Our Vicious Oaths promised a lot and delivered so much more than I expected. The author Nia Davenport, said this was a dark romance, with diverse characters, written from her soul. And what we got was a deeply enthralling romantasy, with an unforgettable enemies to lovers trope, and so much spice I am still blushing a day after finishing.

From the opening page we are taken to a faraway fae land and we meet our FMC Kadeesha, and we get to see her personality and her determination to be her own person. She is not alone, and we are introduced to a feisty found family made up of equally skilled and strong female warriors, as well as their partner creatures.
The world building takes you in immediately. We have prophecies, we have warring lands, and a looming war. What more could you ask for right?

Well we get that extra zing, when our MMC enters the story. And boy oh boy when we meet Malachi, things get rowdy! A massive warrior, with locs, and a GRILL!!! He is sexy, snarky, and sneaky!

The story then swirls completely upside down and as a reader I was hooked.
This book had me stressed and tense. I kept having to take deep breaths and to keep reminding myself that this was a book not real life...I was that embedded and invested in this story. A true testament to this author's skill set.
Nia Davenport writes in a way that imprints her characters on your soul. Malachi and Kadeesha were wholesome in their flaws. You felt for them. You felt their pain. Their struggles. And their drive to overcome it all, not just for their own good but for those they swore to protect.

Ms Nia did not come to play in this book. She came to snatch your feelings, your thoughts, your time, and everything you thought you knew about thrones!!!

And at the end of it all, readers will be left gasping for breath and overwhelmed with the rightness of a story well crafted.

This book is for the dark romance book lovers, for those who truly enjoy enemies to lovers, nested within strong world building, among a found family you want to belong to.

I loooooovvvveeee!! My favorite part was when he crowned her queen without giving himself validation I feel like she needed that! Malachi was very catering to her even when it didn’t seem like it. He listened and adjusted and I love that! I wish it was a book 2 because I want to read about how everything went

This book was amazing!!! A perfect rivals/enemies to lovers! I loved every second of it. The banter between Kadeesha and Malachizrien is chefs kiss! I’m obsessed with the two of them!

4.25⭐️ okay but more romantasies NEED to be standalones fr!!! This book is proof!!

First of all, the enemies to lovers was TOP TIER! the tension went crazyyyy 🤭 And as someone who usually isn’t the biggest fan of too much spice, I actually thought it was done really well here and I didn’t skip it like I usually would lol

I LOVED Kadeesha ! She was headstrong, sharp, and absolutely not the type to let anyone run over her. And Malachi?? Vicious but secretly a softy for her and I ate it uppppp😭

This was my first time reading this author but def not the last! More Black ADULT romantasy pleaseeee, my shelves are ready!

First, I would like to thank Avon/Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for sending me an eArc of Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport. This book is expected to release October 2025.

Shadow Daddy + Warrior Princess, enemies-to-lovers, and political intrigue = my new romantasy obsession. I absolutely devoured this book, and completely fell in love with these MCs, and their journey throughout this standalone fantasy romance.
Let’s start with our Warrior Princess, Kadeesha Mercier. If you like your FMC’s strong, morally gray, badass, and bonded to a dragon, Kadeesha is your woman. From the moment you meet Kadeesha, you understand that this woman does not play around when it comes to her kingdom, her Nkita, and those she love. Forced into an arranged marriage from birth, our girl goes through some trials and tribulations, and some very ✨steamy✨ encounters throughout her journey in this book. Her character arc was definitely my favorite. Not only do we get to experience her learn to love and accept her physical strengths as a woman and as a fighter, but we get to watch her come into her own as a Queen. For me, she was hands down, my favorite character.

Now we can’t forget about our new King of the Shadow Daddies, Malachizrien ‘Malachi’ Diamundis. I must admit, our introduction to Malachi is very 🥵 but there’s more to him than just being a 7ft-tall fae male with dreads and a grill. Malachi’s story is very dynamic, and his story arc was interesting to read. I will admit that sometimes he made me very angry with his decisions, but other times I was like “damn that’s hot!” He puts the gray in morally gray, and makes it very clear to never f🤬k with what is his.
Honorable character mentions have to go to Nychelle, Tristan, and Yashira. The majority of my favorite moments were with any combination of these three characters and the MCs.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I can’t wait to own a physical copy of Our Vicious Oaths.

N.E. Davenport has done it again. Our Vicious Oaths is a fast-paced, intricate, and exciting romantic fantasy novel about two fae who want to kill each other, but will have to work together if they want to save the world. Kadeesha is an amazing heroine and Malachi is so charming. I highly recommend Our Vicious Oaths if you are looking for a romantic fantasy novel that pays equal attention to the plot and world building.

ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED! This book hooked me from the first page. The FMC, Kadeesha, is the perfect blend of powerful, and self assured. And the MMC, Malachi, is a dream! Sexy, confident, and ruthless, but is down BAD for our girl! It is so nice to see a book in such a popular and rising space that has characters that look like me. How unapologetically and authentically black these characters were made me feel all the feels!

Wow! I have to say, this book was excellent and did not disappoint at all. Black faes with grills and locs? I was sold immediately! It's definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Malachi and Kadeesha were unforgettable characters; their chemistry was incredible, and for those who enjoy some spice, it was present throughout the entire story. The book was action-packed, and I loved every minute of it!

Thank you so much to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this ARC. I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical.

Let me tell you right now Our Vicious Oaths is not just a book, it’s a whole experience ✨ This fantasy/romantasy masterpiece delivers a raw, emotional rollercoaster wrapped in betrayal, high-stakes warfare, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, and some of the best character dynamics I’ve read in the genre. I wish I could read it again for the first time.

Kadeesha is set to marry the ruthless high king Rishaud to fulfill a destiny blessed by the Celestials. The betrothal—forced on her by her father, the King of the Aether Court—was something Kadeesha fought with everything she had. In an act of rebellion and freedom, Kadeesha indulges in a one night stand that changes everything.

Now Ms. Davenport, that’s how you do enemies to lovers, PERIOD. None of that “we hated each other for like 3 pages” fake tension. Malachi and Kadeesha wanted each other dead, like scimitar-to-the-throat, I-hope-you-bleed kind of hate. @nia.davenport crafted their emotional evolution with such precision that by the time love bloomed, it felt earned. Not rushed, not convenient—inevitable. Mine, mine, mine.

Also… while the throne scene gets all the hype (and yes, it was hot 🥵), the wedding night? That was where the passion turned into devotion. That scene had me clutching the book like it owed me money.

The fight scenes between the kingdoms were straight-up cinematic, edge-of-your-seat action. Kadeesha and Malachi were locked in step like seasoned warriors—and their loyalty to their people? Unmatched. Don’t play with them about the ones they love, ‘cause they’ll burn the world down together.

Kadeesha? She’s that girl. Fierce, fearless, and completely unapologetic in her power. And Malachi? Whew, that man redefined what it means to be a partner. He didn’t try to dim her light—he stood beside it, protected it, respected it. Their dynamic? Explosive in battle, magnetic in love.

If you’re looking for a story where love is a battlefield, magic is deadly, and the characters leave scorch marks on your soul— this one’s it. Hands down the best fantasy I’ve read so far. Preorder “Our Vicious Oaths” now (Releasing Fall 2025)

OUR VICIOUS OATHS by NE Davenport was one of my most anticipated reads of the year.

I absolutely loved the authors other book: The Blood Trials and The Blood Gifts.

Unfortunately the deep emotions I felt for The Blood Trials duology I didn’t experience with Our Vicious Oaths. I felt the authors writing, character development, and storytelling completely changed with this book.

I absolutely loved the two main characters they were so complex and flaw. Yet I wish the characters were developed more on a deeper level. You only got glimpse of their deep emotion emotions and I wanted understand who they were outside of having a powerful position within their individual kingdoms. Especially the FMC who position incredible powers still has her decisions and life controlled by men in her life. Moreover, the MMC also experienced trauma from his childhood with his parents, I would have loved to have learned more about his deeper emotions as the event with his parents passing changed him and shaped his actions and emotions

Although the two main characters had good chemistry and interactions. I felt their relationship was all about sex. I wanted more from them than that. I wanted them to develop a deeper connection outside of the bedsheets. Learn more about each other, their inner needs, desired, and understand their kingdoms. It felt rushed to hate to love
And at times for their age being 25 and 26 they both acted childish at times, making irrational decisions.

I also felt there were too many tropes that took place into this book that made it overwhelming and left too many plots to the story unresolved or resolved too quick. I don’t think all of the tropes present in the story was needed and one or two could have been used to help constructed the story better

This book had so much potential I’m sad it wasn’t executed as well as I was hoping for especially how incredible NE Davenport past work is.

Thank you to N.E. Davenport, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this phenomenal book!

I am absolutely obsessed with this book. It was so much fun! I am so impressed with the depth of world building and character development that Davenport managed to fit into this standalone novel.

The world building was fantastic and I felt as though I was transported while reading the story. This is a standalone book, but as with all good books, they’re never long enough for me. I was left wanting more. Not because there were any loose ends, but because I had fallen in love with the realm and the characters.

I especially enjoyed the battle scenes, the Black cast, and the found family each main character has. This book was brilliant, phenomenal, and every other adjective that conveys the same. I would give it infinite stars if I could!

From the very first page. This book sweeps readers into a vividly imagined world where magic pulses beneath every shadow and destiny hangs in the balance. With a rich tapestry of lore and an unforgettable cast of characters, this fantasy tale offers everything fans of the genre crave: adventure, heart, and high stakes.

At the center of the story is a compelling hero grappling with inner demons and outer threats alike. Their journey from humble beginnings to a confrontation with fate is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. Along the way, a diverse ensemble of allies and enemies deepens the narrative, each one distinct and integral to the story’s unfolding.

5 staarrrrsssss

Davenport did her big one with this adult dark romantasy stand alone (i can't believe it's a stand alone 😭). i love that it's an adult romantasy as well (i feel like most times the MCs are like 19 and usually still give teenage vibes) and that it contains a fair bit of spice.

Kadeesha has a prophecy given to her at birth that shapes her life and ultimately dictates her betrothed. Our FMC is very headstrong and refuses to let the men around her dictate her future--> que chaos lol

This book is filled with a unique fae magic system, political maneuvering, woman's rights, black culture (grilles, locs etc), battle scenes and more. It was so cool to see this world (with majority black characters) take shape and to be written so well. Yaaasss representation!

I enjoyed the romance between the two main characters and did feel like it was believable. There was a point at about 70% where the major plot twist came that I thought we as readers could have used an additional scene to help with pacing but overall this was a great read that kept me engaged.

I need to see character art of Malachi (w/ his grille) reeeaaalll bad 🥵

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review. I will be buying any special edition of this book I can get my hands on lol

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!