House of Secrets and Vows

Crown of Deceit #1

by Genna Ashwood

A page-turning, enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy with a broody vampire prince and a priestess FMC set on vengeance, perfect for fans of Sarah J Mass, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy.

When the lines between enemies and allies blur, trust is a deadly game.

Zariah’s sure that someday her double life will wind up getting her executed. But using the information she learns as a priestess in the Temple of Secrets has paved her way to the top of the resistance that fights against the cruelty of the crown, and she won’t stop until the kingdom is a just place for everyone in it.

Prince Nevan, heir to the Valazican throne, has a dark confession to make. He's the newest member of the House of Blood–the most vicious of the Valazican houses. For him to take the crown would only make an already inequitable kingdom worse for Zariah and her people. When her friend is killed, and all blame points to the prince, she fears the rebellion won’t succeed soon enough.

As if by fate, five months later, Zariah is chosen to serve in the palace as the official Priestess of the Summer Solstice, and her opportunity for answers—and vengeance—arrives. But the prince isn't what she expects. And he's far from the only one with secrets.

Now Zariah must decide who to trust. The wrong choice might cost her life…but the right one might cost her heart.

TOG meets House of the Dragon in Crown of Deceit, a series full of slow-burn romance, politics, betrayal, secrets, and so much more! Get your copy today.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance, Vampires

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

About the author

Genna Ashwood writes page-turning fantasy romances with fierce FMCs, swoon-worthy MMCs, found families, unique magic, and betrayals that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.

When she’s not busy dreaming up fantasy worlds or putting words to the page, she’s probably playing tennis, traveling with her husband and son in their campervan, or cuddling with her fur babies in bed with a good book.

Connect with Genna on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or her website www.gennaashwood.com to stay up to date on future releases and promotions!

Reviews

[Bre · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 63%. First let me say I’m SO thankful for the arc and opportunity to promote her book. I wish the author ALL the best!!

With that being said, I was underwhelmed. I can’t really articulate why I didn’t love it. For lack of better wording, I was bored. The story/plot itself is good, but the writing lacked the emotion needed to really pull me in to the story. Nevan’s chapters were the most interesting, especially with his *ahem mild spoiler* struggle to maintain control, but they were so few.

Again, all the best to the author. I’ve seen mostly positive reviews. I hope that this trend continues and others continue to enjoy it.

Thank you BOMM and Genna Ashwood for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany Kilinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought about not finishing this book since I wasn’t really connecting with it at first. But the plot was interesting and I was still thinking about it after a few days so I decided to go ahead and finish it. The writing is easy to read and fast paced. The plot is good, I liked the concept of the Houses and I do wish we got more information on all of them but I am going to assume future books will be focused on different Houses as this one mainly focused on the House of Blood. There is a bit of mystery and suspicion in the air that I loved because I wasn’t sure where this was going. If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for vampire books (sorry for the bad joke, I had to!). I liked that Nevan was still grappling with his monstrous urges and that we seen the good and the bad parts of being a vampire. Zariah is a rebel priestess on a mission to avenge her dead friend and we see most of this world through her eyes. I love the enemies to reluctant allies trope and this book even had a dagger to throat scene on top of it which immediately made me more intrigued. My main problem with this was the lack of emotion. The dialogue had a very lackluster and bland tone that almost resembled the world building in a way that made everything one note. The characters have all of the tools laid out for a great romance and then they start talking and thinking and there’s no feeling behind it. There are scenes with what you would assume would be high tension, however we don’t know what the characters are thinking which throws off the reader’s connection to it. I also think there wasn’t enough time spent with the romantic scenes for me to fully care about this couple. If these were fully fleshed out characters that we already knew and loved, I think an author could get away with short interactions that have little explanation and it still pay off. However, for the first book in a series, the main characters’ emotions should be priority. It might just be me, considering the rest of the reviews for this book are great. You might connect with the characters more than me. Reading is subjective. Overall, this is a quick read with an interesting concept that kept me intrigued enough to finish reading.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself grappling with how to write this review, even from early on in the book. It’s not that the story is bad, far from it. In fact, it has all the elements you'd expect and enjoy in a fantasy romance.

In many ways, it feels like a lovechild of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash. You get an engaging romance, the thrill of political drama, and, of course, the intrigue of fae and vampires.

Objectively, it’s fun and well-rounded, with a solid plot and good writing. However, for me personally, it felt like something I’d read before, and that took away a bit of the magic. My only real issue is that the story was too familiar, it felt like I’d already experienced it several times over.

That being said, I absolutely believe there is an audience for this book, even if I might not be part of that group. For those who enjoy the comfort and familiarity of these kinds of stories, this will be a perfect fit. It’s a cozy and enjoyable world to dive into if you love knowing what to expect.

I wish the author all the best, and I have no doubt many readers will fall in love with this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥

[Amber's Book Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start! Zariah is a fierce priestess by day and a resistance leader by night, risking everything to change her kingdom. Prince Nevan, a brooding vampire prince, adds just the right amount of danger and swoon-worthy vibes. The chemistry between them? 🔥 And the plot is packed with twists—just when you think you’ve got it figured out, you’re hit with another surprise!

The writing style is super easy to follow and makes the whole story so enjoyable. Each chapter flows smoothly, keeping you turning pages to find out what happens next. If you love Romantasy, enemies to lovers, vampires, and high-stakes drama, then I would recommend this one for you. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you Book of Matches Media and Genna Ashwood for this ARC. All opinions are my own and unbiased. 🖤

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star rating rounded up ⬆️

•𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬
•𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐭, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏
•𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: @gennaashwood
•𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
•𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜:
•Vampires & Fae
•Enemies to Lovers
•Found Family
•Betrayal
•One Bed
•Court Politics

𝙱𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚋:

ᴢᴀʀɪᴀʜ’ꜱ ᴅᴏᴜʙʟᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴘʀɪᴇꜱᴛᴇꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇꜱɪꜱᴛᴀɴᴄᴇ ʟᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ɢᴇᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴋɪʟʟᴇᴅ, ʙᴜᴛ ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ᴅᴇᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴɢᴅᴏᴍ ɪꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ. ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴀɴ, ʜᴇɪʀ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴀʟɪᴢɪᴄᴀɴ ᴛʜʀᴏɴᴇ, ʜᴀꜱ ᴊᴏɪɴᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴜᴛʜʟᴇꜱꜱ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ʜɪᴍ ᴀ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜꜱ ᴛʜʀᴇᴀᴛ. ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴢᴀʀɪᴀʜ’ꜱ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ɪꜱ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀᴇᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ ɪꜱ ʙʟᴀᴍᴇᴅ, ꜱʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴀʀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʙᴇʟʟɪᴏɴ ᴡᴏɴ’ᴛ ꜱᴜᴄᴄᴇᴇᴅ.

ᴄʜᴏꜱᴇɴ ᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʟᴀᴄᴇ ᴘʀɪᴇꜱᴛᴇꜱꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ ꜱᴏʟꜱᴛɪᴄᴇ, ᴢᴀʀɪᴀʜ ꜱᴇᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴꜱᴡᴇʀꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴠᴇɴɢᴇᴀɴᴄᴇ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴀɴ ɪꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴄʜᴏᴏꜱᴇ ᴄᴀʀᴇꜰᴜʟʟʏ—ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʀᴏɴɢ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄᴏꜱᴛ ʜᴇʀ ʟɪꜰᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴏɴᴇ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ.

💬 Zariah, is a fearless priestess by day and secret resistance leader by night, risks everything for her kingdom, while Prince Nevan, a brooding vampire, brings a mix of danger and charm. Their chemistry is electric, and the plot twists kept me on edge. The writing flows well, making it easy to get lost in. If you’re into Romantasy with enemies-to-lovers and high-stakes drama, this one’s a good choice!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Secrets and Vows is a fast paced fantasy novel. It is book one in the Crown of Deceit series.

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒓, 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒍𝒍.

🥀 Paranormal
🥀 Hidden Identity
🥀 Curse
🥀 Rebellion
🥀 Dual POV
🥀 Enemies to Lovers

Nevan, soon to be the heir to the throne, has recently been cursed by the House of Blood. He has been struggling with blood lust and overall is charming and broody. I love how he describes people's scent.

Zariah is leading a double life as a priestess and a member of the resistance. She is willing to risk her life to save her kingdom. She also belongs to the Temple of Secrets.

Genna does an amazing job at keeping you engaged. I loved the chemistry between the two MC's!!! Can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you BOMM and Genna Ashwood for the earc in exchange for an honest review

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

TOG meets House of the Dragon in Crown of Deceit, a series full of slow-burn romance, politics, betrayal, secrets, and so much more. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas , Stacia Stark, or Carissa Broadbent!
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When the lines between ally and enemy blur, trust is the deadliest game of all.
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House of Secrets and Vows is the first book in the Crown of Deceit series by Genna Ashwood. This is an adult fantasy romance. I liked how fast paced and intriguing the plot was. The world building was easy to follow and I was able to dive right into the story. I enjoyed learning about the setup with the different houses, but I was hoping to get a little bit more insight into the other houses. I think that will be coming in the next books in the series, and I am interested to learn more about them.

Here we were mostly focused on The House of Blood given that one of our main characters, Neven is affiliated with the House of Blood. In House of Secrets and Vows we also need our heroine, Zariah. Zariah is both a priestess as well as a rebel leader, and Prince Neven is struggling with his own secrets. I enjoyed Zariah and Neven (Neven a little more than Zariah) but I wouldn't say that I fell in love with either of the. I felt kind of lukewarm towards them and the romance overall.

My favorite element of the story was the mysterious vibe going on. There are a bunch of twists and turns and many of them I didn't see coming, which was so awesome. Overall, the plot on this one carried the book for me. I am so intrigued by this world, and I can't wait to see where the series is going to go from here.

Overall this was a decent read as the series has a lot of promise.

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Check this book out if you love:
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-court politics
-betrayal
-one bed

[Jessica Noela · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the lines between ally and enemy blur, trust is the deadliest game of all.

Absolutely amazing!!!

I was completely sucked in from the start and could not put it down! (Did I spend a day reading it yes, yes I did)

If you love
- enemies to lovers
- romantasy
- vampires
- fae
- found family

Then you really really need this book!

And when you get amazing characters like Zariah and Nevan it makes the book feel so special ♥️

[Βίκυ Χ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than a Book - A Bewitching Brew for the Most Thrilling Reading Adventure

" House of Secrets and Vows” by Genna Ashwood is the first installment in the “Crown of Deceit” series. This Dark Fantasy Horror book promises a an intoxicating reading experience.

“I can’t calm my heart as it flutters like a drunk butterfly.” This is one of my favorite quotes from the book, as I couldn’t calm my heartbeat either while devouring its pages from cover to cover. The author’s writing style is exquisite, and the storyline is delightfully unpredictable and utterly engaging. The world-building, sizzling tension and romance, and character arcs unfold gracefully, enchanting the reader.

Although Zariah, the main female character, has carved a special place in my heart, one more reason I absolutely relished reading this book is that I love all the characters, even the villains, each for different reasons I won’t elaborate on to avoid spoilers.

"Echoes of betrayal and desire,...need, deep and all-consuming," reckless bargains, insatiable craving for revenge and supremacy, and nefarious political maneuvering are only some of the ingredients Genna Ashwood has used to create an enthralling tale that has left me desperately yearning to read the second installment of this mesmerizing series.

“House of Secrets and Vows” has everything a fantasy enthusiast’s heart and mind desires! Take a deep breath and set off on an unforgettable journey to a treacherous realm where nothing and nobody is what they seem.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Booksprout and the author for granting me access to the eARC—I was thoroughly enchanted by the story and I'm eagerly awaiting for the second book of the saga.

[thespookybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love going into books blind and with zero expectations. I really enjoyed my read of House of Secrets and Vows. I found myself wholly immersed in this world. I found the 6 different houses and their god/goddess to be interesting. There's the House of Secrets & Vows with the Goddess Mina, Blood & Betrayal with the God Malikar, Serpents & Lies with the God Scythe, Whispers & Wind with the Goddess Aviana, Shadow & Death with the God Esra, and lastly Deceit & Desire with the Goddess Cerelia. There's vampires and fae, and just so much to love wrapped up in this beautiful book! It contains two of my top favorite tropes, enemies to lovers and found family. As well as court politics, which I also really enjoy. The characters were interesting and I liked getting to know them. There's our fmc, Zariah who lives a double life as a Priestess in the Temple of Secrets as well as as a resistance member. And then there's our mmc, Prince Nevan 🥵. I liked that the story was told from each of their points of view. There were also a handful of side characters that I enjoyed. There's a little mystery woven in, as well as betrayals. Oh my gosh, the betrayals. I did not see them coming. I'm so excited to continue on with this series when the next book releases. I loved this first book, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I'd love to learn more about/get more of a look into some of the other houses!

I recommend checking this one out if you're a fan of fantasy romance and/or if this sounds like something you'd enjoy!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to begin this review with a premise. I signed up for the ARC because I was intrigued by the blurb, but until I received it, I didn’t know it would be about vampires. Since vampires aren’t really my thing—though I might have changed my mind now—I thought I wouldn’t end up enjoying this novel. Glad to say I was wrong.

Indeed, this was an enjoyable read, and overall, the novel stands as a good debut with the potential to become a thrilling series.

The story is quite engaging, with some plot twists and a fast pace. The world-building isn’t deeply developed, as the story focuses more on the characters and their relationships rather than expanding the setting. However, from what is described, the world seems to be a hybrid between a typical fantasy one and our world.

It’s written in the first person, alternating between Zariah's and Nevan’s POVs, though Zariah's chapters are more numerous, with the events only slightly overlapping to better narrate the story. I enjoyed how the romance and their relationship were developed.

The writing is simple and enjoyable, although sometimes the phrases are a bit repetitive, and some dialogues feel forced. Nonetheless, I appreciated the wording in the spicy scenes, using proper language instead of cringeworthy terms. The description of vampires was also well done, and it made me enjoy the vampire trope more. Let my vampire era begin!

I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fierce priestess and a dangerously charming vampire prince, what more could you need?!

By day, Zariah is a priestess, gathering intel. By night, she’s leading the resistance against the Valazican crown. She's determined to make the kingdom a better place, even if it means risking her life.

Prince Nevan is next in line for the throne and, oh yeah, he’s just joined the House of Blood—the baddest, most dangerous crew in the kingdom.

If he takes the crown, things are going to go from bad to worse for Zariah and her people.

Nevan isn’t what Zariah expected, and everyone around her has their own dark secrets!

This book was a total page-turner, and I’m already itching for book two!

I’m a sucker for vampire books, and Nevan totally nailed it as the perfect vampire prince—dark, mysterious, and just the right amount of dangerous.

The chemistry between him and Zariah is off the charts, and I loved every second of it.

The story is packed with twists and turns, and just when I thought I had things figured out, something would flip the script.

And that ending! I need the next book ASAP

If you can’t resist a brooding vampire prince, then this book is for you!

Thank you Book of Matches Media and Genna Ashwood for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[BackwardsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

House of Secrets and Vows is the first book in the Crown of Deceit series which is an enthralling read that seamlessly weaves elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy. Secrets bind the characters together, while vows threaten to tear them apart in this story set in a richly imagined world.

Throughout the novel, the protagonist faces inner conflicts that resonate deeply, making her relatable and well-developed. Ashwood's writing is engaging as she paints vivid landscapes and creates palpable tension. Each character in the supporting cast brings their own layers of intrigue and complexity to the story.

With a satisfying pace and twists that keep you guessing, the plot unfolds in a satisfactory manner. Ashwood masterfully balances supernatural elements with emotional stakes, making each revelation feel real and impactful. Although central to the story, the romance is nuanced and develops organically.

There are times, however, when the pacing lags which made a few subplots seem slightly underdeveloped, leaving some questions unanswered, which will hopefully be answered in the remaining novels in the series.

Overall, House of Secrets and Vows is a captivating read that offers a perfect blend of suspense and romance. I look forward to reading the upcoming books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Talia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a medium paced read. There is a lot of information to grasp and when anything containing action happened, it seemed to go faster.

I think the best idea of this book is the different houses that people can pledge themselves to. I hope that in the next book that is dived into a little more. So far we only know really about the House of Blood and the House of Secrets. But I think more information on the House of Lies would also be interesting to add.

The reason Zariah goes to the castle/capitol started out as a sound reason. Revenge. The fact that she grew to heve feelings for the Prince made her revenge that much harder. I did like that the author chose to point out in the book that Revenge was still the goal, the person of who that revenge is against has now changed. That was an important piece to place in there because that is the whole storyline of the book.

I am disappointed with how it ended.. I thought there would be more of a conclusion or at least a partial conclusion. instead we go into book 2 with the same if not more problems than we initially started with. Also, throughout the book the two main characters become super close, to the point where they should for sure be together. Instead they agree that it was all just the hype of the situation.

I can't wait for book 2 and am clearing space so I have time to read it already! Thank you so much!

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I was expecting it to be! There's so many layers to this story, and every time was uncover one a new one takes it place. There's suspense, there's mystery, there's action and adventure, and all of it comes together in a way that kept me turning the pages. Zariah and Nevan's journey is full of twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, Genna would surprise me. Zariah is really as fierce as they come for an fmc. She's loyal and determined to get the answers that she needs. Nevan is not at all what he portrays to the kingdom. Underneath his arrogant and uncaring facade is a man that is truly struggling with decisions that he believes he's made. These two enemies are forced to work together, and eventually neither one can deny the pull between them. This story has a bit of everything. We've got enemies to almost lovers to hesitant allies, vampires, secret societies, magic, betrayal, schemes, more betrayal and even some backstabbing for good measure. I really loved this book! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!

[Britney Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book accompanied me to work every shift since my maternity leave had ended. Every moment of downtime I had, my head was buried deep in this book, I was completely hooked. Plus work loved it, I made sure I was doing everything quicker so I'd have more time to read!

Zariahs a Priestess, devoted to the Goddess, but she's more than that. She's also apart of a rebel movement, but when she goes out one night with her closest friend to deliver a message. She gets caught in the cross hairs of some unfavourable people and doesn't make it out.

Now Zariah is determined to get vengeance, and to do so she needs to get closer to the Prince. Luckily it aligns with both her Priestess duties, but also the motives of the rebel movement she's been a part of.

This book is dual POV, its got court politics, secrets, enemies to lovers and found family.

It is only book one of the series, and I honestly can't wait for more! The writing is so easy to follow and the world was super immersive. 100% recommend to anyone whose willing to read an incomplete series!!

[GildedTail · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, House of Secrets and Vows needs to be on your list. This is the first book in the series, and it starts off with everything readers love: mystery, magic, slow-burn tension, and a world full of secrets waiting to explode.

From the very first chapters, the atmosphere pulls you in. The Houses are full of hidden agendas, dangerous alliances, and power plays that keep you guessing. Nothing feels predictable—every answer leads to more questions, and that’s exactly what makes this book so addictive.

The characters are absolutely worth getting invested in. Their chemistry builds in a way that feels real, and every interaction has that spark that makes you lean in. You can tell Genna Ashwood is laying the groundwork for even bigger twists and deeper emotions as the series goes on, and honestly? I’m already hooked.

If you want a book that gives you tension, secrets, gorgeous world-building, and that “just one more chapter” pull, this is it. I flew through it and now I’m counting down to the next installment.

[Amanda (blessedbythecauldron) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✦ Zariah is a priestess by day and a resistance fighter by night. She’s lost everyone close to her, and the crown is to blame for it all. She knows the deadly secret of the crown prince, Nevan, but because of the vows she’s taken as a priestess, she can’t reveal it. Determined to find a loophole, Zariah gets closer to the prince under the perfect cover—as the priestess for the royal solstice celebration. Having caught the prince’s eye, she must juggle her secret identities and her growing feelings. But in a world full of deception, who can she really trust?

✦This book was such a fun read! It’s got vampires, magic, rebellions, handsome princes, and secret identities—what more could you want? My favorite part was the dual perspectives from Zariah and Nevan. Hearing both sides of each event made their dynamic even richer. And that plot twist at the end? I didn’t see it coming! People aren’t always who they seem, and the way the author weaves these secrets into the story is brilliant.

[Alice Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sorry to say that i was blinded by the cover to read the blurb! I mean, look at it! So beautiful! But after reading it, i can say that it was a good decision! This book doesn't have just a stunning cover, but a captivating plot, amazing characters and also vampires!

We have a rebellious Priestess, Zariah, who is also brave, curious and also part of the Resistance. Her main purpose is to fight the Crown. But everything change when the House of Blood takes her friend's life.

I really loved this idea with the houses, i just wish i could find more about the others, but hopefully that will be in the next book. The chemistry between Zariah and the prince, Nevan, was so delicious. The author’s writing style is so easily to follow and the plot was pretty interesting, it keeps you looking for more informations.

Thank you so muck @gennaashwood and @bookofmatchesmedia for my copy and i can't wait to read the next book!

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a tale that will suck you in from page one and keep you hooked - House of Secrets and Vows will do just that!

Very rarely do you find a debut author that has created such a masterpiece. The writing has a very lyrical flow to it that keeps you wanting to the turn the page, read the next chapter, know MORE about what is going on in this world.

I love a strong FMC - and Zariah is just that. Leading a double life as a priestess and a resistance rebel. You become invested in her character development and the relationships she builds.

Prince Nevan is your angsty MMC who is heir to the throne. He has made a poor choice by pledging himself to the House of Blood - and regret hangs heavy within.

You have twists, you have turns, you have secrets, you have tension!

If you’re a fan of the popular fantasy series and are looking for something new, this should 100% be your next book of choice.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**

[The Shelf Collective · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading this book. It’s so unique and different from other adult fantasy books out there.

Although this book was rooted in strong religious elements, it did not take away from the storyline, in fact, it accentuated the world building, and the magic system.

In a world filled with espionage, different creatures, plot twists, found family, one bed, enemies to lovers, and plenty of secrets to unravel, it’s easy to see how it was impossible for me to set the book down.

The story was easy to follow, and there were so many layers to the story that it still kept me interested and soaking it all up.

I enjoyed this book so much, I cannot wait to see where the next one takes us. Zariah, and Nevan are honestly the next romantasy IT couple that you need to be following.

Thank you to Genna Ashwood and Book of Matches Media for the eARC.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book from the first page! The pace of this book was perfect for me, the plot and character arcs made it a real page turner. I really enjoyed the FMC and MMC, their personality traits were clear but their visual descriptions flights ambiguous so you could project your dream main characters.

The world in which the story is set is also interesting, but also one of the reasons I gave it 4.5 instead of 5 starts. I found a had questions about the abilities and maybe it could have been explored more. In saying that, I loved it, the different houses and gods were great

The side characters were also written well, and the roles they played in the story around the MMC and FMC was so well done. This book was an enjoyable easy read, and I genuinely can't wait for the next book!!!!

[Sheila Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot twist in this book honestly caught me by surprise! So let’s get back to the beginning, I love how the magic or their belief system is described in this book. It’s actually pretty unique including the premise on how the House of Blood (Vampires) came to be. Each House has an its own distinct attribute, I loved learning of them. Zariah (FMC) I adored reading about and how she battled with her own beliefs and wants. I loved the relationship she developed with Nevan (MMC) and how they come to terms with what hands they are dealt with. The main antagonist I really liked because he is pretty adamant in what he wants more power and to be free. Zariah is a banter queen and there are some cute steamy bits in the book. I can’t believe how it ended, so yea I’ll definitely be reading book 2 whenever it comes out lol.

[Meg (bookish.apothecary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gothic dark fantasy romance with monstrous vampires and a priestess who’s a double agent for the rebellion was such an addictive read! The world building with different houses was intriguing and I hope we learn more about the secrets of the other houses in the sequel. I loved Zariah’s character and her willingness to look beyond her own prejudice. And Prince Nevan was really just a cinnamon roll trying to be better than those around him. Their slow burn romance was sweet and spicy. That last fourth of the book especially had me at the edge of my seat with the plot twists, danger, betrayals, and cat and mouse game with the Blood King, though I was always suspicious of a certain character 👀.

I’m looking forward to more of the found family from Nevan’s group of friends in the next one! I want to learn more about all of them. Bonus, this does not end on a horrifying cliffhanger and the author has spared our hearts 😂.

Thanks to the author for the review copy.

[Mauli | Fictionabookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has perfect amount of gothic and dark fantasy vibes. We have a monstrous vampire prince and a priestess who is a double agent for the rebellion. The world building with different houses associated with different powers was intruding and I hope we learn about other houses in coming books. I love Zariah's character and her stubbornness to stand for what she thinks is right. Prince Nevan was really a cinnamon role on the inside while being this dangerous vampire. Their romance was slow burn with spice with the high stakes in the plot, it suits perfectly with the storyline. The last few chapters of this book had me reeling with twists, betrayals and the toying with blood king gave me a rush. I'm looking forward to get to know Nevan's friends which I hope will be important in the sequel.

[isa ˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨
I like it and will continue the series.
The plot twist is crazyyyyyy, btw. The next part will have so much of what I love most—female revenge arc, hell yeah.

The book itself is exciting, well-paced, and super interesting with all the layers of secrecy. In the end, it got a little supernatural, which kind of separated the book into two parts. Nothing really bad about that, though.

The only problem for me was the trailer-like writing. There is a problem with focusing on the moment—letting the characters feel emotion in this exact moment without comparing it to “the worst pain ever felt” or “the happiest I’ve ever been,” etc. With that also comes repetition and overwriting that doesn’t leave much space for readers. But honestly, I’m being super picky here.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“House of Secrets and Vows,” by Genna Ashwood

This book was so good. It was super full of character building, relationship building, and action. The two main characters are Priestess and a Prince, I loved the hidden identity factor of the Priestesses. The relationship was very enemies to lovers and slow burn coded. There are supernatural creatures and political intrigue, full of tons of stuff. The characters and their relationship were my favorite part, but the story plot was very detailed and full, so it wasn’t because of a lack of a story plot, the characters were just that good. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Priest X Prince
-Vampires
-Hidden Identity
-Slow Burn
-Enemies To Lovers

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author generously gave me an ARC copy of House of Secrets and Vows in exchange for an honest review.

The storytelling in House of Secrets and Vows is done exceptionally well. The world building is done in a way that the reader doesn’t get bored but also knows enough to not be confused.

The characters are also written very well. Anytime Zariah meets a new character essential to the story she has enough conversation to give the new character a voice. This makes it easy to remember these characters later.

You never know where everyone’s loyalties lie so there’s a lot of deception and moving parts. I am very excited to see where the story goes in this series!

[Chris06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into this story but once I did everything started flowing.

Zariah is a baddy for sure. She knows how to play all sides and fights for what she thinks is right.

Nevan is royalty and their paths shouldn’t have crossed but they did …

Both are pawns and don’t even know it..
Friends are enemies
Enemies are allies
Family can’t be trusted
Conspiracies… deceptions and plots

Not a fan of how it ended as they both are acting like they can forget what they are to each other … crossing fingers that the next book has them figuring that part out super quick.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emelia (emeliaisreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: House of Secrets and Vows by Genna Ashwood
Genre: NA Romantasy
Pub Date: September 25, 2024
📖 399 pages

⭐️ 3.5/5

🩸 Enemies to Lovers
✨️ Vampires & Fae
🩸 Devastating Betrayal
✨️ Found Family
🩸 Only One Bed
✨️ Court Politics

If you love vampires, fae, and want to read about a priestess living a double life and hellbent on revenge, House of Secrets and Vows is right up your alley! Nevan's POV chapters are definitely my favorite, and I wish there were more of him! I would've really loved a deeper dive into the lore of the other houses, so fingers crossed!

Thank you so much, Book of Matches Media and Genna Ashwood, for the digital review copy!