A beautifully written conclusion to Iris and Roman's story, I LOVED Ruthless Vows so much.

Iris and Roman have been torn apart by Enva and Dacre's war, and Roman has no memory of the events that led him to be Dacre's corespondent. When mysterious notes start appearing beneath his wardrobe, memories quickly follow. But as Dacre's army marches onwards, memories and letters may not be enough to bring him back to Iris.

Ruthless Vows is filled with small moments and achingly sweet romance despite its dark overarching themes. I love Ross's attention to the smallest of details, from tea to birdsong, which bring this story vividly to life. Ruthless Vows introduced brilliant new side-characters, even higher stakes and lots of wonderful, swoon-worthy letters.

I’m really glad this is my last read for 2023. Ending the year with a bang with this being easily an immediate 5 star read for me. Ending the year on a high note with a duology that’s gonna be hard to get over.
IMMEDIATELY want to re-read on site!
No one prepared me for how this was gonna end. Not to be dramatic, but I was torn to shreds and put back together poorly like my primary school arts & crafts projects. 😂😭❤️‍🩹

I don’t even know where or how to begin to write this review except to say, it was beautiful, magical, heartbreaking in all the best way possible. You’re gonna be hurt but you’re gonna love it. This is one of those series that’s gonna live rent free in your brain for a long time to come.
One aspect of the sequel which I really absolutely loved was the expanded lore and worldbuilding which was a little lacking from book 1. The dual POV chapters had me clutching my fragile heart. 😭
I ate up all the sweet, heartwarming, and tender moments with iris and roman.
THIS WAS A MASTERPIECE!

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Grab the tissues!
Prepare to have your heart torn out and then put back together and then torn out and back together.
Ross writing is something to be studied. She takes you on such a journey, painting vivid pictures and taking you through so many emotions.

Roman and Iris 😭😭😭😭 my loves.

I was blown away by Divine Rivals, so was very excited when I was accepted to receive an ARC of Ruthless Vows.

This is the second book in a duology. Iris and Roman are now on separate sides, Roman is working as a journalist/writer for Dacre. However he has lost many of his memories.

To write a more detailed review would possibly reveal spoilers. However those who loved Divine Rivals will really enjoy this.

This story like the previous one is beautifully written, almost poetry like in some of the prose. This story also goes deeper into the war between the gods and is pretty bloody and brutal.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for advancing me a copy of this book

4,5 stars for a very worthy sequel.

The overall tone of this sequel is tense with a sense of urgency and desperation mixed with a swoon worthy romance. And it’s just perfect for the story as war is upon Iris and Roman, our rivals turned lovers.

The story opens just where Divine Rivals ended.
Iris is back in Oath thanks to her brother, not knowing if Roman survived the bombing. She is shrouded in sadness and is experiencing PTSD like every soldier back from war.
Roman is waking up, healed by Dacre but his memory has been whipped. Who was he? What was his name? How did he come to be with Dacre and his soldiers?

This was a stressful opening for me as I wondered how long Roman would suffer from amnesia!

But what I really loved was to get back the old letters exchange! Even without remembering Iris, thanks to the Alouette typewriters, Iris and Roman will soon correspond again.
It was like fated mates. They were just destined to fall in love reading each other words. Talk about swoon worthy!

I don’t want to spoil anything for you so I’ll just tell you what you’ll find in this book:

-action and suspense.
Iris and Roman have to find a way to defeat Dacre and they’ll go to very perilous moves in the process;

-new beloved side characters.
Tobbias is a pilot taking part in car races and doubles up as a driver for Iris and Attie when they go report about the war again. He’ll soon become a friend and the reason they escape great perils;

-betrayals.
Not just from Roman trying to beat Dacre at his game but from other characters too.

-sacrifices.
This is war and people die. I will just say that Rebecca Ross made me cry and I’ll leave it at that.

-courage.
As Attie said, it’s when things become desperate and you are offered a choice that who you are at your core is revealed.

-ROMANCE (in capital letters).
I know we are not supposed to quote from advanced reading copies (#sorrynotsorry) so maybe the following quote has been altered in the final copy but when Roman says:
“I know we are no longer rivals, but if we are keeping tally like the old days, you have far outshined* me with your wit and your courage. Which reminds me of one simple thing: how I love to lose to you. How I love to read your words and hear the thoughts that sharpen your mind. And how I would love to be on my knees before you now, surrendering to you and you alone.”
Well I am swooning and melting. Iris and Roman’s love story is one that readers will remember for a long time!

To sum it up, I think this is a perfect sequel and a brilliant duology mixing war and romance, fantasy and mythology, threat and hope served by an excellent cast of main and side characters.

Thank you so much Harper Collins for allowing me to read that advanced reading copy!

What happens when you’re on the wrong side of the war?

Kit is a captive of Dacre who has big plans to get back Enva; sinister plans, ones that’d destroy towns and countless lives.

As far as sequels went, this one connected well with the first book. It kept going back to some of the things that happened in Divine Rivals and bridged whatever gaps were left from book 1.

Dacre and Enva were more present in this book. Their history came off as a loose retelling of Hades and Persephone. They needed couples therapy but unfortunately gods didn’t have that option so they took the painful way, which was war. They never actually came face-to-face in the book but were circling around each other from chapter 1.

We also have few new characters and sub storyline that didn’t take too much space but were prominent to the story as well.

Journalism was something that was a well used weapon in this book. It depended on who was using it and it was interesting to see how it shaped the war.

Both Iris and Roman were important “pawns” in the war. They were on opposite sides but shared a common purpose. And their love thrived in war without letting Dacre, and his cronies, come between them.

I was ecstatic to see more letters exchanged in this book. Letters were, and are, the core of this duet. It brought two workplace-rivals together and I was worried it wouldn’t happen because of how things ended in Divine Rivals.

Ruthless Vows (16+) by Rebecca Ross is a great follow up for book 1 , with a heartbreaking yet satisfying ending. It’s a war novel so there’s bound to be few loses and the tone heavy. If you haven’t read this duet or have been waiting for the sequel, please do pick it up.

Thanks to the publisher for the DRC!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

After the cliffhanger ending to Divine Rivals, I couldn't wait to get started on this book and it didn't disappoint. This book was just as cosy and loveable as the first, even with the stakes raised.

Iris and Roman are both such beautiful characters, I love them so much and it was no different in the sequel. This book ended the series wonderfully so if you loved the first book you'll love this one too.

RUTHLESS VOWS by @beccajross ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
New/Young Adult Romantasy.

Read if you like:
Beautiful, poetic, lyrical writing which will hook you in from page one.
Stunningly crafted characters who you'll fall for.
Gorgeously atmospheric worlds with a touch of magic.

This duo is simply *mwar!* (that was a chefs kiss btw.) 🤌👌

*spoilers from book 1 ahead*
RV picks up right from THAT CLIFFHANGER. Iris is back in Oath, struggling to reconnect with Forrest and his revelations. Meanwhile, Roman is missing.
Until his articles start to appear in the Gazette... and he's writing for the enemy.

Iris and Roman have my heart forever, and while this book delves deeper into the origins of the war, it's still a tender and heartbreaking romance.

My only regret? Not being able to read these books for the first time all over again ❤️

So obviously like the rest of the world I was having serious heart palpitations after the end of Divine Rivals. Little did I realise that the entire follow up book would feel like my heart had been pulled from my chest and was being beaten with a hammer. The whole freaking book.

It’s like every single chapter had something new for me to stress over. And while I was sweating, it was still the most beautiful story - Iris and Roman truly have the most heartfelt and gorgeous relationship that I’ve ever read. I loved how the letter writing situation (once again totally head over heels for letter writing) was turned on it’s head compared with divine rivals - but again, this was stressful!

All of the side characters have my whole heart! I don’t wanna spoil anything, but just ❤️❤️❤️

Definitely one of the best sequels and best fantasy series out there! I think I could read this again and again and never get bored - such an enchanting story and one y’all should eat up!

Also SPOILERS ish. If you think about the context enough it will be a SPOILER so we’re just gonna say SPOILER! The ending for one character - I was so frustrated but it also made sense. In the same way in the hunger games for one character. Like how Iris (Katniss) sees this one character at the start and how they ultimately ends up, it kind of adds that extra kick to the gut that makes you wonder what it was all for but it’s beautiful in its own way? Idk I liked it but was very sad!

I absolutely loved Divine Rivals, I was so excited when I heard a new one was coming out. Ruthless Vows was an excellent follow up to the beautiful story of Iris and Kitt.
I found this second book had more action with the war efforts. I was delighted to find that it also had the delicate romance that I loved in the first book.
If you're unsure about whether you like fantasy, this is such a good series to start with. I love the way this author writes, it's feels like a cosy action, romantic fantasy.

I am continuously blown away by the beauty of Rebecca Ross’s writing. It’s so immersive and poetic it had me enthralled in its grip from the first line and wouldn’t put me down until I’d finished the book.

I loved Divine Rivals but the evolution of the plot in Ruthless Vows made this one even better. I really enjoyed how this sequel lent more into the fantasy elements too.
Exploring more of the world and finding out more about the Myths and Gods kept me captivated. It also added a thriller aspect to the storyline which made everything feel volatile.
I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of this book and when I wasn’t, I was crying over the perfection that is Roman. C. Kitt.
Roman and Iris and one of my favourite fictional couples to ever exist and seeing their devotion to finding one another in this book was so heartwarming.
I truly felt every success and heartbreak these characters felt, which is a testament to Rebecca’s skill as a writer.
Such a bittersweet but perfect ending to a truly brilliant Duology.

Thankyou to the publishers and Netgalley for this ARC.

OMG, I can't believe they actually approved me to get this book—I'm over the moon about it! 🌙 I'm just a small account, applied on a whim, and BOOM, I got it. 😱 I've been eagerly waiting for this book ever since I buddy read Divine Rivals, and the suspense was killing me! Going back to the story sooner rather than later was a must because that cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat.

Now, some of my friends thought the plot was a bit cliché, and I get it, there were some familiar elements. But you know what? It's still so darn beautiful. I'm a sucker for characters who are a bit broken and find their missing piece in each other, even if they didn't know they needed it.

Shoutout to Harper Collings—I'm super grateful! 🙏 Thank you for sharing this beautiful tale with me. 📖✨

Iris is back home, still dealing with the aftermath of war, and things are intense. Roman is missing, the city is in chaos, and Iris and Attie get a chance to report on Dacre’s movements. They risk it all, heading west despite the danger, because they know the conflict is about to hit an unprepared city.

Meanwhile, Roman's memory is MIA, and he's writing articles for Dacre. Then, a mysterious letter arrives, and Roman has to decide where he stands in this war. As the days get darker, Roman and Iris get closer, risking their hearts to change the course of the war. 🌌💔✉️

I found the amnesia a bit cliché, but I didn't care.

A great second book. It was a good story and a good end. I still love the characters, the type of writing and the whole vibe of the book.

After reading Divine Rivals in October, Ruthless Vows became my most anticipated read of 2023. I was lucky to receive an ARC through Netgalley UK.

Let me tell you, this book is already worth all the hype it’s about to get. Author Rebecca Ross was able to capture me once again and I devoured every word.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 beautiful stars!

This story picks up right where the cliff hanger left off. At the end of book one, Iris and Roman are separated by the war between gods Darce and Enva. While I don’t always love when the two main characters are apart for any length of time, you know what it means for this book?....more beautifully written letters. The letters in both books are my favorite part of the story, so I was thrilled to see them in again Ruthless Vows.

This book goes into the story of Darce and Enva in more detail and keeps you turning the pages from beginning to end. It felt so good to be reunited with my favorite rivals to lovers couple. This duet will remain a favorite of mind for a long time to come

Wow! What a sequel.

I used to be a strict no-fantasy girl, until I read Divine Rivals. The book totally changed my perspective on YA fantasy novels and broadened my previously very shallow horizons.

I can assure you that the sequel to this 'Ruthless Vows' cemented my love for Rebecca Ross even more. Ross reintroduced me to the divine world she had so effortlessly created in Divine Rivals and it felt like I was home.

Ruthless Vows follows on from Divine Rivals beautifully and in a way that feels like there is no time between the two narratives. Winnow's character is built upon and the resilience and determination she conveys is nothing short of exquisite. I particularly loved how dedicated she was to ensuring Roman recognised who she truly was.

Roman's character was tested in this novel and the way in which the two characters relationship developed, even through the immense test, was honestly perfect. My heart ached for them as they navigated their way through a challenge that seemed too great an obstacle for them both.

I do not want to spoil this novel too much, but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. It has totally enthralled me.

Ruthless Vows was probably my most anticipated sequel this year, and it did not disappoint. The tale Ross has woven is tender, heartbreaking, and just gut wrenching. I didn't think it was possible, but the story somehow annihilated me emotionally, me even more than DR - I was literally SOBBING. It was charming, agonizing, and unquestionably marvellous.

"Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me and fill my empty spaces."

Picking up a few weeks following the events in Divine Rivals, Iris is left to find a new normal, with no knowledge of Romans outcome. The war continues, the stakes are overwhelmingly high, Dacre shows no signs of slowing down and Enva is yet to be witnessed. Despite the life-and-death setting, and due to the uncertainties that they'll live to see another day, the raw and tender moments are that much more powerful.

I was ecstatic finding Ross built so much more into the lore, world and wider cast, and. The development in plot and the story successfully maintain the charm and magic found in Divine Rivals.

Even then, may I find your soul still sworn to mine.

Forever screaming, crying, throwing up over this duology. I feel so blessed to have received an e-arc (Thank you Harper Voyager) of this, and cannot wait for everyone to experience this heart-wrenching conclusion.

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

Masterpiece!I have no words for this series. It has me in chokehold! this is hands down one of the best books I have ever read! bravo!

Ruthless Vows is a perfect sequel and finale, I absolutely loved it. Divine Rivals is one of my top reads this year so I was very excited to get an ARC of Ruthless Vows!

The story picks up a couple of weeks after Divine Rivals end and we're following Iris and Roman as they deal with their current situations. The amnesia trope is one that I find quite hard to enjoy but the way Rebecca Ross handled it was perfect, there was just the right amount of memories to make it feel like their love wasn't gone. It was heartbreaking but so beautifully done.

Iris is such a good main character but the side characters also shone, I really liked Attie and Tobias in particular. Roman goes through a lot in this book but it makes the war feel more realistic, none of the characters get off lightly.

This is wonderful duology and I highly recommend reading it, I'm looking forward to reading whatever Rebecca Ross writes next!

Firstly thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Fiction for allowing me to read Ruthless Vows!!
Rebecca Ross has done it again, this sequel was as good as Divine Rivals and I'm so glad it delivered. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me love these characters even deeper.
I went into Ruthless Vows not knowing anything, apart from it continued a few weeks after Divine Rivals and the plot shook me to my core!!!

If you enjoyed Divine Rivals then you will love this.

This picks up more or less directly from where Divine Rivals ends, Roman has been taken by Dacre and Iris is back with her brother. I don’t really want to go into too much detail with the plot as I really think you should go into this blind.

It’s beautifully written, emotional, heartbreaking but also life affirming and full of hope. The first half of the book is a bit slower paced but once it picks up it just flies by, the perfect ending to a beautiful duology.