A review by bribreez
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

*POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD! DON’T READ IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST BOOK!

4.75⭐️

In a world filled with magic, Gods, war, and lovers being torn apart by the chaos that had ensued, Roman and Iris were once again caught in the middle of a dangerous situation that could mean the end for everyone. The last time Iris saw Roman, it was in the midst of a battle that unfortunately resulted in Roman being taken by Dacre. Now, Iris being back home in Oath was still trying to figure out where Roman was, and still trying to find a way towards preventing more people from getting hurt in the war between the Gods, Dacre and Enva. This story picked up following the events of the first book so, I was quickly immersed in the storyline, and wanting to see how Roman and Iris would find their way back to each other. 

Once again I was thrust back into the world of magic, Gods, and Iris and Roman’s story. Reading this book quickly reminded me why I enjoyed the first book, but also how much I was eager to find out what happened since I last saw Iris and Roman. With the way the first book ended, I was quite surprised to see how Roman was fairing especially since he temporarily had no recollection of who he was or any memories of his life. Iris meanwhile was still trying to figure out where Roman was. This book really showed that the war was only getting closer to Iris’s home, and even with her and Attie’s articles, it seemed like there were Dacre sympathizers among the high society, etc. Not only was I shocked to find out what happened to Roman, but I was sad to see how he LITERALLY HAD NO IDEA WHO IRIS WAS! Nooooooo! Once again, I found Iris and Roman to be the epitome of star crossed lovers being separated, having to deal with wars, and not knowing how the other was…except with the help of those magic typewriters it seemed there was still some hope for them. 

In the midst of all that was happening, the power of the typewriters remained a significant part of the story. The letters that Roman and Iris continued to write to each other showed the power that even with Roman’s memory being temporarily lost, there was still a connection between them. Also, the fact that I momentarily forgot Iris and Roman were married made me realize, my girl Iris not only was separated from the love of her life, but her newly wedded husband!!! Talk about a heartbreaking part of Iris’s story (sigh) got me feeling sad on her part too. 

With each page, each chapter, and each part of the story, I was more invested and at the edge of my seat!!!! Say what you will, but this book was really magical, dangerous, fantastical, and had a deep love. Each part of the story illustrated different aspects of the story from, Iris going back to report in the field (a.k.a. near the front lines), Roman being in Dacre’s forces, and more parts of Dacre’s evil plans coming out. Even the way Dacre and Enva’s past was all coming together really highlighted the important details that would inevitably help Iris and Roman take down Dacre. When in doubt, it’s always up to the young adults to save the world when no one else can. 

Wow…I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but like…it really caught me off guard how much I genuinely became emotional, and cried like a baby especially towards the end! Rebecca Ross’s writing was once again beautifully written, and highlighted the beauty in Iris and Roman’s romance. Truly, nothing could get in the way of Roman and Iris being together, even when battling an evil God, facing imminent danger, and more! Iris and Roman’s romance wasn’t just beautiful, but also heart wrenching especially when they were temporarily separated. I loved seeing more of Attie, and the introduction of Tobias! While the romance still played a role in the story, I felt like the story managed to bring more light to the danger all the characters were faced with when it came to Dacre and his forces. I was truly captivated, immersed, and on edge multiple times hoping Iris, and Roman would manage to stay alive! Phew! This was such a great way to end off Iris and Roman’s story, all that heartbreak, loss, and again danger, Roman and Iris finally managed to have their happy ending! I will say that the climax of the story seemed a bit anti climactic when it came to taking down Dacre, but oh well Iris literally slayed Dacre so that’s all that matters. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for an immersive fantasy book with romance, beautiful writing, lovable characters, magic, danger, friendship, and more!