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A Vow of Honor: A War of Crowns Standalone
Edith Stuarte is the daughter of a traitor.
Exiled to the frozen north and forced into marriage to the brooding Lord Umberly, Edith finds herself alone in a cold, unfamiliar world. While tensions rise and dangers threaten, Edith is expected to forget her past and embrace a future with a man she barely knows.
But Lord Percival Umberly never asked for a wife.
All he wanted for Wintertide was a new set of quills, not an untamed, fiery woman who steals his breath with nothing more than a glance. Bound by duty, they now must learn to live with one another or risk facing a lifetime of unhappiness trapped in a marriage neither wants.
But even in the dead of winter, a marriage forged in mere honor may yet blossom into something neither expected.
Dive into the medieval fantasy world of Avirel in this no-spice fantasy romance Christmas standalone featuring a strong FMC and a protective MMC.
Exiled to the frozen north and forced into marriage to the brooding Lord Umberly, Edith finds herself alone in a cold, unfamiliar world. While tensions rise and dangers threaten, Edith is expected to forget her past and embrace a future with a man she barely knows.
But Lord Percival Umberly never asked for a wife.
All he wanted for Wintertide was a new set of quills, not an untamed, fiery woman who steals his breath with nothing more than a glance. Bound by duty, they now must learn to live with one another or risk facing a lifetime of unhappiness trapped in a marriage neither wants.
But even in the dead of winter, a marriage forged in mere honor may yet blossom into something neither expected.
Dive into the medieval fantasy world of Avirel in this no-spice fantasy romance Christmas standalone featuring a strong FMC and a protective MMC.
265 pages, Paperback
Published December 23, 2024
1 person is currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Willingham
10 books109 followersAshley Willingham is a Christian, wife, mother of two, and an author of clean books. She enjoys writing high-stakes plots, swoony romances, and stories free from explicit content. When she's not busy writing, she can be found in the kitchen pursing her second passion—baking. She currently lives in Arkansas with her family and one very fluffy dog.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 29, 2024
This was a cute novella to get us introduced to this world. This almost felt like it could be a beauty and the beast retelling.
The first book in the trilogy comes out in March. I'm excited to get into the thick of things with that story and hopefully get some resolution to a couple things from this story.
The first book in the trilogy comes out in March. I'm excited to get into the thick of things with that story and hopefully get some resolution to a couple things from this story.
December 1, 2025
I liked reading this short book! Arranged marriage is something I am quite familiar with in books, and I thought the couple pairing was more unique. Both flawed MCs were fleshed out well and had strong personalities. I enjoyed the writing and the bit of lore we got. I thought the way the MCs went from having a hard time expressing and communicating how they really feel (understandably since it would be awkward to suddenly be married to a person you don't know much about) to all of a sudden not having that problem was a bit too sudden, but that was the only downside for me, because I was happy with how everything else developed. There is faith mentioned, but it's not made to be a super important part of the plot. As soon as I finished this book, I went ahead and ordered the first book of the series that's set in this same world
Spice level: kisses only, FMC remembers what her friend told her about what to expect on the wedding night (not graphic)
Language: None
Content: There's nothing graphic, mentions of emotional abuse and suicide
Spice level: kisses only, FMC remembers what her friend told her about what to expect on the wedding night (not graphic)
Language: None
Content: There's nothing graphic, mentions of emotional abuse and suicide
January 1, 2025
A Vow of Honor is a standalone prequel book for Ashley Willingham's upcoming A War of Crowns fantasy series. Percival Umberly has been arranged to marry a traitors daughter and the last of her house, Lady Edith Stuarte. Edith is headstrong and willful while Percival is an honorable man and must do right by his family and his house.
I really enjoyed this novella, if you are to call it that, as it introduces you to the world that Ashley is setting up for her A War of Crowns series. I liked the dynamic between Edith and Percival. Edith was giving me very strong Merida vibes from Disney's Brave which is one of my favorite characters. Percival is stubborn, and does not allow his emotions get in the way. There is action and conflict and yearning.
This is a fantasy story with romance and NOT spice. The pacing moves quickly and it left me wanting more and I am so looking forward to A War of Crowns which is coming out this March. I can't wait to dive more into this world.
I really enjoyed this novella, if you are to call it that, as it introduces you to the world that Ashley is setting up for her A War of Crowns series. I liked the dynamic between Edith and Percival. Edith was giving me very strong Merida vibes from Disney's Brave which is one of my favorite characters. Percival is stubborn, and does not allow his emotions get in the way. There is action and conflict and yearning.
This is a fantasy story with romance and NOT spice. The pacing moves quickly and it left me wanting more and I am so looking forward to A War of Crowns which is coming out this March. I can't wait to dive more into this world.
December 31, 2024
A Vow Of Honor was such an enjoyable, clean, fantasy Romance. This is a stand-a-lone novella that takes place in the fictional fantasy world of Avirel. It's also a prequel for Ashley's upcoming series, A War Of Crowns, which the first releases in March.
This novella doesn't delve too much into the actual world, it focuses more on the characters and romance. I actually got pretty big Beauty and the Beast vibes while reading, which has always been my favorite fairy tale.
A Vow of Honor is beautifully written and full of things like duty and honor, with a massive side of major misunderstandings. Along with a deep love growing out of less than ideal circumstances.
Oh and Percy, our dear sweet adorably clueless Percy. He is so hilariously bad at misunderstanding the situation, and equally bad at saying things he believes sound good, but in reality make a certain woman want to punch him. He really has no clue and thinks he's being kind when in fact he comes across as dismissive and cold. His actions, however, were endearing, and even though Edith could not see it right away, it was clear from the start that he wanted what was best for her.
I really enjoyed this adorable novella. It was a fun, quick read that has me really looking forward to A War Of Crowns!
This novella doesn't delve too much into the actual world, it focuses more on the characters and romance. I actually got pretty big Beauty and the Beast vibes while reading, which has always been my favorite fairy tale.
A Vow of Honor is beautifully written and full of things like duty and honor, with a massive side of major misunderstandings. Along with a deep love growing out of less than ideal circumstances.
Oh and Percy, our dear sweet adorably clueless Percy. He is so hilariously bad at misunderstanding the situation, and equally bad at saying things he believes sound good, but in reality make a certain woman want to punch him. He really has no clue and thinks he's being kind when in fact he comes across as dismissive and cold. His actions, however, were endearing, and even though Edith could not see it right away, it was clear from the start that he wanted what was best for her.
I really enjoyed this adorable novella. It was a fun, quick read that has me really looking forward to A War Of Crowns!
May 4, 2025
This was a cute and enjoyable easy read. I loved watching Percival and Edith go from enemies to lovers. Their relationship was well crafted with the story plot with the many twists and turns with ruling and second guessing in their relationship. I also loved the varhounds!! I want one now!
I was unable to give five stars as I found the writing style a bit difficult at times and a good bit of grammar mistakes that tripped me up reading.
I was unable to give five stars as I found the writing style a bit difficult at times and a good bit of grammar mistakes that tripped me up reading.
February 3, 2025
This book was such a good book that I read it in a single day. The characters felt engaging and dynamic and so very *real.* I loved how the MMC honored the FMC’s family, even including her symbol in his own crest, and I loved how events turned and he didn’t sweep aside her role in defeating a certain monster (more would be spoilers!). And the height gap, without diminishing either character’s strength, was awesome. I smiled so much. Definitely hooked for the series!
December 12, 2025
I did not think I was going to enjoy A Vow of Honor as much as I did. I normally don’t care for miscommunication being a main trope in a story, but it worked so well here. And I think it’s because their miscommunications made sense, and at times were a bit humorous.
The MMC being much shorter than the FMC was a first for me, and their wedding kiss, I almost died 🤣 the standing on his tippy toes about did me in! Percy was so confident in everything that he did though, and his bluntness was humorous. Only Percy would use Swamp Creature as a term of endearment. 🤣
Edith was a very relatable character, and I liked how she grew and got her happy ending.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like the writing, there was a typo on like the 4th of 5th paragraph, and was worried there would be more, but thankfully that was the only one I came across! The writing flowed beautifully, and kept me hooked. I will say though, I never care for the usage of bold words to show emphasis. I take it as an insult to my intelligence 🤣 mostly kidding, but for reals, you write it well enough, I’ll be able to follow along. And this author’s writing was clean and clear and GOOD. Bold words were not needed to catch the drift of what was being said.
Last thing I didn’t like was the use of “By the Lord”, it’s the same as saying By God, and it came across as using God’s name in vain. And personal preference, I don’t care for that in books that I read. Thankfully it was only used a few times.
I loved the romance surprisingly. Both main characters were so prickly in the beginning I wasn’t sure. But Percy’s grumpiness ending up being one of my favorite parts and Edith’s sass was well done, not overdone at all!
There were several moments that made me laugh at loud. (Percy’s screaming in surprise, or the times Edith would shock him 🤣🤣🤣)
Content: clean, no spice, no swearing, nothing gore, very mild violence, one mention between Edith and her friend of what to expect from wedding night and that it would hurt but nothing discussed in detail.
Favorite quote: “The first time we met, you called me a swamp monster.” “Yes,” her husband agreed at once. The smile which curved his lips next lent him a decidedly boyish air when he whispered against her mouth, “But you’re my swamp monster.”
The MMC being much shorter than the FMC was a first for me, and their wedding kiss, I almost died 🤣 the standing on his tippy toes about did me in! Percy was so confident in everything that he did though, and his bluntness was humorous. Only Percy would use Swamp Creature as a term of endearment. 🤣
Edith was a very relatable character, and I liked how she grew and got her happy ending.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like the writing, there was a typo on like the 4th of 5th paragraph, and was worried there would be more, but thankfully that was the only one I came across! The writing flowed beautifully, and kept me hooked. I will say though, I never care for the usage of bold words to show emphasis. I take it as an insult to my intelligence 🤣 mostly kidding, but for reals, you write it well enough, I’ll be able to follow along. And this author’s writing was clean and clear and GOOD. Bold words were not needed to catch the drift of what was being said.
Last thing I didn’t like was the use of “By the Lord”, it’s the same as saying By God, and it came across as using God’s name in vain. And personal preference, I don’t care for that in books that I read. Thankfully it was only used a few times.
I loved the romance surprisingly. Both main characters were so prickly in the beginning I wasn’t sure. But Percy’s grumpiness ending up being one of my favorite parts and Edith’s sass was well done, not overdone at all!
There were several moments that made me laugh at loud. (Percy’s screaming in surprise, or the times Edith would shock him 🤣🤣🤣)
Content: clean, no spice, no swearing, nothing gore, very mild violence, one mention between Edith and her friend of what to expect from wedding night and that it would hurt but nothing discussed in detail.
Favorite quote: “The first time we met, you called me a swamp monster.” “Yes,” her husband agreed at once. The smile which curved his lips next lent him a decidedly boyish air when he whispered against her mouth, “But you’re my swamp monster.”
March 24, 2025
I had every intention of reading and reviewing this book around Christmas time, and well, as with many of my bookish goals lately; that just didn't happen 😐 However, when I was finally able to carve out the time to read it, I was SO GLAD I did😊
Having grown up reading historical fiction and westerns, I am still relatively new to the world of reading fantasy (weird for my generation, I know!) and wasn't exactly sure what to expect. However, this book COMPLETELY hooked me. The characters, the dynamic, the dialogue, the action; I LOVED every bit of it!!! I have never highlighted passages in a book like I did while reading A Vow of Honor. My absolute favorite line is where a certain main character gets described as "a furious sack of potatoes"😂
Bottom line, this story was just such a fun read! Lots of tension, plenty of action, and incredibly swoony arranged marriage trope romance. Watching Edith and Percival try to hate each other, become friends, and then fall completely in love, while preserving their dukedom makes for an incredible ride😍 Lines like "By the Lord, he wanted to kiss his wife" had me giggling and kicking my feet long past bedtime🥰
While this book is a standalone, I read it in preparation for my ARC read of A War of Crowns and would highly recommend doing the same. While A War of Crowns takes place many years later, our MCs from A Vow of Honor play a major role and the story really helps lay the ground work for the incredible world Mrs. Willingham has created
Having grown up reading historical fiction and westerns, I am still relatively new to the world of reading fantasy (weird for my generation, I know!) and wasn't exactly sure what to expect. However, this book COMPLETELY hooked me. The characters, the dynamic, the dialogue, the action; I LOVED every bit of it!!! I have never highlighted passages in a book like I did while reading A Vow of Honor. My absolute favorite line is where a certain main character gets described as "a furious sack of potatoes"😂
Bottom line, this story was just such a fun read! Lots of tension, plenty of action, and incredibly swoony arranged marriage trope romance. Watching Edith and Percival try to hate each other, become friends, and then fall completely in love, while preserving their dukedom makes for an incredible ride😍 Lines like "By the Lord, he wanted to kiss his wife" had me giggling and kicking my feet long past bedtime🥰
While this book is a standalone, I read it in preparation for my ARC read of A War of Crowns and would highly recommend doing the same. While A War of Crowns takes place many years later, our MCs from A Vow of Honor play a major role and the story really helps lay the ground work for the incredible world Mrs. Willingham has created
December 3, 2025
Today on “Y’all Have to Read This,” I’m back with another incredible Searcy author! Ashley Willingham writes clean fantasy romance, and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, her novel “A Vow of Honor” will be right up your alley.
The story follows Lord Percival Umberly and his betrothed, Edith Stuarte—who comes with one very big problem. She’s the daughter of a traitor to the king and a former princess with a possible claim to the throne. To keep potential loyalties from shifting, the King orders Percival to marry her and remove any future threat she might pose.
Set in the icy fantasy world of Wintertide—yes, Wintertide!—this book gives off all the GOT energy you could want. Winter is creeping in once again, and if you loved Jon Snow the way I loved Jon Snow, you’ll want to dive straight into this story. I gave it four stars! Check it out and let me know what you think.
Be sure to like and follow me on social media, and come back here for more reading recs. Until next time—happy reading, y’all!
The story follows Lord Percival Umberly and his betrothed, Edith Stuarte—who comes with one very big problem. She’s the daughter of a traitor to the king and a former princess with a possible claim to the throne. To keep potential loyalties from shifting, the King orders Percival to marry her and remove any future threat she might pose.
Set in the icy fantasy world of Wintertide—yes, Wintertide!—this book gives off all the GOT energy you could want. Winter is creeping in once again, and if you loved Jon Snow the way I loved Jon Snow, you’ll want to dive straight into this story. I gave it four stars! Check it out and let me know what you think.
Be sure to like and follow me on social media, and come back here for more reading recs. Until next time—happy reading, y’all!
January 3, 2025
I received a copy of this book via the author's newsletter and recommend others doing so too. This is the author's debut and the prequel to the A War of Crowns Series. A Vow of Honor is told through Edith and Percival's pov and is a fantasy romance that will have you wanting more.
CW: read the author's note
Spice: sweet kisses
It's not too often that I read a fantasy romance with a medieval setting,in fact, I can't think of a recent read, so I was immediately intrigued by the world building. The author did a good job in setting up a world that I would like to return to. Something else that I really liked is how Edith and Percival weren't perfect characters, in terms of their appearance or the way they acted. They both were a bit stubborn and it created for some interesting conflict. Though Edith could be headstrong and Percival could be blunt, I liked seeing the way their thoughts about the other started to shift once they spent more time together. Overall, this was a good introduction for the series and I would like to read more of it.
CW: read the author's note
Spice: sweet kisses
It's not too often that I read a fantasy romance with a medieval setting,
May 13, 2025
'A Vow of Honor' is a no-spice, sweet, arranged-royal marriage novel with a likable heroine, Edith, and the grumpy, angsty hero, Duke Percival Umberly.
Percival sends for Edith- the 'undesirable' daughter of his family's late enemy- to become his bride.
They get off to an awkward and rocky start, for sure. And after their formal, stilted royal wedding, miscommunication ensues as a result of insecurities. Percival and Edith have each suffered parental trauma and loss. They just don't know how to express their feelings. Their emotions are strong, each of them keeps assuming they've angered the other, and the romantic tension keeps rising!
Add some lovable animal companions, dogs called 'varhounds', beautiful worldbuilding with a palace in a snowy land, and a frightening action scene involving a monstrous giant bear, you have an easily engaging, well-paced, and romantic story!
I enjoyed this and plan to read Ashley Willingham's next book soon!
Percival sends for Edith- the 'undesirable' daughter of his family's late enemy- to become his bride.
They get off to an awkward and rocky start, for sure. And after their formal, stilted royal wedding, miscommunication ensues as a result of insecurities. Percival and Edith have each suffered parental trauma and loss. They just don't know how to express their feelings. Their emotions are strong, each of them keeps assuming they've angered the other, and the romantic tension keeps rising!
Add some lovable animal companions, dogs called 'varhounds', beautiful worldbuilding with a palace in a snowy land, and a frightening action scene involving a monstrous giant bear, you have an easily engaging, well-paced, and romantic story!
I enjoyed this and plan to read Ashley Willingham's next book soon!
January 4, 2025
This novella was so captivating! I loved it from beginning to end. I really did like the development of the characters, like another reviewer said so much misunderstanding but so much can come of working together. I wanted see a little more or the turning of tides in their relationship, but it was so good! I also really liked the connection with the animals.
I must not have been thinking of fairy tales when I was reading it, but totally agree with the other reviewers that it does have a beauty and the beast vibe. I loved that it is truly a clean book. I can’t wait to read the trilogy that is coming out in March 2025!!
I must not have been thinking of fairy tales when I was reading it, but totally agree with the other reviewers that it does have a beauty and the beast vibe. I loved that it is truly a clean book. I can’t wait to read the trilogy that is coming out in March 2025!!
February 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good enemies to lovers trope, and there were great Christmas-y vibes to enjoy. I liked reading from both Percy and Edith's point of view. It helped me to better understand their actions. There was lots of tension based on misunderstandings, which I just wanted to explain to them both, if they would just be honest with each other! Anyways, it all worked out in the end, after some action, lots of drama, and sweet, clean, romance. I really enjoyed the interactions and relationships in this book and the message that we are all worthy of love.
March 17, 2025
Of course, just like her other book,The War of Crowns, I absolutely adored this book. I absolutely eat her books up. They are so well written and have amazing story lines that pull you in, all while being clean romance. It's truly amazing!
This book literally had me in tears for the last half of the book. The relationship between Percy & Edith was quirky, so much like my very own relationship with my now fiancé. I can not speak one bad thing about Mrs.Willinghams books or her writing style cause both I have read are amazing 6 ⭐️ reads for me! I can not wait til more are released!
This book literally had me in tears for the last half of the book. The relationship between Percy & Edith was quirky, so much like my very own relationship with my now fiancé. I can not speak one bad thing about Mrs.Willinghams books or her writing style cause both I have read are amazing 6 ⭐️ reads for me! I can not wait til more are released!
October 26, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it left me ready to run to her next books. The audio was really good and helped make the story real. I loved the MC even though they spent most of the book pretty immaturely not communicating. I wish they would have resolved things quicker but it worked out in the last few chapters. The book does mention suicide so if that’s a trigger skip the book. I felt the book was great and could be suited for a YA audience as well. Overall great clean fantasy book. You should read it!
January 5, 2025
This prequel was a fast paced, no spice romance. I enjoyed the pacing and the dual POV. Edith very much reminded me of Merida and I loved that. Percy grew throughout the book and battled his own fears. I can’t say he was my favorite MMC, but I appreciate how he was written for the story.
I think this is a great intro into the world Ashely is writing for her War of Crowns series releasing this spring. I liked her writing style a lot and am looking forward to the first installment!
I think this is a great intro into the world Ashely is writing for her War of Crowns series releasing this spring. I liked her writing style a lot and am looking forward to the first installment!
December 11, 2025
I really loved this book. Ashley pulled me in with her character and world descriptions. I didn’t know what was going to happen to the FMC in the first few chapters and it was quite exciting. It was one of those books where you badly want to know what’s going to happen and you can’t turn the pages soon enough.
I wanted to research further into the world and find out what happens. I was on pins and needles!! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. All of Ashley’s books are *chefs kiss*
I wanted to research further into the world and find out what happens. I was on pins and needles!! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. All of Ashley’s books are *chefs kiss*
June 30, 2025
What a fun book! While I think it went slow in a few places, I appreciated the fantasy aspect of it, and was really rooting for the 2 main characters. That being said, they definitely should have communicated more with each other 🤦🏻♀️ they did eventually though, and that’s all that matters, really.
September 26, 2025
Mrs Willingham is becoming one of my go-to authors when I need true escapism. Fantasy worlds, true romance, and “clean” stories. As a Jesus follower I can identify good vs evil notes in the narrative. I am never offended. And she weaves a great tale. This is a prequel to A WAR OF CROWNS and got me hooked! Well done!
December 11, 2025
Oh the page-turning torture of a marriage of convenience! This little Christmas book captures it perfectly! I was glued until the end! I also loved how even though the main character woman is strong, the main character man is also strong and not portrayed as weak or silly. I really enjoyed the cold, North setting with a character who came from a warm, southern climate.
November 4, 2025
Wow! I could barely put this down! I loved the setting and the character development. This was a super sweet, clean read. There are a few triggers, as warned at the beginning, but they are very delicately handled. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews