Review: Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport

*I received a digital advance reading copy of this book from Frenzy Books in exchange for an honest review.

Our Vicious Oaths

by N.E. Davenport

October 28, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

Enter a new world of romantic fantasy from award-winning author N.E. Davenport—a journey of powerful magic, enemies-to-lovers, and political intrigue—as a warrior-princess and a vengeful king from rival fae courts form a fierce alliance to take down a merciless despot.

Princess of the Aether Dominion, Kadeesha wants nothing to do with fae politics. She is a warrior, first and foremost, and believes her greatest strength is leading her squadron of elite winged serpent flyers to protect her homeland. But bound since infancy to be betrothed to the Hyperion High King, ruler of all Dominions, she has no choice but to do what men have chosen for her.

Repulsed by the idea, she decides to spend one last night of freedom—in the arms of a dangerous stranger who takes her to sexual heights she’s never experienced before…but who is only using Kadeesha to set a trap for the High King.

For the High King and the kings of his six Dominions were responsible for the decimation of the Apollyon Court, and its new king, Malachi, wants his pounds of flesh.

On Kadeesha’s wedding day, Malachi and his special forces attack. Her father is killed, and Malachi wounds the High King, ultimately taking Kadeesha as hostage back to his land.

But she is no true hostage. The two form a pact: she will help lure the High King so Malachi can kill him once and for all, and he in turn will not harm Kadeesha or the Aether people. And as much as Kadeesha hates politics, she is now the Queen of her folk. Fae bonds are unbreakable…and so, perhaps, is the attraction Kadeesha and Malachi feel for each other. For even as they must publicly display their connection to provoke the High King’s jealousy, they struggle to resist the powerful allure between them in order to achieve their ultimate goals.

Review

I’m always on the hunt for a romantasy standalone so I had to give Our Vicious Oaths a try. I initially wanted to give up on the book (more on why below), but interesting turns kept me reading.

While I love a strong male lead character, Malachi’s cocky attitude at the very beginning of Our Vicious Oaths put me off. Then I saw him in action (both in the bedroom and on the battlefield). As he repeatedly demonstrated his prowess, I understood he had every right to be arrogant. I may even have been a little impressed by his confidence in his abilities. Malachi took good care of his loved ones.

You do not ever want to get on Kadeesha’s bad side. She was strong and unyielding- never cowering against her enemies. I especially loved that she stood up for herself (even against her own mother). And when it came to innocent lives, Kadeesha’s softhearted nature really shone. She advocated and fought selflessly for them.

Our Vicious Oaths was off the charts hot. Kadeesha and Malachi did not shy away from their needs making all their sexy times quite explicit. Although neither wanted to acknowledge the genuine feelings that grew between them (given their circumstances), they were extremely compatible. Kadeesha and Malachi dancing around each other kept their romance interesting.

With ruthless characters, intense action scenes and a spicy romance, Our Vicious Oaths was an entertaining read. I enjoyed my time with it!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.