This was a good book…we have a smart and intelligent FMC and a MMC who makes some questionable decisions. Their romance is a slow burn but it worked out pretty good. Love the fated mates and enemies to lovers trope. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and write my thoughts.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ How bad would it be to fall for my enemy whose heart was as cold as ice and would never thaw for me? *ೃ༄

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃

➽ Enemies to lovers
➽ Marriage of convenience
➽ “She’s my WIFE” moments
➽ feral “Who hurt you” scene
➽ MMC incapable of love
➽ Insta-lust
➽ Fated mates

The book had a lot of promise. I really enjoyed the beginning—but then it slid downhill fast and became dreadfully boring.

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕀𝕤 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥: ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕪 𝔼𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ᯓ★

The premise grabbed me. Aella and Darrow are from rival kingdoms—actually, at war. When she’s forced to ask him for a favor, he demands her hand in marriage as payment. But they’re sworn enemies, with blood on both sides of the family. They keep the marriage a secret, leaving Aella torn between aiding her uncle’s war against Darrow’s people and secretly helping Darrow with his own hidden plans.

𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔾𝕆𝕆𝔻 ᯓ★

★ Aella’s garden. Yes, you heard me right. Her garden is full of sentient plants: flesh-eaters, toxin-releasers, fruit-biters, finger-snappers. Some will lick you affectionately, others will curl up beside you when you’re upset. They’re high-maintenance divas but also absolute sweethearts. Easily the highlight of this book.

★ Aella herself. Strong, kind, mature, and reasonable. She made smart choices, handled herself well, and was genuinely admirable. She was a delight to read about.

𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔹𝔸𝔻 ᯓ★

★ The romance. Marketed as a slowburn—and people are just tossing that word around these days. Slowburn? Where? I must need new glasses because I didn’t see it. Less than halfway through, they’d already kissed twice. Attraction came way too fast.

★ Darrow. Our so-called male lead. Insufferable. Selfish. Annoying. Like a fly buzzing in my ear. Why is the bar for fictional men—who are literally written for women—even lower than the bar we’ve already buried six feet underground for real ones?

If you’re incapable of love, don’t string a woman along. If she says no, don’t push—even if you know she wants you. Attraction doesn’t cancel boundaries. BOY, KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS.
And don’t get me started on the classic “I pretended she was you while sleeping with her.” Excuse me? Not only do you lack self-control, you’re also using other women as stand-ins? That’s not romance, that’s insulting.

Then there’s his arrogance. One moment, he declares he won’t bed Aella unless she begs, and that he won’t be faithful (but she’s welcome to find her own lovers). Next moment, he changes his mind and suddenly now she isn’t allowed lovers and he’ll be faithful too. Excuse me, sir? You don’t just get to change the rules whenever it suits you. This marriage was a transaction, not your personal playground. Where’s her say? Why does he get to dictate everything?

If I could, I’d bash his skull in. Sadly, I’ll have to settle for my corpse rotting on his bed.

𝕀𝕟 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 ᯓ★

I’m salty. I was hyped for this book and it betrayed me. No regrets about reading, though—Aella’s sentient garden made it worth it. That’s the only thing I’ll remember fondly.

This book was such a delight to read and had me absolutely enthralled with the storyline.

My favourite thing that I took away from the story is that the main characters are over Thirty and that there is a sentient murder garden that is just as dangerous as any Fae. The magic system is so well thought out and I love the different magical beasts.

The world building in this story is so diverse with the smallest details being thought of.

Aella is our FMC who after making a deal to save someone she loves, she finds herself in a secret marriage to Darrow, our MMC who like his father and brother is cursed to never feel love.

They are true enemies to lovers on opposite sides of the war and the slow burn in this book will have you turning the pages well into the night.

The second book can't come soon enough!

☀️Enemies to Lovers
🪻Fated Mates
☀️Magic
🪻Secret Marriage
☀️Portals
🪻Sentient Murder Garden

A big thank you to netgalley, the publisher and Susan Illene for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am not sure what I was expecting with this book but wow, it was so great.. I loved it and just could not put it down!

There is incredibly world building. Everything felt very original . There are so many different types of people, creatures, plant life, and magic that are not typical of current popular romantasy books. All of that with a secret marriage thrown in.

I loved that we got more mature main characters! Aella is in her 30's and Darrow's in his 40's,. It was very refreshing. No crazy age gap like typical Romantasy. This is very much a dark enemies to lovers. Please check your triggers warnings looking for a refreshing different dark romance. I would definitely pick this up.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC

This book had me invested from the very first page. As the chapters progressed, and the characters developed, I fell in love with this story.

The world building was intriguing, and helped me understand more of the story while keeping me excited for what would happen next. The characters and their story was fun and at times heartwrenching to read. Having read about all that Aella went through for just being her caring self and having a moral compass, made me sad at times. Her relationship with her sister, niece and cousin were fun to read while her relationship with Darrow and his friends was enjoyable. I did hate her uncle a lot along with her older cousin and i am glad what happened to them.

Sometimes i had trouble pronouncing the names right, but it was so much fun to read. And everytime i read the name Gannon i had to think back to the main villain in the legend of zelda, and i might have immagened him looking like that, at least in some ways.

I can't wait for the second book on their story and find out what is next in their journey.
This has become one of my favorite stories this year.

How I haven’t come across Susan Illene’s books before I don’t know! Oaths & Vengeance is everything I love in a romantasy but still its own story, there aren’t many books where I want to re read them again straight away but this is one of those books for me, I couldn’t put it down but I’m gutted I’ve finished it, (I really hope as per the authors website that the next book is coming out before the end of the year)

I loved that both main characters were more mature (30’s & 40’s) The FMC Aella is half elf, half druid with strong and rare magical abilities, Darrow is half light and half dark elf, their families have been enemies for years but when someone Aella loves is dying Darrow is her only hope for help, she offers her powers in return and he wants a secret marriage thrown in as the cherry on top!

To start it felt like this would be a simple conflict of the ages - enemies to lovers kind of story, but it’s so much more, I enjoyed it from the beginning but as the story grew I was engrossed, the world building was incredible without it overshadowing the story and I could really imagine Zadrya.

I loved both the main characters, I’m not always a huge fan of how FMCs are written but Aella is amazing, and Darrow …… he’s just been added to the book boyfriend list, their relationship just ticked all the boxes for me, I also enjoyed starting to get to know some of the side characters and hope we get to see those explored more in the next book.

This has a strong FMC & MMC, morally grey, protective MMC, slow burn, enemies to lovers, banter, secret marriage, fated mates, a little spice, curses, bargains, unique magic system (and sentient garden), great world building, I laughed, cried and just felt whilst reading this book, I also may have shouted at the book at times (suggestions of throwing people in to the sentient garden mostly) one of my favourite books this year, easily a 5 star read and I can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC copy it was brilliant.

Hi, so, Susan. I need book two immediately after that ending. Thank you.

I loved reading this book the world building and the magic system is very interesting and fun. Each character had very unique abilities of their own and I am excited to see what else comes along. This book has two POVs between Aella and and Darrow (Dare) who are not only enemies but end up getting married and want nothing to do with each other (or do they?). Aella can open portals which is honestly a great ability to have because she can just go wherever she pleases. Not only that, a character who is in her thirties that has been trying to master her magic for years! There is even a prospect of dragons eventually appearing which would be really cool.

There is romance, fantasy, and even a marriage between two cursed characters. Did I also mention there is also a "who did this to you?" along with "touch her and die" trope? There is definitely that in there.

Thank you to Susan Illene, Netgalley, & Victory Editing

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What is not to love about this book? Dragons, elves, dark elves, fae, magic!!

Dark and brooding cursed MMC and a strong, defiant FMC!

Dare and Aella start out rocky and I can’t wait to see where this goes in book 2!

Loved that this story has an older FMC. Aella who is in her 30s and she really had struggles in her life, but you can genuinely tell that she is a good person. Darrow was not the most likeable MMC I have ever met.

This world definitely has a very interesting garden where the plants had powers and interacted with the characters in the books. It was such a unique part of the book, that I always wanted to see more of. I honestly just loved it.

The world building is great and the plot keeps you hooked and entertained where you want to know what is going to happen to the characters next.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves great world building with a strong and fierce FMC.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advanced copy of this addicting story. All of my opinions are my own.

Oaths & Vengeance is a quick and entertaining read. The tension between Aella and Darrow is magnetic. Darrow gave me vibes reminiscent of Carden (The Cruel Prince) and Jacks (Caraval): sometimes cruel and seemingly cold-hearted, but underneath it all, deeply romantic, but with more of a NA than YA feel.

The worldbuilding really stood out to me. Illene weaves together fascinating elements of fantasy and sci-fi, with portals that transport characters between places and planets. The mix of fae, druids, dangerous plants, and mischievous pixies made the setting feel alive.

The tropes I’m here for: enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance, secret marriages, hidden abilities, chosen family, and uniting to save the world.
Aella is a fierce FMC in her 30s, and Darrow is close to her age (which I found refreshing—she’s not 19, falling for a 200-year-old fae).

It ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book two of the Realm of Zadyra series. Highly recommend it if you enjoy NA romantasy!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration.

i LOVED this world and the world building, it was detailed and i found fairly original. i really was intrigued with Aella's garden and the flora and fauna she had. They all had personalities of their own and they were fierce and I really enjoyed how much they truly cared for Aella and protecting her.
Aella was incredibly strong willed, deeply passionate and caring for those she loved and especially innocent lives. She's had an incredibly rough life and past but she never let that make her back down, or get in the way of trying to help others.
Darrow, he made me feel all sorts of ways but man do I really need them to find a cure for his curse ASAP. That man truly wants to love and feel more than he does. and I just need Aella and Dare to be properly happy. His POVs were great in being able to see his side and realize how much he does care for Aella and would absolutely burn down the world or anyone for her and would do just about anything for her, but i'm still waiting for just a little more impact or sacrifice.
Really looking forward to the next book. There's lots of questions and storyline points that are so unanswered and i NEED to know what happens.

Oaths & Vengeance is a fast-paced, action-packed start to what promises to be an exciting new fantasy series. Susan Illene delivers a richly imagined world filled with magic, political intrigue, and strong, layered characters—especially the protagonist, who is as fierce as she is vulnerable. The blend of military strategy and personal stakes kept me reading late into the night and finish quickly during the week despite my busy weekday schedule.

While there were moments where the world-building could have used a touch more clarity, the compelling plot and sharp dialogue more than made up for it. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here.

Huge thanks to Susan Illene and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read an early copy!

ARC: Absolutely obsessed with this book. It has everything from fantasy to romance and the morally grey guy. Could barely put it down once I started it! Definitely will be reading the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Susan Illene for the opportunity to read Oaths & Vengeance!

I really enjoyed this book and was hooked from the very beginning —(which is rare for me!). This story gave me major Throne of Glass and Fate of Wrath & Flame (by K.A. Tucker) vibes, so if you’re a fan of either series, I think you’ll really enjoy this one too.

One thing I absolutely loved was that the female main character already knows and has honed her powers. There’s no frustrating “I just discovered my powers and suddenly I’m amazing at using them” storyline, which felt so refreshing!

I also have to applaud the representation in this book — especially the portrayal of strong, capable women over 30. As a 32-year-old fantasy reader myself, I felt seen and appreciated, and that alone makes this book stand out.

So why not a full 5 stars? For me, the interactions with the nameless gods didn’t land well....it disrupted the flow of the story.

Overall, this was a fantastic start to what looks like a very promising series, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this eARC!

The beginning of this book really hooks you into its fantasy world with Aella’s garden and different sentient plants. Sentient plants weren’t really something I’ve seen in another book and it was interesting to see here. The story itself was good! I liked Aella and Darrow’s relationship and the Dual pov we got so we could see Darrow’s internal monologue, too! The first time Darrow got upset on behalf of Aella (spoiler) because one of his men hurt her? Amazing! The reason Aella went to seek out Darrow, her cousins health, was a good plot point, but afterwords, Rynn isn’t seen much? I hope with her magic she’s seen more in the following books! Darrow’s group was for the most part likable, but need to see more of them to get a good grasp on their personalities. I want to know more about Loden and Bogden! The author does a great job at making me HATE Ulmar and her uncle!! I was SO happy near the end of the book when Darrow FINALLY did something about her uncle!! And the ending with the conversation between Aella and (spoiler! Read the book to find out!) makes me want to learn more about him! He seems like an interesting villain and the relationship dynamics between him and our main characters could be awesome to read.

Now the writing/pacing of the book. It was great in the beginning. I was hooked to the story and couldn’t stop reading, but at some point, the book was spewing information in internal monologues rather than having that information talked about between different characters or shown in a scene. And after Darrow and Aella made their deal and got married, they both immediately went to “my husband”, “my wife” in their internal monologue even though they both were adamant that they were enemies and nothing more. Yes they were married now, and it was cute a few times, but it just felt so off in the beginning until they really got to know each other and feel for one another.
(My biggest gripe with this book) And when there were big moments, (spoiler) such as the fact they were mates, it was revealed or said in a way where there was no buildup beforehand? Sure, as soon as the book established there were mates, I knew as a reader that Aella and Darrow would be mates, but the reveal sucked. When Darrow found out and ESPECIALLY when Aella found out. I was expecting something grander. Seriously, Darrow just TOLD Aella they were mates, and Aella immediately went into her internal monologue and went, “yeah that makes sense”. I could at least understand why Darrow just accepted it due to his curse as he couldn’t feel love.

But I think other than that, I enjoyed the story for what it was. It was a quick read for me and despite some of the writing, I liked the characters and want to see where this story goes in the rest of the series. It would be awesome for Aella and Darrow’s relationship to progress now that she’s with him and for their plans to finally move! I’ll be reading when the next books come out!

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Susan Illene for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Darkly Enchanting Tale of Magic, Mystery, and Forbidden Desire

From the first page of Oaths & Vengeance, Susan Illene wrapped me in a shadowy embrace of magic and intrigue that was impossible to resist. This isn’t just a book; it’s a gothic tapestry woven with rich characters, diverse races, and a magic system that feels both ancient and fresh.

What captivated me most was the worldbuilding — it unfolds delicately, like mist rolling over a haunted forest, revealing fantastical creatures such as majestic Pegasus, secretive druids, and mysterious nameless gods. Each element adds depth and wonder without overwhelming the story, creating a setting that feels alive and breathing.

The romance is a slow, delicious burn—tension crackling in every glance and every witty, sharp exchange. The enemies-to-lovers trope here feels genuine and earned, the chemistry simmering beneath the surface until it bursts into breathtaking flames. Their banter and bickering, often laced with humor, made me smile amid the darker tones.

I also adored the diversity of races. It’s refreshing to dive into a world where ogres, pixies, dark and light elves, and druids coexist, breaking the mold of traditional fae and elves. It gives the story a rich texture that fantasy lovers will appreciate.

The prose balances darkness and sweetness with elegance. There’s a subtle gothic undertone—shadowed corridors, whispered secrets, the haunting pull of ancient magic—that gives the story its unique flavor. The mature themes and spice are handled with care, enhancing rather than overpowering the narrative.

And then there’s that cliffhanger. Oh, the sweet torment of waiting for the next book! I’m eagerly counting down the days until I can return to this mesmerizing world.

One tiny quibble: a few pages in the ARC had odd text spacing, but it barely dimmed my overall enchantment.

Is it dark? Yes, and wonderfully so.
Is it spicy? Definitely — just the right touch.
Did I devour it? Absolutely, in one sitting.
Would I recommend it? Without hesitation. If you crave a fantasy romance that’s as sweet as it is gothic, with a richly imagined world and slow-burning passion, this is the story you’ve been waiting for.

Prepare yourself for a bewitching journey you won’t soon forget.

We LOVE a FMC in her 30s! Yes! I felt super connected to her, I love that the MMC had me guessing if I liked him or wanted him gone, but I adored that his loyalty was never up for debate! I wish the story was a slow burn, but I still ate it up! I love that I got who did this to you vibes!

Overall, a very good read!

I hate reading a REALLY REALLY REALLY good fantasy novel and it ends on a cliffhanger and then you have to wait FOREVER for a sequel. Aella, a fae with strong powers is basically a captive of her cruel uncle who’s out to take over everything. Darrow, of course strapping & tall, is the son of the leader of a nearby land who is known to be cruel and unrelenting. But Aella soon learns everything she knows is wrong and bands with Darrow to save all fae from the magic that is slowly dying. And holy cow, was this a fantastic journey in the fae realm. The world sucks you right in and this is going to a truly amazing series!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Oaths & Vengeance by Susan Illene, and right away, this book pulled me in. One thing I really enjoyed was that the main characters are older than usual for a fantasy romance. She’s over 30, and he’s over 40; they truly act their age, which lends their relationship more depth and maturity. I found myself rooting for them even more because of it. The dynamic between Aella and Darrow is intense, complicated, and full of tension, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. The world-building is rich but never overwhelming, and the plot kept me hooked from start to finish with a great mix of magic, danger, and romance. I also liked how the stakes kept rising and every choice felt important. For me, this was a strong 4.5-star read, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

I love a good slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story, and I’m so glad I stumbled across this one on Instagram as it pulled me right out of my reading slump.

At over 600 pages, it could’ve easily dragged, but it never did. The worldbuilding is rich, the pacing stayed strong, and I was fully invested in Aella and Darrow the whole way through with their chemistry and love story.

Can’t wait to continue with the rest of the series!