Did I stay up late reading Our Vicious Oaths by @nia.davenport before work? Yes. How many did times did I re-read certain scenes? Yes. Don’t judge me lol. Thank you so much to Nia Davenport and NetGalley for this early read!

I was tired of everyone treating my girl Kadeesha like she wasn’t about that life. & when Kadeesha stood on business, I kept hearing Alter Ego by Doechii lol. Malachi is that dude, grill & all! My man my man my man! & when he did what he did in front of his kingdom..

Now I want a shadow daddy..

➳ 3 ★

It’s taken me a few days to figure out what to write for this review because I’ve been quite conflicted. The consensus is out though: it’s a solid 3. It was fun banter at times with some good spicy scenes, but too much political maneuvering for my taste.

For the things I liked:

1. I love the diversity of the characters, but it seemed like an overload of characters for a standalone book. I’ll take more characters any day though
2. The world building is pretty cool and the fantasy aspect was definitely fun.
3. Malachiiiii. That’s all.

For the things I did not like:

1. I’m not super picky about historical accuracy in any aspect, I can let things go, but the modern language/slang mixed with the archaic started to irk me (e.g. “Nah”). Additionally, the use of “grilles” in the fae attire was definitely unique, but seemed out of place (although I know a lot of people would probably like this).
2. Overuse of commas for lengthy sentences, run on sentences, repetitive words in the same sentence.
3. A lot of court drama and politics vs action. Book felt hard to read at times. It would be intense for spicy scenes and a few fight scenes, and then reallyyyyy slow down and at multiple points I debated DNFing.
4. I hate that the last big conflict/battle took barely 2 chapters. It was so rushed compared to the rest of the book that seemed like it dragged on for unnecessary filler that didn’t add much to any of the characters and especially not to the MCs relationship, which seems more lustful than loving.

A standalone book with a shadow daddy, dragons and powerful women… what more could I ask for. I truly loved this book it was well written and had a story like that continued to progress and continued to build the suspension all while combining some of my most favorite tropes!

I was super excited for this black fae tale and all the representation that was to be shown in it . I learned of the book on threads and from the synopsis it sounded like it was going to be a great read. I have tried to read this one over and over but can’t seem to make it past the first 5 chapters. It’s a dnf for me. Hopefully I can pick it up again with fresh eyes and read it . I could not get into it and I have been trying for weeks to settle down and read this story.

This book was sexy. It was moody. It was everything. I enjoyed the world building, the conflict and the resolution. I would 199% read this book for a second time. Also a Black man with grills, yes every single time!

I am very picky about the fantasy romance that I read and this was difficult for me. I can't do overly descriptive worldbuilding as I'm one of those readers that just doesn't picture anything in their heads when reading. And so I get extremely bored when the descriptions are over the top. I had to DNF this one because it was just too much for me. This is NOT a ding towards this author as I know many MANY fantasy readers out there prefer heavy worldbuilding. I just can't handle it. I appreciate the opportunity to try it though.

I haven't had the pleasure of reading Davenport's previous works, but if they're even half as good as this novel, then I'll be hurrying to read them all.

A great world-building, brilliant and complex characters, engaging writing style. A sublime fantasy novel in all its aspects.

I was blown away by this book! The characters, the settings, and everything else was so well written. Keedesha is now one of my favorite female main characters! I highly recommend Our Vicious Oaths to anyone who loves EXCELLENT fantasy!

This was such an amazing world to get lost in! This was my first read from Nia Davenport and I was not at all disappointed!

First - the characters: the FMC and MMC and alllll the side characters were well thought out and BLACK!! It made me so happy to have a black romantasy! I love a strong FMC and Kadeesha did not let me down! Compassionate, Intelligent, Fierce and she was always ready to go toe to toe with anyone, especially Shadow Daddy MMC , Malachi. The banter, the wit, a morally gray MMC that will destroy the realms- this is the perfect formula!

Second, the plot: I was sucked into the storyline and worldbuilding. It is definitely alot to follow so the added names at the end of the book would have been helpful in the front, but I followed along knowing it was going to be jam packed. The magic system, introduction of prophecy, even the hierarchy- phenomenal story telling. I will admit the end seemed to come quickly and I almost felt like I wanted more of ...something...at the close but absolutely no regrets. and the SPICE- was spicy and open door. a good time for sure!

Overall, this was an amazing read! I am looking forrward to more from this author!

This was an amazing read, I love the characters and this was outside my typical genre but I will be returning .

Read it! It's a standalone fantasy and the MMC has a Grille that has onyx and diamonds! Kadeesha and Malachi both just scream power and beauty. What happens when two waring territories have to come together to fight a worse person? SPARKS! Releases October 28th, definitely put on the TBR. Tbh I'll probably read it again closer to when it comes out cause I also loved the cast and wouldn't hate stories for some of them too!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC!
Our Vicious Oaths started strong, the storyline had great potential and really pulled me in. That said, the spice was a little too heavy for my personal taste, and at times it pulled me away from the depth of the story. I found myself wanting more focus on the plot and the magical elements. This was my first N.E. Davenport book, and overall an okay read. I’m still excited to check out Blood Trial and Blood Gift!

this is everything i wanted and more in a fantasy romance. I would say it was a slow start for me to get into the book, only because i havent read a fantasy book all year and this is the first one i picked up in a while.

4.5 ⭐️

I’m so happy this one was a standalone, mostly because it gave me a great break from the cliffhangers. Still this book delivered on plot twists, uniqueness, and action-packed scenes. I can definitely say that for me, this book was so complete and with a medium-perfect pace I truly appreciated.

I was very taken with the start of the book and how we dive into knowing both main characters. Kadeesha being betrothed to the cruel high king but wanting one last night of freedom and Malachi who wants revenge and be a conqueror. I was so amused at how this pair meet, it was very unconventional but very fun. And wow the consequences they see after their night were very entertaining. It’s a given the people who read this book will be satisfied with the enemies but still lovers trope. The romance does not disappoint.

I truly think the star of this book is the court intrigue, political maneuvering and war setting that this book is centered around. With Kadeesha and Malachi’s unlikely alliance, it definitely gives good elements to the outcome. My absolute favorite part were Kadeesha’s Nkita and their serpents’ bonds. Zahzah was definitely a character, I always wished for more Zahzah appearances with Kadeesha. Great book and I hope there will be more like this one to come.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at around 25%.

The premise was great and I was excited to see a black woman writing a book surrounding black fae. Representation is so important, so I think that's awesome.

However, the story and characters itself didn't do much for me. I personally found Kadeesha unlikable from the start. She was meant to be strong and independent, but it came off as brash and annoying. The political aspect had tons of promise but needed to be fleshed out more.

This book wasn't for me, but I do think a lot of people will enjoy it.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. Our Vicious Oaths is a fantastic mix of romance and fantasy. The world building is beautiful.

Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport delivers a thrilling blend of fae magic, fierce politics, and sizzling romance that earns a solid 3 stars. The emotional journey of warrior-princess Kadeesha and vengeance-driven king Malachi is compelling, though some world-building and pacing feel slightly rushed as plot elements converge . Still, the novel shines with its bold representation, strong chemistry, and a richly imagined fae world full of elemental magic and political intrigue.
Readers who enjoy spicy enemies‑to‑lovers romance set against a backdrop of lush fantasy will find themselves hooked—despite a few rough edges.

I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, N. E. Davenport, and the publisher for this opportunity.

Our Vicious Oaths is the best of romance and fantasy.
This is a story full of tension and danger and violence and passion.
When two royals from different courts become allies in the most unexpected way, there is no denying the draw that they feel towards one another. But the draw to one another is too strong to stay away. Allies quickly turns into so much more as both royal fight to save their kingdoms and the kingdom they could create together.

I gave this one 3.5 stars simply because this is NOT a beginner romantasy book.
This book is VERY HEAVY on the world building and that is coming from someone who reads a lot of romantasy. I struggled with about 50% of this book because it throws you into a world you don't understand and uses a lot of terms that are explained later in the book.
I will say that once I got 75% of the way through this book, the pace started to pick up significantly, but the first 75% is very information heavy and slow. That is not to say that it is bad, it was just a rough read for me but I got through it and ended up really loving the storyline. If there was a second book that continued the story from this, I would definitely read it!

If you're a fan of extreme world building, you will love this book. The world in this book is expertly built and explained and that makes the characters ever more strong and unique. It has a wonderful magic system and the fae are written so well and so consistent. Not to mention you have a version of dragons bonded to riders that makes the story even more diverse.
I really loved this and thought it was a very well written romantasy book!

Let me start off by saying in the romantasy world, it is SO difficult to find a stand alone that is well written and meets ALL the points: strong FMC, character development, plus great world building? I mean it's dang near impossible these days to fit it all into one book.

Our Vicious Oaths did that and more. It was a wild ride in the BEST way. Fae politics, a warrior princess who's a badass in her own right, and not to be left out a good looking vengeful king to sprinkle some chaos into the mix.

Kadeesha and Malachi- their chemistry? Absolutely phenomenal. Sizzling 🥵 that tension is so thick I thought I could have cut it with a knife.

The plot will take you for a whirlwind! Attacks, alliances, magic, betrayal, combined with crazy steam? Yes please, a million times over! The pacing was a tad off, sometimes it was a good steady flow and other times Davenport hit the ground running and I needed it a tiny bit slower (because I wasn't ready for the end!).

I was hooked from the start, and this book is probably going to be my next obsession for a while. It was just so well done!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this!💜

Thank you Netgalley & Harper Collins for sending me an ARC for a review!

This was my first N.E. Davenport book and this most certainly won’t be the last! If you are looking for a standalone spicy romantasy with great banter and a killer ending, this is the book for you.

Kadeesha might be one of the strongest and most confident FMC’s I’ve read in a romantasy in a long time. Her stubbornness, ferocity, and loyalty made her stand out. Not only did Davenport did a good job showing how fierce of a leader she is, she did a fantastic job showing the doubt and confusion she had at points with the MMC.

As for the romance, Kadessha and Malachi were simply made for one another. Their banter was top tier and I couldn’t get enough of it. It made me love them and their relationship even more.

From a plot aspect, I feel like I have found myself reading romantasy books/series where you don’t really know where the author is going with it. While I did feel that from the first half of the book, once the antagonist comes back into the picture, it was game on. I could not put the book down at all. The way Davenport described the battle scenes, war planning, and how the magic system worked, it simply had me intrigued and curious to see how everything played out.

You will definitely catch me picking up a physical copy on 10/28!