Spring's Bloody Dawn

Starless Night #2

by bv Sloan

Nothing is as it Seems

Seren DeBoer's first mistake was betraying her cousin, but in an effort to put things right, she's agreed to her worst nightmare. By helping the silver-eyed warlock responsible for every terrible thing in her life, she finds herself bound to the Darkbringer.

Trudging through the frozen wilderness with a monster, Seren is soon deep in witch territory. Far from home and surrounded by powerful creatures, she must trust her enemy to guide her and to keep her safe. Following him might lead to a future she wasn’t prepared for.

Her curiosity about the scars hidden on his hands leads to a startling revelation; the witches might not be the dangerous creatures she thought. And the Darkbringer she’s with is not the one she should be hunting.

Perfect for lovers of (real) enemies to lovers, the Witch Walker series and Spark of the Everflame. Contains plot twists, shocks, spice, and secrets.

Genres: Fantasy, Slow Burn

439 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2025

About the author

Romantasy that leaves your jaw on the floor.

Sloan writes love through trust and trauma. She also writes open-door spice because romance needs toe-curling steam. Her passion for romance comes from the belief that the world would be a better place if everyone found their fated mate. Fantasy and world-building are the ways she immerses you in a new place that feels familiar, and magic in the bedroom is never off the table.

When she isn’t behind her desk, she’ll be in the garden growing vegetables, or if Canada is buried in snow, she’ll be planning her garden and playing with the dogs. She spends her days with her crux… if you haven’t learned what a crux is, read her complete Dark Aria series. Sloan loves connecting with her readers. You can find her on most social platforms as bvsloanauthor.

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up pretty much where we were left off at the end of book 1 with Seren and the Darkbringer, Atlas, teamed up to find Nissa and also escape Darius. At the end of book 1, Seren had just been starting to open her eyes to the truth, but wasn't quite there yet. In fact, I would say the first quarter of this book show her still being stubborn and struggling to process. She still fights it and she still fights Atlas despite him being there to help her. Meanwhile, Atlas seemed to really enjoy poking the bear but then seemed surprised when she fought back. I loved it. It gave us so much tension and banter.

When Seren finally lets go of everything, including her prejudice, and embraces this new information, it is glorious. Seren has serious character growth here. She is a whole different person in a way that makes sense. It only got better from there. We get new characters, magic, spicy times, bantery tension and plot twists on plot twists. I absolutely loved it.

But um.. that ending... I think it killed me. I thought the aftermath of book 1 was rough. No no. This one hurt wayyyy more. I can't wait to read book 3!!!!!!

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •

IM SORRY, BUT SLOAN, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?! MY HEART

That cliffhanger just shattered me! I’m heartbroken, I’m shooook, I’m screaming inside. Honestly, with how Sloan ends books, I shouldn’t be surprised, BUT I DID NOT EXPECT THAT ENDING. I'M IN DESPERATE NEED OF BOOK 3. I needed it like yesterday because I can't wait after that ending!

────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────

I don't even know where to begin with this.

I absolutely loved the character development and all the new characters we got to meet, especially Hershy!! He was a fun side character that brought some comedic/soft vibes during all the seriousness. Also, the enemies finally became lovers, which had me kicking my feet🤭
And don't get me started on the twists/all the new information we were told, I'm excited to see where book 3 will take us

I'm not sure if I'll be able to get over that ending though😭

rtc!

────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────

⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Slow burn
❥Enemies to lovers
❥Witches
❥Forbidden magic
❥Plot twists
❥Tension and angsty
❥Dark secrets
❥Found family
❥Spicy
❥One horse
❥One bed
❥Banter
❥Stubborn FMC
❥An enemy with dazzling silver eyes

Thank you for the ARC!!
_________________________________
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[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhhh - Darkbringer. He's easily reached "book boyfriend" status during this book.
In the first book, we only saw glimpses of him, but this one followed him and Seren throughout, and the way their relationship grows is perfect!

Seren's character really grew in the book, also. The epiphany she has regarding the hatred that's consumed her entire life is so well done, and the intrigue surrounding her parentage has left me asking so many questions.

Still love Nissa, and Orion has become one of my favourite characters, too.

That ending is a major cliff hanger, and I can't wait to find out more.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Springs Bloody Dawn
✨Arc Review✨

This book picks up where the first one left off. I can’t even begin to tell you how good it is! It’s a true enemies to lovers with all the fun banter!
Seren is human, a farmers daughter, thrust into a life of nobility. She’s stubborn and hates all witches. The problem is her cousin is a witch whom she loves dearly. Her cousin fled the wrath of the humans and in bk 2 Seren is looking for her.
The darkbringer, aka Atlas, is a warlock and incredibly hot. He’s looking for Seren’s cousin Nissa too. She hates him and blames him for her father’s death but she needs his help and protection on her journey to find Nissa.
Seren’s ignorance shines brightly on this journey because Atlas can’t possibly be as evil as she believed when his actions do not support this.
They have a common goal and even tho it starts with much hatred, he becomes a very unlikely ally.
We get to meet new characters in the second book and see some serious character growth.
The ending is rough. I’m speechless. BV Sloan warned it would hurt and she wasn’t lying. I’m wrecked!

🛏️one bed✅
🐴 one horse✅
🗡️stabby fmc ✅
🥵hot tattooed mmc✅
✨magic✅
🧙🏻‍♀️witches and warlocks✅

If you love all of the above you have to read this series! Start with Winter’s Kiss Goodnight!
Spring’s Bloody Dawn is the 2nd book in the Starless Night series by BV Sloan. It’s available NOW and on KU!!

[Just_a_nerd_withcats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the first book as this pretty much picks up where that ended.

@bvsloanauthor has done it again. Every time I read one of her books I think she can't top her last book, but she does it again and again.

I love the side characters, the plot twist, the tension between Seren and Atlas. I love Orion was so taken with Seren's horse. Ugh the cliffhanger just ended me.

I love the character development. At the end of book 1 Seren had started to see the truth. In this she is learning that the world isn't quite as black and white as she has believed all her life.
When she finally lets go of her prejudice she is a whole different person. I love that. It shows that if you take time to learn how life really is and don't hang on to your prejudices, you can learn something new about yourself.

With everything we learn in this book, I can't wait to see where book 3 will take us. I must say that ending still haunts me.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days, what an epic emotional journey!
This picks up right after book 1, Seren is reluctantly stuck with her enemy, and on a mission to find her cousin. She is full of anger, but the Darkbringer helps to slowly chip away at her hostility, and show Seren the truth, that perhaps witches weren't the enemy all along.
I adored her character growth and seeing her shift from prejudice to empathy, and see Atlas as a person and not the villain she believed. She also gets to see the witches side and how they view and treat humans.
Yes to all the angst and delicious tension between Atlas and Seren, and all the sweet and funny moments of her teaching him to ride a horse, and him protecting her from harm and making her a weapon. Their banter and flirting is perfection, and I loved all the hate to love tension building to those spicy encounters.
Loved the addition of Frewin and Hershey, they are both hilarious and such wonderful characters!
I love the way Sloan makes characters that we will absolutely swoon over and adore, as well as wholeheartedly hate and need them to be ripped into pieces.
And I knew something was coming as everything was going 'too nicely', but wow the ending hit hard!
I'm going to go cry in a corner while I impatiently wait for book 3 to emotionally damage me too, and try and get over those bombshells dropped.



✨"I would pull every star from the sky to earn your kiss"

✨"You've done more than survive, you overcome everything this life can throw at you. Strong and gorgeous and insufferable."

✨"Just for tonight, pretend you don't hate me and let me hold you"

✨"I look forward to you trying to stab me, Starburst"

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

REAL enemies to lovers

A human, a warlock, and a beast made of star light on the run from a dangerous prince - it’s Spring’s Bloody Dawn.

Carrying on from book one, Seren has fled her wedding to the abusive Prince Darius…only to find herself the captive of the dangerous warlock Atlas, the Darkbringer. They reach an agreement of sorts to travel together in search of Seren’s cousin Nissa - but that does not make them allies.

Seren fully intends to k!ll the Darkbringer - who she believes was responsible for her father’s death. Until then, it looks like they’re sharing a tent…and a horse.

Filled to the brim with action and magic, this book is a thrilling read. It is the second in a series and cannot be read alone. While book one was more fantasy and less romance, this book absolutely steps things up in the romance department. This book is an actual enemies to lovers romance and I absolutely adored seeing Seren grow from referring to Atlas as ‘the Darkbringer’ to ‘MY Darkbringer’.

There’s a lot of development plot-wise, and it ends on a crazy cliffhanger. It is a little easier to read than book one when it comes to themes, but it does deal with leaving an abusive relationship, PTSD, and bigotry. Seren has a lot to learn about her own life and the world around her, and it’s a difficult journey at times. This is an open door romance that is very slow burn.

If you want a fantasy series with proper enemies to lovers, add the Starless Night series to your TBR now.

[Caffs37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as I suspected, Springs Bloody Dawn delivers on every level, solidifying its place as an essential installment in the Starless Night series. I highly recommend starting with Winter’s Kiss Goodnight to fully appreciate the intricate backstory and the depths of emotion that pulse through this sequel.

The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers trope is masterfully woven into the narrative, with Seren’s unabashed animosity towards Atlas shining through every exchange. Her fierce dislike, even bordering on attempted murder, adds a thrilling edge to their dynamic, making their journey all the more compelling.

As always, the world-building is exquisite. The magical land is teeming with powerful witches and warlocks, creating an enchanting backdrop for the story. And then there’s Orion, the otherworldly Enaro, who epitomizes perfection. His attentiveness and charm make him the kind of dream partner we all long for, bringing a delightful balance to the tale.

Every emotion is masterfully captured throughout the narrative; I found myself oscillating between happiness, frustration, and heartache, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending that has me craving the next book.

This novel is yet another epic read from this astonishing author, and I can’t help but want to dwell in her imagination daily. Bring on book three—I need it now!

[Moa Eriksson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I never asked, what do you want in return for my help?"

"Want? If you stopped trying to stab me, that'd be great."

Oh. My. Stars. If you loved the banter in the first book, you are in for a ride. This one dials it up to a million, and I loved every minute of it.

"If a Darkbringer were to embark on a quest to gather the lost pieces of you--so that he might win a kiss--where should he start?"

Sprinkled between hilarious moments of banter were the sweetest, softest scenes. Atlas is one giant walking green flag. The romance is slooow burn, but when it finally burns, it burns.

I can’t write this review without mentioning the representation. I already loved Sloan for including an asexual character, but then she started teasing a possible future queer-platonic relationship and I cried. Honestly. I just sat there crying tears of joy because it is so rare to find an asexual character, let alone one who gets a chance to have their own happy ever after, on their own terms (provided they don't die in the two upcoming books, of course).

Just like the first one, this book deals with themes of bigotry and prejudice, and I love that about it. Sloan is, as usual, not afraid to tackle the heavy subjects, even while writing fantastical tales of magic and romance.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own

5 stars - no notes!

I gave the first book in this series only 4 stars because it started off a little slow. That was NOT the case for the sequel! We are on the road right away exactly where we left off and every moment between Seren and Darkbringer (aka Atlas) was PERFECTION.

You want tropes? This book has tropes! Traveling together? Check. Forced proximity? Check. One horse? CHECK. ONLY ONE ROOM AT THE INN??? CHECK!!!!

With adorable side characters that you will fall in love with as much as the main characters, their journey leads Seren and Darkbringer to their inevitable love story. This is the PERFECT, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. The way Seren comes to realize how she feels and falls in love made me swoon for days.

Now, I have to warn you about the ending… well… When the author sends out her ARCs with a disclaimer that says “Do NOT come at me”, you know it’s going to be a doozy of a cliffhanger. BUT - it was the perfect ending because it has me craving more of their story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Don’t sleep on this one people! Add this to your TBR right away!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring's Bloody Dawn is a breathtaking continuation of Winter's Kiss Goodnight.

The story picks up right where we left off, and from the first page I was drawn straight back into Seren’s world. As Seren and the Darkbringer are pushed into uneasy cooperation, their journey is filled with banter, discoveries, shifting truths, and encounters with characters who deepen the richness of the story. Every step along the way builds towards a conclusion that left me completely stunned.

It’s rare for a sequel to hold the same magic as the first book, but this one did more than that, it kept me captivated, laughing, tearing up, swooning, and holding my breath at the same time. The tension throughout is beautifully written, the side characters add real heart, and the twists are masterfully done. And that ending? I was left speechless!

Spring’s Bloody Dawn is pure brilliance. Now comes the hardest part...waiting for the next instalment.

I received this book as an ARC, but these reflections are entirely my own and shared voluntarily.

[Kaylee’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 but this one took first place for me personally! Definitely worthy of all 5 stars because the plot twists in this book had my jaw dropping.

We picked up straight where we left off in book 1 with our main characters Seren and Atlas being enemies. He represents everything she hates particularly because he is a Darkbringer also known as a powerful witch. These two are on a mission and the only reason she agreed to help him was so that she could find her cousin. Along the journey they bicker like an old married couple, they have a mutual attraction despite trying to deny it and a sweeter side of each other is brought out.

I am obsessed with the way their relationship changers from enemies in this book to true lovers, granted she did want to stab him again at multiple points through the book. Seren is also a proper badass and I LOVE her!

I thought the plot twists were jaw dropping in the first book but the ones in this book had me proper shocked. The things we find out about Seren and her cousin, the magical abilities that are discovered, the reason why Seren and Atlas are so good together all made so much more sense.

That cliffhanger at the end though had me throwing my kindle and cussing out the author because what do you mean I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens.

If you haven't read this series yet definitely do yourself a favour and pick it up because I am addicted!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

This is another one of those "this book finished ME" reads - that ending is DIABOLICAL.

Seren, despite (or maybe because of) all her stubbornness, is an amazing FMC. Her journey of self-discovery and overcoming what she thought she knew/wanted was simultaneously frustrating and inspiring: I found it to be incredibly realistic.

The banter and slow burn was perfection.

I loved Hershey and Frewin & I'm eager to learn more about Nissa in the next book.

Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great second book in the series

This starts where book 1 left off.

I really enjoyed Seren a lot more in this book she has so much growth. We get so much more world and magic building in this book too. It was fun to learn the different magic types.

The twist and details that have been scattered through out these books has me hooked. I can. Not wait to see how they all connect and what they reveal in the end.

The slow burn from book one pays off. The scene is the cage is 🔥 worth all the tension and waiting.

I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3 now as the ending was 🤬😱😭

[Bee Doom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. f* this book! Another series from BV that keeps us in a stranglehold.

The book picks up where the last one left off, and I promise you will not be disappointed. There is no shortage of tension, romance, action, and it wouldn’t be a BV book without some twists and turns.

Seren will grow. The darkbringer will grow. They will make friends and face betrayal. They will find help where it may seem least likely. And importantly

There will be a hell of a cliffhanger 😤.

I love this series.

MORE!

Highly recommend!

[Charlie Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could go back and read this for the first time, again- I'd do it in a heartbeat!

Seren is easily top 5 FMC for 2025 for me (personally, she may even be on par with Manon in terms of character development at this point...)
Hershey and Ferwin are phenomenal.
Atlas? Absolutely one of my favorite quippy MMCs.

But that cliff I got thrown off of?! I knew I was bound to want to throw my Kindle.
I didn't expect to pull a full, "you stay shut until you learn to talk to a lady."

[Printessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting and dark fantasy where Seren battles both dangerous enemies and her own secrets. The world is icy but magical, filled with intrigue, blood, and a touch of forbidden romance. I still love the Darkbringer and I am already longing for the next book!

Thank you so much BV for letting me be a part of your team. ❤️🌺

[Chennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My god, my aren't more people talking about these books?! I've devoured both this and the first one today. I think I might even give a shot at finishing the third books as well...
My only complaint is that it's not a finished series... but that's my own fault for not paying attention when starting it.

[Janet⚔️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOME SPOILERS!!


" Run. Starburst, Run"!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐4.98

Spring's Bloody Dawn is Book 2 of Starless Night Series, if you have not read book one you need to right now.

Sloan reunites us once again with our FMC and MMC Seren and Atlas "Darkbringer" and we are in for a wild ride!

We have Seren our " human revenge seeking witch hater" 😒 book one introduced us to her unhealthy obsession with obtaining revenge on all the witches, her desire to avenge her father's death led her to My Darkbringer (yes, I said mine)

Going into book 2, her Grudge only grew, she had me wanting to clobber her and throw my kindle across the room a few times, " I hate Witches, I hate the Darkbringer ,he's responsible for my father's death but I know he didn't kill him " Guuuurrrlll make up your dam mind! But with all this said as the story unraveled, we see her character go through so much growth and maturity. She was slowly realizing that not everything was as it seemed, maybe the Witches aren't as evil as she was raised to believe, maybe the Darkbringer is not actually responsible for her father's death, By the end of the book I loved her character. She was fierce, loyal and defended those she loved to the death!

Atlas " Darkbringer" This man can do no harm 🖤🖤🖤
We are introduced to our Evil Warlock in book one, which def left me thirsty for more, I do love a dark daddy in a hooded cape wielding a double headed Ax, but that's just me.
Story continues with him taking Seren on a Hunt for her witch cousin Nissa, we learn just how dark and Broody he really is, but we also see how Proctective he is and the banter between them is refreshing
We see just how " evil" he really is 😏😏

" Just for tonight, pretend you don't hate me and let me hold you "

We learn more of his background and his motives for needing to find Nissa. His desire to live in peace among all species

That ending was amazing; Seren and Atlas fight to the death, literally and I cannot wait to see just how far My Darkbringer will go to for the one's he loves!!

" There is nothing in this world or the next that will keep me from finding you "


Sloan give us everything we love:
🖤One Horse
🖤One bed at the Inn
🖤Betrayal
🖤Slow as hell Burn
🖤Stubborn AF FMC

Thanks to Sloan for Allowing me to read this a lil earlier than the rest of the cult LOL 🤣 My Anxiety wouldn't allow me to wait, and she was all for it!

PS. The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star was bcz i almost lost my kindle to Seren's Stubbornness at the beginning.....We will see what book 3 Brings

[Tiffany J McLay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't mind me as I sit here and bawl my eyes out.

As always BV Sloan hits you hard with an emotional rollercoaster. parts made me grin like a maniac, others had me sobbing.

Of course weaved into all this is some incredible sexy scenes.

Prepare for devastation.

[Falon · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I’m gonna say, is she’s done it again, made me cry like a baby and then immediately make it better, kinda. bv Sloan, you drive me crazy, in the best way possible! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK NOW!

[Kim Parham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible book from bv Sloan. You’ll need to read book 1 first to know what's going on. And once you do, you'll be dying to read book 2. And once you're done with book 2, you'll be screaming and crying because if the cliffhanger and just sadly waiting for book 3.

[Hannah Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I honestly loved this sequel dare I say it, I loved it more than the first!
If I could summarise I would say it’s a spicy witchy Lord of rings vibe.

The side characters are excellent, there’s banter, there’s delicious spice, the slow burn erupts, there’s twists, there’s revelations, there’s evil and thank god for the last chapter because the author plays with your heart