This was a fun romantasy - the story wasn’t anything game changing and I had a few complaints, but overall a solid read.

✔ The spice was well written/constructed - it didn’t feel superfluous either, it added to the plot by being a place for the characters to learn about each other/develop.
✔ Kadeesha, our FMC, was always a strong female character but through the story she really found her footing as a royal and began to ground her strength in a more mature/advanced way.
✔ Malachi, MMC, was also a rather enjoyable character. He’s morally gray with a significant revenge agenda but he still values the thoughts/opinions of others and the logic of specific choices. He, like Kadeesha, also grows into his position and becomes a better king/ruler which was very enjoyable to follow.

✖ The spice was well written but there was probably too much - I feel like it took valuable time away from the story that could have been used to better develop the side characters (who felt underutilized) or show off Kadeesha’s bond with her war serpent (very very underutilized considering they can telepathically communicate with each other).
✖ I didn’t enjoy the use of a specific trope in response to a specific prophecy. I feel like it undermined Kadeesha’s strength as a person and became a deus-ex-machina to some degree to both make the prophecy work and to reduce the strength of the villain in a logical way.
✖ Sometimes I’ll buy into it, sometimes I won’t, but it did become a bit annoying that the insta-lust between Kadeesha/Malachi overpowered all of her reasonable objections very very quickly. She didn’t offer him trust or love too quickly which was good, but Kadeesha’s moral objections vanishing into thin air every single time their clothes came off was not what I wanted out of a strong, fierce, female lead.

3/5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book got me pretty hooked into it. Love the world building in this new Romantasy. Kadeesha is a female warrior who doesn’t care for forced marriage and having children. She would rather fight for her homeland. Malachi, who is a king, wants revenge. So he kidnapped her on the day of her wedding but she isn’t too mad about it. They hatch a plan to save her people.

⭐️ Thank you to #netgalley for allowing me to read this book and share my thoughts ⭐️

Super super fun, I can hear Davenport voice clearly throughout. I thought the story was paced greatly and action packed and I didn't want to put it down.
The banter and bickering between Kadeesha and Malachi was enjoyable. I loved the development between both characters both individually and as a reluctant couple.

Kadeesha wants to be more than a empty figurehead, just there to "look pretty" and bare heirs. She's a fierce warrior, cares deeply about her people and their plights and wants to better the world for everyone. I very muched enjoyed her journey to prove her self to everyone around her and cement her power. All while being a very self assured women with a lot of confidence.

Malachi is steadfast on his vengeance with good reason. I loved how set in his plan he is to prove himself different from the former king and his desire to protect his people as well. But his development to learn to compromise and not be so blood thirsty because of his relationship and proximity to Kadeesha was nice to see.

Their relationship was a perfect mix of tension, spice, apprehsion and romance. They had a true enemies to lovers situation with a gradual progression to mutual respect and affection.
I loved the political aspects of this story and enjoyed tidbits of info being revealed throughout the story instead a huge info dump at the beginning of the story. The world building was gradually given to the reader at a good pace without hindering the story. The world itself it greatly detailed and I got a clear picture of all the different fae and their kingdoms.

The antagonist was a interesting character. It was very easy to hate him which is the point. He's also a very powerful character in this world and the stakes of fighting him felt actually real. I think Davenport write villians really well in a way that makes it truly feel like defeating them is impossible.

I do think it's a bit jarring to try to mesh her voice, very contemporary, with what sounds like "traditional" fantasy talk
Like trying to mix how they speak in GOT and the boondocks.There were some slips I felt didn't match up with how the characters were talking.

Without spoiling there was a part that I wasn't the hugest fan of mainly because it's a troupe I personally don't enjoy but because of the prophecy in the story I understand why it's there.

I can completely tell that this story was a huge passion project for the author and I truly believe this is some of her best work.

This is written very poorly. It is alot of telling and no showing. The MMC is very crude and not at all likable and the FMC is a complete twit.

Overall, it's not worth your time.

Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport is an intoxicating blend of magic, danger, and irresistible chemistry that hooked me from the very first page. This romantasy hits every note perfectly—steamy fae magic, high-stakes political intrigue, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that sizzles with tension and passion.

Davenport’s world-building is luscious and immersive. The fae realm leaps off the page, filled with dark enchantments, tangled alliances, and a sense of mystery that keeps you on edge. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed—each chapter escalates the stakes and refuses to let go, making it nearly impossible to put down.

The characters are another highlight. Kadeesha and Malachi are powerhouses—both formidable and vulnerable in their own ways. Their connection is electric, filled with friction, longing, and explosive moments that had me flipping pages at lightning speed. The romance is deliciously fiery, with just the right amount of tension and steam to balance the danger swirling around them.

What truly sets Our Vicious Oaths apart is N.E. Davenport’s masterful storytelling. She threads together action, mystery, and heartfelt emotion in a way that feels seamless. The character development is rich and satisfying, making you truly invested in not just the fate of Kadeesha and Malachi, but the world around them as well.

If you’re craving a romantasy that’s equal parts seductive, thrilling, and emotionally gripping, Our Vicious Oaths is an absolute must-read. I was spellbound—and I already need more.