The Shadow Bride is the thrilling conclusion to the Scarlet Veil duology. I absolutely adored the first book so I had extremely high expectations for this sequel. It has been quite some time since I read The Scarlet Veil, so I was concerned that I would not remember enough to enjoy the sequel. Luckily, my recollection of the first book came back quickly when I was immersed back into this exciting world.

Shelby Mahurin has the most gorgeous writing style and I really enjoyed this deeply romantic and gothic tale. The Shadow Bride was completely enthralling and I fell in love with Célie and Michal all over again. The romance is absolutely impeccable and it is perfectly balanced by the fantasy elements of this story.

This book officially marks the end of the books set in the Serpent and Dove universe and whilst I am very sad, I am also very keen to see what Shelby Mahurin writes next!

What a magnificent ending to the duology! I can't tell you how disappointed I was when I realised there's only two books in the series. Picking up where we left off after a big hubbub in book one, Célie has a lot of adjusting to do and quickly, before someone she loves gets hurt. It was great to be reunited with Reid, Coco, Lou, Beau, Odessa and Dima in this book, as well as discovering a few new characters along the way. There's plenty of action, a big problem to solve, and difficult choices to make. It's hard to say much without giving anything away but we do get to see Michal again and that was a real treat! This is a long book but there's plenty packed into it to keep it interesting, without it diverting into loads of subplots or dragging out the story. Shelby Mahurin has crafted a really interesting series here and now that it's over, I can't wait to see what she brings us next.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I've loved every one of Shelby Mahurins books, so I'm always excited when I get to read one early.
I really loved this one. I love how Shelby writes romance, and I love the worlds she builds.
Loved it!

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin is a spellbinding, gothic finale to the duology set in her Serpent & Dove universe—delivering a thrilling, romantic, and emotionally charged enemies-to-lovers vampire tale that grips from the first page and refuses to let go.

After sacrificing everything to save those she loves, Célie wakes to find herself irrevocably changed—cursed to the eternal night as a vampire, thanks to the one person she swore never to trust: Michal, the powerful and enigmatic vampire king. Stripped of her humanity, battling bloodlust, and reeling from betrayal, Célie’s struggle to reclaim herself is as gripping as it is heartbreaking.

But death is far from restful in Mahurin’s world. As revenants rise from their graves, the boundary between life and death shatters. An ancient evil stirs, one with terrifying designs on Célie, determined to claim her as his Bride and unleash ruin. With the fate of the living and the dead teetering on the edge, Célie and Michal must confront their shared past, navigate their scorching chemistry, and fight for a future neither ever dared to hope for.

Mahurin’s writing is lush, atmospheric, and utterly immersive. The gothic undertones lend the perfect eerie elegance to this dark fantasy romance, with its crumbling graveyards, blood-soaked rituals, and the slow, delicious burn of forbidden love. Célie is a fiercely relatable heroine—wrestling with grief, anger, and the fear of becoming something monstrous—while Michal is brooding perfection: equal parts menace, charm, and hidden vulnerability.

Their dynamic is electric—fraught with tension, simmering resentment, and undeniable attraction. Mahurin handles their enemies-to-lovers arc with finesse, layering it with emotional depth, sizzling banter, and hard-won trust. If you're a fan of dark romance, brooding vampires, and high-stakes fantasy with a side of angst, The Shadow Bride is your perfect fix.

The world-building continues to shine, expanding the lore with revenants, ancient curses, and a tangible sense of dread that builds toward a satisfyingly explosive climax. While it’s steeped in the familiar charm of Serpent & Dove, this book stands firmly on its own, a rich and rewarding story of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

The Shadow Bride is everything a gothic romantasy should be: intense, beautifully written, and dripping with dark magic and desire.

i am in love with this book!! The character growth that Célie goes through in this book is absolutely stunning!! and Michal??????? perfection. i can't get over this book honestly. it was just perfect and im so happy i was able to read it early! I can't wait for it to come out so i can yap with everyone on how good it is!!
Thank you so so so much to NetGalley and Farshore for the e-arc!