First, a thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC, all opinions are my own.

I don’t really know how to start this review because I was so let down by the book. I was excited when I read the blurb and when I actually started reading it, things felt like they were going fine. Until I started to get a little further into the book.

It’s an adult fantasy, the main characters are 25. So I was excited for that. Until I learned that they’re Fae and hence, incredibly long lived. The main character’s father and fiancé are both well over 100 years old. The fiancé is actually 500+ years old but marriage age is 25. I don’t like that age gap, that’s just me.

I was lured in by being told the Fae would be blood thirsty but this just felt like every other YA book that has fairies in it with this massive age gap. Especially with the power imbalance that such an age gap brings.

If they’re so long lived, why is marriage age the young age of 25? That makes no sense to me. So the worldbuilding felt a little weak to them. Followed up with the language. At times it felt like it usually does in a sort of second world, fantasy story. Sort of medieval in a way. Until it would turn and become very modern. The tonal shift in the language was off putting and would pull me out of the flow of the writing.

Then came the smut. Now, look, it’s an adult book and it’s a romantasy book. When it comes to that genre, it feels like smut is a requirement. I don’t dislike smut but there needs to be a reason for it for me. That’s why I don’t read erotica.

In the book, the main character owns a sex club. Has made it very lucrative and uses magic to keep people from remembering anything that doesn’t pertain to who they are and what they themselves did. Did you see a high ranking member of the government there? No you didn’t, you don’t remember. I thought that was an interesting touch.

There’s a lot of freedom and no judgement about people having sex which I think is something that’s very needed so that gets a thumbs up from me. But the love interest and the main character have sex in either the end of chapter two or the beginning of chapter 3. I don’t remember which. I actually wound up DNF’ing this book due to the worldbuilding issues and other’s that I’m about to get into.

We’re told that our main character is this badass woman warrior who never backs down. And when she goes to the club, she wants someone to be with for the night. Okay, cool. So the man she picks is the intended love interest. And once they’re in bed together, all of a sudden, she’s not a badass anymore.

She herself thinks that it’s so surprising because she’s never been some small mewling woman before. Oh but she figures out why. It’s because of the physical size of this man. Because of course, all it takes is for a man to be bigger than you and your ability to be a badass and actually speak up just disappears.

I rolled my eyes so hard while reading the sex scene. And knowing it was with the person who was supposed to be her love interest, it happened too soon. There was also no chemistry. Just sex and it was boring. I hate when that happens and hate more when strong women are depicted as being weak suddenly because “big man”. It was annoying and felt like a waste of my time.

I give this one star and it pains me to do so.

There were positives. Everyone is Black. It’s not just something hinted at, they’re Black, have Black hairstyles, it was beautiful. Fantasy of all kinds is historically mainly white so seeing this was such a nice change but it wasn’t enough for me to keep reading.

When I’m bored at 11% because the author is more interested in writing smut that causes the strong female lead to becomes some weak little thing, I’m out. Not to mention the weak worldbuilding and the language that couldn’t decide if it wasn’t to be medieval or more modern. I’m just done.

So, I can’t really recommend it because I had absolutely no fun reading this. I know the author’s other books are good, so I’ll give them a shot but this one? Nah, this is a bust. One star for the cast being unapologetically Black in existence.

This book is full of gorgeous world building and gripping romance, keeping me enthralled from page 1. Things do get a bit complicated further in, which left me having to really concentrate, but it was still a good romantasy that I'd happily go back to

Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for review

Thank you Netgalley for early eARC!

Holy shit! OMG! This book delivered what it promised! Highly recommend this book! Fae Politic with Romance with badass FMC and MMC! The plot was very entertaining! I was intrigued with the Political aspect and how it forced the character together! I love the author's Fae Lore. It felt refreshing, new, and unique! I was transported to the world and wanted to know how the promise of revenge was going to be avenged!

The chemistry was off the charts! I WAS screaming with how much the banter was so good and moved the plot and relationship! I love how strong willed Kadeesha was! I love Malachi and his morally gray actions! The spice level is a 3!

This is a MUST READ! A perfect stand alone Romantic Fantasy story!

Love love loved the FMC! She was a total baddie. Strong, independent…EVERYRHING I love in a FMC. I like how she was a boss from page one. The spice was spicy. And the kongamatos just gave me life haha. Pacing was kinda off for me at times, but overall, a great read and can’t wait to tell everyone about it!

there are things in this romantasy that make it unique — namely, all of the characters are visibly black — but this book is, in my opinion, a step down from the author’s previous adult work. there’s no chemistry here other than sex, no intimacy shown that’s not dirty talk and head. there’s nothing to differentiate kadeesha from the other women malachi fucks in the book other than the author’s decided she’s different. i’m not sure if it was first person or what that was lacking, but this just was not it for me — i know the author can do better, and romantasy readers deserve better.

What a wild and interesting ride this book takes you on! We get to follow such a strong and independent FMC who is fighting to create a path for her life that doesn't involve bowing down to a man in a world that doesn't support women in positions of power (mostly). All while the MMC is showing her that he and his kingdom are different and that he wants nothing more than to see her powerful, feisty energy come out for the world to see.

For the fans of ACOTAR who were hoping for extremely detailed smut to be included all throughout the plot, and let me tell you, it is SPICY and HOT, and detailed in all the right ways with the banter back and forth that keeps you reading to see what happens next. The only reason I docked it one star was because the pacing felt a little off in some parts of the story. Some sections were really drawn out, without much happening, while others (like the major conflict and development between the couple at the end) were glossed over quickly or not talked about at all. I would've liked some more chapters or even an extended epilogue to see this new world and new family the book spent so long talking about come to life.

A bad ass warrior princess? Morally grey shadow daddy king with grills?!

SIGN ME UP! Thank you, Nia for giving us Black romantasy girlies fae that look like us and also fae who are diverse! Secret meetings, undeniable attractions, touch her you die, WIDE OPEN DOOR romance. So much steam, so much spice that I am still fanning myself. "That's right breathe. Be a good girl and use your words. What do you want?" *melting*

Follow Kadeesha Mercier as she seeks to prove herself and her parents wrong that she is meant to be the heir and stop her impending marriage to Rishaun, High King of the Six Kingdoms. Due to a prophecy that makes Kadeesha a kingmaker of sorts, her life has been written before she could talk. Insert Malachi (*swoon*) who is hellbent on avenging his kingdom and parents and he will kill even the princess who he can't seem to stay away from to avenge the wrongs against his kingdom. Enemies to allies to lovers - this one doesn't miss!

I went into this book knowing that N.E. Davenport was going to give me a great story. I wasn't expecting the spice, and I loved every second of it! The way that the scenes would start in one chapter and carry on to the next chapter was done well.

Kadeesha is a strong, caring, relentless character. She constantly thought about how things she did as a ruler would affect the people she would have to lead, which is what Malachi needed. They're chemistry was top tier, and I could feel it as I was reading. I love it when authors give me a romance that I can feel.

Malachi might have been out for vengeance no matter the cost, but he loved fiercely and was open to seeing other perspectives. He and Kedeesha balanced each other out well. She showed him that being a king who showed kindness to those in his court who were loyal didn't make him weak, and he showed her that not every ruling man was like her father or Rishaud.

I do think that the battle was quick, but the ending was tied up nicely.

This was a rally good story that shows that no matter what we are faced with, that we can beat those odds stacked against us. Kadeesha was such a well written STRONG FMC. Like I really looked up to her for real for real! This had the enemies to lovers trope, with some steamy banter. Malachi was literally the perfect match for her. She needed that real deal true Alpha, and he was surely that! I loved that we were introduced to a different type of mythical creature and power. The spice was definitely spicing. I would say that the spice was 4 chili peppers.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this storyline Anne would recommend it to hose looking for a dark romantasy.

I absolutely loved this book! This is the first book by N E Davenport that I have read and I am RUNNING to download her other books!

This story is fast paced with great dialogue and quite possibly my most favorite FMC EVER. Kadeesha is strong, independent, cunning, and smart. I loved watching her adjust throughout the story to all the twists and turns. Our girl owns a pleasure house… talk about sex positivity!!!

I also loved the MMC, but Kadeesha has my whole heart. She and ZhaZha had me cackling!

Things about this book I loved:
-prophecies
-“I will kill you but not until we take care of this sexual tension”
-the kongamatos
-bad ass all female warrior squadron

Fantastic book!!!

A lush, high-stakes romantasy packed with vengeance, dangerous fae courts, and a slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance that simmers under layers of duty and betrayal.
Kadeesha is a fierce warrior princess torn between political obligation and forbidden desire. When she crosses paths with Malachi—brooding, deadly, and king of a rival court—sparks fly and oaths begin to unravel. The world-building is rich and ambitious, and the power dynamics are electric.
Some of the pacing drags, and the mix of modern and formal language occasionally pulled me out of the moment. Still, the tension, intrigue, and morally gray characters more than make up for it.
If you’re into fae politics, intense chemistry, and heroines who don’t flinch, this one’s worth adding to your romantasy shelf

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start by saying this was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I absolutely adore N.E. Davenport's Blood Gift duology and was so excited to read her newest work. I want to just get the tiny complaints I have out of the way now and explain why this wasn't a five star for me and then I can gush. First, I didn't realize that this was a standalone, I'm not sure I've encountered a standalone romantasy book and so my brain just assumed there were would be sequels. This matters because as I was reading the pacing wasn't really matching up with what I was expecting and I don't think I realized everything was somehow wrapping up and there would be no sequel until maybe the last 10% of the book. Had I gone in with this knowledge and different expectations it's possible my feelings would be different. I do like the idea of a standalone romantasy but especially towards the second half of the book the pacing got crazy trying to fit so many things in and tie up all the loose ends that I don't feel like our characters got a moment to breathe. I was also struggling a bit with the ages of the various characters within the world and how that made sense with their motivations within the realm. We have characters who are over a millennium but still in their prime telling characters who are in their mid twenties they need to get married and start having children, when their own children are of a similar age. The math just doesn't math.

Ok good, now that that is out of the way, this was such a fun time! I love Kadeesha and her badass female squad of essentially dragon riders. They ride Kongamatos, which the book describes as half-avian and half-draconic serpents. These beasts are nasty and you do not want to make yourself an enemy of them. Kadeesha has been promised basically since birth to the High King with a prophecy that their marriage is going to unite all the fae realms and become the most powerful dynasty. Kadeesha wants none of this she just wants to continue leading her Kongamato squad and fighting as a general instead of becoming a bride. The fae courts are quite misogynistic and Kadeesha is doing her best to show her worth as a warrior. She is not the only one plotting to make sure this marriage doesn't happen. Malachi has been the Apollyon king since he was a young child when his parents were murdered by the High King and the other fae realms and he has been plotting his revenge since then. However, a chance encounter the night before Kadeesha's wedding has Malachi slightly changing his plans. I loved the chemistry between Malachi and Kadeesha, they had amazing banter, and were such a great couple to center this story around.

This has gotten quite long so I'll try to be brief but I did want to mention the world. I am always a sucker for elemental magic in fantasy worlds and we do get that here. Each fae realm has a particular elemental magic, there's also some fun additional bits like the realms being associated with a certain color and gemstone. So Kadeesha from the Aether realm has a kind of purple flame magic said to be much stronger than regular fire and was traditionally dressed in purples and wore amethysts as part of her royal jewelry. Malachi from the void realm, wields shadows, is typically found in black and wears onyx in his crown. Overall, this was such a fun and spicy time, I really recommend it for anyone looking for a new shadow daddy. I cannot wait to get a copy of this book on release day and I would love to see this book get some love from one of the book boxes as a fancy special edition.

This book was everything I was hoping it would be after reading the blurb. Spicy & filled with heavy fae enemies to lovers’ vibes.
I loved our FMC Kadeesha, she was strong and relentless, and everything I want in FMC. Her development through the story is well thought out, and perfect for her character. She’s perfectly matched with Malachi, and I loved their chemistry. He was her perfect match and I’m so glad that their romance blossomed as it did.
Now for world-building, what we got was enough. I like the different regions of fae and thought that was cool. I also love the way she described things throughout the book.
I’m a bit sad that this is a standalone, but I am satisfied with what we got.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Listennnnnn!!! This was my first time reading anything by N.E. Davenport and baby, it did not disappoint. It had everything I love about fantasy: found family, courage, love, sacrifice—and a new favorite: unapologetic BLACKNESS. This book was so Black, and I absolutely loved that for me and for all my fellow Black fantasy girlies who want to see themselves in the worlds they love. This one is for us!!

Let me just say—if I were Kadeesha, I would’ve folded IMMEDIATELY when Malachi stepped to me. There is no reason that man should be that fine. And Kadeesha knows it! The enemies-to-lovers tension between them had me hooked. Their shared family history created such thick, emotional tension—you could cut it with a blade. It was deliciously complicated, and I was more than happy to be along for the ride.

As my first experience with N.E. Davenport’s writing, I was genuinely surprised by how fast I devoured this. The world-building was rich, the characters were layered, and the emotion felt real. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future! 🖤✨

This was good but don’t know if I would read it again. It deserves 3/5 stars, thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read!

"All the romantasy-loving folks, listen up -- this is your next favorite book! An immersive world, knife-to-throat enemies to lovers, morally grey characters wading through messy politics, and SEXY GOOD TIMES. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up! An instant romantasy classic!"

Our Vicious Oaths was an absolute blast—equal parts seductive, intense, and wildly imaginative. This standalone romantasy is perfect for readers who want something that pushes boundaries while still delivering all the tropes we love: enemies-to-lovers tension, fated bonds, forbidden prophecy, and a romance that burns hot from start to finish.
The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, full of political intrigue, dark magic, and an unforgettable blend of magical creatures. From the moment I stepped into this world, I was hooked. The writing is lush and cinematic, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth that makes every scene come alive.
The dual POV works beautifully, giving us both the brooding power of a morally grey shadow daddy and the fierce heart of a warrior princess who refuses to be anything less than extraordinary. Their chemistry is off the charts—sexy, intense, and absolutely addictive.
This book doesn’t hold back on the spice, the stakes, or the heart. It’s bold, beautifully written, and full of found family moments that add real emotional weight to all the action and heat. A must-read for anyone who wants their fantasy with equal parts passion and power.

This book was everything I could imagine how fae but unapologetically black would be like! MALACHI?!?! Yeah he’s the ultimate Shadow Daddy and no one can tell me otherwise wise. This book had all the relatable pieces but still managed to tell an empowering an epic set of events. My beef was with Kadeesha because sis had everything in her face but her brain wasn’t allowing her to accept (you didn’t have to call us over-thinkers out like that miss Davenport! lol) this book creatively brought up concepts and conversations we have all experienced and it’s a challenge of healing. I loved this book so much and I hope it reaches all the heights. This book was perfectly written for the culture. To the fantasy girlies who wanted dragon riders, shadow daddies, female bad-ss fmc, fated mates, plot twists, and SMUT?! Eat this book up! I pray we get more books from this universe!

when they absolutely despise each other’s existence but then become truly obsessed with one another to the point they will do anything for them sign me up IMMEDIATELY!!! this book was all i thought about for the last few days. kadeesha is someone who won’t put up with anyone’s disrespect and will put them in their place if she sees fit. malachi 🤭 had me on the edge of my seat he doesn’t play around especially after all that he’s been through. both characters are skeptical of one another given their history but they truly can’t deny their chemistry. the tension the banter this book had it all! now was i confused when it came to things that was going on in their world well yes but that’s me with any fantasy truly. all i know is that i really enjoyed this book hands down! 🙂‍↕️

thank you so much netgalley & avon and harper voyager for the earc!!!

I am obsessed! My new obsession this book was so good, the fantasy elements were everything! I need to read more from this author!