Like a sentient plant, this book grabbed me and refused to let go.
Our FMC, Aella is a half elf half druid who has portal magic. She's forced to use her magic to transport her uncle's forces to continue to wage war on our MMC, Darrow's territory. When trying to save her young cousin's life, she's forced to reach out to the only person capable which happens to be her enemy. The price is a secret marriage and the use of her portal abilities.

I couldn't get enough of this book. The story was intriguing and multi faceted. There's more than just the main characters tension filled stories. There's lots of secrets, spies and world issues that will have you wondering what's going to happen next. I can't wait to continue this series

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reading opportunity. These thoughts are my own.

Who knew I needed man-eating plants in a book about magic, war, love and saving the world?!

I raced through this book and enjoyed every second of it. The 30-something FMC was really refreshing. Old enough to know her own mind and have a backbone but still young enough to get away with moments of vulnerability and naivety. The character growth between the FMC and the MMC is brilliant.
The world is well thought out, easily imaginable and very diverse. The slow burn is exactly what you ask for and the possessiveness that creeps in had me curling my toes!
I loved it. I cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you to Netgally and Susan Illene for the ARC of this book

This book grabbed my attention right from the start!
The world building was amazing and I loved how descriptive everything was, it made it easy to understand the intricate world the book was set in. I especially loved the unique magic system and the magical creatures. Both Aella and Darrow are strong main characters whose personalities and backstories were well developed. The book had a balanced blend of romance and fantasy that I enjoyed.

4.25 ⭐ (Wanted more romantic moments but understandable why not yet)

I enjoyed this one so much! The magic and world-building felt fresh and unique, which made the story that more enjoyable. I especially love the twist of the MMC being incapable of love. It made me wonder how the romance could possibly work.

Let's start with what it's about. Aella and Darrow are enemies on opposite sides of a war. Aella finds herself in a dilemma when she needs to save someone she loves, and the only option is to get Darrow's help. She offers her magical services in exchange, but what his counteroffer is not what she expects: a secret marriage. They strike a business arrangement, each free to live separate lives as long as no one learns the truth.

Darrow is such a complex character. Because he is unable to feel deep love, he comes across as cold and calculating. Aella is free to be with whomever she wants so long as she keeps their marriage a secret. But Darrow begins to feel an undeniable pull toward her, growing possessive and protective without understanding why. There are secrets he's hiding that make you question what his ulterior motives are, and I'm dying to find out in the next book (hopefully).

I really loved our FMC Aella. She's endured so much suffering, yet remains resilient, kind, and protective. She’s powerful—and still learning just how powerful she really is—despite those who try to diminish her. I found it funny how frustrated she was with all these secrets people were keeping from her, but for me, it made those reveals all the more exciting and surprising. She also doesn't want to catch feelings for Darrow because he can't reciprocate them, but that doesn't stop her from being drawn to him.

I adore how unconventional their romance is. It makes the payoff feel extra satisfying. I was giddy whenever they thought of each other as "my wife" and "my husband". Usually, in a marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers setup, they stick to their first names, but nope, not Darrow and Aella, and I ate it up.

One of my favorite side elements was Aella's sentient plants. Her garden is full of them, each with its own personality. They're temperamental if disrespected. As their caregiver, she is tolerated but also protected by them because of how well she takes care of them. I'm hoping because of how much of an important role they play in Aella's life, they'll play an even bigger role later in the series .

And yes, there is a found family element too. It doesn't develop until later in the story. When Aella finally earns Darrow's inner circle's trust, they start to accept her as one of their own. I can't wait to see what shenanigans they get up to in the next book.

I usually hate cliffhangers where they end in an "OMG!" moment because I'm impatient waiting for the next book to come out to see what happens, but this one didn't frustrate me. I'm excited to continue this series. According to the author, the next book is expected to be released later this year, so I don't have to wait long. Yayy!!!

✨Slow burn
✨Enemies-to-lovers
✨Secret marriage
✨Marriage of convenience
✨Morally Grey MMC in his 40's
✨Powerful FMC in her 30's
✨Elves, fae, druids, magical creatures
✨Found family

First thoughts:

I’m obsessed.

I was about 30% into Oaths & Vengeance when I came to the abrupt realization that I was REALLY enjoying this book! I have to admit I wasn't quite sure about it right away. My anger at the men in this book was what kept me reading in the beginning. So many of them are truly terrible. Surprisingly, the only man I really liked right away was the one with an inability to love. Go figure. But I had a good feeling about it as soon as I read the dedication.

This book is long, but in the best way. I couldn't put it down. Aella and Darrow are the definition of enemies to lovers. They are from rival lands who constantly attack one another. When her cousin's life is in jeopardy, Aella must, very reluctantly, go to Darrow for help. He agrees, with conditions. Ones that will change her life forever.

Oaths & Vengeance is the first book I've read in a while that has gotten me really excited about this genre. I can't WAIT to read book 2 and am so grateful for the opportunity to read this one. Thanks so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Read my full review on my website!

4.5⭐
This is giving "next big romantasy hit" energy - rich world building, slow-burn tension, and a heroine worth rooting for. I need book two immediately.

Oaths & Vengeance delightfully exceeded my expectations. I devoured this book and truly didn't want it to end. This is an enthrallingly epic story - layered with mystery, secrets, court politics, secret marriage, and adventure - and it's only just beginning!

One of the biggest standouts for me was the story's originality. The plot doesn't follow any predictable formula, so I loved having no idea where we'd end up next. The magical world is rich and complex, filled with fascinating creatures, layered history, and... a sentient murder garden. What?? Yes - and it was awesome. 🪴💀

Also? Mature main characters! Finally. Aella is in her 30's, Darrow's in his 40's, so there's no tired "500-year-old man falling for a 20-year-old" nonsense. Aella is already powerful when we meet her, so her arc isn't about figuring out her powers - it's about adapting to her evolving understanding of the world and finding the guts to do what's right, even when her options are basically "bad" or "worse." Despite her tragic life, she's compassionate, selfless, strong and actually thinks through the consequences of her actions. Love her. ❤️

Darrow starts out as playful arrogance wrapped in charm... but honestly some of his early cringey lines made me want to throw him in the sentient murder garden. 🤦🏼‍♀️ That said, even with the rocky start in his dialogue, over time, he reveals himself to be a layered, protective, deeply caring and likable character. ❤️‍🔥 His POV chapters struck the perfect balance: enough insight into his inner conflicts to add depth without over-explaining and diminishing his allure.

Tropes? We've got enemies-to-lovers and secret marriage, so yes, the slow-burn banter and tension are immaculate. Even with the cringe in the beginning, their relationship actually feels earned. I'm invested.

The side characters? Solid. Totally want to know more about them. Darrow's inner circle isn't quite giving "found family" vibes yet, but it feels like it's building - and I'm here for it.

So why only 4.5⭐? Now for my tiny gripes:
*The dialogue was a bit rough - some cringey lines, choppy exchanges, and inner monologues that circled the same emotional points too often.
*The writing overall isn't the most eloquent (but the worldbuilding is still impressively strong)
*The political conflict felt thin - why is the king fine with mass destruction and loss of life between territories, yet so severe when it comes to the death of a lord? Make it make sense.
*Lastly, for something as rare as the "true mates" bond, its revelation and eventual bonding felt surprisingly understated.

That said, none of it stopped me from absolutely loving this ride. This is a fresh, captivating romantasy with an expansive world, a heroine worth rooting for, and a romance I want way more of. Book two, please and thank you.

✨ My sincerest gratitude to Susan Illene and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. ✨

⭐⭐⭐✨☆ (3.5 stars)
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oaths & Vengeance had so many refreshing elements that caught my attention right away. Aella, our FMC, is a half-elf, half-druid in her thirties who works with plants and wields portal magic—a combination that feels both grounded and unique. Darrow, the half–dark elf MMC, is nearly 50, which was such a welcome twist from the usual romantasy ages. From the early battle-meet-cute to the unusual “marriage of necessity” (chosen for her own reasons, not forced by circumstance), their dynamic was a strong hook.

Aella is capable, self-assured, and unafraid to stand up to Darrow—or his equally formidable sister—using her own power. I loved that her strength didn’t come from trickery or manipulation, but from knowing exactly what she can do.

The worldbuilding is big and ambitious—multiple countries, realms, and magical systems—and without the romance subplot, it edges toward epic fantasy territory. I especially enjoyed the creativity of rune-addressed portal circles, sentient plants, dragons, and mystical creatures like leprechauns and wisps. But while the scale is impressive, the execution sometimes felt too passive. Locations, politics, and even high-stakes moments were often introduced quickly and without much emotional layering, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the setting.

The writing style reads almost like a memoir: minimal dialogue, heavy narration, and a tendency to tell rather than show. While this provides clarity, it also distances the reader from the characters’ emotions. Certain beats—like the true mates reveal and romantic scenes—felt more factual than emotionally charged. I wanted to feel those moments, not just read them.

That said, there were moments that really shone: Aella’s punishment by her family was dark and powerful, the plant battle was wonderfully creative, and Darrow’s secret teleportation ability added an unexpected twist. The ending sets up book two with plenty of intrigue, even if the final exchange of a note felt a little subdued for such a sprawling, high-stakes setup.

A creative, unique romantasy with mature leads, intriguing magic, and plenty of potential for the series to grow.

Favorite quotes:
“Try not to dream of me, will you?” – Darrow
“I vow to all the nameless ones that I will have you—mind, body, and soul, Aella.” – Darrow
“She was mine to keep safe, and I was failing her.” – Darrow

I appreciate the opportunity to read this but unfortunately I will not be finishing it.

I really liked Aella and her sentient garden but I did not care for Darrow as a character. It felt like he kept pushing past her saying no to get what he wanted far too many times.

Wow. I don’t think I was fully prepared for what Oaths & Vengeance would do to me. This book was more than just a fantasy, it was a storm of emotion, and I was caught in the middle of it with no way out.

And honestly? I didn’t want one.

Aella completely stole my heart. She’s this fierce, stubborn force of nature, but also so gentle and humble in ways that hit me unexpectedly. Her Dryad powers aren’t just magic, they’re a reflection of who she is. Her connection to the plants in her garden, the way she speaks to them and draws strength from the earth.... I felt like I was right there with her, breathing it all in. That garden? I fell in love with it. It was like her secret world of healing and hope in the middle of so much darkness.

And the pain, gods, the pain she goes through. Her uncle and cousin put her through things no one should have to endure. It shattered something inside me. I don’t cry easily, but the quiet way she bore it all, the loneliness, the fear, the shame. There were moments I had to stop reading just to feel. And yet, somehow, she still found the strength to fight. That kind of resilience stays with you.

Then there’s Darrow.
Cold.
Beautiful.
Dangerous.
Mysterious.

He stepped onto the page like a stormcloud with eyes, and I couldn’t look away. I should’ve been scared and I was, but he fascinated me. His presence is dark, commanding, and yet beneath that intimidating shell, you could feel something unraveling. And the banter between him and Aella? I swear I was grinning like a fool. Their chemistry is electric, sharp and witty one moment, smoldering the next.

She challenged him. He noticed her. And it wasn’t instant love, it was undeniable pull. The kind of tension that coils in your stomach and makes your heart race. Their connection felt like something written in blood and magic; messy, cursed, but inevitable. And isn’t that the best kind?

I flew through the pages, completely devoured by this world. And when it ended? I just sat there. Staring. Reeling. Desperate.
Because I am not ready to let go of these characters. Not even close.

The way it ended…. let’s just say my soul is pacing, and I’m counting down the days until the next book drops. Susan Illene, please, I need answers. I need more Aella. More Darrow. More of the dark, dangerous beauty you created.

Until then, I’ll just be here.… emotionally unwell and waiting.

YES! This MC is older than they typically are, and she makes such rational decisions. I am so happy about this.

A solid start to the series!

I liked the main characters, especially Aella, who got to shine with her courage, spirit and skills. The scary protective garden was a super awesome detail in a world full of different nations and politics and the grudges between them.

P.S. the book brought back memories of the great Stargate TV series, which I need to find and start watching again.

My rating is 3.5 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early review copy.

Thank you to Susan Illene, Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. Unfortunately, it was not my cup of tea. Spoilers below:

The grammar was a little bit off putting. I understand that this was written in a first person POV, the use of the word "one" didn't sound right. For example, in Chapter 8, it says, "While one could choose not to make a sacrifice, one always had to cleanse one's feet before entering the main temple." This was not the only time the word "one" was used in a repetitive manner, but I found it a bit distracting. There was also a lot of repetition, like the reminder that Darrow cannot love. There were many times where it was told rather than shown.

The pacing was choppy. It switched between focusing on progressing the plot and a sort of slice-of-life trope, where one minute there would be progress, then an intermission, then right back to the plot. If the transition was more fluid, Oaths & Vengeance would have been more palpable.

I enjoyed the fact that Aella was in her 30s and Darrow was in his 40s, as I've never read a book with older main characters, but they didn't seem to really act their age. They seemed to act pretty young in my opinion, but I assume it is because they are part elves, and usually elves live around 200 years. Though, Aella seems to be a Mary Sue, especially in the beginning when she boasts about her power. The only flaw that she has is that she's selfless, but I figured that if someone was in their 30s, they'd have a bit of a backbone. It was tragic that she endured years of abuse from her uncle, but I feel that if she was strong as it was implied, she could have found a way to circumvent the abuse or perhaps find a way to escape. The introduction for Darrow also was not it. He was the typical "brooding bad boy who can't love, but has a dark side". I feel he didn't have much substance.

Their dynamic, however, was slightly better. The slow-burn aspect was there, which was written well. However, Darrow goes on about not being incapable of love, but does things (such as protecting Aella, making sure she's comfortable, saving her, etc.) that would, technically, be considered love. Perhaps Susan's perception on love is different, but if Darrow truly did not love her, I don't think he would go as far as he did.

A few minor details that I disliked were the concept of a nameless god actually interacting with Aella, and how Darrow's father was able to sense that they are true mates. Again, Susan's perception of what a god is may be different from mine, but personally, a god can do whatever they wish simply because they're a god. The nameless god in this book is also bound by laws that he cannot disobey, so why introduce him to begin with? And the topic of Darrow's father sensing that they are true mates without a valid explanation other than "he just can it's one of his powers" was disappointing. True mates are a rare thing, as Aella stated, so I felt that information could have been revealed in a different way.

Also, for the many descriptions and details about the garden Aella took care of, for it to finally be of use to protect her from her uncle killing her was very anti-climatic and also disappointing. Throughout the story, I was thinking that maybe the garden would actually be a bigger thing, or have more use besides that, considering how often it was referenced.

One thing (and unfortunately, the only thing) that I really loved about this book was the deeper explanation of certain magical devices. Such as how portals have different rune addresses and the concept of portable portal rings. I've had read books where magic was the "end all be all" type of thing where there are no limitations. Susan portrayed this concept very well.

I say this with a heavy heart: reading this book felt like a chore. There were many times where I wanted to drop it, but I pushed myself with the expectation that some of my grievances would be debunked. It wasn't.

Thank you NetGalley for this eCopy to review

I just finished Oaths & Vengeance, and I’m still buzzing from the ride, it was absolutely brilliant! If you love romantasy with bite, this one’s a must-read.

The story centres on Aella, a powerful half-elf, half-druid who’s fiercely independent and deeply protective of her often dangerous garden. Her life takes a sharp turn when she’s forced to strike a deal with Darrow, a cursed and ruthless elf who’s also her sworn enemy. The catch? He demands a secret marriage in exchange for helping someone close to her who’s dying. Fae marriages are forever, and Aella knows she’s stepping into something far more complicated than a simple bargain.

What unfolds is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance wrapped in political intrigue, ancient curses, and a realm teetering on the edge of war. The chemistry between Aella and Darrow is electric full of witty banter, tension, and emotional depth. But what really stood out to me was the world-building: sentient plants that bite, a castle garden that doubles as a fortress, and a magical system that feels fresh and dangerous.

It delivers on every front romance, action, mystery, and emotion. The pacing was tight, the stakes were high, and the character relationships were deeply satisfying.

If you’re into fantasy with strong female leads, morally grey love interests, and lush, dangerous settings, Oaths & Vengeance is a gem. I can’t wait for book two.

The story follows Aella, a woman of formidable, rare magic facing an impossible choice: someone she loves is dying, and the only hope lies with her sworn enemy, Darrow. Darrow is no ordinary adversary; he's described as powerful, ruthless, and wickedly good-looking – the quintessential dark fantasy hero. Adding a delicious layer of angst, he's also cursed never to love, a detail that immediately sets up an irresistible emotional conflict.
A forced "marriage of convenience," is beautifully executed here with a dark twist. Darrow demands a secret marriage as part of the bargain, one that, in the Fae world, is forever. This isn't just a temporary alliance; it's a binding commitment that throws Aella into Darrow's orbit under the most desperate circumstances. The clandestine nature of the wedding, officiated by the king himself and hidden from Aella's disapproving family, immediately raises questions about Darrow's true motives and the deeper machinations at play.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves their fantasy with a generous dose of dark romance.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ✨

I’m not one for fae type books usually because they’re generally all the same but when I DO come across one that’s very unique, I’m locked in!

This book is so intricate by design. The writing style is very immersive and I enjoyed its magic system so much!

The slow burn was sooooo satisfying and annoying at the same time 🤣 because Darrow I wanted to jump into the book and rattle him myself!

The sentient garden? Omg I love this so much and it’s so unique. Definitely my favorite element here.

FINALLY an FMC that is in my age range. A girl in her 30’s and one I can really relate to in some ways! I loved being in her POV throughout this whole adventure. Her progress is intriguing and I’m excited for her continued journey.

I really liked the pace this book went. At first I was like hmm, okay where’s the punch line but it progresses beautifully and as it should.

Overall the originality of this book is on a whole other level and I’m very happy to have the opportunity to give feedback.

This one gets my highest rating I can give without it being god-tiered. I LOVED this book, I had such a great time reading it! It is classic romatasy in all of the best ways… Magic, slow-burn romance, hidden powers, secret marriages… but with just enough uniqueness to make it feel fresh and immersive.

First of all… an FMC in her 30’s? Yes, please! She’s smart, capable, and resourceful, but she also has softness and emotion. She struck a great balance between practicality and vulnerability, and I enjoyed being in her head. It felt refreshing to follow someone who actually felt like an adult woman with a lived experience.

The MMC didn’t win me over immediately. He makes a few questionable comments early on (nothing too awful, just eyebrow-raising), but his loyalty is never in question. He consistently shows up for the FMC and by the end, I really liked how his character had grown. He became more open and emotionally available.

The romance itself was a slow burn, and I thought it worked really well. It wasn’t the only focus in the story, but it wove through the main plot in a way that felt very balanced. The tension builds steadily throughout, and when the spicy scenes come, it didn’t feel like the story lost momentum or forgot what it was doing. (Also: the “who did this to you?” trope makes an appearance, and I always love that.) Add in fated mates, enemies to lovers, and a secret marriage? All my favorite things!

I have to give a huge shout-out to the sentient garden, it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. The lore around the plants… their powers, personalities, even how they interact with the characters, was such a cool addition to the world. I read that the author’s son helped come up with the garden’s details, and that made me love it even more. I thought it was so whimsical and it added so much depth to the story.

The supporting cast didn’t get a ton of page time, and while I wouldn’t call it a “found family” story, the secondary characters felt like natural parts of the world. They weren’t fully fleshed out, but they also weren’t treated like NPCs or background noise, ane they played their roles well. I didn’t mind the limited development.

The pacing overall was really solid… not a breakneck binge read, but a story I wanted to take my time with. It unfolds at a steady pace that lets you explore the world without getting bogged down in info-dumps. That slower burn really worked for me.

There are plenty of threads left hanging, and I’ll definitely be continuing with the series. Between the romance, the garden lore, the magical politics, and the character growth, I’m fully sat and invested in what happens next.

HUUUUUGE Thank You to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read this one, I absolutely loved it!

Wow I really enjoyed this! Its drew me in pretty quickly. I loved the characters and the true enemies to lovers was great. The different magic were fun and unique. The FMC was strong but also innocent with alot of trauma. The MMC great passion, strength and determination. The story was pretty fast past and I stayed totally immersed. The world building was great and different which I loved. I will need a physical copy of this and I can not wait for the next book.
Thank you Susuan for this Arc opportunity it was wonderful.

Aella’s forced alliance with a cursed enemy delivers all the tension, magic, and slow-burn romance you could want. With rich world-building and high stakes, Susan Illene crafts a gripping enemies-to-lovers story that’s hard to put down. Can’t wait for this to come out. Unique characters.

First off I'd like to thank Netgalley and the wonderful author Susan Illene for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc!

Second, I'm surpised I got any sleep the last two nights cause I COULD NOT put this down. Every spare moment I had at work I was reading, the commute home I was reading, I'm pretty sure I walked into a doorframe yesterday cause I had my nose stuck in my phone reading this!

I was hooked on this story and its characters from the first few chapters. The fact that I have to wait for the second book is gonna kill me if i'm being honest!

There was so many parts of this book I loved! The MCs both being over 30 years old made me so happy, I do not want a teenager saving the world anymore sorry! I also loved that while they had an age gap it was an appropriate one AND they were both fae creatures so they live to be hundereds of years old anyway! The world building was immersive but still easy to follow, as the book progressed we go more and more about this magical planet. It takes the magical beings and creatures we know and get them all under one roof? sun? to cause some chaos.

While the stakes in this first installment were only beginning, I know with that cliff hanger at the ending we are in for a wild ride next book! Maybe we will even get a chance to see our planet have its cameo who knows!

All I know is that I will be waiting in anticipation for the rest of this series and to get to dive back into the world and reluctant love of Aella and Darrow! (he totally gives me Xaden but more mature vibes? is that just me? hehe)

Note: My review will also be posted on my Instagram @stargazer.reads between August 4th and 8th!

While the flow of the book seemed to be a little bit choppy (maybe due to the first person POV? Not sure), the story itself was fantastic.