The Saint and the Sorceress: A Slow-Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Dark Academia Romance with Emotional Alchemy

by Jennifer Thea Barthe

If you love the dark academia romance of "The Discovery of Witches" and the Southern Gothic mystery of "The Mayfair Witches", this Romantasy Noir may be for you - a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story of desire and vengeance, drenched in Southern Magic.

What's worse than discovering your grandfather was a monster?
Learning you might become one too.

Seminary student Max Frost has spent seven years behind stone walls, sworn off women, worldly desires—everything that might trigger the hereditary madness that destroyed the men in his family. But when his grandfather's cryptic journal about emotional alchemy draws him from his cloistered life in Bavaria to the languid courtyards of New Orleans, Max discovers Otto Frost's legacy runs deeper than family shame.

It leads to the sorceresses sworn to kill him before he can repeat Otto's crimes. Amongst them Liberté, heir to both her grandmother's remarkable talents and the unhealed wounds from the last time a Frost betrayed her family.

As Maximilian is shattered by a longing he can’t allow for a woman he can't trust, will he stay alive long enough to uncover the truth about his grandfather's crimes? Or will he have to awaken the monster he fears within, to survive a woman with every reason to destroy him?




• Enemies to lovers

• Forbidden romance

• Fish out of water

• Dark academia

• Inherited guilt/sins of the father

• Virgin hero

• Morally gray magic system

• Kidnapping/captivity

• Hurt/comfort

• Life-or-death stakes

• Forced proximity

• Slow burn romance

• Interracial Romance and Religious/secular clash

Genres: Novella, Romance

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Dreamcaitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a free ARC of this book.
This was a very short novella about a future priest who travels to New Orleans to learn more about a special kind of emotion magic his grandfather studied during World War II, and which eventually drove him insane. Max, our main character, wants to figure out if the magic was real or if his grandfather was crazy, and if he might have passed that onto Max.
There, he meets Liberté, whose family hates Otto Frost (Max’s grandfather) with a burning passion. Upon finding out his identity, they imprison him while they debate his fate, and Max sparks a partnership with Felicité, as they both want to find out more about Otto’s work, though for different reasons.
I found this book very entertaining. I was hooked from the beginning to the end, and I thought the darker themes of racism, exploitation, and slavery were executed fairly well. I found both main characters to be very likable, and it was easy to understand and empathize with their perspectives.
Overall, this was a very good story, and I'm excited to read the next book.

[Melissa LiVolsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting novella, the romance aspect is cute and a SLOW burn but I actually love the main plot. This actually took a hold on me pretty quick and I love that. I wish it was longer! I want more lol let’s go book 2.
I love books that take place in NOLA.
I love the enemies to lovers trope, of course.

[Megan Broad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for the arc!

A good slow burn, which I love. I always find it harder to review novellas, this is a very short book I finished in 3 hours. I didn’t enjoy the story line, but I could appreciate it for what it was and the writing

[Jinx · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Saint and the Sorceress is such a cool mix of dark academia, Southern Gothic magic, and slow-burn romance. The story takes place in New Orleans. With its witchcraft, church secrets, and thick, haunted atmosphere, the lore feels rich, immersive, and surprisingly authentic to the city’s culture. You can almost smell the incense and magnolia air while reading.

I also loved the dynamic between the priest-in-training (Max) and the sorceress he’s drawn to. It’s a perfect blend of curiosity, danger, and forbidden desire, complicated with the whole faith vs. magic angle simmering underneath.

Because it’s a novella, some parts feel a bit compressed. I definitely would’ve loved more time to explore the world and characters. But honestly, it still hits the exact mood I was hoping for and left me wishing it were longer (always a good sign). Though, it seems like there'll be a sequel.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He lay awake, tracing the faint curve of her shoulder in the dark, while his pulse raced against his priest’s training. What had to be the fever of a century ravaged his body—but it paled compared to the heat of his thoughts.”

I’m sorry, but slow burn romance is where it’s at! So hot. I’d much rather things have tension than have full-out details or insta-love. This novella was a treat! I really enjoyed the plot too. It leaves you with so much to think about.

“Yes,” Max said, “Knowledge without wisdom…it’s a perilous thing.”

This truth hits daily in modern America.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC. It gave me some entertainment on a gloomy Sunday.

[Oli Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me - in the best way!

Okay so I went into this thinking I'd get a cute romance in a magical setting, and I did, but I also got SO much more than I bargained for. Max and Liberté's story grabbed me by the heart and didn't let go.

What really blew me away was how the book tackles cultural appropriation and colonial theft without it feeling preachy or heavy-handed. It's woven into the actual story in a way that made me care deeply about what happens. Usually in romantasy the plot is just there to push the couple together, but here the romance and the deeper themes are completely intertwined. I found myself invested in the moral questions just as much as whether they'd end up together.

I'm not usually a big fantasy reader - the complicated magic systems and worldbuilding can be a lot - but this was so accessible. It's set in this mystical New Orleans that feels like magical realism, like the magic is just hiding under the surface of the real world, kind of like it would for any spiritual person. If you're already into witchcraft or witchy romance, you'll definitely love it. It feels like the mystical could actually happen, which made it even more powerful.

The romance between Max and Liberté is absolutely sizzling even without explicit scenes which to me often cheapens storylines. Their connection feels eternal, like something that transcends just the physical. They both benefit each other in ways that isn’t uncommon in modern day romances. I know I'm going to be thinking about them for a long time.

The dark academia vibes were perfect too - dusty archives, forbidden knowledge, all that delicious atmosphere. And oh my god the ending (spoiler alert if you keep reading) sets up the next book to explore medieval records and secret WW2 documents about "emotional alchemy" and I am DYING to know what they discover!

The writing is gorgeous too, especially for a debut author. If you want a romantasy that actually has substance and will make you feel things, read this immediately.

[Athena 💗 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me start by saying, such a cool concept! I really loved the idea of a forbidden love between a sorceress and a saint. The gothic, New Orleans setting with its ancient, southern magic was the perfect setting for this story. My biggest complaint was that it was a big idea with very minimal space to fully execute it.

I went into this with an open mind knowing that fantasy romance almost never works as a standalone novella. Technically this isn’t a standalone judging by that ending but still. Trying to fit world building, character development and a slow burn romance all onto a little over 100 pages while still trying to deliver a decent storyline/plot is no easy feat. With all of that in consideration I would say this was still a solid 3⭐️ read for me.

The author’s writing style was good, it wasn’t my personal favorite but it wasn’t bad. The conflict at the beginning of the book had me intrigued and kept me turning the pages. I really loved the idea of forbidden love between two people from very different religions and the animosity between the two families spanning from multiple generations. Buuuut… as far as “enemies to lovers”, it needed way more time to develop to deliver that trope. This was more like instalust.

*** Just my two cents… fantasy-romance novellas only work as bonus material or when used as a “bridge” in an already existing series. Otherwise you end up with an underdeveloped story like this one here. When I think of some of my favorite romantasy novellas they have all followed after a full length novel that has laid out the foundation for the world building/magic system. With that out of the way it gives the author more room to focus in on whatever it is they are wanting to deliver with the novella.

[The Seventeenth Chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! If you're looking for a short, engaging romantasy story, then I highly recommend this. (Also, I recommend this if you're obsessed with the priest from Wake Up Dead Man, iykyk.)

I'm a massive fan of opposites attract romances, and this was just that. Sinner vs saint, Louisiana vs Bavaria, magic vs logic. The plot kept moving, without skimping on the description, creating the perfect balance to make me feel immersed and engaged. The concept of distilling emotions is also super cool and intriguing.

I think my few criticisms are very similar to other reviews I've read. Firstly, I really wanted more!! When I first picked this up, I didn't realise how short it was, and I would've loved it to have been even double or triple the length. Secondly, this didn't really feel like a slow-burn or an enemies-to-lovers to me. To me, a real slow-burn could take MONTHS, but the characters actually began flirting really quickly. Perhaps it takes a while for them to actually get together? Either way, I feel Max's character would have been more compelling if we'd seen more of that struggle between his faith and Liberté. In terms of the enemies-to-lovers situation, I didn't really feel any hatred between Max and Liberté. This in no way got in the way of me enjoying watching their relationship grow. I would just categorise it as a forbidden romance, personally.

I honestly can't believe I'm counting down the days for the sequel to be released when the first has barely been out!!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC through BookSirens in exchange for my honest review.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Faith, fever, and emotional alchemy — a volatile mix

Max Frost, German seminarist on academic leave from the imaginary University of Bad Kissingen, travels to New Orleans to uncover his family’s murky past — and maybe his own sanity. Between inherited madness, secret wartime research, and a council determined to monopolize “emotional alchemy,” this could have been a clever moral thriller. Sadly for me, it reads more like a pseudo-scientific fever dream.

Medical terms and illnesses — West Nile fever and and the Bayou fever are mentioned, but their depiction lacks accuracy and the incubation time is just wrong, most readers won’t mind, but for me that is a no-go. Add the Nazi’s secret weapon research trope and a love interest who exists mostly to move the plot, and you have a story that constantly trips over its own ambition.

It’s also not enemies-to-lovers — at least not for me. Liberté never really becomes more than a narrative device, and Max loses his priestly restraint faster than any believable chemistry develops.

The idea of distilling emotions into liquid form had potential, but the execution leaks logic and credibility faster than Max’s faith. I finished it out of stubbornness and because it was short enough, not enjoyment — my inner Monk wouldn’t let me DNF.

MMC scent: none

This one wasn’t for me, but readers who enjoy a contemporary fantasy with a touch of speculative occult science might appreciate it more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Readineer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting was interesting, but I feel like the book is not being marketed correctly.

Rounded up 3,5 ⭐️

I wouldn’t call this enemies to lovers or dark academia. It is more of a contemporary mystery or drama with some urban fantasy elements. The focus of the book is not romance, even though the description suggests it is.

*** spoilers ***

That being said, it is a well-written novella. We follow a young German priest who travels to find out why his grandpa went mad. Very quickly he gets kidnapped by people his grandpa wronged during Nazi Germany. I found it interesting how this topic was included from a historical perspective in an urban fantasy setting, since it opens a discussion about younger German generations still feeling the guilt of their ancestors. Anyway, the book read more as drama, mystery as well as political and historical discussion, and not as dark academia.

I didn’t feel the slow burn, since he was kidnapped for only two or three days before he escaped, and suddenly he was already falling in love. I just didn’t buy the dynamics of a virgin priest having an instant attraction to the descendant of a woman his grandpa wronged.

In general, I liked the idea of alchemy being used to influence emotions, but I am not sure if I like this in a setting where the Second World War is almost justified through a substance. As if the many people who did not speak against the regime were not responsible, since scientists developed an emotional alchemy that influenced their actions.

*** thank you BookSirens for this free e-ARC. This is an honest review ***

[Fae&Lattes (Chelle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Review — The Saint and The Sorceress

This short novella left me wanting so much more in the best possible way. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of New Orleans, this story blends forbidden love, witchery, generational magic, and dark academia aesthetics into a delicious, atmospheric bite of romantasy.

We follow an aspiring man of the cloth who finds himself irresistibly drawn to a Creole sorceress—an absolutely tantalizing pairing. Their chemistry is forbidden, dangerous, and magnetic from the very first moment.

Despite its length, the author builds a world full of mystery and shadows, touches on generational binds, and layers in enough magical intrigue that I was completely hooked. I could easily read a full-length novel (or even a series!) set in this world.

If you love forbidden romance, magic steeped in culture and history, and moody, gothic New Orleans vibes, this novella belongs on your radar.

[Meranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Saint and the Sorceress. The premise is compelling: a blend of magic, faith, and emotional tension that creates a unique dynamic between the characters. Jennifer Thea Barthe has crafted a world that is rich, intriguing, and full of potential.

The pacing is very fast, which makes the book addictive and easy to read, but I also would have appreciated a longer story to dive deeper into the world and the characters’ psychology. There’s so much potential here that it left me wanting to spend more time with this universe.

Overall, it’s an excellent, original, and intense read that left me eager for more. A great discovery!

[Jennifer Demmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming novel that draws you into another world within the first few sentences. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but now it feels like I have. The author has a wonderful gift for capturing the atmosphere and emotions of every scene.

This short novel weaves together human relationships and emotions, traces of dark history across different countries, and the fascinating world of alchemy — a unique mix I haven’t come across before.

I’m already looking forward to the next book and can’t wait to see how the story around Liberté and Max unfolds!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saint and the Sorceress by Jennifer is an intoxicating blend of dark academia, Southern Gothic mystery, and slow burn romance. With lyrical prose and magnetic tension, it pulls readers into a world of forbidden desire, vengeance, and haunting family secrets. Max and Liberté’s chemistry crackles with danger and longing, making every page impossible to resist. Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Mayfair Witches, this Romantasy Noir is a must read for anyone craving passion wrapped in shadow and spellcraft.

[Samantha Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me want more of everything. More details of the exceptional land, culture, and people, flashbacks to the past, and so much more of the story. Barthe’s The Saint and The Sorceress is a beautiful and haunting tale of the effects of one’s ancestors. NOLA is a great location for this book with its rich history and the author weaves in the location history and the characters histories well. I have hopes for Max and Liberté, but they have a tough road ahead! I am looking forward to book 2.

Thanks to BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura W · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4

I was excited to get an early copy of this book. This novella did not disappoint. This had a very orginal and involved storyline with a slow-burn enemies to lover dynamic and no spice. It incorporates alchemy and I was invested in Max the MMC, as well as Libertè the FMC. The book gives you the back story to events of how they encounter each other and the ending nicely sets up the storyline for the next book. Can't wait to read what happens next.

[Blitheroo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one even though it's a little outside of my usual genre, it's a slow burn with plenty of tension and yearning between our MMC, a priest in training named Max, and our FMC, a New Orleans sorceress named Liberte. She's a strong, independent woman while he's kind of a gentleman in distress due to his sheltered seminary training. There's a good bit of historical back story from WWII but it's integral to the story so don't skip it!

[Your Online Book Bestie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished The Saint and the Sorceress by Jennifer Thea Barthe and all I can say is thank God it's trilogy because it just couldn't stop like this. I am rating it 4.5 ⭐. I found the book alright until chapter 7 and then I was hooked and couldn't look away. I devoured this (very short) book. The story is beautiful and full of New Orleans imagery, but also very thought provoking.
I cannot wait for Unholy Chemistry to come out.

[Marie Schliephake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating! I stumbled across this book by chance because I needed something to read on a long train journey. The blurb sounded like it would be to my taste, I didn't have too high expectations because of the ebook's low price though. But in fact, the story really blew me away. The magical world of New Orleans completely captivated me and I read it in one go. Days later, I'm still wondering what happened next to Max and Liberte and hoping for a sequel!

[Maxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank You NetGalley and Jennifer Thea Barthe for the ARC!

Loved the light and dark elements to the novella! That along with the world building really made me enjoy this so much. The pacing was perfect and the prose was well done. I wish we took longer with the romance just a bit. Max and Liberte seemed to have a fun dynamic I wish we could have lingered on a bit more. Overall enjoyed it and had a fun time reading it.

[Ashley Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short read which I didn’t mind lol but it was a a decent read. I enjoyed it and look forward to see what happens in the next book. There wasn’t any spice in this first book but I still enjoyed the flirty banter the two main characters did. I do hope others will read and enjoy this book also!

[Jemma Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read -

I enjoyed this book! The novella was a nice length, short but good pacing and character personality.

The book is definitely a slow burn and there is no spice, but the character personalities make up for it! Can’t wait to find out where their story goes in the future.

‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it early, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review

[Mrs Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. I found the narrative interesting… If a little too science/history based for my liking. Which is a really weird way to describe a non fiction book, but it's the best way I can explain it! The main characters are likable and I enjoyed how the MMC develops. It's a well written book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Kellys.bookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book but well paced for the plot. The characters are enjoyable and I’m intrigued on how there journey with progress.

There is no spice in the book but the flirty banter between the characters is just start.

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing storyline. Definitely not my normal read but was still very worth my time. A man on a quest to find out more about his grandfather and his actions is met with truths he wasn’t quite ready to handle. A very no spice version of enemies to love with alchemy and politics tossed in

[Rebecca Cumming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book! The adventure & plot twist took me by surprise. The slow burn is a killer in the best way🤣, cannot wait to see more from Max & Libertè

[Alba Dorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25⭐

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn ✅ Enemies to lovers ✅ Original story ✅

This was a fast little novella that is set in one of my fave cities -New Orleans! I loved the chemistry between the characters. It was great!

[Matthieu Carpentier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny and easy novel, perfect for holidays or just disconnect a bit from the everyday routine.

[Clara Lash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great slowburn romance! I love dark academia settings, and the fact that it tackles so many important topics on top of everything too!