by: Jaclyn Rodriguez
Series: Immortal Desires
Genre: New Adult Romantic Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 13, 2026
Publisher: Slowburn
Deadly tarot, wicked schemes, dangerous alliances . . . can you survive the Forge?
Sexy, action-packed, and brimming with magic, A Vow in Vengeance is an unputdownable romantasy debut.
Rune Ryker has nothing left to lose. Everything’s been stolen by the Immortals—her family, her home, her freedom. But she’s done playing by their rules.
Each year, humans are forced to journey into the Immortal Realms, but twenty-year-old Rune orchestrates her own selection, determined to find her family and destroy anyone who stands in her way. Rune is used to doing whatever it takes to survive, and now she must endure the Forge, a cutthroat college for the Immortal druids’ elusive tarot magic. When Rune’s magic reveals itself to be the rarest and most powerful, she must live with its only other wielder—Prince Draven. As arrogant as he is ruthlessly ambitious, he’s the last person she can trust.
Rune’s abilities also draw the eyes of the most dangerous druids in the realms. Some want to use her. More want her dead. Draven offers to train her...for a price. As Rune becomes ensnared in Draven’s dangerous games, she learns there are secrets at the heart of the kingdom that some will kill to protect.
And Rune and Draven’s growing attraction may be the spark to ignite a brewing war.
I was immediately intrigued by Rune Ryker. As a child, immortals took her entire family. Years later, she voluntarily enters the "immortal Selection" process to cross the wall separating the mortal and immortal realms, hoping to rescue her family. The moment Prince Draven appeared on the page and noticed Rune, I was grinning from ear to ear. He’s arrogant and assessing, appearing aloof but actually is very insightful. These two immediately clashed, resulting in great back-and-forth banter that tested both of their wills.
When Rune selects the "World" tarot card, it puts her directly into Draven’s orbit, as they are now the only two people to possess the rare 'World' card in half a millennium. The card grants them immense magical powers and political influence, essentially putting an even larger target on her back as a newly changed human (a changeling). Sharing the same power means they are forced to live in the same resident house, just the two of them, while attending the Forge, the school and training center for all young Druid immortals. This forced proximity amps up their banter and allows them to connect, turning these enemies into reluctant friends as a slow-burning attraction grows between them.
When another immortal court attempts to dispose of Rune, Draven steps in to save her by declaring her his fated mate and faking an engagement. The two vow to help each other achieve their goals. Rune seeks to find and reunite with her family. Draven seeks to take the throne from his father and the other immortal courts to finally bring safety and peace to everyone.
There was so much to love about A Vow in Vengeance. Jaclyn lists all the arcana cards and their powers, which definitely helped a novice like me to understand them better. I loved the characters of Rune and Draven immensely. Jaclyn added surprises and twists I never would have imagined. The book features intense fight scenes, tender moments, and a slow-burn romance that I enjoyed watching unfold. The story culminates in an intense, edge-of-your-seat final chapter, which will leave you shocked and wanting more. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“The only way back is forward.”
“This will not break me.”
“Magic is never bad. Only people are.”
“Hatred is a poison.”
“Hope is more dangerous than fear.”
“Trust isn’t given, it’s earned. Built.”
“You deserve everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“Our pasts don’t define our future.”
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a deluxe hardcover copy.**
Rating: 5
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