okay i had a fun time reading this!! i will say, a map and glossary would be so nice in the final copy. i found myself a bit confused, as with any new and intricate fantasy world. but once i found my bearings i was locked in. the spice? the BANTER? please. it was top tier. i cant wait to go back and reread this so i can annotate. thank you netgalley for the arc!!!

4.5⭐️

Enemies to lovers where they love to bang but also “hate” each other? Yes.
A man who worship’s his lady? Yes.
Side characters who tell the MC’s off when they’re being stupidest? YES! I feel like this doesn’t happen nearly enough in books, specially in fantasies, so I was happy when the side characters didn’t necessarily go the MC’s way.

Ngl, when I first started it, I didn’t think that the writing would have been for me but it grew on me pretty quickly and I ended up enjoying the writing quite well. The plot/storyline was engaging, I enjoyed the characters and overall this book had me hooked from day 1.

Even now, I know that I’ll have a hard time not thinking about Malachizrien and Kadeesha.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper voyager and the author for the ARC. Now I want to read N.E Davenport’s previous work

I can’t emphasize enough how much I find a great plot *or* a great shadow daddy. But I seldom find a great plot *AND* a great shadow daddy. Wonderful world building, really fantastic depth to side characters. Definitely will be reading again!

The world building in this book is phenomenal (there’s no map included) but the way things were described and paced made me forget there wasn’t a map to referenced to. The pacing of the story flowed nicely and normally I have a hard time with romantasy books because of how the pacing is.

The relationship between Kadeesha and Malachi gave a mixture of tension, passion, and yearning. It gave enemies to lovers and it was a little fast pace. There were some spicy moments in the book so please keep that in mind!

Thank you to Avon and Harper voyager and NetGalley for this arc!!

Well, hello romantasy era for me is back! This is such a fun little spicy romantasy with a shadow daddy.. and we all love us a shadow daddy…. The spice is there but this book is more than spice. I really enjoyed the story!

ᯓ★Rating-
5/5 Stars

♡Tropes♡-
🪻Enemies To Lovers
🖤Touch Her and Die
🪻Fast Burn
🖤Strong and Bad A** Fmc
🪻Dual POV

𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights-

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･”’You. Are. Mine. Kadeesha.’...’ And I am yours’”°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

💭 Thoughts-
This book was actually so good! It instantly drew me in from the get-go and the mmc was definitely giving shadow daddy vibes and just was a shadow daddy which like yes please. I loved the world building and the character development we get in it, and how we saw all the characters slowly learn to trust each other more and more. I also haven’t read many standalone fantasy books and usually when I do I don’t like them as much because I’m left thinking this should be a series, or I want more of this or that, but I didn’t feel that with this one at all! I thought it was pretty perfect and checked all the boxes you want and need in a good fantasy book and just a fantasy standalone book in general!

Now Playing:

⊹ ࣪ ˖Let The World Burn By Chris Grey˖࣪ ⊹
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Volume: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%

(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)

I needed this to get me back in my romantasy era. This was such a well developed story and was so easy to follow. The spice was there and while it was prevalent, I didn't feel like it took anything away from the plot, in fact I think it was perfectly peppered into the storyline. The characters were so well developed and I for one, am glad to see a fantasy standalone as captivating as this was.

What a spicy fun romantasy! You get sucked into the world building very quickly in this debut novel. The pacing was decent throughout the books. I could definitely see this being a series instead of just a standalone. Thank you to Netgalley for this e-arc!

If you are a fantasy romance reader, you know how difficult it is to find an incredibly well-written STAND ALONE book with the right balance of political intrigue, strong FMC, world-building, and character growth. And by difficult, I mean impossible.

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

This book is everything I could possibly want in a stand-alone fantasy romance and in under 600 pages. After following the author on Instagram, I was stoked by the opportunity to read fantasy by a Black author that takes place in a world without white folx. And Davenport did not disappoint.

Kadeesha - incredibly strong FMC, mind-linked to her kongamato (are these basically pteradactyls? https://www.genesispark.com/exhibits/evidence/cryptozoological/pterosaurs/kongamato/), knows what she wants and takes it. Has a found family in her Nkita sisters from all classes/castes.

Malachizrien - incredibly powerful, arrogant, morally gray MMC hell-bent on revenge and strategically using people to get what he wants. SHADOW DADDY.

Spice was 5/5 for me - comes into play often throughout the book but never feels forced. Other reviewers have mentioned that the 'smut scenes' didn't add to character development or plot but I wholeheartedly disagree. And it's kind of refreshing to see two people use each other to meet physical needs and the relationship develop more slowly - this seems more authentic to me than love at first sight.

Dual POV - couldn't have lived without it. You really get insight into how both characters are thinking, feeling, growing, resolving inner and outer turmoil.

I am probably going to re-read this book very soon.

Our Vicious Oaths is an enchanting blend of magic, devotion, and destiny that completely swept me away. From the very first page, the intricate magic system and its deep ties to nature create a world that feels both dangerous and mesmerizing. The magic isn’t just power—it’s a living force that binds the people, oaths, and creatures in a way that makes every promise feel profund and every betrayal hit harder.

One of my favorite parts were the animal companions. More than just side characters, these creatures are fiercely loyal and often very much aligned with their riders. They add a layer of richness that makes the world feel alive.

The romance in Our Vicious Oaths is not for the faint of heart! It’s a love story built on tension, sacrifice, and hard-earned trust, with character development that is nothing less than ensnaring. The protagonists begin as complex, opposing forces, but as their journey unfolds, they evolve in ways that feels relatable. Their chemistry is electric, their struggles feel real, and their bond is one that lingers in the heart long after the final page.

For anyone who loves immersive fantasy, a unique and well crafted magic system, and a romance that burns bright through every trial, Our Vicious Oaths is an absolute must read. Easy 5 star romantacy read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Avon Books for letting me ride along for this adventure!

Thank you to Harper Collins, Avon and NetGalley for this great arc! I really enjoyed this enemies to loved fantasy.

This novel is beautifully written and immersive. I felt the deep connection between Malachi and Kadeesha. I loved the story and how the characters grew to trust each other. The smut added depth and love to the story.

The world building was expansive and well thought out for a standalone novel. I know this was an early copy, but a map would have made the journey easier to visualize for me.

I loved the queer representation and the strong black characters. Kadeesha’s Nkita were stand outs for me.

I will definitely be recommending this book.

This book.... right here. Yall. I've been hype for this since I got a little teaser over on threads... and it absolutely did not disappointed.... Sexy Faes, Girls, THE THRONE SCENE!??? You don't even understand. This book was amazing and Nia outdid herself once again. The characters are amazing, the world building is amazing and this is a top yearly read for me and the year isn't even halfway over!

This is how you write an enemies-to-lovers story in a fantasy book. I want heat and harm, lust and love, chess and checkers—and this author delivered. They did an amazing job conveying all of the above. 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.

Thank you Avon Harper & NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This is a sexy, fantastic novel that I can’t stop thinking about. N.E. Davenport approaches fae in a refreshingly funny wicked and familiar way that a lot of these romantasy books have just been failing at. I love this book, I would give it six stars if I could.

Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport was an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish! I couldn't put it down—this book had everything I wanted: intense action, complex characters, and a story so rich with emotion and stakes that it kept me hooked the entire time.

The world-building was incredible, drawing me into a gritty, dangerous realm where loyalty, power, and revenge are everything. The characters felt so real, especially the protagonist, who had me rooting for them through every twist and turn. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and their relationship was just the right mix of tension and heart.

What I loved most was how unpredictable the plot was—every chapter had me on the edge of my seat. The darker themes and raw emotions hit hard, and I could feel every punch, every decision, and every sacrifice.

If you’re a fan of stories that combine fierce loyalty, romance, and gritty, high-stakes drama, then Our Vicious Oaths is an absolute must-read. I’m already craving more and can’t wait to see where this story goes next!


*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

OMG!!! This book was everything I thought it would be and more! The love story, the drama and the found family was top notch. The character development in this book is so hard to put into the words that do justice to how much I loved it. Definitely getting a physical copy when it comes out

Where to begin?! For starters this book is going to be my entire personality until further notice. I have been searching far and wide for this exact MMC and Ms. Nia delivered him on an ONYX platter.
✨Young&Black Fae King
✨Morally Grey
✨SHADOW DADDY
✨Touch HER and 💀 vibes
The fact that grills is his courts custom is just a cherry on top.

The FMC gives WARRIOR PRINCESS, MAN-EATER, experienced, confident and fully CAPABLE of running a kingdom on her own.
(bonus points for thinking of actually unaliving him while he was 🏀🎾🏐🏈deep)

The descriptions of the palaces/landscape were so well written and vivid. I felt like I stepped straight into the book. And there are scenes I will be shamelessly thinking about FOREVER🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The tropes gave me enemies to lovers, fast-burn, war-prize, forced proximity, revenge, PLUS a prophecy and let me tell you — when an author can make you eat your words about a trope you thought you disliked… you know what, HELL YEAH!

The only thing that is hurting me is this is a stand-alone and I would follow Kadeesha and Malachi through a 10 book series if Nia willed it.

6/5 stars, obviously. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley & Ms. N.E Davenport for giving me the opportunity to read this book early!

N.E. Davenport delivers a spellbinding tale in Our Vicious Oaths, blending rich world-building, high-stakes intrigue, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Set in a world where power is everything and secrets can be deadly, this novel is an electrifying mix of magic, ambition, and the fight for survival.

The protagonist is fiercely compelling, navigating a treacherous society where trust is a luxury and alliances are as fragile as they are necessary. Davenport’s storytelling is razor-sharp, weaving tension, political maneuvering, and heart-pounding action into every chapter. The magic system is intricate and immersive, adding depth to a world that feels as dangerous as it is mesmerizing.

Fans of The Gilded Wolves and The Blood Trials will be enthralled by this gripping, character-driven fantasy. With morally complex characters, jaw-dropping twists, and a romance simmering beneath the surface, Our Vicious Oaths is a must-read for fantasy lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this phenomenal book!

Our Vicious Oaths might be one of my favorite reads this year! 🖤

The book follows Kadeesha, a warrior princess of the Aether Dominion—one of the Six Kingdoms. Though bound by a political prophecy since birth, she wants nothing to do with fae politics. She’d rather spend her days soaring through the skies on her Kongamato, fighting alongside her sister squadron, and indulging in the pleasures of life—far away from any throne or prophecy. Unfortunately, tomorrow she must wed the Hyperion High King—a man she neither chose nor wants, but was promised to as an infant. Determined to claim one last night of freedom, she heads to Oleander House, a renowned pleasure house in her homeland, where she meets a stranger who will change everything.

Malachi is the ruthless, vengeful king of the Apollyon Court. Orphaned by the Six Kingdoms and hardened by loss, he has spent his life plotting revenge. When he learns of Kadeesha’s impending marriage, he sees the perfect opportunity to strike. He and his companions hatch a plan to crash the wedding and get their pound of flesh—and not before they too pay a visit to the famous Oleander House.

Under the cover of anonymity, Kadeesha and Malachi share a night of passion that leaves them both reeling and unable to shake each other from their minds.

The next day, chaos ensues at the wedding as it’s revealed that Malachi set a trap for Kadeesha and her people. Meanwhile, Kadeesha’s betrothed, the Hyperion High King, launches a slaughter of his own upon her people, accusing her of betrayal.

Now, with a shared enemy and an uneasy alliance, Kadeesha must navigate the challenge of keeping her people safe, toppling a High King, and resisting the overwhelming lure of the man who plans to raze the kingdom. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend” quickly becomes “the enemy of my enemy is my lover,” taking enemies-to-lovers to new heights!

The worldbuilding in Our Vicious Oaths is stunning, with a magic system that feels natural and immersive rather than bogged down by exposition—no unnatural info-dumping here! The pacing is excellent, delivering high stakes with just the right amount of tension. And the romance? Phenomenal. The spice is abundant but never overdone, woven seamlessly into the story without overpowering it. While Malachi is clearly dangerous, he never crosses into red-flag territory, making their dynamic intense yet compelling.

With powerful magic, sharp political intrigue, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that burns hotter than dragon fire, Our Vicious Oaths is a must-read. If you love fierce warrior heroines, morally gray fae kings, and alliances built on tension and trust, this book will completely sweep you away.

Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport will be released October 28th, 2025—mark your calendars!

🖤 I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"A king must know his own power intimately if he is to weild it to maximum effect, and he must understand the extent of the havoc it can wreak if he is to wield it responsibly."

DNF @70%

The things I enjoyed:
The queer-normative world

The lore surrounding fae and the overall worldbuilding. Everything that was given to us felt relevant and I enjoyed how it was interwoven into the plot.

The politics

How unapollegetically black everything was

I usually hate dual pov, but I really enjoyed it here. The transitions felt smooth and even though this uses third person, the characters thought processes feel different and unique enough to them.

The clear communication between the two leads, I appreciated how they just got to the point instead of having miscommunication
Malachi and Kadeesha as characters and their interactions with their groups they worked closely with

What I wanted more of:
I strongly agree with another review I saw mentioning wanting more lore surrounding Kongamatos. I also would've liked more interactions between Zahzah and Kadeesha. Overall, I wish the telepathic aspect was more touched upon.

The things I disliked:
There isn't anything wrong with smut scenes but the context surrounding them weren't it for me. After the event at the wedding there truly should be no reason Malachi and Kadeesha "can't help" but sleep together. I really wish Kadeesha stood her own ground in this regard. It also didn't really make sense for Malachi either when you know his backstory.

Another issue is that outside of the smut scenes there really isn't any "romance". The two characters feel lust for eachother, but you don't get that slow descent into the small things they like about eachother outside of that. We get like 2-3 good conversations between them and that's it. Anything they noticed about eachother was chalked up to "This makes me feel horny" instead of anything about their personalities or as people who are starting to like eachother over the course of the book.

However, even with my critiques I still would've finished the book if it weren't for a certain trope that I really don't like. I especially don't like the context around this trope within this particular book. It felt like it was perfectly set up for this trope to not happen and then it randomly did? Especially when this trope was against the wishes of the two leads at this point in time of the book.

Overall, I think that anyone looking for a black romantasy book will enjoy this! Especially if romantasy is your favorite genre. I also think that people who enjoy smuttier books will like this one, and people who like court intrigue.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review!