Scars Beneath a Serpent's Scales

by Nicole Platania

What is inevitable?
Emmeline DeLeoste has always talked to the stars. As a member of a fortune-telling warrior clan, her exceptional magic allows her to read the Fates, earning her a prestigious Academy job. But it has also cost her everyone she loves.
Roremar Silventa has more responsibilities than any man should. Combined with his Reckless reputation haunting his every step, it’s left him burdened in more ways than one.
When women start disappearing from the drug-infested Isle of Lyra, Emmeline and Roremar are tasked with finding the culprit due to their unique skillsets. In return, each is offered the one thing they can’t refuse. There’s only one problem: the pair couldn’t be more different.
Amid mounting threats from the Fates, and with a murderer creeping closer, Emmeline and Roremar strike up an alliance only to realize that, despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, they may understand each other in a way no one else can.
Can they unveil fated pasts and catch a killer before they lose their lives–or their hearts?
Everyone on Lyra has a secret, and some things may be inevitable after all.
Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales is the first book in an Adult Romantic Fantasy series full of celestial magic, murder mystery, and sizzling, star crossed love. It is recommended for fans of Chloe C. Peñaranda, Sarah A. Parker, and Kayla Edwards.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

ebook

Expected publication March 26, 2026

About the author

Nicole Platania was born and raised in Los Angeles and completed her B.A. in Communications at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After two years of working in social media marketing, she traded Santa Barbara beaches for the rainy magic of London, where she completed her Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London. Nicole harbors a love for broken and twisty characters, stories that feel like puzzles, and all things romance. She can always be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in hand, ready to discuss everything from celebrity gossip to your latest book theories.

Connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @bynicoleplatania or at www.nicoleplatania.com.

Reviews

[Maggie]

no official rating - beta read

I have no words to explain how this is one of my favorite books of all time already, the world isn’t ready

[Shannon | readingwithmarlow]

not doing an official rating since it’s a beta read and Nicole told me not to (but I’d give it five stars if I could 🤩)

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING.

LORE! MYSTERY! ROMANCE! MAGIC! EASTER EGGS FROM THE CURSE OF OPHELIA! PAIN! HEARTBREAK! SPICE! YEEEAAARRRNNNINNNGGGGG!!!!!

just know that I’ll be rereading this book the literal moment it releases because I already miss my babies 😌

[Kelly Blandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

a new god tier all time favorite romantasy✨

where do I even begin omg

Scars Beneath a Serpents Scales is an all consuming celestial romantasy featuring a murder mystery plot and a reluctant allies to lovers romance💙

with that being said, whatever you think is going to happen in this book, you're wrong (in the best way). I could have never guessed a single thing about this book and I love that for me. I THOUGHT I knew what was happening!! key word thought!!!

this book had me staying up until 3 am and I literally
NEVER do that

the slow burn!!!
the STAR CROSSED lovers!!!
he falls first and HARDER!!!!!!!!
ummmm do I even need to say more?

(I will in fact be saying more)

the lore is insane and unmatched. the celestial imagery took my literal breath away. this world felt so fresh and unique as well as the MAGIC!!

I will 3000% be rereading this when it releases in March so I can pick up on everything I missed bc WTF

I'm actually this🤏close to just rereading it on my kindle
be I can't think abt anything else

I will be reading everything Nicole writes forever <33

arc review | book releases March 26, 2026

[Jada Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOAMING OUT THE MOUTH- Can’t wait to read this!!

A Murder Mystery meets Romantasy w/ dark themes and some Greek Mythology influence?! 🍽️

[C]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[itsmekaylalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…. IS INCREDIBLE. My favorite book by this author yet! Murder mystery, romance, forced prox, spice, and fantasy?? 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[Maribeth Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to express how amazing and agonizing and beautiful this was.