Vaasa, as the FMC, was fantastic—strong, sharp, and more than capable of navigating the complex political landscape she was thrust into. And Reid? What a patient and loving MMC! Their banter was such a highlight and kept me smiling throughout. When the spice finally hit, it really delivered!

While there’s plenty of angst and a hint of steam, I really appreciated how the romance developed slowly and organically. The tension built naturally, making their relationship all the more satisfying.

What I loved most was how layered this story was. There’s so much depth to the plot, characters, and worldbuilding, and I can’t wait to dive into the second book. I honestly have no idea where the story will go next, but I’m thrilled to be along for the ride.

I'm so so so excited for book 2!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster CA for providing me with an advanced copy of The Serpent and the Wolf in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this one pretty blind but it sounded like a fun political intrigue, new magical system romantasy. I am so glad that I did. The beginning has a lot of character introductions and world building but once the story line really gets going it is hard to put it down.

Vassa has been used as a tool her entire life. Turned into a weapon by her father by learning how to speak languages of countries in order to manipulate treaties and understand the best way to always be in control. Her brother now has raised to the throne and his only threat to power the life of his older sister. Her marriage allows an opening to his reign being taken by her husband.

But Vassa does not want to be married. She dreams of freedom. Of seeing the many corners of the world and exploring the learning as much as she can. She does not want to be tied to a kingdom and rule.

As Vassa gets closer to her husband Reid, they realise that they share common goals and can work together in order to get what they want. A marriage built on a deal they can both live with is what kicks off this fast paced intriguing story that will eventually be a trilogy.

I learned to really like Vassa. I wasn't sure about her in the beginning but as we learn that she has always been used as a pawn in her life, you start to understand why she acts the way she does. She sees the magic inside of her as a curse but as she learns more about the history of it and the ways that it can be used, she begins to grow in her own power. Rather than allowing the emotions inside of her to rule, she beings to use them to raise herself up and become a force to be reckoned with. At her side is Reid, a man who understands her more than she knew was possible, a ally who wants to make the world into a better and safer place for his entire country, and knows that her knowledge and abilities are an incredible resource.

The love story is a slow burn, but written in a way that feels so natural and true to these amazing characters. You feel your own walls beginning to lower as you learn more about Reid and his intentions. There are some on page spice scenes but nothing too explicit.

If you like world building and learning about histories and new magical systems then you are going to love this new release from Rebecca Robinson which is now available where all books are sold or to borrow from your local library.

What drew me most into this book is the magic system - I was captivated by the different types of magic and the different ways that they can be wielded. The reader is thrown into action right at the beginning, but it doesn’t take long before things begin to move more slowly. The author does take her time building Vaasa’s character and story. Politics are the driving force behind the plot and it is as we learn more about Vaasa that we begin to understand just how deep things go. Her character is intricate and is well developed. Reid is a good male lead to complement Vaasa, an absolute sweetheart that you can’t help but fall for. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two steeped animosity (mainly one-sided) was entertaining. The amount of spice was perfect - and believable - for how the romance grows. The side characters contributed well to development of the story.
The plot was not predictable, and while slow moving at times, the author did a good job of keeping the reader engaged and invested in the characters - I read the last third in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. The last bit had me clenching my jaw and fidgeting. I teared up and also nearly threw my e-reader across the room. In short, brace yourself for that ending. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
I recommend this book for fans of slow burn romantasy and for people that enjoy a politically driven plot and cool magic system.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for a digital arc of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Vaasa is the older sister of a king married to a neighbouring leader. She had been raised by her father to be a useful tool but to her brother she is a threat as her husband can claim his throne. She trusts no one but makes a deal with her husband Reid that she will help him secure his position for three years and then she can leave. He will introduce her to people who can help her control the magic she has but does not understand.

I would definitely say this is for the fantasy reader who likes romance as part of the story. Lots of political intrigue and detailed world building. Some unique features in the magic system. Good depth to the story. Cliffhanger ending. Will definitely be looking for the next book in the series!

I really enjoyed the story in this one. I loved that it strayed away from a lot of the classic tropes we have been seeing overused. I loved that she was grumpy and he was the sunshine. I loved the politics at play. And I loved aspects of her magic, specifically how it was passed down. But I wish we had a better understanding of the magic and how it worked, not just that it was innate. I also wish the side characters were more developed. The two love interests are really the only characters we really get a full picture off. Everyone else are just lines on the page. But I still really enjoyed this. I flew through it in about a day. And for a debut I really see the potential. Can't wait for the sequel!

The Serpent and the Wolf is an enemies to lovers capital-R Romantasy, with a side of arranged marriage, political intrigue and an interesting magic system.

It was fun, even with some obvious holes. The main character was honestly a bit annoying. She spent the vast majority of the book convinced she was awful and horrible, even though her brother and father were objectively horrible *to* her, with no evidence to support this theory. Rather than giving 'brainwashed' it gave 'she's kinda dumb' instead. Additionally, this was also true with the 'barbarian culture' she marries into - she's been told this her whole life, but there's no actual evidence of this, so the fact that she continues to believe it for way longer than she should was obnoxious at best. Also the 'brute' she marries is more gentlemanly than literally any man to ever exist.

That being said, I loved how the relationship progressed from enemies to friends and they sat in friends for a very long time. They were definitely friends who thought the other was attractive, but didn't act on it until she was ready for it to progress, and that was lovely. And the grand declaration was simply one of feeling, not of 'I would wait 500 years for you" or some other hyperbolic statement. Sometimes the bravest thing you can say is simply the vulnerability of admission.

3.5/5 stars.

I flew through this book!
I love Vaasa and Reid and that first scene had me hooked. The found family element was great too. While I loved elements of the story the world building and politics made no sense, I found myself speed-reading through large chunks. It was very similar to Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen.

For anyone who loves enemies to lovers as much as I do, you'll love jumping into this book to read a new thrilling fantasy with the perfect amount of enemy as there is to lovers. I flew through this book and enjoyed every second of it as I was reading.

The beginning of it starts a little slow but the pacing get significantly better by 40% of the way through the book. This is a great first book into what I cannot wait for more books from this author and of this storyline. This was a fantastic slowburn type of enemies to lovers that had me gripping my seat to see what would happen next!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

What a solid romantasy debut from this author & I’m excited to read more from her!

The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. Right from the start, this book pulls you in with its unique feminist magic system and high-stakes court politics. The protagonist, Vaasa, is sharp, cunning, and fully capable of holding her own in a world filled with witches, royalty, and ruthless enemies. And Reid, the supposed "ruthless ruler," is actually a protective cinnamon roll who makes the romance in this slow-burn relationship even more swoon-worthy.

One of the story’s strongest elements is its development of the matriarchal type magic system and the relationships within the coven. I loved the focus on healing, found family, sisterhood through Vaasa’s connection with her coven. Though the world-building isn’t overly intricate, the compelling magic and sisterhood dynamics give it depth. The themes of healing and recovery add emotional layers that make you root for the characters even more.

That said, the pacing dips a little in the middle as Vaasa tries to uncover more about her magic, but the ending is worth every second of build-up. There’s a twist you won’t see coming, and trust me, it will leave you desperate for the next book.

I’m undecided if this leans more to a 3.75✨ or is a solid 4✨but either way it’s rounded up for goodreads


Thank you to the publisher and author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vaasa has spent her entire life balancing on the edge of a blade - first under her father's rule and then with the magic that will kill her. When she is married to a neighboring kingdom, she flees her new husband only to be returned to him. Reid is kinder than his reputation and they bargain: if she can spend 3 years playing happy marriage, he will secure his territory and she will learn to control her magic; at the end of the term, they will part and Vaasa can be in control of her life. But she never expected to find a home in Mireh.

I loved this book. The pacing was excellent. Vaasa is wonderfully complicated. Reid was almost too good to be true. There's a nice balance of political intrigue and magical secrets. I can't wait to read the next one.

Arranged marriage
One horse
One bed
Who did this to you
Enemies to lovers

The beginning felt a little too rushed and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I felt the beginning lacked a bit of the tension I was anticipating.

This new romantasy series is definitely going to be big. World building, politics, and slow burn steam!

🐍enemies to lovers
🐍"my wife"
🐍deadly magic
🐍slow burn
🐍twists and politics
🐍arranged marriage/fake dating
🐍found family
🐍"who did this to you"

I loved the MMC and FMC - Reid is a cinnamon roll and Vaasa is so strong and stubborn. The side characters are just as interesting and Im interested to see if we get a Koen love story 🥹. World building and magic were awesome, and I was impressed with the political plot lines. I can't wait for this book to come out so I can talk about it with everyone!