3.5/5 Stars: ‘Serpent & Dove’ is a Young Adult, Fantasy Romance by Shelby Mahurin; ‘Serpent & Dove’ is a heart-breaking and heart-warming tale, with the power of love at its core. It is dual perspective narrative following Louise le Blanc, a Witch, and Reid Diggory, a Chasseur (or ‘Witch-Hunter’) – set in Cesarine, Fictional France. The French influence, in all aspects of ‘Serpent & Dove’ was a treat – making for a vivid and enticing atmosphere and backdrop; listening through Audiobook enhanced the French theme further. Mahurin crafted an interesting and intricate magic system as strongly as possible; but, the beginning suffered from vagueness about the system of magic, and an unproductive mystery surrounding our main female protagonist. Fortunately, it is resolved as the romance element picks up. As a clear warning for sensitive readers, there is a smouldering opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers romance; of which, includes an explicit – consenting – sex scene, with descriptions of pain. Unfortunately, there were several occasional pacing hiccups and an easily guessable concluding twist; however, it did not disrupt the entertainment aspect. Suffice it to say, Witches, Chasseurs, and Secondary Characters come in all colours; with great development and all-round charm to round out the themes of morality and empathy. In particular, Coco and Ansel.