I went in blind and was hopeful but the plot fell flat for me. I am hoping things pick up in book 2 but for now, I'm going to keep my complaints minimum. I just wanted a little more depth.
The characters are promising and I love the mysterious vibes. There is some really fun humor and the slow-burn romance made this a fast read.

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟.5
*A Fated Vow* by Amanda Aggie is book one in the Death and Starlight series. While it gave me a cozy fantasy romance with a few sparks, I wish the romance had been a little more developed. I felt like the full romance wasn't explored; it felt somewhat lackluster. The chemistry felt off, but the cover art is gorgeous and very eye-catching! The premise is also what caught my eye.

The audiobook is a dual narration by Lila Winters and E.M. Wylde. They did a good job telling the story and bringing it to life. They were easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2x speed.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Slow Burn
•Enemies-to-lovers
•Secret Identities

Thank you, NetGalley, and Tantor Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I was provided this ALC by NetGalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book, it is cozy but a couple levels up from “cozy romantasy” as there is death…so take that as you will.

I found the dynamic between the FMC and MMC to be quite adorable and endearing as their relationship progressed. She became more sure of herself and he began to let down his guard and let his charm flash through.

I also found the side characters that are based at the MMC’s castle to be delightful, a vagabond golden-retriever Duke and a household staff that were brought back from the dead to be reincarnated as gargoyles. What’s not to love?

Naturally Aggie ended the book on well-crafted cliffhanger, so while I was invested before that to continue with the series once it comes out…now I am locked in. Well done. Well done, I see you Aggie.

The dual narration of A Fated Vow was excellent, the voice actors nuances and varied voice octaves for different characters was very well done. I hope they continue for the rest of the series.

Addictive start to a spicy fantasy!
A Fated Vow hooked me from the first page with its sharp humor, a deliciously dangerous Demon Lord, and a bold heroine with a knack for surviving the worst luck imaginable. The premise is wild in the best way—left to die by her potato fiancé (hilarious and tragic), our elf MC ends up in enemy territory, hiding her identity while trying not to fall for the scarred, knife-wielding demon who should hate her. The tension? Top tier.

The chemistry between them crackles, and the world-building hints at some major twists to come. I only knocked off a star because I wanted a bit more development in the middle—some parts felt rushed—but that ending has me desperate for book two.

If you love enemies-to-lovers with danger, spice, and morally gray love interests, this one’s for you. Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

This book had the audacity to feel super familiar the second I opened, like oh, okay, I guess I live here now. It was super easy to binge, and the characters were actually digestible (a rare win). But let’s talk about the real star moment: it’s set in some ancient fae realm, and yet... they’re twerking. Be so serious. I laughed way too hard. Honestly, I didn’t expect to like it this much, but now I’m impatiently waiting for book two like it owes me rent. Hurry up Amanda Aggie! 10/10, would force this onto my friends.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and i NEED book two like now....

This is an enemies to lovers fantasy romance. I don't want to say more to avoid any spoilers but it is a hidden gem of a book! I found out about the author's other series with interconnected characters, so i will be reading that in the meantime.

The narrators were awesome and i enjoyed the audiobook format. The book has a little bit of spice (just the right amount) and a lot of story. I want to dive into this world even more.

I would recommend this to any of my friends who like the romantasy genre. It deserves all the hype!

I devoured this audiobook!!
I wasn’t too sure about the audio at first, but after probably 5 minutes I was hooked. I loved the MMC so much. Hot AND respectful? Sign me up. Both of the narrators did a great job and though the ending was predictable, it was in a good way? Finished this book in one sitting and I already NEED more. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to the ARC of the audiobook!

Audiobook Review: A Fated Vow by Amanda Aggie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

A Fated Vow was an addictive listen that pulled me in with its characters and top-notch narration. The voice actors did an excellent job bringing the story to life—especially E.M. Wylde, who sounded exactly how I imagined Asmo would. Their portrayal really elevated the experience.

The beginning of the book moves a bit slowly, not much happens in the first 30–40%, but once the plot picks up, it really picks up. From there, I was hooked. While some parts of the story were a bit predictable, the emotional tension, and well-executed spicy scenes made up for it. And yes, it ends on a cliff-hanger, which now has me eagerly waiting for the next book!

If you enjoy steamy fantasy romance with strong narration, this one’s definitely worth a listen. I’m already looking forward to what comes next in the series.

This is an Arc read thanks to netgalley. #AFatedVow #NetGalley

Dual Narration - Lila Winters & E.M Wylde
Wow. I loved his voice 🥵

Magical plot
Banter
Morally grey MMC
Enemies to lovers

<spoiler>Cliffhanger ending beware</spoiler>

There were points that were predictable but never the less this was a great listen. The author gave great details and the narrators were fabulous giving great life to the characters. There is another series that the world building really gets created but I didn’t know that going into this book. I don’t feel it took away from the experience however if you want to get all the details read that first.

This story was action packed, had a great backstory, and wonderful characters. There was more spice than I expected (it’s a good thing) and the pacing of the story was perfect. This a great forbidden/enemies to lovers romantasy.
The narrators in this book took a little getting used to since it sounded like the female narrator had a stuffy nose and the male narrator didn’t have the right inflections in his voice at first but it smoothed out eventually. Overall, the performance was fine but they were by no means my favorite narrators but they weren’t the worst I have ever heard.

I listened to this on audio. I do wish the narrators had acted a bit more but overall it was ok. I liked the book enough to finish it.

I received a gifted copy. This review is honest and voluntary.

Where do I start with this one? I picked up A Fated Vow because it was marketed for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses—so I expected high-stakes fantasy, layered world-building, political intrigue, and maybe a slow-burn romance. Unfortunately, this book didn’t deliver on any of those fronts for me.

To be honest, it felt like not much actually happened. The plot lacked direction, and relationships formed at an unrealistic pace. The characters all seemed to become best friends overnight, and the central romance felt rushed and out of character—though it was hard to say what anyone’s character really was, since we’re never given much depth or development. Things just... happened, often without any explanation or consequence.

One highlight was the audiobook narration—the narrators did a great job bringing some spark and personality to the characters. But even their performances couldn’t save the story from feeling immature and disjointed. It read more like a young adult fantasy (and not in a good way), though the language and crude jokes made it clear it was meant for a more mature audience. Honestly, if not for the adult content, this could’ve been marketed to teens.

This one just wasn’t for me. I won’t be continuing the series or exploring more from this author.

3.5

Dark yet cozy, intriguing and still not quite what I'd expected.

A Fated Vow kicked off like a promising fantasy on the darker side, with a brooding MMC with a history and a stubby FMC on the run.
I think with how it started it took me a while to realise, there was no clear goal or direction.
The first third was great and had me so intrigued, the world building was so good and I enjoyed getting to know the characters (even though I realised too late that it was connected to another series that I hadn't read. It can still be read as a standalone but some background information is hinted at rather than elaborated on).

The scenery and characters drew me in quickly, the side character was a very fun addition, and despite the fact that I stumbled about some things that didn't feel quite thought through, at times even contradictory, it was fun to listen to.

When I noticed, however, that there was no real end goal or plot and ideas came up rather randomly to keep the story going, I wasn't quite sure how I liked that. I think, had I been aware of that going in, it would've been different and maybe that's on me. From the blurb, I didn't derive that this was intended to be more on the cozy romance-for-the-romance's sake kind of book. Which isn't to say it wasn't enjoyable, I think it just had me lose a tiny bit of interest.

Luckily, the interactions and dialogues, the building relationships and dynamics were great and fun to watch evolve. And when the plot picked up again, it certainly brought back my interest. Additionally, the narrators did a great job at infusing the story with all the intended emotion, elevating the experience for me in a way that kept me more involved.

Overall, I enjoyed the imagery, the clash of dark themes, gory scenes and tension with the rather cozy plot approach. It certainly makes for a quick, fun read that feels low stakes despite the dark and heavy at times. This is a book that I can see being liked for the vibes and romance alone.
Not to mention that the cover is stunning!


Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and Amanda Aggie for an ALC of A Fated Vow.

Whaaaaat?! This was so good! It made me laugh. It made me cry. I literally could not put it down from the moment I picked it up and I finished it in one day! I loved the FMC and MMC and the development of their relationship felt organic and unforced. The side characters were all equally great. It’s very character driven and another reviewer described it “cozy fantasy for people who are okay with murder and demons,” which I think is a perfect description. Mostly very low stakes slice of life stuff, which honestly isn’t usually my jam, but really hit the spot today!

My only gripe is that some of the references and slang really took me out of the story. I was willing to overlook twerking and a few other things, but references to Hogwarts letters and the slang “he’s giving” were a step too far for me personally. Truly a very minor criticism all things considered.

For the audiobook experience, I think the voice actors were both great selections for their respective roles. There were multiple lines in Azmodious chapters that were re-recorded and dubbed in at different volumes, which was jarring and not ideal. I didn’t notice any similar issues in Valeria’s lines. The production quality was otherwise good.

Thanks to RBMedia, Tantor Audio, NetGalley, and the author for an audio ARC in exchange for this honest review.

*Audiobook ARC review*

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)

First off, the narrators did a great job. E.M. Wylde is exactly how I would imagine the Prince of Death's voice to be 🔥

My mental monologue while listening - 'This is cute ☺️' -> 'More action please 🗡️🔥' (in every sense) -> 'It can't end there! 😡'

The plot was predictable but enjoyable. I haven't read the previous series which gives the backstory to most of the characters but I felt it didn't impact the story as anything important was mentioned in a fluid and concise manner.

Beware of a cliffhanger ending!

I was drawn to read this book based on its enticing blurb. I'm a sucker for a “knife to the throat” moment. I enjoyed this story, but it was a bit of a slow pace. The first half of the book felt more day to day of life at the keep. The stakes didn't become evident until far into the book. Then excitement happened all at once.

I enjoyed the characters in the story. They had distinct personalities that left me wanting to know more about them. I feel that the world will get even wider in the next book, and I look forward to it.

The audiobook was a great way to experience this book. Hearing the banter between the characters solidified their personalities in my mind. It was great fun with Griffin, especially.

I'd never read/listened to anything by Amanda Aggie before I received the ARC audiobook for A Fated Vow and let me just say - I'm hooked! I'll be picking up her other books asap because I really enjoyed A Fated Vow! And it got me out of my book slump and made me want to listen to more audiobooks again!

The narrators are great, the world building was good, you come to really care for the FMC and MMC but also the side characters too - who doesn't love a banter filled found family! The slow burn was nice too, and it wasn't too smut-heavy as I feel a lot of works these days can be, but A Fated Vow had a nice balance there with more emotional build up than anything. The MMC and his nephew are my favourite characters, Asmo because he's the dark broody prince of death that's secretly a little cinnamon roll and Griffin because he was a great way to have comedy throughout the book and also to have the emotional support for the main characters that I felt was really nice and touching.

I'm excited to pick up the next instalment when it's released. What I will say is I wish the audiobook had ended one chapter earlier, when the twist happened, just to leave a little suspense until the next book 😊

Thank you so much to Amanda Aggie for the ARC 😊

I picked up A Fated Vow expecting a dark and dramatic fantasy romance—but what I got was so much more. Amanda Aggie blends emotional depth, slow-burn tension, and hilarious character moments into a story that feels both cozy and dangerous in all the right ways.

From the start, I was hooked by the premise: an elven noblewoman betrayed and stranded in enemy territory, seeking shelter in a cursed castle ruled by a scarred Demon Lord. What followed was a deliciously slow-building romance full of snark, angst, and undeniable chemistry. I especially loved the banter between the two leads—it felt natural, sharp, and layered with vulnerability.

What truly surprised me was the humor. The undead gargoyle staff completely stole my heart. Their odd little quirks and oversized-house-cat energy gave the book a unique charm that set it apart from other fantasy romances I’ve read. It’s not easy to balance darkness and levity, but this book pulls it off.

As a reader, I was fully invested in the emotional journey of the main characters and their evolving relationship. The Demon Lord isn’t just another brooding love interest—he’s complex, wounded, and refreshingly respectful in a way that makes you root for him deeply.

If I could offer one piece of constructive feedback, it would be to flesh out the world-building just a bit more. The hints at war, magic, and politics were intriguing, and I wanted to spend more time understanding the rules and history of this world. I imagine we’ll get more of that in future books, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

All in all, A Fated Vow is a standout read—romantic, witty, emotionally charged, and just the right amount of weird (in the best way). Thank you, Amanda Aggie and team, for creating something so magical and unexpected. I’m already counting down the days until the next book.

A Fated Vow is a darkly entertaining ride through a war-torn fantasy world, where elves and demons are at odds, secrets are dangerous, and survival means lying through your teeth. Amanda Aggie delivers a heroine full of sass and sarcasm, and a brooding, scarred Demon Lord who radiates both danger and unexpected tenderness.

The story opens with a bang (a shipwreck and a hilariously terrible fiancé), but be warned: the pacing slows down considerably after the opening. The first third of the audiobook is heavy on internal monologue and world-building, and not much actually happens. But if you’re patient, the tension builds steadily, and the payoff in the second half is worth the wait—especially if you love simmering chemistry and forced proximity.

The narration is a highlight. Lila Winters and E.M. Wylde bring real depth and charisma to the leads, capturing both the biting humor and emotional undercurrents of the story. The dual narration adds a lot to the character dynamics and keeps the tension sharp even during the slower parts.

Perfect for fans of morally grey love interests, slow-burn romance with spice, and fantasy worlds where not everything is black and white. Just know going in—it’s a long game, but if you stick with it, you’ll be hooked.

The magic system, the side characters, the secrets and tragic backstories, utter perfection!! A broody demon cinnamon roll MMC? Always yes.

The romance between Asmo and Valeria is a truly delicious slow burn, with tension and chemistry that had I kicking my feet and audibly yipping.

My first Aggie’s read, and it will not be my last! Imma need book 2 stat!!

Thank you Net Galley and Tantor Audio for this ARC.