I was looking for new fantasy reads. I was immediately drawn to the cover and knew I wanted to learn more about this book. The synopsis is everything I could want from my reads. It didn’t disappoint!

I prefer books with dual POVs as that gives the reader insight into the characters. Add fantasy, romance, political intrigue, and amazing world building? Yes!

Thank you Netgalley and N.E. Davenport for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early. I am hooked! I immediately went to follow Ms. Davenport on her IG page!

First off, thank you, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sending me an ARC of this book.

I absolutely devoured this book!! This was also my first introduction to the author, and I would love to read anything else she writes and will now be an automatic buy author for me based off reading this book. Not to mention it’s also a standalone romantasy book. You don’t find those often nowadays and I appreciated knowing that I was going into this knowing by the end of the book, I was going to have a conclusion. Answers to all of my questions and the ending did not disappoint! I loved Kadeesha from the start. She is a strong willed, willing to do whatever for her people and won’t let anyone stop her. I will say Malachi has some character development and I really appreciated that. He definitely grew on me as I was reading. Malachi and Kadeesha are definitely enemies to lovers. She goes into an agreement with him to save her people, but they also have a common enemy, which was supposed to be Kadeesha’s husband, but he’s out of control. We do not like him! Now, they’re in Apolloyn Court, with Malachi’s people. She starts to learn more about him and sees him in a different way. He also starts to see Kadeesha for who she truly is, a queen of her people. I just love the dynamic between the two as well as the others in the story, it was just so great. I just felt myself wanting to keep reading because I was so enthralled with the story. I absolutely loved it!!

I was extremely blessed to get an ARC of this book! As soon as I saw the description I knew it was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint. I was hooked!!! This is THE romatasy of 2025!!!

This book includes heaps of spice, action, intrigue, and an MC that will have you BLUSHING. It's also a complete story so when it comes out, read it immediately - no waiting for the second book needed! I know it was sold as a two book deal, but this is absolutely a standalone romantasy with an HEA in book 1! (also omg who is book 2 about???)

What I loved:
-The set up! So heartbreaking but also so fun to watch it all fall apart at the wedding ceremony.
-Kadeesha and her Nkita and Kongomatos. Like dragon riders, which is a fave trope of mine, but combined with unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
-Malachi - he grew on me! He ended up being an interesting MC and one who is truly morally grey.
-The plot with Malachi's parents and the clerics was interesting and kept my attention.
-The world building of the Apollyon court was so well done and I enjoyed the real world parallels I sighted, such as Apollyon having vast mineral wealth that other realms wanted to forcibly extract from it.
-The spice! It was well done, it was plentiful, and it didn't get boring. Also can I just say I loved the marking aspect of it? All the benefits of the mate trope but without that actually happening
-The ending!!! I won't comment further.

What I disliked:
-Some of the dialogue felt stilted and awkward, but I imagine it's all still being brushed up as this was an early ARC.
-Some of the characterization of the FMC felt hollow and did not match up with what she actually did.

Our Vicious Oaths is an absolute gem of a book that completely swept me away. Kadeesha and Malachi were the epitome of character growth. From their witty banter to their deepening connection, every moment between them felt authentic and electric. Kadeesha’s strength truly stood out; she’s a fierce, unapologetic warrior and watching her lead with both fire and heart was nothing short of inspiring.

From the spicy scenes to the high-stakes fight scenes that had me holding my breath, the writing was so vivid I felt like I was right there in the thick of it. This book is a perfect blend of tension, passion and power, and I honestly can’t wait to order my physical copy the moment it launches.

A Shadow Daddy with a grill? Say LESS! I was hooked from the jump. The fact that this story is over has me in my feels—I didn’t want it to end! Kadeesha? Absolute queen. Strong, soft, smart, and stylish—she carried this story with ease. And Malachizrien… whew. Sir is FINE fine. He’s a solid 10/10 with enough red flags to host a parade, but somehow I still wanted more!

The vibes? Immaculate. The energy? On point. The romance? Cute, but I was this close to giving it 5 stars if we got a little more heat between the FMC and MMC. Still, loved it overall and would 100% recommend.

Alright, y’all best buckle up for Our Vicious Oaths come October, because this dark romantasy is a wild ride. Picture me, curled up with my fuzzy blanket, squealing like a teenager at a K-pop concert, because this book had me hooked. It’s got fae politics, a warrior-princess who’d rather stab than swoon, and a vengeful king who is serving looks AND chaos. Fuckbuddies-to-enemy-fuckbuddy-to-lovers done so right.

Kadeesha, our badass princess, is out here leading winged serpent flyers (More pterodactyl than dragon) and dodging a betrothal to some crusty High King. Then there’s Malachi, the brooding Apollyon king with a vendetta and abs that probably have their own fan club. Their chemistry? Sizzling. I was giggling like a fool when Kadeesha’s “one last night of freedom” turned into a spicy trap with Malachi. Davenport writes tension so thick you could cut it with a dagger.

The plot’s a whirlwind… there’s political intrigue that meets fae Hunger Games. Malachi’s attack on Kadeesha’s wedding day? Their uneasy alliance to take down the High King? Chef’s kiss. I loved how Kadeesha grows into her queenly vibes, even if she’d rather punch politics in the face. My only gripe and why it’s not five stars is the pacing. Sometimes it’s like Davenport floored the gas, and I’m like, “Girl, slow your roll!” A few threads got a lil tangled.

Still, I’m obsessed. This book’s a glitter (ather?) bomb of magic, betrayal, and steam. If you love fae with bite and romance that slaps, you’ve found your Halloween read, cause this comes out right before.

Nia did a fantastic job with this romantasy!
You have enemies to lovers, Black fae with grills and chains, a strong FMC who is also fae, and a well put together story!

I fell in love with Malachi and Kadeesha quickly, and I am going to miss them so much. I hope to see some bonus content of these characters because they will be living rent free in my head for a while!

I cannot recommend this book enough!

Coming out on October 23rd, 2025 👑 A stand-alone fantasy romance featuring a TRUE enemies to lovers & all POC characters. The main characters are complex & morally grey, with the perfect amount of spice throughout the book. And one word: grilles 💎👅

Thank you SO much to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this ARC - I was super excited for this one, and somehow, this book exceeded my expectations and then some. It was delectable, hooks you in from the start, and doesn't let up the entire book.

The spice is *chef's kiss, and the character dynamics are even better. I especially enjoyed Malachi and Zayvier's relationship as well as Malachi and Nychelle. I liked how both Kadeesha and Malachi came from royalty but had non-traditional family dynamics. The balance of romance and politics stayed true to the romantic fantasy genre, and you want to see more of both.

Everything about this book is so good, I can't praise it enough. Bravo.

When I say this is what I want from a black fantasy!! THIS IS WHAT I WANT FROM A BLACK FANTASY!! From the characters Kadeesha and Malachi, all the way down to the collards and Candied yams! I hate to say it friends, but Ms. Davenport has set the bar high for all the other adult fantasies to come after. It gave me everything that I needed that I missed from other adult fantasy who just focused more on the spice. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spicy spicy, and believe me this book didn’t disappointment but to have such a flesh out magic system and world building was chef kiss! We have our FMC aka woman fae king lol Keedesha and rival king from the other side of the kingdom, Malachi who make a vicious oath to eliminate a common enemy and Keedesha’s betrothed Rishaud. If you love a good shadow daddy, enemies to benefits to lovers, this is definitely a book to keep on your radar because this is a 5 star read!! Thank you so much Netgallery and Harper Collins Publisher for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Adult fantasy with spice. Enemy to lovers. I can say this is the best book I’ve read by NE Davenport (no shade because I did enjoy her previous work).

Kadeesha is promised to the ruler of the 6 dominions to fulfill a prophecy that her child will unite and rule all fae until her wedding is crashed and she sees a way out. This book doesn’t lack action and is very spicy. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would going into it. It’s a standalone and though it ended giving closure, I will miss the characters and would be open to Vicious Oaths becoming a series.


Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy.

What an amazing!! Standalone fantasy! I’ve been needing a mood one for awhile and never seem to find them and then I had the more wonderful opportunity with this one and took it! I was completely hooked from page one to the very end! I absolutely love a good morally gray mmc and couldn’t get enough of the romance in this book and the spice! I loved the dual pov and felt like it added a wonderful touch to the story!

OBSESSED! N.E. Davenport has my entire heart! This is exactly what a romantic fantasy should feel like every time!

Unique characters
Strong world & politics
Addicting romance
Conflict that will keep you on the edge of your seat

Our Vicious Oaths is an amazing blend of fantasy and romance that gives amazing representation. Plus it’s a standalone! And it definitely felt complete
Forget the boring & tired dragon and fae books we’re used to… give me all the fae with a grill and locs and melanin ✨

🔥 I'm absolutely feral for this book! 🔥

N. E. Davenport gives us a book we NEEDED (and honestly, I felt like I didn't deserve.) Because how she gonna write this masterpiece as a standalone. Granted, I usually get frustrated when I have to wait for the next book. With this, I felt like I could have read on for ages without a single complaint.

Our MMC - Malachi - is sooooo fine. Like, this man had me sweating with how he was described. From the grillz references to the way he carried himself, I ate it up. Give me 14 of them RN. Please and thank you.

Our FMC - Kadeesha - gives all the power and honor that comes with be a princess who is also a warrior. Honestly, Big Queen Energy from the start.

What I truly loved about this book:
💜 Unapologetically Black from start to finish.
💜 Fantasy done right.
💜 True Enemies to Lovers
💜 A plot that moved the story
💜 Side characters I became HEAVILY invested in
💜 Spice that didn't feel formulaic. It was real.

No notes from me on this one other than praise and love. This should be an instant bestseller if the people do right be the author. Cause I don't want to stop hearing about it ever.

Thanks you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC. And thank you to N.E. Davenport. You did that!

OMG!!! When I say this book was so good. It did not disappoint at all. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year. Malachi and Kadeesha were not to played with at all. Their chemistry was everything and for the girlies who love spicy it was definitely there throughout the whole book. It was action packed and loved every minute of it. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the ARC can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy when it releases!!!!

Would it be crazy to say i need Malachi & Kadeesha AT THE SAME D*MN TIME?!
super thankful to have read this book. You ever like a book so much that it puts you into slump bc you don’t want to finish it?! Well that’s what happened to me.
Things that drew me in: this cover 😍
Things that kept me entertained: the fact that Malachi wears a grill🥵 like he even wears it to battle & formal gatherings (ugh loved that),Kadeesha is a fierce badass warrior ( i love when books include women who don’t take anyone’s sh*t ), trystin (mal’s fav cousin who is witty but comedic all the same lol) & lastly the spicy scenes🥵❤️‍🔥

“Plus, the dazzling platinum grille flashed every time he spoke,” - this had me cheesinnnnn iykyk

Thoughts: i definitely didn’t see this book going the way it went. I’m gonna try to be vague but always specific. Like i definitely thought Malachi was the bad guy in the beginning & like he kind of is but it’s justified. I thought he was the villain of this story & boy was i wrong.
• i feel that there was a good amount of world building. i was able to fully lose myself in the plot & picture everything exactly as it was being described. I loved that we saw a progress of character development within this book.
• i didn’t feel like the book was rushed at all which was great. There was a couple plot twists in this book & it was delightful

I never knew I needed a Shaddy (shadow daddy) until I read Our Vicious Oaths. Malachi and his cocky attitude and them grilles did it for me every time. Kadeesha was a bad a** FMC who never strayed away from who she was even when ppl tried to force her down a different path. This book was so unapologetically & unquestionably black! From their described appearance, their names and even down to the food they ate. Seeing ham, candied yams and greens being described in a book with black fae??? Where they do that at?? HERE CLEARLY! As a baby fantasy reader I was nervous going into this book but it flowed so well and kept my attention from beginning to end. The spice to plot ratio was YES!! I can’t wait to have a physical in my hand. That you Nia, Avon Books/Harper Voyager for the ARC

Miss Davenport really did her big one with Our Vicious Oaths!!! It is so exciting to see such an amazingly descriptive, uniquely magical and action-packed standalone romantasy by a Black author.

From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat, never fully accepting the truth of it all until the very end — much like Kadeesha. The intricate politics of the fae in this world kept me never quite knowing for sure if it was safe to let my guard down, which rendered me unable to put this book down for longer than 10 minutes.

While this book did have some common tropes and themes that you’d find in most romantasy set in fae realms, the customs and magic of the seven fae courts were extremely unique — from their magical connection to the elements to the donning of grillz for special occasions (one aspect I found extremely exciting).

Overall I’d say this is the perfect book for you to pick up if you love fae, high-stakes politics and two main characters who will do anything for those they love! N.E. Davenport has quickly become an auto-buy author for me.

I really enjoyed reading this fantasy. I loved the fact that this is a standalone.
But anyway, onto the nitty-gritty. DADDY MALACHI AND THAT DAMN GRILL. I can picture it so vividly.
If you're looking for a good fast paced action packed fantasy with a take no ish FMC and MMC. This is definitely the book for you.
Thank you Harper Collins for the ARC!

Princess of the Aether Dominion, Kadeesha wants nothing to do with fae politics. She is a warrior, first and foremost, and believes her greatest strength is leading her squadron of elite winged serpent flyers to protect her homeland. But bound since infancy to be betrothed to the Hyperion High King, ruler of all Dominions, she has no choice but to do what men have chosen for her.

Repulsed by the idea, she decides to spend one last night of freedom—in the arms of a dangerous stranger who takes her to sexual heights she’s never experienced before…but who is only using Kadeesha to set a trap for the High King.

For the High King and the kings of his six Dominions were responsible for the decimation of the Apollyon Court, and its new king, Malachi, wants his pounds of flesh.

On Kadeesha’s wedding day, Malachi and his special forces attack. Her father is killed, and Malachi wounds the High King, ultimately taking Kadeesha as hostage back to his land.

But she is no true hostage. The two form a pact: she will help lure the High King so Malachi can kill him once and for all, and he in turn will not harm Kadeesha or the Aether people. And as much as Kadeesha hates politics, she is now the Queen of her folk. Fae bonds are unbreakable…and so, perhaps, is the attraction Kadeesha and Malachi feel for each other. For even as they must publicly display their connection to provoke the High King’s jealousy, they struggle to resist the powerful allure between them in order to achieve their ultimate goals.

My Take:
If I were a tagger from Netflix tasked to describe this book, I'd chose "steamy thriller. sci-fi and fantasy and political drama." In Davenport's adult offerings, she has developed a FMC archetype: a lethally cunning dangerous woman with bouts of kindness and compassion and a lustful spirit. She will give you action scenes, steamy interludes and her stubbornness may make you want to shake her, but ultimately you root her and enjoy her journey. The MMC seem to vary, but they match their FMC well. If you enjoyed the synopsis and the Davenport FMC archetype, this book delivers. I would recommend it for a buddy read or a group setting where the drinks flow and the giggles can reign.