Thank you to Susan Illene, Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. Unfortunately, it was not my cup of tea. Spoilers below:

The grammar was a little bit off putting. I understand that this was written in a first person POV, the use of the word "one" didn't sound right. For example, in Chapter 8, it says, "While one could choose not to make a sacrifice, one always had to cleanse one's feet before entering the main temple." This was not the only time the word "one" was used in a repetitive manner, but I found it a bit distracting. There was also a lot of repetition, like the reminder that Darrow cannot love. There were many times where it was told rather than shown.

The pacing was choppy. It switched between focusing on progressing the plot and a sort of slice-of-life trope, where one minute there would be progress, then an intermission, then right back to the plot. If the transition was more fluid, Oaths & Vengeance would have been more palpable.

I enjoyed the fact that Aella was in her 30s and Darrow was in his 40s, as I've never read a book with older main characters, but they didn't seem to really act their age. They seemed to act pretty young in my opinion, but I assume it is because they are part elves, and usually elves live around 200 years. Though, Aella seems to be a Mary Sue, especially in the beginning when she boasts about her power. The only flaw that she has is that she's selfless, but I figured that if someone was in their 30s, they'd have a bit of a backbone. It was tragic that she endured years of abuse from her uncle, but I feel that if she was strong as it was implied, she could have found a way to circumvent the abuse or perhaps find a way to escape. The introduction for Darrow also was not it. He was the typical "brooding bad boy who can't love, but has a dark side". I feel he didn't have much substance.

Their dynamic, however, was slightly better. The slow-burn aspect was there, which was written well. However, Darrow goes on about not being incapable of love, but does things (such as protecting Aella, making sure she's comfortable, saving her, etc.) that would, technically, be considered love. Perhaps Susan's perception on love is different, but if Darrow truly did not love her, I don't think he would go as far as he did.

A few minor details that I disliked were the concept of a nameless god actually interacting with Aella, and how Darrow's father was able to sense that they are true mates. Again, Susan's perception of what a god is may be different from mine, but personally, a god can do whatever they wish simply because they're a god. The nameless god in this book is also bound by laws that he cannot disobey, so why introduce him to begin with? And the topic of Darrow's father sensing that they are true mates without a valid explanation other than "he just can it's one of his powers" was disappointing. True mates are a rare thing, as Aella stated, so I felt that information could have been revealed in a different way.

Also, for the many descriptions and details about the garden Aella took care of, for it to finally be of use to protect her from her uncle killing her was very anti-climatic and also disappointing. Throughout the story, I was thinking that maybe the garden would actually be a bigger thing, or have more use besides that, considering how often it was referenced.

One thing (and unfortunately, the only thing) that I really loved about this book was the deeper explanation of certain magical devices. Such as how portals have different rune addresses and the concept of portable portal rings. I've had read books where magic was the "end all be all" type of thing where there are no limitations. Susan portrayed this concept very well.

I say this with a heavy heart: reading this book felt like a chore. There were many times where I wanted to drop it, but I pushed myself with the expectation that some of my grievances would be debunked. It wasn't.

Thank you NetGalley for this eCopy to review

I just finished Oaths & Vengeance, and I’m still buzzing from the ride, it was absolutely brilliant! If you love romantasy with bite, this one’s a must-read.

The story centres on Aella, a powerful half-elf, half-druid who’s fiercely independent and deeply protective of her often dangerous garden. Her life takes a sharp turn when she’s forced to strike a deal with Darrow, a cursed and ruthless elf who’s also her sworn enemy. The catch? He demands a secret marriage in exchange for helping someone close to her who’s dying. Fae marriages are forever, and Aella knows she’s stepping into something far more complicated than a simple bargain.

What unfolds is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance wrapped in political intrigue, ancient curses, and a realm teetering on the edge of war. The chemistry between Aella and Darrow is electric full of witty banter, tension, and emotional depth. But what really stood out to me was the world-building: sentient plants that bite, a castle garden that doubles as a fortress, and a magical system that feels fresh and dangerous.

It delivers on every front romance, action, mystery, and emotion. The pacing was tight, the stakes were high, and the character relationships were deeply satisfying.

If you’re into fantasy with strong female leads, morally grey love interests, and lush, dangerous settings, Oaths & Vengeance is a gem. I can’t wait for book two.

The story follows Aella, a woman of formidable, rare magic facing an impossible choice: someone she loves is dying, and the only hope lies with her sworn enemy, Darrow. Darrow is no ordinary adversary; he's described as powerful, ruthless, and wickedly good-looking – the quintessential dark fantasy hero. Adding a delicious layer of angst, he's also cursed never to love, a detail that immediately sets up an irresistible emotional conflict.
A forced "marriage of convenience," is beautifully executed here with a dark twist. Darrow demands a secret marriage as part of the bargain, one that, in the Fae world, is forever. This isn't just a temporary alliance; it's a binding commitment that throws Aella into Darrow's orbit under the most desperate circumstances. The clandestine nature of the wedding, officiated by the king himself and hidden from Aella's disapproving family, immediately raises questions about Darrow's true motives and the deeper machinations at play.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves their fantasy with a generous dose of dark romance.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ✨

I’m not one for fae type books usually because they’re generally all the same but when I DO come across one that’s very unique, I’m locked in!

This book is so intricate by design. The writing style is very immersive and I enjoyed its magic system so much!

The slow burn was sooooo satisfying and annoying at the same time 🤣 because Darrow I wanted to jump into the book and rattle him myself!

The sentient garden? Omg I love this so much and it’s so unique. Definitely my favorite element here.

FINALLY an FMC that is in my age range. A girl in her 30’s and one I can really relate to in some ways! I loved being in her POV throughout this whole adventure. Her progress is intriguing and I’m excited for her continued journey.

I really liked the pace this book went. At first I was like hmm, okay where’s the punch line but it progresses beautifully and as it should.

Overall the originality of this book is on a whole other level and I’m very happy to have the opportunity to give feedback.

This one gets my highest rating I can give without it being god-tiered. I LOVED this book, I had such a great time reading it! It is classic romatasy in all of the best ways… Magic, slow-burn romance, hidden powers, secret marriages… but with just enough uniqueness to make it feel fresh and immersive.

First of all… an FMC in her 30’s? Yes, please! She’s smart, capable, and resourceful, but she also has softness and emotion. She struck a great balance between practicality and vulnerability, and I enjoyed being in her head. It felt refreshing to follow someone who actually felt like an adult woman with a lived experience.

The MMC didn’t win me over immediately. He makes a few questionable comments early on (nothing too awful, just eyebrow-raising), but his loyalty is never in question. He consistently shows up for the FMC and by the end, I really liked how his character had grown. He became more open and emotionally available.

The romance itself was a slow burn, and I thought it worked really well. It wasn’t the only focus in the story, but it wove through the main plot in a way that felt very balanced. The tension builds steadily throughout, and when the spicy scenes come, it didn’t feel like the story lost momentum or forgot what it was doing. (Also: the “who did this to you?” trope makes an appearance, and I always love that.) Add in fated mates, enemies to lovers, and a secret marriage? All my favorite things!

I have to give a huge shout-out to the sentient garden, it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. The lore around the plants… their powers, personalities, even how they interact with the characters, was such a cool addition to the world. I read that the author’s son helped come up with the garden’s details, and that made me love it even more. I thought it was so whimsical and it added so much depth to the story.

The supporting cast didn’t get a ton of page time, and while I wouldn’t call it a “found family” story, the secondary characters felt like natural parts of the world. They weren’t fully fleshed out, but they also weren’t treated like NPCs or background noise, ane they played their roles well. I didn’t mind the limited development.

The pacing overall was really solid… not a breakneck binge read, but a story I wanted to take my time with. It unfolds at a steady pace that lets you explore the world without getting bogged down in info-dumps. That slower burn really worked for me.

There are plenty of threads left hanging, and I’ll definitely be continuing with the series. Between the romance, the garden lore, the magical politics, and the character growth, I’m fully sat and invested in what happens next.

HUUUUUGE Thank You to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read this one, I absolutely loved it!

Wow I really enjoyed this! Its drew me in pretty quickly. I loved the characters and the true enemies to lovers was great. The different magic were fun and unique. The FMC was strong but also innocent with alot of trauma. The MMC great passion, strength and determination. The story was pretty fast past and I stayed totally immersed. The world building was great and different which I loved. I will need a physical copy of this and I can not wait for the next book.
Thank you Susuan for this Arc opportunity it was wonderful.

Aella’s forced alliance with a cursed enemy delivers all the tension, magic, and slow-burn romance you could want. With rich world-building and high stakes, Susan Illene crafts a gripping enemies-to-lovers story that’s hard to put down. Can’t wait for this to come out. Unique characters.

First off I'd like to thank Netgalley and the wonderful author Susan Illene for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc!

Second, I'm surpised I got any sleep the last two nights cause I COULD NOT put this down. Every spare moment I had at work I was reading, the commute home I was reading, I'm pretty sure I walked into a doorframe yesterday cause I had my nose stuck in my phone reading this!

I was hooked on this story and its characters from the first few chapters. The fact that I have to wait for the second book is gonna kill me if i'm being honest!

There was so many parts of this book I loved! The MCs both being over 30 years old made me so happy, I do not want a teenager saving the world anymore sorry! I also loved that while they had an age gap it was an appropriate one AND they were both fae creatures so they live to be hundereds of years old anyway! The world building was immersive but still easy to follow, as the book progressed we go more and more about this magical planet. It takes the magical beings and creatures we know and get them all under one roof? sun? to cause some chaos.

While the stakes in this first installment were only beginning, I know with that cliff hanger at the ending we are in for a wild ride next book! Maybe we will even get a chance to see our planet have its cameo who knows!

All I know is that I will be waiting in anticipation for the rest of this series and to get to dive back into the world and reluctant love of Aella and Darrow! (he totally gives me Xaden but more mature vibes? is that just me? hehe)

Note: My review will also be posted on my Instagram @stargazer.reads between August 4th and 8th!

While the flow of the book seemed to be a little bit choppy (maybe due to the first person POV? Not sure), the story itself was fantastic.

Susan Illene brings us a world full of politics and darkness in Oaths & Vengeance

What I liked:
I must start with the ages of our FMC and MMC, they are in their 30s/40s and I LOVE THAT. It's so hard to find a romantasy where the main characters aren't fresh out of high-school (or still in school). I commend the author for not going with the status quo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The sentient plants are an amazing addition. I really love sentient anything in books as it gives a little bit of humor to situations.

I can tell there was a ton of thought put into the world building and I loved all the details we got. The dynamics and history between Theress and Veronna and between Zadrya and the surrounding lands kept my attention. The constant fighting between the lands kept the excitement going.

The portal magic, and the FMC being so strongly powered, and already in complete control (thanks to her age!) was SO REFRESHING. Her additional power and savvy work with angry plants really rounded out her character well.

What I didn't like:
Though I loved many aspects of this book, I do feel that this book may do well with a little bit of editing when it comes to the dialogue and the inner monologues. There was quite a bit of repetition when it came to how Aella and Darrow communicate and think about each other. The words "wife" and "husband" appear far too frequently in my opinion. Some of their conversations, especially early on, were kind of cringy for their ages. I guess the chemistry just didn't come through the pages for me, as everything was kind of rushed and surface-level when it came to the relationship building for an enemies to lovers. That could be because of Darrow's curse playing into it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I was missing the tension, and with the relationship being so forefront, it unfortunately knocked my rating down :(.

***Thank you Susan Illene and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

If you want to get lost in a book and stay up way too late fighting your drooping eyes to keep reading, Oaths & Vengeance is definitely for you. Aella is the epitome of powerful when it comes to her abilities and the cultivator of a deadly garden!? I loved this fun take on a hobby that is usually portrayed as relaxing and peaceful. Darrow is your protective alpha that will make sure what belongs to him stays safe. The only downfall is he can't love... yet.

I will disclose I did have a few frustrations. The first being that certain discoveries and events occurred too easily or were too perfect. For example, the initial meeting between Darrow and Aella. She seems so intelligent and thoughtful, yet her approach to meeting Darrow came across as naive. Then, the whole discussion between them felt too effortless. I don't understand how two individuals on separate sides of a deadly, seemingly never-ending war aren't immediately attacking each other. Not necessarily to kill one another, but maybe an attempt to capture the other and use them as leverage?

My second frustration pertained to the back and forth between Darrow and Aella as they explored their relationship. They both could be so stubborn, which I do enjoy at times, but this felt a bit too much. One of them would be all in wanting the other, yet in the next instance be completely removed. They were never on the same page until much later in the book.

However, despite all my frustrations, or maybe even because of the emotions this book pulled from me, I was absolutely HOOKED. I could not put it down! I need the next installment of this series ASAP because my lingering questions need to be answered! Darrow, we need your secrets to come to light! And Darrow's "acquaintance" at the very end? (I don't want to say their name, so nothing gets spoiled.) There is more to them than meets the eye, I can tell.

Review Posting: Goodreads (7/29/2025)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Would give it 10 if I could!)
Holy smokes, this book delivered everything I love in a fantasy romance and more! Oaths & Vengeance is an absolute must-read. From the sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic to the tangled web of political intrigue, Susan Illene weaves a world teeming with danger, desire, and deadly magic. Think dark and light elves (High Fae), warring families, vicious flora and fauna, Druids, and lesser Fae—this book is packed with rich worldbuilding and tension.
The pacing was seamless; I devoured it in record time. And the spice? Let’s just say it brought the heat—🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ levels of hot! Illene balances character depth with action and romance like a pro, making this one of the best reads I’ve had all year.
If you love fantasy with bite and burn, Oaths & Vengeance should be at the top of your TBR. It hits shelves August 22nd—don’t miss it!
Thanks to #NetGalley and the author #SusanIllene for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC!
#FantasyRomance #OathsAndVengeance #SpicyReads #EnemiesToLovers #TBRAlert #RealmOfZadrya #Bookstagram #BookReview

I “Dare” you to read this book. Because you will not regret it. The little details like magic plants, the magic system that’s just different enough to be intriguing, and the cursed main characters kept me completely engulfed in this book. The amount of daily life tasks I didn’t do in order to read this book. So completely worth it. One of my top reads of the year and I’m ready for book 2! It is books like this one that are the reason I love romantasy.

This book had so many tiny details that really brought it all together. The back stories the side characters and the wild plants! All so perfectly written together to form such an amazing story!

I read this so fast because I absolutely loved this book. I loved the FMC and MMC, even though we shouldn't love him. But he is so well written that you cant help but rooting for him, as stated in the book he just makes you feel alive. The world building was incredible, you could imagine everywhere and just fully immersed yourself into this incredible story. The connection between the main characters was well done, with a good level of tense chemistry, banter and just the perfect amount of slow burn. This book will do amazing!

ARC REVIEW🌾🐦: Oaths and Vegence by Susan Illene!

So much to say in so little room! I recieved this ARC copy through Netgalley! Which I'm so grateful for! It's up there as one of my favorite reads and now I want book 2 state, the ending had me in a vice grip!

Oaths and Vegence
Susan Illene
5⭐
Man, I fell in love with this story hard while reading it. This book starts out slow, a good kind of slow that helps establish the characters and the story as a whole! The way the author delivered lore throughout the book was awesome and I never thought it was too jarring!
I love Aella and Darrow's relationship, gosh dang the enemies to lovers slow burn was slow burn. I could feel the energy from across the room. Both of their struggles were very real and like Aella I wanted to punch Darrow in the face several times, I know he can't help it (spoilers) but dang, did I almost tear up a few times with how frustrating he was!!

I despise Morgunn and Ulmar. You'll know why when you pick this up 😏

I loved the rest of the side characters in the books, and Aellas plants! Some of the funniest moments in the books! If you like political stuff this has it for you!

Please check out Oaths and Vegence when it comes out!!

I devoured this book.

From the very first page, Oaths & Vengeance pulled me into a world so rich, so vividly woven, that I was utterly mesmerized. The characters, the lore, the sweeping landscapes of Zadrya—all of it enveloped me in a way that few stories ever do. It wasn’t just reading; it was an experience.

Aella has completely stolen my heart—fierce, determined, and so beautifully human in her strength and struggles. And Darrow? He can do whatever he wants… and I’ll thank him for it. Their chemistry, their depth—it’s the kind of dynamic that stays with you long after the final page.

I couldn’t stop reading, but I also never wanted it to end. Now that I’ve finished, I feel both fulfilled and bereft. That bittersweet ache of turning the last page of something truly special.

To say I’m looking forward to Susan’s second book in this series is a massive understatement. I need more of this world. Of these characters. Of everything she’s created.

Highly recommend for fantasy lovers who crave immersive worldbuilding, fierce heroines, and emotional stakes that grip you to your core.

Excuse me?! What did I read?! How have I never heard of this author before? Why?! I feel absolutely slighted in life.

This was PHENOMENAL. I needed the rest of the series yesterday. Magic. Realms. Dragons. Hilarious Plants. Elves. Fae. Political discourse. Fated mates. Curses. There was every single thing I love in books in wrapped up and impeccably written in Oaths & Vengeance.

Bravo. Loved it. Can’t wait for the rest of the series. I need more Dare and Aella.

I need the next book, NOW!!

I have not been able to put this book down at all today! It has such a gripping story/plot; it has taken me by surprise! The hatred i have for some of the characters shows how well they're portrayed to the reader. The main characters are older too which is refreshing, in their 30's and 40's.

Darrow! I think he has made my book boyfriend list. I don't think he came off as too morally gray. I really love that he isn't unnecessarily an awful person to Aella in the beginning, like many of these types of MMC can be. Due to the dual POV, we know his thinking and reasoning. There were times when his words to her had me giggling to myself like a schoolgirl. I loved it. Each to their own, but i didn't find him irritating at all. Just swoon-worthy.

I didn't dislike Aella either. Usually the FMC gets on my last nerve. She wasn't stupid, or too stupid. She only ever had bad choices to choose between. She has had a terrible start in life and has made the best of what she has. She is a strong, compassionate person and I loved her development.

The world building is to die for. The fauna described in this sounds amazingly breathtaking. A lot of them being sentient and their own kind of side characters I feel really added depth to the world and Aella.

It's teasing, it's slow-burn, there's magic, there's touch her and die and most importantly, some spice! The spice could be on the rough side for some, but i liked it.

Book 2 please??! 🥺

I couldn't put it down, thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publishers for this masterpiece.

Aella, a powerful Fae, makes a desperate choice: an eternal, secret marriage to Darrow, a cursed dark fae and her sworn enemy. It’s the only way to save someone she loves—but the cost is steep. As ancient tensions resurface and war looms, Aella finds herself tied to a man with more secrets than she can untangle—and a bond more dangerous than she expected. What begins as a strategic alliance soon turns into something far more tangled, built on reluctant trust and sharp-edged tension.

Told through dual perspectives, the story explores characters who carry the weight of their pasts—and act their age, with battle-worn wisdom and layered emotional depth. Their chemistry unfolds slowly through banter, tension, and a reluctant companionship that grows into something electric. Both Aella and Darrow retain a strong sense of self even as their paths begin to intertwine, and the side characters are equally memorable, each leaving a lasting impact.

The worldbuilding here is exquisite. Illene doesn’t dump information—instead, she unveils her rich, magical world piece by piece, letting you discover its politics, creatures, and curses as naturally as the characters do. Sentient plants, long-buried oaths, and mysterious powers bring texture to a realm that feels both vast and alive. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the plot strikes a strong balance between front story without ever overwhelming the core of the story. It’s plot-driven story—but grounded in its romance.

While the story delivers on many fronts, a few emotional connections are left underexplored—particularly Aella’s bond with the cousin she’s risking everything for. And though the romance arc simmers beautifully, I was hoping for a clearer revelation of the mating bond—something hinted at the start but not fully addressed. The ending, cleverly silent edged, too, holds back just enough to leave you wanting, setting the stage for an even more thrilling sequel.

With scenes that made me laugh, moments that pulled at my heart, and a realm I didn’t want to leave, this fae romantic fantasy is a quiet triumph. One I’ll be following into the next installment.

Ancient curses, forbidden bonds, and a war yet to come—this is only the beginning.

I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this story!

We meet Aella and Darrow who live in Paxia, they are seelie and the land is struggling!
Both of the MCs are cursed and I found both curses very interesting and I enjoyed seeing how they played out.

I liked the FMC and I especially enjoyed the plant life, I also liked the little snippets of other fae beings

I did enjoy the story, I think the world building was very very good. I also loved that the MCs were a little older. For me, the pacing was a little off at times and I think some decisions that were made felt a little forced and not organic. Somethings were too explicitly stated/explained.

Overall I would recommend this book, and I will read book 2

Thank you to Netgalley for this opportunity!