This book was honestly everything you would want in a Romantasy. If you like badass FMCS and equally badass MMCS who only have eyes for one woman this is the book for you! I couldn’t put it down and u was so sad when I finished because I wanted more! Such a great read

This was way spicier than I expected, but I wasn’t mad about it. Our Vicious Oaths didn’t reinvent the romantasy wheel, but it kept me entertained from start to finish. It’s fast paced, dramatic, and full of romantic tension right from the beginning. If you loved N.E. Davenport from The Blood Trials but want a very adult, romance forward version of her writing, this one is definitely for you.

Kadeesha is a powerful warrior princess and angry (rightfully so) that she’s being married off by her father in an arrangement made when she was a baby. In comes Malachi, a new king of a rival kingdom, set on crashing the wedding and murdering the entire court. As dark as the story was at times, it was honestly mostly just a fun time.

I'm a sucker for punishment and keep reading romantasy, even though I don’t love it as a genre. But this one worked for me more than most. It knows exactly what it is and leans into it in the best way.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Voyager, for an early copy in exchange for this honest review.

This was so ridiculously good!!! It checked off absolutely every box I wanted it to check off in beautifully written fashion. We had enemies to lovers, a bad@ss strong female who was competent, smart, communicated well and was a ferocious leader. A dark and broody shadow daddy who also held high values and was intelligent while being able communicate well (no miscommunication trope here 🙌🏼.) It had intrigue, action, war, strife, passion (done so well), and on and on and on. I am really sad this isn’t a full series because I would have loved to stay in this world a bit longer!! I absolutely loved every part of this story. I especially loved the way it was written, (in a very literal sense), using deeply descriptive words that favored a more mature style of writing. Reading through this book made my inner word nerd heart very happy! The immersive descriptions were also on par serving to place you right into the middle of the action and drawing you further into the story. I hope we get more fae stories from N. E. Davenport because this was phenomenal!

4/5⭐

This was such a great standalone romantasy read! I’ve been in the WORST romantasy slump this year, so I haven’t been enjoying most of the books I’ve read from the genre recently, but I ADORED this one.

The worldbuilding was so easy to comprehend, and I loved the political aspect of the story. The romance was HOT, and I loved the character’s individual storylines and growth just as much as seeing them develop their relationship. This book does include the insta-lust trope, which I normally despise with my entire being, but it was done so well I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Malachi and Kadeesha were also TRUE enemies to lovers, rather than the mild dislike I feel we get in most books marketed this way.

Now there is a trope in this that occurs around 70% of the way through this book that I have seen a lot of reviews say they disliked, but I was OBSESSED! It made the story feel all the more unique and I definitely plan on recommending this one to everyone I know. Crossing every part of my body that N. E. Davenport writes more books in this genre because I will be adding all of them to my TBR immediately.

Read if you love:
- Dark romantasy
- Shadow daddies
- Badass FMCs
- Enemies-with-benefits to lovers
- Political fantasy
- Forced Proximity

*Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

I thought this book was really well-written and the plot was fantastic. I really liked the unique magic system that we don't usually see with books revolving around the fae. I will say, I do think there was a bit too much extracurricular activities for my taste and it sometimes made the book drag on when I just wanted to get more into the plot.

Brutal, badass, BLACK FAE! If any of those things appeal to you, pick up Our Vicious Oaths this fall.

Thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the political intrigue of this book and how diverse the cast was! I mean a black shadow daddy?! YES PLEASE. With that being said this was so so SO spicy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😅 I don't mind spice but I found myself skimming past those parts. It felt like all lust no passion or yearning which isn't my fave. Overall I enjoyed the concept but didn't love the execution.

✨Book Review✨

Genre: Adult Fantasy/ Dark Romance

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🛑 Spoilers Ahead

Review:

Kadeesha started off as a hard character for me to like. Her actions seemed those of a spoiled girl in a high position and she didn’t want to hear her mother’s advice despite having kept them alive and in good standing in court. As the story progressed, I loved her. The dualism within her, that we really all have when needing to protect what’s ours, mirrored the dualism of her relationship with Malachi.

Malachi was interesting to me from go. He was evidently going to be the shadow daddy from the moment he and Kadeesha met at The Oleander. Him falling first and being more honest with himself than Kadeesha is with herself was a nice change of pace to a love reveal.

Both held immense power fueled by righteous anger that Kadeesha struggled internally with.

Then there’s the steamy scenes… I was blushing at points and I’m no prude. The scene where Malachi takes her in front of the court to make a point was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Truly, this was a great dark romance with good plot and pacing. This was also my first read of Ms. Davenport! I’ll have to go grab her other books and enjoy them before my maternity leave is up.

Thank you to @nia.davenport and @netgalley for this ARC

**SPOILERS INCLUDED**
One of my favorite reads of 2025 so far!! As a Black reader, I've never felt more seen in the romantasy genre! N.E. Davenport captured the essence of Black pride / culture through her careful handling of world building, characterization, and plot. Each aspect felt really well thought out to me. Between her details of the Seven Kingdoms, the lesser rulers versus the high king and queen, and each elemental power attributed to each land--I was hooked. I could see everything playing out like a movie in my head. And I could go on and on about how Davenport celebrates relationships in this novel.

Okay. So I will....

First off, there is Yashira and Nychelle. Two strong mother figures that will do anything for the children that they've raised. They are ruthless, cunning, and unforgiving to their enemies. Yet when it comes to Kadeesha and Malachi, they not only elevate them but partner with them. I felt this was something unique to Davenport's take of fantasy. I read a lot of mainstream romantasy but have never seen mothers highlighted or existing in such a positive light as this. I was really surprised at how much I grew to love Yashira, Kadeesha's mom, by the end of this book. Her role is what many might consider a background note, yet her conversations with her daughter were so rich and catalytic. She'd talk Kadeesha off a ledge, reminding me of my own mother. And when Kadeesha was being stubborn, she didn't berate her, but simply let her explore that option for herself, having faith in her daughter to see the light.

Another relationship dynamic I ate up was the Cadre and the Nkita. The Cadre being Malachi's support system while the Nkita were Kadeesha's. Each set of friends/ warriors were their sounding boards and reflections of who Malachi and Kadeesha were as people. I enjoyed the close friendship they all had and the bantering as well.

Lastly, Malachi and Kadeesha. Their relationship stole the show, obviously. Perfect together from day one, it was cute to watch them fight against their attraction for one another. I hadn't expected for the spice to kick in so early but I was really glad it had. Because the spice just gets better and more meaningful as the story goes. Any two characters can get together and have sex. But once that sex starts to MEAN something to them, that's when the butterflies begin. And when Malachi used his shadows to deepen her pleasure, I squealed in real time.

As a result of their frequent coupling, Kadeesha ends up pregnant, and I thought this was a pleasantly surprising plot development. It forced both the characters to sober up and make real decisions that impacted each other and their kingdoms. I thought Davenport handled the whole issue nicely, giving Kadeesha the autonomy she needed to work that out for herself. But I won't lie, I was thrilled when she decided to keep the baby. THRILLED :) I mean, who doesn't want to see a hot shadow daddy get that much more protective/possessive over his baby mama? Especially in the heat of war.

OTHER NOTES: Can I just make a shoutout to Zahzah?! Her impulsive anger made me laugh quite a few times. I love her with my whole heart! Rishaud was fun to hate. The things he said and did to Kadeesha made the ending that more sweeter. And I loved the classic shadow kingdom versus sunshine kingdom at odds. On that note, Kadeesha's use of aetherflames versus Malachi's shadows was also neat to see. And Kadeesha's heart for her fellow fae balancing out Malachi's dangerous, broody bad boy edginess was a delightful thing to read as well.

This book is one I've preordered and I'll definitely be telling all my friends to buy it too. Not only is it great representation (GRILLES!!!!) but it's just really good storytelling. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel because Kadeesha and Malachi (& company) deserve at least three more books! I will be there with my wallet, ready to purchase more of this saga.

First, I’d like to say that I’d never suggest that this book should be changed in any way. You could feel the joy that the NE Davenport had writing this book coming through the pages, and for that it should obviously be exactly how it is.

Unfortunately some aspects just weren’t my cup of tea. It was a pure fun and I can see so many people enjoying it, but it was lacking in some of the action, politicking, and I wanted to see more of the cadre and Nkita. Some of that felt it took a backseat to smut, but I have to say that was also what made it such a fun time to read! So I’m a bit torn, but I’ll still be recommending to others and would read more from this author!

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

4.25 stars | 4 chili pepper

This was SO good! fast paced, fast burn enemies to lovers with two morally grey MCs. A shadow daddy prince, and a stabby warrior princess- both of whom just want safety and security for the people they rule.

I loved the humor and banter throughout the book- and not just between the two main characters. The Prince's Aunt was sassy, the Princess's mom was sassy; everyone was snarky and it made for a very fun cast of characters. I highlighted so many things that made me laugh out loud ("It's time for you to cease being a whore." had me DYING)
I can't not mention the dirty talk- this book is incredibly spicy and some of the things that come out of Malachi's mouth made me have to put down my kindle and walk away for a second.

I also loved that Kadeesha made her own choices- even when circumstances limited the choices she had. She isn't whiny or helpless. she has a strong personality and, not only is she not afraid to show it, but Malachi actually revels in. It's one of my personal favorite kinds of FMC. at one point he asks "do you want me to kiss it better" and she says, "I'd rather die." and it made me laugh so hard. There are multiple times in the story where men are just SO INSUFFERABLE towards her and every time she was so infuriated by it and I'm honestly just glad to see an FMC hating it and trying to stick up for herself (where she's able)

Malachi is very confident, oftentimes to the point of being full of himself and sometimes I wanted to roll my eyes at it- but usually Kadeesha did it first and honestly i loved that for her LOL. He's the kind of MMC who is morally grey and grumpy because of a tragic past and the writer did a good job of making me feel for the character while maintaining that his choices were still morally grey and not necessarily always forgivable or right.

this does have a plot twist/surprise trope that is one of my personal least favorites, so if you have anything that you really dislike sneaking up on you, it might be good to look up tropes that will spoil the later story. There is also a fair amount 'modern' or contemporary speak/phrasing but to be honest it didnt bother me and i felt it added to the humor/banter.

Overall I loved this story. I'm happy to get a nicely wrapped up standalone fantasy, but honestly, I enjoyed the banter and the characters enough that I really could have read more than one (which I think is a good thing in this case.)

I plan to add my review to amazon once the book is released!

As usual N.E. Davenport gave a book that kept me well invested. I loved the magic system! I loved the well fleshed out characters! Kadeesha was definitely my favorite! The pacing of the story was good to keep up with.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager

I loved this book. It was romantasy with world building, political intrigue, and a true enemies-to-lovers story. It was also with people of color and that is so rare to see in fantasy books. Love to see us being represented! The main characters and side characters were great and the relationship between the two MC's was sizzling (so much spice, but in the best way possible).

Tropes that I saw:
Enemies-to-lovers
Political intrigue
Magic
Accidental pregnancy
Marriage of convenience

This book I would rate 3/5 on the spice scale. There were several spice scenes and they were GIVING, but it didn't overrun the story. The world and character building was done well and I enjoyed the kongamato's and the fun banter between the FMC and her kongamato ZahZah. I also loved that the relationship between the MC's was building at a more normal speed instead of going from hating each other to all of a sudden loving each other. I felt like the story also ended on a good note and didn't leave any lingering questions, so if this is a standalone, it was done so well!

The only con I have is about the writing, as there were a lot of run-on sentences. Those made me a little confused and took me out of the story a bit but not enough to ruin it for me.

This book is already a classic to me. Princess of the Aether, Kadeesha, is a warrior and absolute badass who is trying to accept her place as a pawn in her father's courtly power struggles, while trying to give herself what she truly wants - to protect her homeland and honor her people. Since her birth, Kadeesha has been betrothed to the Hyperion High King who rules over all Dominions, and she has no choice in the matter. Furious with the idea and her inability to control her own destiny, Kadeesha decides to have one last night of freedom in the arms of a dangerous stranger. The two end up using each other to get the revenge the two so desperately seek as her lover is revealed to be Malachi, king of the Apollyon Court which was decimated by the six Dominions and their high king.

Our Vicious Oaths is a book of power struggles and vengeance and it positively drips with seduction and tension. This book is positively REFRESHING as it centers Black characters and includes some fun culture nods. The prose is accessible and flows easily.. sometimes fantasy can feel daunting with language and place names, but Davenport has a beautiful written voice that flows easily and really dropped me into this book and kept me there.

A big big shout out and thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

If you’ve followed my reviews for awhile, you’d have noticed that I have a general preference for single person POVs (though, I don’t mind whether they’re in first or third person). It takes a reaaaaaallly good writer to have me enthralled with shifting perspectives. Either I need to already be in love with the characters and want to be in their minds or the writing is so good and the purpose for the dual (or multiple) POVs is extremely evident and essential to the plot.

I was surprised when I found out that Our Vicious Oaths was a dual person POV, that flips its narrative, at unpredictable intervals, between the FMC and the MMC. However, despite that, I found myself quite immediately enthralled. I will agree that it doesn’t happen so often that it throws me off the pace or scene, and it was always evident whose mind I was in without a header to mention it (which is a big plus) and with time the reasoning for it was apparent as well. To say I enjoyed this book despite the narrative style—and then eventually because of the narrative style—is an understatement.

The writing in this story (closely linked to the narration, of course) was so well done. From ensuring that the readers are informed with the culture and the world of both characters (who hail from different Kingdoms), to being able to understand their motives, pasts, arcs of growth and emotion, the author has done such a wonderful job in helping us understand the characters and at the same time creating a story that is both balanced and compelling in every aspect that makes OVO what it is.

Our Vicious Oaths is a HUGE book. On my Kobo, the book was 700+ pages. The best part? Those pages were all worth it. There was neither any filler scenes, nor any trope-y moments that act as fan service and do nothing for the plot. Every single page in this book had a purpose that was marching slowly, steadily and explosively towards fulfilling it. A lot happens. A LOT. So much. Did I mention a lot happens?

Additionally, despite so much happening, it doesn’t feel like the author has just filled pages with anything and everything to make it seem important, no. There’s a fantastic balance (as mentioned before) between the plot unravelling, the readers comprehending the world and all its characters (be it primary, secondary or tertiary), the relationships that are nurtured, the politics that is required to play and a mysterious prophecy hanging over our heads. Every. Single. Page. Is. Used. Effectively. I loved that! Lovedddd.

The book follows an interesting arc and this topic falls squarely between writing and plot, I think. The primary characters have a very very interesting relationship progression. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work because of the kind of romance arcs I’m used to seeing. But somehow, the author makes it work. The book is an enemies to lovers, an insta-connection and somehow a slow-burn all whittled into one book at the same time. I have never before enjoyed surrendering to trusting the process of an author’s writing as much as I did in OVO and I’m so glad I did.

The characters in this book range from winged battle serpents, to first circle family, politically relevant figures and primary, secondary and tertiary characters. Yes. There are a LOT. But, like I said Davenport has used each page, every word and chapter to its fullest. You’re rarely ever lost or struggling to place someone or something. I will say, of course, that you do need to venture a little into the book before you arrive at feeling that comfortable with everyone. Obviously, no reader is going to immediately grasp and coherently sort out several characters at once. But you’ll get there, faster and easier than you’d expect! Expect to go through facets of emotions with many characters in this book. Except to be surprised, touched and amused by them. But it doesn’t matter if you don’t expect it, Davenport will deliver anyway.

Now coming to the plot of this book. Honestly it’s been SO long since the larger plot has been revealed in a book and concluded in the same book. About eighty percent into the book, I sat up and thought, “Is this book … nota series?”. While of course, I’d enjoy continuing this book into a series if it was, the fact that it has all the elements of a standalone, absolutely had my heart. Why? Because I miss when a book could have everything within itself. It’s been a long time and I think some part of me (that’s used to waiting years upon years for a resolution) yearns for that. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author continued the series and I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t. The book works great no matter what! Thank you, thank you, thank you for that!!

The world building, much like the everything else in this book, happens with time and instils a lot of clarity and intrigue in the readers. I will say there were two aspects that were left a little bit unexplored, which is the only thing that makes me wonder if the author is going to continue this book into a series. But everything else in this book has a thread that slowly reveals itself and finds its mark in the ending. I loved that it never felt like I had to try very hard to understand Davenport’s world and at the same time it was complex enough to keep me interested. Despite how HUGE this book was, I was glued to it day and night. It took me two days (roughly all the hours put together) to finish this book. I was reading while I travelled, I was reading in bed, I was reading while I ate. I was reading it all the time! If life weren’t life-ing so hard, I could’ve read more and faster.

Five BILLION stars!! Highly highly highly recommend!

This book has themes that you can easily expect to find in a dark fantasy AND it has themes that can surprise and trigger, so please please please check content/trigger warnings before starting!

Happy reading!

It is absolutely refreshing to read a fantasy book with black lead characters. The way that Kadeesha and Malachi come together in this story is… whew! It’s quite a tale! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The spicy scenes were so detailed and well written. I love that Kadeesha came into her own and wasn’t taking mess from anyone. She was a true leader and stood beside and with her sisters! I also loved how she ended up loving Malachi. Now… on to him! That man has replaced my book boyfriends! From the grills to the locs to the fits! Ms. Davenport made me fall in love with the man from jump!! I too would have been on that throne for all to see.

Overall, this was a well written fantasy book! Kudos to the author! She did that!!

Arc Review !!

Tropes: enemies to lovers, prophecy, forbidden romance, fae, forced proximity

This book follows a fae princess of the aether dominion as she navigates a prophecy foretold of her fate binding her in an unwanted marriage to the vicious high king. In one last night of freedom, she seeks out a dangerous stranger who uses her in a trap for the high king, taking her as a hostage in his lands. But, as a warrior in her own right, she forms a pact with him as they vow to take down the high king.

This book was a very interesting read and I will say that it did satisfy what I was looking for when reading the synopsis. I really enjoyed following this journey as the fmc fought to keep her power in a foreign land while protecting those she cares about. I will say this book was a bit strong in spice for what I normally go for but I enjoyed the book the same!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

If you're looking for a new shadow daddy this is the book for you. This was my first introduction to N.E. Davenport and they did not disappoint.

My first N.E. Davenport book and it did not disappoint.

Anyone looking for a romantic fantasy read that is alluringly sexy with a capital S, this one's for you. And if anyone's looking for a new shadow daddy that is sure to melt your heart, look no further than Malachizrien.

This book is badass. And vicious. And dark. And everything I enjoy in an enemies to lovers fantasy. I love the FMC, Kadeesha. She's ambitious and fierce. And she isn't afraid to go after what she wants. I want to be as amazingly badass as her when I grow up.

If there's going to be a book two, I would gobble that up.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

If I were to rate purely based off of my preferences, I think this would be closer to a 2. I wanted to give this a try even though I'm not a romantasy reader. I prefer strong subplot romances but was intrigued and always want to support POC in the romantasy space. I think people who are more inclined to the genre might love this. I just found the chemistry and dialogue forced and many of the tropes and parts of the worldbuilding felt predictable. All in all, not for me, but I would still recommend to other readers.