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Vows & Valor #2
In the Name of Pride
The one place she always wanted to be, is now the one place she cannot escape.
After a lifetime of separation, Kaleela now reconnects with her elven family inside the Sun’Din Forest as a beloved member of the royal family. But not everyone supports a greater union between the elven and human lands, and a fission enters the great forest.
Dimitar now serves as a knight in the city of Blackburn, his life’s dream come true. Everyone he cares about thrives, yet his life darkens with the weight of failure. All he wants is Kaleela’s nearness, their growing love a beacon in his shadows.
When extremist exiles overtake the elven kingdom, Kaleela doesn’t hesitate to return to the forest. She must ensure her family’s safety, and Dimitar insists on protecting her. An unthinkable threat rises from within, and an exile sets his special attention on Kaleela. Dimitar must overcome his inner demons and find a way to reach Kaleela before her greatest wish becomes their worst nightmare.
After a lifetime of separation, Kaleela now reconnects with her elven family inside the Sun’Din Forest as a beloved member of the royal family. But not everyone supports a greater union between the elven and human lands, and a fission enters the great forest.
Dimitar now serves as a knight in the city of Blackburn, his life’s dream come true. Everyone he cares about thrives, yet his life darkens with the weight of failure. All he wants is Kaleela’s nearness, their growing love a beacon in his shadows.
When extremist exiles overtake the elven kingdom, Kaleela doesn’t hesitate to return to the forest. She must ensure her family’s safety, and Dimitar insists on protecting her. An unthinkable threat rises from within, and an exile sets his special attention on Kaleela. Dimitar must overcome his inner demons and find a way to reach Kaleela before her greatest wish becomes their worst nightmare.
Unknown Binding
Published January 27, 2026
4 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Collins
3 books63 followersCourtney grew up two doors down from the local library and crushed every summer reading challenge. She's worked in libraries and bookstores before deviating into a higher education career by day and a burlesque dancer by night. She's published extensively in her local town newspaper. Her own queerness and mother-loss influence the fantasy world created alongside her husband and co-author, Clarke Collins. They live in Vermont with their children and an abundance of forests, her happy place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 11, 2026
It was great to return to Blackburn and Sun’Din with Dimitar and Kaleela and see how the world is faring after the events of In the Name of Honor. The story is told from Dimitar and Kaleela’s POVs, giving us an inside view to their developing romance as they navigate being separated by turmoil in the elven kingdom.
Dimitar remains a complete green flag, he’s so supportive and gracious and proves again and again that he will do almost anything to keep Kaleela safe, nothing will stop him from rescuing her from the exiles. Kaleela is just as capable as ever as she faces off against the exiles and works to keep her people and her family safe.
I loved every moment with Olaf and Ral again, Olaf is so cheeky and endearing, and Ral is mysterious and still a bit secretive but his heart is in the right place and the two of them are there for Dimitar every step of the way.
There was a new villain introduced in Vin’Saar and he became a character I truly despised.
Each of the settings feel really picturesque and magical (though Sun’Din is changed by the exiles) and I really enjoyed learning more about the elven world as Kaleela was introduced to more facets of her culture. I also liked the introduction of Stormgard and Conrad’s family, one of my favourite things about fantasy books is getting a big cast of characters and an expansive world and In the Name of Pride brought us that.
Something that works really well for me in this series ins the queer normative world, which we saw in ITNOH and it continues in ITNOP. This book introduces us to Pyper in Stormgard, a gender fluid character who is the cousin of the Queen and I loved that their family never batted an eye at whether Pyper preferred to be referred to as a lady or a lord on any given day and the way Pyper just belonged. It was really heart warming to see that acceptance.
I can see that the conflict isn’t quite resolved here, though the ending of ITNOP isn’t a cliffhanger, I feel that there is definitely more in store for our MCs and their found family. I’m looking forward to seeing how things wrap up in the third book of the trilogy!
Dimitar remains a complete green flag, he’s so supportive and gracious and proves again and again that he will do almost anything to keep Kaleela safe, nothing will stop him from rescuing her from the exiles. Kaleela is just as capable as ever as she faces off against the exiles and works to keep her people and her family safe.
I loved every moment with Olaf and Ral again, Olaf is so cheeky and endearing, and Ral is mysterious and still a bit secretive but his heart is in the right place and the two of them are there for Dimitar every step of the way.
There was a new villain introduced in Vin’Saar and he became a character I truly despised.
Each of the settings feel really picturesque and magical (though Sun’Din is changed by the exiles) and I really enjoyed learning more about the elven world as Kaleela was introduced to more facets of her culture. I also liked the introduction of Stormgard and Conrad’s family, one of my favourite things about fantasy books is getting a big cast of characters and an expansive world and In the Name of Pride brought us that.
Something that works really well for me in this series ins the queer normative world, which we saw in ITNOH and it continues in ITNOP. This book introduces us to Pyper in Stormgard, a gender fluid character who is the cousin of the Queen and I loved that their family never batted an eye at whether Pyper preferred to be referred to as a lady or a lord on any given day and the way Pyper just belonged. It was really heart warming to see that acceptance.
I can see that the conflict isn’t quite resolved here, though the ending of ITNOP isn’t a cliffhanger, I feel that there is definitely more in store for our MCs and their found family. I’m looking forward to seeing how things wrap up in the third book of the trilogy!
February 2, 2026
Absolutely devoured this!!
A gorgeous, emotional follow‑up that hits harder than book one. Kaleela and Dimitar’s arcs had me fully invested, the tension is chef’s kiss, and the stakes feel so real. Loved every second.
A gorgeous, emotional follow‑up that hits harder than book one. Kaleela and Dimitar’s arcs had me fully invested, the tension is chef’s kiss, and the stakes feel so real. Loved every second.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to Courtney and and Clarke for giving me an ARC copy of their book.
The second book in the Vows and Valor series sees Kaleela and Dimitar separated by a conflict among the elves. While Kaleela fights to maintain her autonomy under the thumb of the violent exile Vin’Saar, Dimitar grapples with his anger and guilt while trying to gain the allies needed to save Kaleela.
I love how this series is so character-focused. Book 2 really leaned into Kaleela and Dimitar’s emotional and psychological challenges, rather than the world-saving high stakes narrative of the first book.
When I read ‘In the Name of Honor’ I remember thinking it felt like a nostalgic sword & sorcery book. ‘In the Name of Pride’ still feels a little nostalgic, but this time it felt more like the downtime in a D&D campaign. The stakes were there, and they were still pretty high (especially for Kaleela), but the meat of the novel was the quieter moments, when Kaleela and Dimitar are faced with their inner conflicts.
I appreciated the focus on community, and how healing from trauma is often a collective project rather than something you can go at alone. Dimitar especially found support in his friends, old and new. Kaleela’s arc was more solitary, but community still played a crucial role, albeit in a very different way.
Just like in the first book, Olaf and Ral really stole the spotlight. Those two have such a chaotic energy that truly drives home the feeling of being in a D&D game (especially that tavern chapter which was 10/10). Honestly, just give me an entire book about those two.
I adored the second installment of the ‘Vows & Valor’ series and can’t wait to see where these characters go next.
The second book in the Vows and Valor series sees Kaleela and Dimitar separated by a conflict among the elves. While Kaleela fights to maintain her autonomy under the thumb of the violent exile Vin’Saar, Dimitar grapples with his anger and guilt while trying to gain the allies needed to save Kaleela.
I love how this series is so character-focused. Book 2 really leaned into Kaleela and Dimitar’s emotional and psychological challenges, rather than the world-saving high stakes narrative of the first book.
When I read ‘In the Name of Honor’ I remember thinking it felt like a nostalgic sword & sorcery book. ‘In the Name of Pride’ still feels a little nostalgic, but this time it felt more like the downtime in a D&D campaign. The stakes were there, and they were still pretty high (especially for Kaleela), but the meat of the novel was the quieter moments, when Kaleela and Dimitar are faced with their inner conflicts.
I appreciated the focus on community, and how healing from trauma is often a collective project rather than something you can go at alone. Dimitar especially found support in his friends, old and new. Kaleela’s arc was more solitary, but community still played a crucial role, albeit in a very different way.
Just like in the first book, Olaf and Ral really stole the spotlight. Those two have such a chaotic energy that truly drives home the feeling of being in a D&D game (especially that tavern chapter which was 10/10). Honestly, just give me an entire book about those two.
I adored the second installment of the ‘Vows & Valor’ series and can’t wait to see where these characters go next.
January 30, 2026
Ugh, I love this series so much! It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, politics, action, and romance, with so many freaking lovable characters.
In Book 2, we pick up where we left off and get a glimpse of the pain and aftermath that Dimitar, Kaleela, and crew endured in ItNoH. The setup from HONOR to PRIDE was so nicely done, and feels like an amazing D&D campaign, segueing into our band of friends having to protect the Sun’Din forest, their families, and their hearts.
And these books will make you fall in love with the characters. Full stop. From the main crew to supporting roles like Railyn, Aurie, and Willem, there’s so much personality and depth.— I really loved how we get these deeply beautiful and complex moments and feelings too. When I tell you the love, longing, despair, and RAGE I felt in some parts of this book…pheeeew. You know it’s an incredible story when you experience the full gamut of emotions and want to throttle a few fictional people. 😂😤🤌🏻
I won’t spoil anything, but if you love epic fantasy vibes, medieval settings, bows and swords, and valor vs corruption, please go read this series!
(4.75⭐s)
✨ Sinister Magic
⚔️ Family Feuds
🧝🏽♂️ Exiles & Elves
🥩 An Unhealthy Amount of Stakes
🛡️ Heart-pounding Danger
🤟🏻 Sign Language Rep
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🔥 He’ll Burn the World Down for Her (literally)
⚖️ Power Struggles x Corruption
In Book 2, we pick up where we left off and get a glimpse of the pain and aftermath that Dimitar, Kaleela, and crew endured in ItNoH. The setup from HONOR to PRIDE was so nicely done, and feels like an amazing D&D campaign, segueing into our band of friends having to protect the Sun’Din forest, their families, and their hearts.
She was no longer falling in love with him; she’d landed, and loved him with the completeness of two connected souls who finally found one another. She was exactly where she needed to be.
And these books will make you fall in love with the characters. Full stop. From the main crew to supporting roles like Railyn, Aurie, and Willem, there’s so much personality and depth.— I really loved how we get these deeply beautiful and complex moments and feelings too. When I tell you the love, longing, despair, and RAGE I felt in some parts of this book…pheeeew. You know it’s an incredible story when you experience the full gamut of emotions and want to throttle a few fictional people. 😂😤🤌🏻
“You’ll stay with me?”
“Nothing and no one will keep me from you.”
I won’t spoil anything, but if you love epic fantasy vibes, medieval settings, bows and swords, and valor vs corruption, please go read this series!
(4.75⭐s)
✨ Sinister Magic
⚔️ Family Feuds
🧝🏽♂️ Exiles & Elves
🥩 An Unhealthy Amount of Stakes
🛡️ Heart-pounding Danger
🤟🏻 Sign Language Rep
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🔥 He’ll Burn the World Down for Her (literally)
⚖️ Power Struggles x Corruption
Read
January 27, 2026❤️🩹PTSD and Mental Health Rep
🌈 Queer Normative World (with EPIC nonbinary representation)
🫂Strong Familial Bonds and Chaotic Cousins
🔨 Hammer Swinging Enemies to Lovers
🧀 Cheeseeeeee
In the Name of Pride was my most anticipated read of January…and it didn’t disappoint.
Fresh off a battle that nearly cost them everything, we find the Blackburn crew adjusting to their new lives….and dealing with the trauma that experiences like theirs inevitably leave a person with.
Kaleela sits with her mother’s family in the Sun’Din, learning all she missed for the first 25 years of her life, growing ever closer to her aunt and grandparents, and forging an undeniable bond with her people. Grappling with the trauma around her death (and the man responsible), we see her face her demons bravely before heading back to Blackburn.
Dimitar has everything he’s ever dreamed of. He’s a knight, training new forces at Blackburn, as he waits for his beloved princess to return home. But each clang of the sword takes him back to the day he nearly lost her…and everyone around him grows worried as he begins to lose himself to the flashbacks.
When a xenophobic councilor teams up with exiled elves to overthrow the monarchy and isolate Elven kind from the “lesser baseborns”, and launches his attack when the elite guard is escorting Kaleela home…we see our still recovering Blackburn four charge back into danger to save Kaleela’s family, only to lose her to the rebels.
In The Name of Pride follows Kaleela and Dimitar’s journeys through their own respective traumas, without having the other by their side. We are GIFTED with a true to real life view of what it means to be at war with yourself, and to come out in the other side. We see those hurts acknowledged and overcome.
It also gives us a gaslighting, narcissistic, villain. And through Kaleela, shows us that even when we’re broken by more than the sword, and lose ourselves, you can always find your way home to yourself and take back what’s rightfully yours.
This book poignantly shows that the way you fight against oppression— specifically racism, hatred, bigotry, and fascism—is by finding our strength in one another and rising up together to take our world back from the powers that would dare defile it.
This book has chaotic cousins, non binary representation, a queer normative world, mental health journeys, hammer swinging lady knights, unbreakable friendships, and serves as a reminder of what it means to be human.
I am better for having read this. You will be too.
🌈 Queer Normative World (with EPIC nonbinary representation)
🫂Strong Familial Bonds and Chaotic Cousins
🔨 Hammer Swinging Enemies to Lovers
🧀 Cheeseeeeee
In the Name of Pride was my most anticipated read of January…and it didn’t disappoint.
Fresh off a battle that nearly cost them everything, we find the Blackburn crew adjusting to their new lives….and dealing with the trauma that experiences like theirs inevitably leave a person with.
Kaleela sits with her mother’s family in the Sun’Din, learning all she missed for the first 25 years of her life, growing ever closer to her aunt and grandparents, and forging an undeniable bond with her people. Grappling with the trauma around her death (and the man responsible), we see her face her demons bravely before heading back to Blackburn.
Dimitar has everything he’s ever dreamed of. He’s a knight, training new forces at Blackburn, as he waits for his beloved princess to return home. But each clang of the sword takes him back to the day he nearly lost her…and everyone around him grows worried as he begins to lose himself to the flashbacks.
When a xenophobic councilor teams up with exiled elves to overthrow the monarchy and isolate Elven kind from the “lesser baseborns”, and launches his attack when the elite guard is escorting Kaleela home…we see our still recovering Blackburn four charge back into danger to save Kaleela’s family, only to lose her to the rebels.
In The Name of Pride follows Kaleela and Dimitar’s journeys through their own respective traumas, without having the other by their side. We are GIFTED with a true to real life view of what it means to be at war with yourself, and to come out in the other side. We see those hurts acknowledged and overcome.
It also gives us a gaslighting, narcissistic, villain. And through Kaleela, shows us that even when we’re broken by more than the sword, and lose ourselves, you can always find your way home to yourself and take back what’s rightfully yours.
This book poignantly shows that the way you fight against oppression— specifically racism, hatred, bigotry, and fascism—is by finding our strength in one another and rising up together to take our world back from the powers that would dare defile it.
This book has chaotic cousins, non binary representation, a queer normative world, mental health journeys, hammer swinging lady knights, unbreakable friendships, and serves as a reminder of what it means to be human.
I am better for having read this. You will be too.
January 8, 2026
Fantastic 4.5⭐️! Thank you to the Collins’ for allowing me to be an ARC reader again ☺️
So many things to like about this series, In The Name of Pride takes us on a roller coaster of emotions. Despair, resignation, anger, grief and brutality is beautifully balanced with compassion, loyalty, unwavering commitment, love, wit and determination.
This book focuses on the elven kingdom, which has been overtaken by a group of banished exiles who reinforce the forests boundaries meaning nobody can enter or exit. The royal family is locked in the castle cells, and Kaleela must endure the horrors of “General” Vin’Saar. Can she trust anyone within the castle now? How will Dimitar, Olaf and Ral get her and her family to safety?
This will have you on the edge of your seat, I am eagerly waiting for the next book now, no pressure hehe.
Release date 27/01
So many things to like about this series, In The Name of Pride takes us on a roller coaster of emotions. Despair, resignation, anger, grief and brutality is beautifully balanced with compassion, loyalty, unwavering commitment, love, wit and determination.
This book focuses on the elven kingdom, which has been overtaken by a group of banished exiles who reinforce the forests boundaries meaning nobody can enter or exit. The royal family is locked in the castle cells, and Kaleela must endure the horrors of “General” Vin’Saar. Can she trust anyone within the castle now? How will Dimitar, Olaf and Ral get her and her family to safety?
This will have you on the edge of your seat, I am eagerly waiting for the next book now, no pressure hehe.
Release date 27/01
January 9, 2026
After the emotional turmoil of Honor I was hoping for good things for our sweet boy Dimitar and the angel that is Kaleela but apparently we needed to suffer some more 😅 Pride takes us even deeper into the development of Dimitar and Kaleela. We get an insight into Dimitar’s past and how that is mixing with the PTSD from the events in Honor. The scenes that show the turmoil happening in his thoughts are so raw and real. Kaleela is forced to see that her past maybe wasn’t as good as she thought and has to struggle with the decisions made by her father and how they affect in her in present time. On top of that she has to fight for hers and her newfound family’s lives away from everything she’s ever known.
Pride gives us the same group of characters we love while adding new characters that you want to root for! Olaf has finally met his match 👀 We have new enemies and an evil force that may or may not end everything we know. I can’t wait to see how this trilogy will wrap up in the next installment of Vows & Valor!
Thank you so much for sharing this with me and giving me a new obsession Courtney and Clarke. I adore y’all and this world you’ve built!
Pride gives us the same group of characters we love while adding new characters that you want to root for! Olaf has finally met his match 👀 We have new enemies and an evil force that may or may not end everything we know. I can’t wait to see how this trilogy will wrap up in the next installment of Vows & Valor!
Thank you so much for sharing this with me and giving me a new obsession Courtney and Clarke. I adore y’all and this world you’ve built!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The sequel pulled me right back into this world. And I'm so glad that I reread the first book before starting it, despite it having a very helpful summary. I NEED emotional continuity with stories like this. I need to remember how I felt about the characters. And honestly, that reread paid off. I fell back into their lives easily, which says a lot about how well these authors build relationships between reader and cast.
As things open, watching Kaleela reconnect with her elven family was so special. Seeing her learn about her mother through her people felt quietly healing, like she was reclaiming a piece of herself she never got to have. That contrast of tender belonging versus total loss of control when things started going SO WRONG, worked really well. As we went on, Kaleela’s chapters were… brutal in the best AND worst ways. I was genuinely anxious reading them. The danger she’s in feels immediate and personal, and I felt physically sick with stress more than once. That is a huge positive for me. I WANT to feel the same things the characters are feeling. Her captivity isn’t just plot tension; it’s emotional trauma, and the book doesn’t shy away from that.
Dimitar continues to be a walking pile of guilt and devotion, and I say that so fondly. He’s living the life he once dreamed of, but the mental cost of the last book hasn’t disappeared, and I appreciated that the story doesn’t magically fix him. His love for Kaleela is steady and aching. I also loved how the book leans into strong women and emotionally grounded men. Gender expectations get nudged around in ways that make the characters more interesting, too. There is so much diversity in this book and it's just THERE like real life, which I adored.
I will admit I missed Ral being more front and center (he is still the cheese thief of my heart) and I am desperate for answers about that weird hinted-at bond situation with the trio. Olaf continues to be perfection. I adore him, and of course he ends up with a He deserves happiness AND snark.
The political tension here hit harder than I expected. The story shows how fear, prejudice, and power combine into something truly monstrous. The villains aren’t just violent; they’re manipulative, self-righteous, and terrifyingly believable. Through Kaleela’s suffering and resistance, the book quietly argues that survival isn’t just about swords; it’s about holding onto who you are when someone is trying to rewrite you. There’s a lot here about trauma, recovery, and fighting systems that want to erase you, and it lands. Especially in times like these.
By the end, I felt more attached to this cast than ever. This is a deeply character-driven story. I loved being back in this world, and I can already tell the next book is going to be incredible. Overall, this book hurt my feelings, stressed me out, and made me love these characters more and honestly, that’s exactly what I wanted.
Thanks to the talented authors for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Representation: Queernormative world, Genderfluid side character, lots of Mental Health, several POC characters
As things open, watching Kaleela reconnect with her elven family was so special. Seeing her learn about her mother through her people felt quietly healing, like she was reclaiming a piece of herself she never got to have. That contrast of tender belonging versus total loss of control when things started going SO WRONG, worked really well. As we went on, Kaleela’s chapters were… brutal in the best AND worst ways. I was genuinely anxious reading them. The danger she’s in feels immediate and personal, and I felt physically sick with stress more than once. That is a huge positive for me. I WANT to feel the same things the characters are feeling. Her captivity isn’t just plot tension; it’s emotional trauma, and the book doesn’t shy away from that.
Dimitar continues to be a walking pile of guilt and devotion, and I say that so fondly. He’s living the life he once dreamed of, but the mental cost of the last book hasn’t disappeared, and I appreciated that the story doesn’t magically fix him. His love for Kaleela is steady and aching. I also loved how the book leans into strong women and emotionally grounded men. Gender expectations get nudged around in ways that make the characters more interesting, too. There is so much diversity in this book and it's just THERE like real life, which I adored.
I will admit I missed Ral being more front and center (he is still the cheese thief of my heart) and I am desperate for answers about that weird hinted-at bond situation with the trio. Olaf continues to be perfection. I adore him, and of course he ends up with a He deserves happiness AND snark.
The political tension here hit harder than I expected. The story shows how fear, prejudice, and power combine into something truly monstrous. The villains aren’t just violent; they’re manipulative, self-righteous, and terrifyingly believable. Through Kaleela’s suffering and resistance, the book quietly argues that survival isn’t just about swords; it’s about holding onto who you are when someone is trying to rewrite you. There’s a lot here about trauma, recovery, and fighting systems that want to erase you, and it lands. Especially in times like these.
By the end, I felt more attached to this cast than ever. This is a deeply character-driven story. I loved being back in this world, and I can already tell the next book is going to be incredible. Overall, this book hurt my feelings, stressed me out, and made me love these characters more and honestly, that’s exactly what I wanted.
Thanks to the talented authors for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Representation: Queernormative world, Genderfluid side character, lots of Mental Health, several POC characters
January 27, 2026
I have a multitude of things to say about this book because I went through so many emotions and back and forth in my head about how I’d review this. I am so freaking honored that the authors entrusted me with an ARC to this book and this below is my honest review, with a bunch of my chaotic thoughts.
1. This took me a lot longer than I anticipated to get into. I’m not sure if it was not rereading book one beforehand or if it was because a lot of the beginning was more calm before the storm but it was a little difficult for me to burst right in, although I am grateful for that dive into what was going on in the characters minds.
2. The world this author created is so interesting and amazing and the way the characters navigate everything in it felt actually quite relatable.
3. Courtney and Clarke do not pull their politics or inclusivity in their writing and I LOVE THAT. LGBTQ+ representation — literally for everyone & fighting against xenophobia and corruption is literally the name of the game in these books. This is was fighting back with literacy looks like and I love to see it.
4. We got some new side characters I’m super excited about but I do feel like we are slowly learning more about my bby Ral and I and DYING TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON WITH HIM AHH.
5. The jokes did not miss. Olaf is hilarious, Dimitar is broody, kaleela is a freaking saint honestly, Ral is still cheese obsessed but the big things in this book is the full struggle internally & how/what that looks like for an abundance of different people. It’s about fighting yourself and doing what is right and what is necessary so you don’t break under the pressure of all of your hardships and that’s beautiful in itself. I had moments reading this where I felt my own clarity, heartbreak and strength just as the characters were finding theirs.
6. I can feel the love between the main characters, but at some points I definitely did wish for more there. Don’t get me wrong, there’s yearning, but it feels like our MMC has much more tied up in the relationship than our FMC. I can’t wait to see how they align in book 3 as I know he’s gonna puppy dog around her no matter what
7. I’m incredibly eager to read the next one. I still have so many unanswered questions about so many characters and idk how they are gonna wrap it all up but I’m sweating just thinking about it.
8. Idk why I’m numbering these but ya. I’ll leave you with a fantastic quote by our favorite, fun loving giant, Olaf.
“You ruttin’ turd” go read this book 💃💃💃
1. This took me a lot longer than I anticipated to get into. I’m not sure if it was not rereading book one beforehand or if it was because a lot of the beginning was more calm before the storm but it was a little difficult for me to burst right in, although I am grateful for that dive into what was going on in the characters minds.
2. The world this author created is so interesting and amazing and the way the characters navigate everything in it felt actually quite relatable.
3. Courtney and Clarke do not pull their politics or inclusivity in their writing and I LOVE THAT. LGBTQ+ representation — literally for everyone & fighting against xenophobia and corruption is literally the name of the game in these books. This is was fighting back with literacy looks like and I love to see it.
4. We got some new side characters I’m super excited about but I do feel like we are slowly learning more about my bby Ral and I and DYING TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON WITH HIM AHH.
5. The jokes did not miss. Olaf is hilarious, Dimitar is broody, kaleela is a freaking saint honestly, Ral is still cheese obsessed but the big things in this book is the full struggle internally & how/what that looks like for an abundance of different people. It’s about fighting yourself and doing what is right and what is necessary so you don’t break under the pressure of all of your hardships and that’s beautiful in itself. I had moments reading this where I felt my own clarity, heartbreak and strength just as the characters were finding theirs.
6. I can feel the love between the main characters, but at some points I definitely did wish for more there. Don’t get me wrong, there’s yearning, but it feels like our MMC has much more tied up in the relationship than our FMC. I can’t wait to see how they align in book 3 as I know he’s gonna puppy dog around her no matter what
7. I’m incredibly eager to read the next one. I still have so many unanswered questions about so many characters and idk how they are gonna wrap it all up but I’m sweating just thinking about it.
8. Idk why I’m numbering these but ya. I’ll leave you with a fantastic quote by our favorite, fun loving giant, Olaf.
“You ruttin’ turd” go read this book 💃💃💃
December 29, 2025
This book genuinely surprised me in the best way 💔✨. In the Name of Pride pulled me deeper into the world of Vows & Valor and refused to let go. I found myself emotionally invested from the very first chapters, especially as the story shifted into the elven side of the world 🌲👑—a place filled with beauty, history, and deeply rooted political tension.
Watching Kaleela return to the Sun’Din Forest was both heartwarming and heartbreaking 💚. The place she had always longed for became a gilded cage, and that contrast hit hard. Her reunion with her elven family, her position within royalty, and the growing fracture between elven and human lands added so much emotional weight and complexity. The politics were layered, tense, and surprisingly intimate—every decision felt personal, every betrayal cut deep 🗡️.
Dimitar’s journey wrecked me in the quietest way 😔🛡️. Living his dream as a knight in Blackburn should have been enough, yet the guilt, fear, and self-doubt he carried made him achingly human. His love for Kaleela was a constant thread through the darkness—a soft, steady hope even as danger closed in. When extremist exiles threatened the elven kingdom and Kaleela returned without hesitation, the stakes rose fast 🔥. The tension between duty, love, and loyalty was palpable, and I couldn’t stop turning pages.
Their bonds deepened, secrets surfaced, alliances shifted, and the emotional payoff was so worth it. I loved how this book balanced fierce, capable women 💪✨, healthy masculinity 🤍, and respectful LGBT+ representation 🌈—it all felt natural and meaningful.
By the end, my heart was in pieces but also full 💖. This sequel was darker, grittier, and more emotionally charged than the first, and it stayed with me long after I finished.
✨ Perfect for fans of:
🌲 Elven politics & court intrigue
🛡️ Knight x royal romance
💔 Love tested by duty
🤝 Found family & deep friendships
😈 Compelling, dangerous villains
🌈 Inclusive & respectful representation
🔥 High emotional stakes & epic fantasy vibes
Thank you so much to the authors and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌📚. This was an unforgettable ride, and I’m already emotionally bracing myself for what comes next.
Watching Kaleela return to the Sun’Din Forest was both heartwarming and heartbreaking 💚. The place she had always longed for became a gilded cage, and that contrast hit hard. Her reunion with her elven family, her position within royalty, and the growing fracture between elven and human lands added so much emotional weight and complexity. The politics were layered, tense, and surprisingly intimate—every decision felt personal, every betrayal cut deep 🗡️.
Dimitar’s journey wrecked me in the quietest way 😔🛡️. Living his dream as a knight in Blackburn should have been enough, yet the guilt, fear, and self-doubt he carried made him achingly human. His love for Kaleela was a constant thread through the darkness—a soft, steady hope even as danger closed in. When extremist exiles threatened the elven kingdom and Kaleela returned without hesitation, the stakes rose fast 🔥. The tension between duty, love, and loyalty was palpable, and I couldn’t stop turning pages.
Their bonds deepened, secrets surfaced, alliances shifted, and the emotional payoff was so worth it. I loved how this book balanced fierce, capable women 💪✨, healthy masculinity 🤍, and respectful LGBT+ representation 🌈—it all felt natural and meaningful.
By the end, my heart was in pieces but also full 💖. This sequel was darker, grittier, and more emotionally charged than the first, and it stayed with me long after I finished.
✨ Perfect for fans of:
🌲 Elven politics & court intrigue
🛡️ Knight x royal romance
💔 Love tested by duty
🤝 Found family & deep friendships
😈 Compelling, dangerous villains
🌈 Inclusive & respectful representation
🔥 High emotional stakes & epic fantasy vibes
Thank you so much to the authors and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌📚. This was an unforgettable ride, and I’m already emotionally bracing myself for what comes next.
Read
January 22, 2026This is an intriguing book. It shows off how broad an umbrella “epic fantasy” is. While the characters and tone are the same as they were in book one, the atmosphere and focus have shifted slightly. The battles are fought on psychological and political battlefields (although there is still physical fighting aplenty). Kaleela finds herself a prisoner in the midst of a rebellion takeover. Her battles include fighting to retain her own sense of identity and autonomy, while surrounded by an enemy who wants to take both.
Dimitar is desperate to help free Kaleela. Not only does he need to secure help, he also has to find a way past the magic that now encircles the elven kingdom. What follows is an anguished search from two separate ends of the same fight, as the two try to survive long enough to reunite.
The book finds an excellent balance between multiple kinds of fighting and from multiple points of view. Neither Dimitar nor Kaleela become superfluous, as their experiences show a multifaceted war, fought on many fronts. The danger is very real for both of them. Most interesting, however, is how their separation affects them emotionally and mentally. It defines their personalities and their relationship. It was extremely well written.
They continue to be surrounded by a great cast of characters. I still love Olaf, who steals every scene he’s in. His large personality adds perspective and helps move the story forward when Dimitar’s loss might otherwise cause it to slow down.
The Vows and Valor series continues to impress me. It has a 90s epic fantasy throwback feel, while also adding something new and different. Fans of Dungeons and Dragons, epic fantasy, or just great storytelling in general will love In the Name of Pride.
Thank you to Courtney and Clarke Collins for the book. My opinions are completely my own.
Full Review: https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
Dimitar is desperate to help free Kaleela. Not only does he need to secure help, he also has to find a way past the magic that now encircles the elven kingdom. What follows is an anguished search from two separate ends of the same fight, as the two try to survive long enough to reunite.
The book finds an excellent balance between multiple kinds of fighting and from multiple points of view. Neither Dimitar nor Kaleela become superfluous, as their experiences show a multifaceted war, fought on many fronts. The danger is very real for both of them. Most interesting, however, is how their separation affects them emotionally and mentally. It defines their personalities and their relationship. It was extremely well written.
They continue to be surrounded by a great cast of characters. I still love Olaf, who steals every scene he’s in. His large personality adds perspective and helps move the story forward when Dimitar’s loss might otherwise cause it to slow down.
The Vows and Valor series continues to impress me. It has a 90s epic fantasy throwback feel, while also adding something new and different. Fans of Dungeons and Dragons, epic fantasy, or just great storytelling in general will love In the Name of Pride.
Thank you to Courtney and Clarke Collins for the book. My opinions are completely my own.
Full Review: https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I truly enjoyed returning to this world, the first half of In the Name of Pride felt slower for me—but that pacing makes sense within the story being told. Much of the first half follows Keleela and Dimitar as they’re forcibly separated, each navigating their own mental and emotional unraveling while coping with the traumatic events of the first book. The journey is heavy, introspective, and emotionally driven, and while it took longer to fully grab my attention, I genuinely appreciated the mental health representation woven throughout this portion of the story.
Once the book reaches the second half, the pacing picks up considerably, and the story becomes far more exciting and engaging. Even so, my love for this world and its characters never wavered. One of the biggest strengths of this series is how deeply you can care about every character, including the side characters. Olaf and Ral remain my absolute favorites and continue to steal every scene they’re in.
The dynamic between Keleela and Dimitar is still incredibly inspiring. Their devotion to one another, the mountains they’re willing to climb, and the unbreakable bond they share make their relationship feel powerful and hard-earned.
If epic fantasy is your comfort genre, this series is absolutely worth picking up. I’m especially excited to see how everything ties together in the next and final book, and I can’t wait to see how this journey concludes.
Tropes & Themes:
✨ Mental health rep
💚 Wounded MMC
✨ Princess/knight slowburn
💚 Mild spice
✨ Mr Darcy hand flex
💚 Fueled by spite
✨ Unsexy forced proximity
💚 Chaotic cousins
✨ Genderfluid rep
💚 Quid pro quo coercion
✨ Sinister magic
💚 So much betrayal
✨ An unhealthy amount of stakes
A huge thank you to Courtney & Clarke Collins for the opportunity to read an early copy. It’s been such an honor to continue being an ARC reader for incredible authors and for this truly amazing series. 🖤📖✨
Once the book reaches the second half, the pacing picks up considerably, and the story becomes far more exciting and engaging. Even so, my love for this world and its characters never wavered. One of the biggest strengths of this series is how deeply you can care about every character, including the side characters. Olaf and Ral remain my absolute favorites and continue to steal every scene they’re in.
The dynamic between Keleela and Dimitar is still incredibly inspiring. Their devotion to one another, the mountains they’re willing to climb, and the unbreakable bond they share make their relationship feel powerful and hard-earned.
If epic fantasy is your comfort genre, this series is absolutely worth picking up. I’m especially excited to see how everything ties together in the next and final book, and I can’t wait to see how this journey concludes.
Tropes & Themes:
✨ Mental health rep
💚 Wounded MMC
✨ Princess/knight slowburn
💚 Mild spice
✨ Mr Darcy hand flex
💚 Fueled by spite
✨ Unsexy forced proximity
💚 Chaotic cousins
✨ Genderfluid rep
💚 Quid pro quo coercion
✨ Sinister magic
💚 So much betrayal
✨ An unhealthy amount of stakes
A huge thank you to Courtney & Clarke Collins for the opportunity to read an early copy. It’s been such an honor to continue being an ARC reader for incredible authors and for this truly amazing series. 🖤📖✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an e-ARC and this is my honest review.
In this second book, things start off a little slow with a little father-daughter drama between Kalhed and Kaleela. We follow Kaleela back to Sun’Din to be reunited with her elven family only to find out that her family has been overthrown. Kaleela gets caught up in the mix and must strive for her own survival.
Dimitar, Olaf, and Ral try to rescue Kaleela but it's no easy feat and Dimitar must overcome physical and emotional obstacles if he wants to be reunited with his love, Kaleela.
This story had a bit of a slower start and I was anticipating similar ventures and action that had started out in Book 1 but was left waiting for things to get exciting.
The focus on Dimitar’s and Kaleela’s goals and struggles did not suck me in to feel emotionally vested. I had a hard time really connecting with each character beyond a superficial level. For me, Dimitar’s and Kaleela’s internal conflict felt like that of a high schooler’s, than an adult 25 years or older with more life experiences and a wider emotional bandwidth.
The side characters, Olaf, Ral, Vin’Saar and Rialyn had a variety of depth to this story. Olaf and Ral felt more like minor characters in this second book versus the parts they had played in the first.
I honestly was a little confused how Vin’Saar’s character played out with Malik’Quin spearheading the challenges in this second book.
Rialyn’s character was barely believable in how she played into the turn of events.
The pacing felt a bit slow and dragging and at times challenging to continue forward. The scenes from each event had a good flow and were easy to follow. Overall, this story did not live up to the excitement and anticipation that was created in book 1 and am not sure if I will continue the series.
In this second book, things start off a little slow with a little father-daughter drama between Kalhed and Kaleela. We follow Kaleela back to Sun’Din to be reunited with her elven family only to find out that her family has been overthrown. Kaleela gets caught up in the mix and must strive for her own survival.
Dimitar, Olaf, and Ral try to rescue Kaleela but it's no easy feat and Dimitar must overcome physical and emotional obstacles if he wants to be reunited with his love, Kaleela.
This story had a bit of a slower start and I was anticipating similar ventures and action that had started out in Book 1 but was left waiting for things to get exciting.
The focus on Dimitar’s and Kaleela’s goals and struggles did not suck me in to feel emotionally vested. I had a hard time really connecting with each character beyond a superficial level. For me, Dimitar’s and Kaleela’s internal conflict felt like that of a high schooler’s, than an adult 25 years or older with more life experiences and a wider emotional bandwidth.
The side characters, Olaf, Ral, Vin’Saar and Rialyn had a variety of depth to this story. Olaf and Ral felt more like minor characters in this second book versus the parts they had played in the first.
I honestly was a little confused how Vin’Saar’s character played out with Malik’Quin spearheading the challenges in this second book.
Rialyn’s character was barely believable in how she played into the turn of events.
The pacing felt a bit slow and dragging and at times challenging to continue forward. The scenes from each event had a good flow and were easy to follow. Overall, this story did not live up to the excitement and anticipation that was created in book 1 and am not sure if I will continue the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the Name of Pride is a masterful continuation of the Vows & Valor series, delivering everything fans could hope for: heart-stopping romance, high-stakes drama, and richly developed characters. Courtney and Clarke Collins have created a story that is both emotionally gripping and narratively satisfying, balancing tension, passion, and character growth with precision.
The book’s strength lies in its character development. The protagonists are complex, relatable, and deeply human, struggling with pride, love, and loyalty in ways that feel authentic. Their emotional arcs are compelling, with moments of vulnerability and courage that kept me fully invested from beginning to end. Secondary characters are also given depth, adding richness to the story’s interpersonal dynamics.
The plot is well-paced, thrilling, and layered. Romantic tension, personal conflicts, and high-stakes scenarios are perfectly interwoven, keeping the reader engaged at all times. The story delivers emotional payoffs and plot twists that feel earned rather than forced, making each chapter satisfying and immersive.
Writing-wise, the Collins duo’s style is polished, evocative, and engaging. Dialogue flows naturally, descriptions are vivid without slowing the narrative, and the balance between action, romance, and introspection is handled expertly.
Overall, In the Name of Pride is a flawless addition to the Vows & Valor series, a five-star experience for anyone who loves romance with depth, dynamic characters, and high-stakes drama. It’s the kind of book that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The book’s strength lies in its character development. The protagonists are complex, relatable, and deeply human, struggling with pride, love, and loyalty in ways that feel authentic. Their emotional arcs are compelling, with moments of vulnerability and courage that kept me fully invested from beginning to end. Secondary characters are also given depth, adding richness to the story’s interpersonal dynamics.
The plot is well-paced, thrilling, and layered. Romantic tension, personal conflicts, and high-stakes scenarios are perfectly interwoven, keeping the reader engaged at all times. The story delivers emotional payoffs and plot twists that feel earned rather than forced, making each chapter satisfying and immersive.
Writing-wise, the Collins duo’s style is polished, evocative, and engaging. Dialogue flows naturally, descriptions are vivid without slowing the narrative, and the balance between action, romance, and introspection is handled expertly.
Overall, In the Name of Pride is a flawless addition to the Vows & Valor series, a five-star experience for anyone who loves romance with depth, dynamic characters, and high-stakes drama. It’s the kind of book that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
February 9, 2026
4.5⭐'s rounded up
Before you read this, please make sure you have read In the Name of Honor, as it is the first book and we pick up right where we left off. I am not super familiar with D&D but my daughter plays it so I know a little bit and this feels like one of their campaigns.
Some of the tropes include: sign language representation; family feuds; slow burn romance; mental health representation; and nonbinary representation to name a few. This book made me feel as though it was the fight that we are currently fighting in real life just in a fantasy setting.
We learn more about Dimitar and his past which explains so much about his past trauma. It was so great to see Kaleela reconnected with her elven family and learn more about her mother. The Elven Kingdom is being held hostage by banished exiles. Kaleela is under the control of Vin'Saar and fighting for autonomy.
The family feel of the characters and even the addition of new characters that you root for is so essential to this story. The characters have to fight for the life they want, even those that believe they are already living the life they always dreamed of.
Ral and his cheese obsession is still some of the best parts, not to mention, Olaf stepping in with the comedic relief that is needed with the emotional turmoil this book will but you through. I cannot wait until the next book.
Thank you to Courtney and Clarke Collins for sharing this story with me. All of my opinions are my own.
Before you read this, please make sure you have read In the Name of Honor, as it is the first book and we pick up right where we left off. I am not super familiar with D&D but my daughter plays it so I know a little bit and this feels like one of their campaigns.
Some of the tropes include: sign language representation; family feuds; slow burn romance; mental health representation; and nonbinary representation to name a few. This book made me feel as though it was the fight that we are currently fighting in real life just in a fantasy setting.
We learn more about Dimitar and his past which explains so much about his past trauma. It was so great to see Kaleela reconnected with her elven family and learn more about her mother. The Elven Kingdom is being held hostage by banished exiles. Kaleela is under the control of Vin'Saar and fighting for autonomy.
The family feel of the characters and even the addition of new characters that you root for is so essential to this story. The characters have to fight for the life they want, even those that believe they are already living the life they always dreamed of.
Ral and his cheese obsession is still some of the best parts, not to mention, Olaf stepping in with the comedic relief that is needed with the emotional turmoil this book will but you through. I cannot wait until the next book.
Thank you to Courtney and Clarke Collins for sharing this story with me. All of my opinions are my own.
January 31, 2026
‘In the Name of Pride’ builds on the foundation provided in the first book, expanding both the emotional depth and narrative scope of the series. Where ‘In the Name of Honor’ introduced the world and the cast of characters with care, this book leans confidently into character growth and explores the tensions between power, loyalty, and identity. This book also broadens the scope of the series, weaving personal growth together with rising political and social tensions that test loyalty, belonging, and the true cost of standing firm in your values.
The writing in this book remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. It is polished, immersive, and accessible, especially for the high fantasy genre. The authors balance vivid worldbuilding with forward momentum, which made it easy for me to stay engaged as the story deepened.
And of course, the characters continued to shine in this sequel. We are able to learn more about familiar characters, and their internal conflicts really felt believable and true-to-form.
If you enjoyed ‘In the Name of Honor’ for its accessibility, emotional resonance, and modern approach to high fantasy, ‘In the Name of Pride’ is a strong and satisfying sequel. It deepens the story without losing what made the first book so compelling.
Thank you to the Collinses for the ARC — I’m really looking forward to reading the final book in the series!!
The writing in this book remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. It is polished, immersive, and accessible, especially for the high fantasy genre. The authors balance vivid worldbuilding with forward momentum, which made it easy for me to stay engaged as the story deepened.
And of course, the characters continued to shine in this sequel. We are able to learn more about familiar characters, and their internal conflicts really felt believable and true-to-form.
If you enjoyed ‘In the Name of Honor’ for its accessibility, emotional resonance, and modern approach to high fantasy, ‘In the Name of Pride’ is a strong and satisfying sequel. It deepens the story without losing what made the first book so compelling.
Thank you to the Collinses for the ARC — I’m really looking forward to reading the final book in the series!!
February 13, 2026
“In the Name of Pride” by Courtney & Clarke Collins
"In the Name of Pride" is a stupendous second installment in the "Vows and Valor" series. This book is very much character-led, which is my personal preference, and I went through the full gamut of emotions while reading this enchanting fantasy.
It was a joy to be reunited with key characters from the first book, and I was particularly happy to see Kaleela connect with her elven family in the Sun’Din Forest. Now a knight, Dimitar’s love for Kaleela blossoms and is reciprocated.
However, it was at this point that the authors truly devastated me. Kaleela’s forced captivity at the hands of the Elven exiles, who have taken over the forest, and Dimitar’s desperate attempts to engage an army to free her were gripping. Both characters are extremely well-written, and by seeing the story from each point of view, their dilemma, desperation, and heartbreak are rendered incredibly poignant.
Although the book ends without a cliffhanger, I am deeply intrigued by Karn’s task in the forest and look forward to seeing the development of new characters, such as those we were introduced to from Stormgard, as well as reacquainting with Olaf and Ral. I am already eagerly anticipating book 3.
"In the Name of Pride" is a stupendous second installment in the "Vows and Valor" series. This book is very much character-led, which is my personal preference, and I went through the full gamut of emotions while reading this enchanting fantasy.
It was a joy to be reunited with key characters from the first book, and I was particularly happy to see Kaleela connect with her elven family in the Sun’Din Forest. Now a knight, Dimitar’s love for Kaleela blossoms and is reciprocated.
However, it was at this point that the authors truly devastated me. Kaleela’s forced captivity at the hands of the Elven exiles, who have taken over the forest, and Dimitar’s desperate attempts to engage an army to free her were gripping. Both characters are extremely well-written, and by seeing the story from each point of view, their dilemma, desperation, and heartbreak are rendered incredibly poignant.
Although the book ends without a cliffhanger, I am deeply intrigued by Karn’s task in the forest and look forward to seeing the development of new characters, such as those we were introduced to from Stormgard, as well as reacquainting with Olaf and Ral. I am already eagerly anticipating book 3.
December 31, 2025
The second book in this trilogy had me even more emotionally wrecked than the first. After what seemed like a happy ending for our FMC and her now knighted MMC, when she goes to visit and spend time with her elven family in the forest, they become separated by a magical ward to keep her in and him out as a rebellion takes over full of exiled elves who claim to want to unite all the elves and overthrow her family throne.
This book again shifted through multiple POVs with the main focus on the princess who is trapped and deals with some dark topics (check trigger warnings) at the hands of the elf who helped overthrow her families crown, and the other focus on her knight who is rallying everything he can to get back to her and set her free. There were battle scenes, quests and challenges for honor, some double crossing and of course my favorite side character Olaf again! This book had me both devastated and also hopeful as more sub plots were revealed and I am hoping after the ending our main couple can finally be together but there’s one more book so who knows what’s coming! Overall my rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC, all opinions given are my own!
This book again shifted through multiple POVs with the main focus on the princess who is trapped and deals with some dark topics (check trigger warnings) at the hands of the elf who helped overthrow her families crown, and the other focus on her knight who is rallying everything he can to get back to her and set her free. There were battle scenes, quests and challenges for honor, some double crossing and of course my favorite side character Olaf again! This book had me both devastated and also hopeful as more sub plots were revealed and I am hoping after the ending our main couple can finally be together but there’s one more book so who knows what’s coming! Overall my rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC, all opinions given are my own!
February 2, 2026
An incredible sequel to In the Name of Honor! Much like ITNOH the second installment of Vows & Valor is a sweeping and epic tale of honor and deceit - of love & betrayal - of deeply entrenched family history in a world that's not standing still. Very early in the book, Kahleela and Dimitar are forced apart and what follows is nothing short of the kind of story telling that makes you feel at a primal level the anguish of being kept from every thing and every one you hold dear.
Kahleela and her family are stolen by elvish insurrectionists, led by the manipulative Vin`Saar, who uses her love for them to forever force her into acts she wouldn't otherwise agree.
Vows & Valor is a series for those of us who enjoy being fully immersed into a magical world full of political intrigue & resistance to the established way of life.
If you live for anything Lord of the Rings or Tolkien, you'll feel right at home here!
This is not light & fluffy storytelling. This is gritty and realistic and you'll be left wounded at some point.
It's sprawling and spiraling.
Check your triggers! But I honestly cannot recommend the series, and this particular book, more!
Kahleela and her family are stolen by elvish insurrectionists, led by the manipulative Vin`Saar, who uses her love for them to forever force her into acts she wouldn't otherwise agree.
Vows & Valor is a series for those of us who enjoy being fully immersed into a magical world full of political intrigue & resistance to the established way of life.
If you live for anything Lord of the Rings or Tolkien, you'll feel right at home here!
This is not light & fluffy storytelling. This is gritty and realistic and you'll be left wounded at some point.
It's sprawling and spiraling.
Check your triggers! But I honestly cannot recommend the series, and this particular book, more!
December 30, 2025
I am bawling. I am unwell. The second installment in the trilogy has left me at a loss for words.
The Vows & Valor series is going to become one of my all-time favourites - and that's not just because the authors are wonderful people.
With a Chapter 1 last sentence that is WILD. "In the Name of Pride" goes from a cozy fantasy to an enthralling, captivating story where the topics touched on are heavy, but the characters' hearts and hope are big enough for the challenges. The yearning is palpable - I even squealed at our MMC's Mr. Darcy hand moment. And Olaf's humour does something to my heart.
This story made me misty-eyed, cry six different times, and completely bawl at the ending. The writing is so beautifully descriptive that it painted a vivid picture in my head for the entire story. You need to do yourself a favour and find this series to read!
Thank you to the authors for the Street Team Membership and the eARC of In The Name of Pride by Courtney & Clarke Collins. I am beyond grateful!
The Vows & Valor series is going to become one of my all-time favourites - and that's not just because the authors are wonderful people.
With a Chapter 1 last sentence that is WILD. "In the Name of Pride" goes from a cozy fantasy to an enthralling, captivating story where the topics touched on are heavy, but the characters' hearts and hope are big enough for the challenges. The yearning is palpable - I even squealed at our MMC's Mr. Darcy hand moment. And Olaf's humour does something to my heart.
This story made me misty-eyed, cry six different times, and completely bawl at the ending. The writing is so beautifully descriptive that it painted a vivid picture in my head for the entire story. You need to do yourself a favour and find this series to read!
Thank you to the authors for the Street Team Membership and the eARC of In The Name of Pride by Courtney & Clarke Collins. I am beyond grateful!
Review of advance copy
After the emotional turmoil of Honor, I was really hoping things would ease up for our sweet boy Dimitar and the angel that is Kaleela
Pride takes us even deeper into Dimitar and Kaleela’s journeys. We get powerful insight into Dimitar’s past and how it collides with the PTSD he carries from the events of Honor. The way his internal turmoil is portrayed feels incredibly raw and real—those scenes hit hard. Kaleela, meanwhile, is forced to confront the reality that her past may not have been as perfect as she believed. She must grapple with her father’s choices and the lasting impact they have on her present, all while fighting for her life and the lives of her newfound family far from everything she’s ever known.
This installment brings back the characters we already love while introducing new ones that are impossible not to root for. And Olaf? He has finally met his match 👀 On top of that, new enemies emerge alongside an ominous evil force that threatens everything as we know it.
I am beyond excited to see how this trilogy wraps up in the final installment of Vows & Valor.
Thank you so much for the chance to read these arcs
Pride takes us even deeper into Dimitar and Kaleela’s journeys. We get powerful insight into Dimitar’s past and how it collides with the PTSD he carries from the events of Honor. The way his internal turmoil is portrayed feels incredibly raw and real—those scenes hit hard. Kaleela, meanwhile, is forced to confront the reality that her past may not have been as perfect as she believed. She must grapple with her father’s choices and the lasting impact they have on her present, all while fighting for her life and the lives of her newfound family far from everything she’s ever known.
This installment brings back the characters we already love while introducing new ones that are impossible not to root for. And Olaf? He has finally met his match 👀 On top of that, new enemies emerge alongside an ominous evil force that threatens everything as we know it.
I am beyond excited to see how this trilogy wraps up in the final installment of Vows & Valor.
Thank you so much for the chance to read these arcs
Review of advance copy received from Author
“A High Knight, the world’s most powerful mage, and a cadre of knights from a city renowned for its skilled warriors. Dimitar could think of none better to pull off this rescue. We’re coming, my love.”
AHHHH!! This was an amazing sequel! Just as good, if not better, than book 1. And just like the first book I couldn’t put this one down either.
The coup the elves endure, the sister kingdoms coming together to help them and most of all Kaleela’s journey of being trapped in the forest while trying to keep her bearings among her people, while trying to find who is good or bad. The multi POVs really immerse you into the story. I’d love to know what really happened to Malik’Quin 👀
That voice was interesting 🤔
I love that Dimitar is now facing the trauma he suffered from in book one and in his past. Our side characters as always as freaking amazing! Olaf 👀 IYKYK
Can’t forget Ral and his glorious cheese 🤣
Thank you to the Collin’s for my eARC 🫶🏼
I cannot wait for the finale to this series!!!
AHHHH!! This was an amazing sequel! Just as good, if not better, than book 1. And just like the first book I couldn’t put this one down either.
The coup the elves endure, the sister kingdoms coming together to help them and most of all Kaleela’s journey of being trapped in the forest while trying to keep her bearings among her people, while trying to find who is good or bad. The multi POVs really immerse you into the story. I’d love to know what really happened to Malik’Quin 👀
That voice was interesting 🤔
I love that Dimitar is now facing the trauma he suffered from in book one and in his past. Our side characters as always as freaking amazing! Olaf 👀 IYKYK
Can’t forget Ral and his glorious cheese 🤣
Thank you to the Collin’s for my eARC 🫶🏼
I cannot wait for the finale to this series!!!
February 5, 2026
I was gifted a copy of this book from TheNerdFam for my honest review. The below review is my own sole opinion of this title.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In the Name of Pride was such a satisfying continuation of the story from the first book. I loved seeing the plot pick up naturally where it left off, with stakes that felt bigger but still really personal for the characters.
The growth of Kaleela and Dimitar in this one was amazing — you can really see how they’re learning from their past mistakes and experiences, and their relationship just keeps getting deeper and more meaningful. The romance definitely has that slow-burn intensity I love, and it felt earned without ever being overly dramatic.
What I really liked was how the book balanced the bigger plot with these quiet, character-driven moments. I felt connected to both the tension in the story and the personal journeys of the characters. It’s the kind of sequel that makes you glad you stuck with the first book, and it left me excited for what’s next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In the Name of Pride was such a satisfying continuation of the story from the first book. I loved seeing the plot pick up naturally where it left off, with stakes that felt bigger but still really personal for the characters.
The growth of Kaleela and Dimitar in this one was amazing — you can really see how they’re learning from their past mistakes and experiences, and their relationship just keeps getting deeper and more meaningful. The romance definitely has that slow-burn intensity I love, and it felt earned without ever being overly dramatic.
What I really liked was how the book balanced the bigger plot with these quiet, character-driven moments. I felt connected to both the tension in the story and the personal journeys of the characters. It’s the kind of sequel that makes you glad you stuck with the first book, and it left me excited for what’s next.
Read
March 2, 2026 “…𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.”
Picking up right where In the Name of Honor (book 1) left off, this next installment hits you right in the feels. Filled with high stakes and epic fantasy, mental health and genderfluid rep, betrayal and spite, dark and sinister magic, the best Darcy hand flex, a slow burn turned mild spice romance, quid pro quo coercion, and the perfect adventure and found family with all of the LOTRs vibes we loved from the first book.
I seriously cannot get enough of this series and how these authors write. Beautiful descriptors, perfectly imperfect characters and the journey of it all that will captivate you cover to cover. I truly love how dynamic and heart pounding these characters relationships are. Although they face the darkness together, their light shines through and they always find ways to show up for each other. Dimitar and those doors are giving some serious Aragon flashbacks (IYKYK), and I am here for it!!!
“Nothing and no one will keep me from you.”
Picking up right where In the Name of Honor (book 1) left off, this next installment hits you right in the feels. Filled with high stakes and epic fantasy, mental health and genderfluid rep, betrayal and spite, dark and sinister magic, the best Darcy hand flex, a slow burn turned mild spice romance, quid pro quo coercion, and the perfect adventure and found family with all of the LOTRs vibes we loved from the first book.
I seriously cannot get enough of this series and how these authors write. Beautiful descriptors, perfectly imperfect characters and the journey of it all that will captivate you cover to cover. I truly love how dynamic and heart pounding these characters relationships are. Although they face the darkness together, their light shines through and they always find ways to show up for each other. Dimitar and those doors are giving some serious Aragon flashbacks (IYKYK), and I am here for it!!!
“Nothing and no one will keep me from you.”
February 11, 2026
In the name of Pride by Courtney and Clarke Collins, is a phenomenal second book in the Vows and Valour Series.
The story continues on with Kaleela, Dimitar, Olaf and Ral. Without giving away spoilers, the story was rife with traumatic events, surprise betrayal that cuts so deep and tensions at an all time high, like never before. The odds seem impossible and the plot thickens with intense moments, angst and despair. More is revealed about our hero’s, yet less is known about certain characters with an air of mystery surrounding them. The cheese is still has main character energy, for those that know 😉
I was absolutely on the edge of my seat one moment, closing my eyes and peeking through at the pages, gasping in shock and other moments laughing merrily with glee! The range of emotions that I I experience while reading a Collins book, is truly astounding and breathtaking. I absolutely cannot wait till the third book is released!
5 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀
The story continues on with Kaleela, Dimitar, Olaf and Ral. Without giving away spoilers, the story was rife with traumatic events, surprise betrayal that cuts so deep and tensions at an all time high, like never before. The odds seem impossible and the plot thickens with intense moments, angst and despair. More is revealed about our hero’s, yet less is known about certain characters with an air of mystery surrounding them. The cheese is still has main character energy, for those that know 😉
I was absolutely on the edge of my seat one moment, closing my eyes and peeking through at the pages, gasping in shock and other moments laughing merrily with glee! The range of emotions that I I experience while reading a Collins book, is truly astounding and breathtaking. I absolutely cannot wait till the third book is released!
5 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀
March 5, 2026
CW: violence, emotional manipulation, torture, some others
Thank you to the authors for the ARC! “In the Name of Pride” is available now!
Having thwarted the rise of the Corrupted, the world seems to be returning to normal. Similar struggles with his trauma, and Kaleela finds herself split between the human world she knows and the elven world she never should have missed. When a new threat emerges, everyone’s spirit is put to the test once again.
Full disclosure: I’m struggling to write reviews right now. Life has gotten insane lately in both amazing and stressful ways; it’s left me with very little bandwidth for reading and even less for reviewing. But we carry on, and I’ll do my best to make this a helpful review because I really did enjoy this book.
This story did an excellent job at highlighting a few things about myself to myself. One, I have a very low tolerance for unproductive yearning. We have things to do, people, get it together. In my defense, I also have this issue in real life, so at least I’m consistent. Thankfully, our lovely characters did ultimately get their acts together. My personal opinions on emotional languishing aside, the portrayal of both Kaleela’s and Dimitar’s angst and internal struggles was solid.
Two, and this should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me in real life, I have the plotline patience of a gnat. When in doubt, my (literary) suggestion is to burn it all down and start utilizing those sharp, pointy objects. This book requires some patience—we don’t get around to the big action bits for a minute. The build up did manage to hold my attention, frustrated though I was, which says a lot about the quality of the story. Plus, once we got there, the action was amazing and I couldn’t put it down.
Third, I have a type. That type is “mysteriously OP cheese thief” and I regret nothing.
In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this book. It leans heavily into emotional development and character growth, which is a little out of my usual wheelhouse, but the story more than compensates for that aspect. If you like the human(ish) components, you’re going to love this one. Absolutely lovely work, and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out.
Thank you to the authors for the ARC! “In the Name of Pride” is available now!
Having thwarted the rise of the Corrupted, the world seems to be returning to normal. Similar struggles with his trauma, and Kaleela finds herself split between the human world she knows and the elven world she never should have missed. When a new threat emerges, everyone’s spirit is put to the test once again.
Full disclosure: I’m struggling to write reviews right now. Life has gotten insane lately in both amazing and stressful ways; it’s left me with very little bandwidth for reading and even less for reviewing. But we carry on, and I’ll do my best to make this a helpful review because I really did enjoy this book.
This story did an excellent job at highlighting a few things about myself to myself. One, I have a very low tolerance for unproductive yearning. We have things to do, people, get it together. In my defense, I also have this issue in real life, so at least I’m consistent. Thankfully, our lovely characters did ultimately get their acts together. My personal opinions on emotional languishing aside, the portrayal of both Kaleela’s and Dimitar’s angst and internal struggles was solid.
Two, and this should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me in real life, I have the plotline patience of a gnat. When in doubt, my (literary) suggestion is to burn it all down and start utilizing those sharp, pointy objects. This book requires some patience—we don’t get around to the big action bits for a minute. The build up did manage to hold my attention, frustrated though I was, which says a lot about the quality of the story. Plus, once we got there, the action was amazing and I couldn’t put it down.
Third, I have a type. That type is “mysteriously OP cheese thief” and I regret nothing.
In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this book. It leans heavily into emotional development and character growth, which is a little out of my usual wheelhouse, but the story more than compensates for that aspect. If you like the human(ish) components, you’re going to love this one. Absolutely lovely work, and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the authors and NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this amazing story!
I already knew I loved these characters and the Vows and Valor world. However, I did not expect the Collinses to introduce me to a sinfully salacious villain who took all the dark romantic fantasy tropes (and I do mean all of them) and flipped them on their collective head. I growled, snarled, and screamed at this book, and the moment the heroes began to turn the tide, the elation that took over my body left me lightheaded and exhilarated in the most gleeful way. I found myself thinking about this story at the oddest moments, and sharing my passion for the characters with my loved ones over dinner or walking the dogs. If you thought In the Name of Honor was good, there’s not a doubt in my mind that In the Name of Pride will take your breath away for the most unexpected reasons.
I already knew I loved these characters and the Vows and Valor world. However, I did not expect the Collinses to introduce me to a sinfully salacious villain who took all the dark romantic fantasy tropes (and I do mean all of them) and flipped them on their collective head. I growled, snarled, and screamed at this book, and the moment the heroes began to turn the tide, the elation that took over my body left me lightheaded and exhilarated in the most gleeful way. I found myself thinking about this story at the oddest moments, and sharing my passion for the characters with my loved ones over dinner or walking the dogs. If you thought In the Name of Honor was good, there’s not a doubt in my mind that In the Name of Pride will take your breath away for the most unexpected reasons.
January 13, 2026
Big thank you to the authors for allowing me to continue on the ARC team, another fantastic read in the Vows and Valor series!
This book really ramped up the emotions in every way possible, and Kaleela and Dimitar were really put through it! It was brilliant to explore the elven side of this world in more depth, learning their customs and culture in what is a really well thought out world.
The characters’ emotions and development were really allowed to take centre stage, fully immersing the reader into the story. The relationship between the two main characters is allowed to grow slowly, making for a really beautiful romantic subplot, while the action and political intrigue of the Sun’Din forest really give you the epic fantasy feeling. This book was both heartbreaking and heart warming, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
This book really ramped up the emotions in every way possible, and Kaleela and Dimitar were really put through it! It was brilliant to explore the elven side of this world in more depth, learning their customs and culture in what is a really well thought out world.
The characters’ emotions and development were really allowed to take centre stage, fully immersing the reader into the story. The relationship between the two main characters is allowed to grow slowly, making for a really beautiful romantic subplot, while the action and political intrigue of the Sun’Din forest really give you the epic fantasy feeling. This book was both heartbreaking and heart warming, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
January 29, 2026
Thank you Nerd Fam & Courtney and Clark Collins for the ARC of this book!
I found the plot and characters of In the Name of Pride to be outstanding, and I loved every bit of the story and the character development. This book would have truly been a 5 star read for me, other than I found the pacing / writing to be a bit slow paced for my taste.
I also found that book two was a huge improvement from book one! While I enjoyed book 1, this one was much better.
Things I LOVED about pride
🖤The chaotic family vibes! I love this dynamic so SO much and was living for every bit of them i could get.
🖤Mental heath reps!
🖤Lady Knights swinging a huge hammer 😍
🖤Some amazing friendships.
I was truly immersed in the story throughout the whole book. Anger, grief, loyalty, completely despair and total determination -- i felt it all!
A beautiful story that I highly recommend!
I found the plot and characters of In the Name of Pride to be outstanding, and I loved every bit of the story and the character development. This book would have truly been a 5 star read for me, other than I found the pacing / writing to be a bit slow paced for my taste.
I also found that book two was a huge improvement from book one! While I enjoyed book 1, this one was much better.
Things I LOVED about pride
🖤The chaotic family vibes! I love this dynamic so SO much and was living for every bit of them i could get.
🖤Mental heath reps!
🖤Lady Knights swinging a huge hammer 😍
🖤Some amazing friendships.
I was truly immersed in the story throughout the whole book. Anger, grief, loyalty, completely despair and total determination -- i felt it all!
A beautiful story that I highly recommend!
February 9, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Courtney & Clarke Collins for an advanced reader copy of this book!
4.75 stars - This was a fantastic sequel! There was the perfect balance and blend of politics, yearning, anguish, humour, and romance! I was hooked every chapter and loved the multiple POVs. Kaleela’s chapters were heart wrenching and brutal, but I loved her strength and resilience despite the awful situation she was in.
This was written so well. Every chapter felt intentional, the pacing was good, and the characters had more emotional depth. I liked getting to know more of Dimitar’s past, and the added depth to his character. I also liked learning more about Kaleela’s family and the new character additions!
This is truly what I look for in a fantasy book! I don’t want to give any spoilers but I truly had a great time reading this and can’t wait to see what happens next!
4.75 stars - This was a fantastic sequel! There was the perfect balance and blend of politics, yearning, anguish, humour, and romance! I was hooked every chapter and loved the multiple POVs. Kaleela’s chapters were heart wrenching and brutal, but I loved her strength and resilience despite the awful situation she was in.
This was written so well. Every chapter felt intentional, the pacing was good, and the characters had more emotional depth. I liked getting to know more of Dimitar’s past, and the added depth to his character. I also liked learning more about Kaleela’s family and the new character additions!
This is truly what I look for in a fantasy book! I don’t want to give any spoilers but I truly had a great time reading this and can’t wait to see what happens next!
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