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The Sacred Honor Collection
The Darkest Oath: A Historical Romance of Forbidden Love and Immortality in Revolutionary France
Her love is his only salvation—and the undoing of everything he must sacrifice to survive.
In 18th-century France, where revolution sparks and mythic curses linger, one immortal knight must choose between duty and desire in this emotionally charged, slow-burn romance.
He was forged in loyalty. Bound by oath. Cursed with immortality.
She was destined to spark rebellion—and to steal his heart.
Chevalier Rollant de Montvieux was once a man of honor. Betrayed on the battlefield and bound by a sorceress’s curse, he has spent six centuries serving the French crown—immortal, untouchable, and doomed to lose anyone he dares to embrace.
Élise has nothing left to lose. Defiant and determined to fight for freedom, she has no patience for kings—or the royalists who serve them. But when she crosses paths with Rollant, she finds a man burdened by secrets, trapped in a fate not of his choosing.
As revolution ignites in Paris, their connection deepens in the shadows of a crumbling world.
But Rollant knows love is forbidden.
To hold Élise is to curse her to certain death.
As France teeters on the edge of war, Rollant must make an impossible choice: honor his unbreakable oath and protect her from afar—or risk everything, including her life, for one fleeting chance at love.
And Élise must decide where her true battle lies: in the streets of Paris, or in the arms of a man who may be her ruin—or her greatest salvation.
The curse is real.
The love is forbidden.
The oath… was only the beginning.
Take the Oath. Choose the Curse.
Step into a world where love is treason and every vow carries a price.
Why Readers Love The Darkest Oath
*Slow-burn, closed-door character-driven romance that aches before it ignites
*Devotion more powerful than desire—wrecked by restraint, not rushed by tropes
*Forbidden love with quiet echoes of Beauty and the Beast
*Characters whose inner battles are as gripping as the war around them
*Rich historical detail steeped in gothic, myth-touched atmosphere
*Heart-wrenching stakes: loyalty vs. love, fate vs. free will
Content Note: Moderate Violence, Death, Abuse, and Period-Appropriate Religious Themes.
No Profanity. No Explicit Scenes.
The Darkest Oath is a closed-door, character-driven historical romance set during the French Revolution, blending subtle supernatural elements with political intrigue and emotional tension.
In 18th-century France, where revolution sparks and mythic curses linger, one immortal knight must choose between duty and desire in this emotionally charged, slow-burn romance.
He was forged in loyalty. Bound by oath. Cursed with immortality.
She was destined to spark rebellion—and to steal his heart.
Chevalier Rollant de Montvieux was once a man of honor. Betrayed on the battlefield and bound by a sorceress’s curse, he has spent six centuries serving the French crown—immortal, untouchable, and doomed to lose anyone he dares to embrace.
Élise has nothing left to lose. Defiant and determined to fight for freedom, she has no patience for kings—or the royalists who serve them. But when she crosses paths with Rollant, she finds a man burdened by secrets, trapped in a fate not of his choosing.
As revolution ignites in Paris, their connection deepens in the shadows of a crumbling world.
But Rollant knows love is forbidden.
To hold Élise is to curse her to certain death.
As France teeters on the edge of war, Rollant must make an impossible choice: honor his unbreakable oath and protect her from afar—or risk everything, including her life, for one fleeting chance at love.
And Élise must decide where her true battle lies: in the streets of Paris, or in the arms of a man who may be her ruin—or her greatest salvation.
The curse is real.
The love is forbidden.
The oath… was only the beginning.
Take the Oath. Choose the Curse.
Step into a world where love is treason and every vow carries a price.
Why Readers Love The Darkest Oath
*Slow-burn, closed-door character-driven romance that aches before it ignites
*Devotion more powerful than desire—wrecked by restraint, not rushed by tropes
*Forbidden love with quiet echoes of Beauty and the Beast
*Characters whose inner battles are as gripping as the war around them
*Rich historical detail steeped in gothic, myth-touched atmosphere
*Heart-wrenching stakes: loyalty vs. love, fate vs. free will
Content Note: Moderate Violence, Death, Abuse, and Period-Appropriate Religious Themes.
No Profanity. No Explicit Scenes.
The Darkest Oath is a closed-door, character-driven historical romance set during the French Revolution, blending subtle supernatural elements with political intrigue and emotional tension.
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2025
About the author
Lauren Lee Merewether
30 books145 followersLAUREN LEE MEREWETHER writes multi-genre romantic sagas inspired by ancient places, legends, and myths. She loves to delve into the shadows of the past, spinning slow-burn, closed door romantic narratives that merge the timeless passions of history with the mysteries of ancient mythologies. Her award-winning novels invite readers to explore the thrilling depths of legends, emotions, and humanity, spanning high-seas adventures to the splendors of ancient empires.
In her free time, Lauren loves to daydream about times long past while sipping green tea and watching the experts on Discovery unearth our ancestors' civilizations.
Go behind the scenes, say hello, grab a free series starter, and stay current with Lauren’s latest releases at www.LaurenLeeMerewether.com.
Follow and connect with Lauren on:
BookBub - bookbub.com/authors/lauren-lee-merewe...
Facebook - facebook.com/llmbooks
Instagram - instagram.com/llmbooks
Pinterest - pinterest.com/llmerewether/llm-books
Twitter - twitter.com/llmbooks
TikTok - tiktok.com/@llmbooks
Lemon8 - lemon8-app.com/@llmbooks
"Merewether’s up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of an exciting plotline, making for an unstoppable read."
- K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
In her free time, Lauren loves to daydream about times long past while sipping green tea and watching the experts on Discovery unearth our ancestors' civilizations.
Go behind the scenes, say hello, grab a free series starter, and stay current with Lauren’s latest releases at www.LaurenLeeMerewether.com.
Follow and connect with Lauren on:
BookBub - bookbub.com/authors/lauren-lee-merewe...
Facebook - facebook.com/llmbooks
Instagram - instagram.com/llmbooks
Pinterest - pinterest.com/llmerewether/llm-books
Twitter - twitter.com/llmbooks
TikTok - tiktok.com/@llmbooks
Lemon8 - lemon8-app.com/@llmbooks
"Merewether’s up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of an exciting plotline, making for an unstoppable read."
- K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
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June 26, 2026Dear Reader,
Writing The Darkest Oath felt like pressing my palm to the cold stone walls of a forgotten crypt and whispering:
What if the only way to protect the ones you love is to lose them forever?
What would you give for those you loved?
What if betrayal, immortality, and unspeakable choices didn’t just haunt a man but hollowed him into something he no longer recognized?
How would he find himself again?
This story was never meant to be clean or comfortable.
It was meant to ache. It was meant to endure through unseen pain.
If you’re about to begin this story—or if you’ve already turned the final page—you’re stepping beside a man who was once righteous, who died with God on his lips, and rose with vengeance in his blood. You’ll walk through palaces and uprisings, through a love that burns and a curse that isolates, where loyalty is deadly and redemption costs more than a crown.
I didn’t write this to romanticize darkness.
I wrote it to ask what happens after the fall, when keeping your oath means giving up everything you lived for.
When to love again is to destroy.
Or perhaps, to be reborn.
So if you do step into Rollant’s cursed eternity, thank you for holding space for his unraveling, witnessing the slow resurrection through Élise’s fire, for bearing the weight of every sacrifice that couldn’t be undone and the self-hate he tries to overcome time and time again, just like the best of us.
And if this character-driven romance leaves you raw, breathless, or maybe even inspired, then it did what I hoped.
To read more about why I wrote this story, visit the Behind the Scenes page or read my book inspirations blog.
And to the early readers who carried this book forward with such love, thank you.
Your words, your messages, and your hearts mean more than I can say.
If you haven't read it, I can only hope you give it a chance.
Read it free here.
À jamais,
Lauren
www.laurenleemerewether.com
Writing The Darkest Oath felt like pressing my palm to the cold stone walls of a forgotten crypt and whispering:
What if the only way to protect the ones you love is to lose them forever?
What would you give for those you loved?
What if betrayal, immortality, and unspeakable choices didn’t just haunt a man but hollowed him into something he no longer recognized?
How would he find himself again?
This story was never meant to be clean or comfortable.
It was meant to ache. It was meant to endure through unseen pain.
If you’re about to begin this story—or if you’ve already turned the final page—you’re stepping beside a man who was once righteous, who died with God on his lips, and rose with vengeance in his blood. You’ll walk through palaces and uprisings, through a love that burns and a curse that isolates, where loyalty is deadly and redemption costs more than a crown.
I didn’t write this to romanticize darkness.
I wrote it to ask what happens after the fall, when keeping your oath means giving up everything you lived for.
When to love again is to destroy.
Or perhaps, to be reborn.
So if you do step into Rollant’s cursed eternity, thank you for holding space for his unraveling, witnessing the slow resurrection through Élise’s fire, for bearing the weight of every sacrifice that couldn’t be undone and the self-hate he tries to overcome time and time again, just like the best of us.
And if this character-driven romance leaves you raw, breathless, or maybe even inspired, then it did what I hoped.
To read more about why I wrote this story, visit the Behind the Scenes page or read my book inspirations blog.
And to the early readers who carried this book forward with such love, thank you.
Your words, your messages, and your hearts mean more than I can say.
If you haven't read it, I can only hope you give it a chance.
Read it free here.
À jamais,
Lauren
www.laurenleemerewether.com
May 31, 2025
I read my wife's copy of The Darkest Oath because she wanted me to read it. She gives me books to read and I've read this author before but it was not her usual Egypt books which I've enjoyed. The cover had some weapons. I thought ok, but rolled my eyes at the description (romance yada yada). I was expecting something dramatic and moody and over-the-top, but as it ended up, I found it to be one of the most quietly powerful books I’ve read in years.
At its core, its not just a story about curses, immortal knights, slow burn this or that or even the well-researched French Revolution. It’s about regret and the choices that define us and the ones we’re forced to live with, good or bad even if with good intentions. Rollant, the main character, isn’t some brooding hero for show. He’s a man burdened by centuries of duty and heartbreak, and the way he wrestles with his past felt painfully honest and so true to life.
Elise is equally compelling. She’s tough in ways most “strong female characters” these days miss. Not flashy or fearless or instantly a ninja but just so resilient and determined, even when she stood alone against society, espeically in a time when a woman like her were not applauded. Her story reminded me of how much inner strength it takes to keep going when the world keeps beating you down and pushing you down a path you don't want to take.
There’s romance here, yeah, but not the run-of-a-mill kind. It’s raw, complicated, and earned. And the ending? I wasn’t expecting to feel the way I did by the last page. And the epilogue was good. I almost thought it was a setup for another book, but it wasn't. It just ended the story so well. It felt real. I thought, maybe there is an estate somewhere in France and these people actually lived. I actually google-earthed the mountain city and tried to see if I could find anything. I didn't.
I don’t usually go for romance in general, but I'm glad I read it. Thanks wifey. It lingers in more ways than one. Characters. Struggles. History. Legacy, and dare I say, Love.
A well-deserved five stars. I suppose Ms. Merwwether can write any story well. I'll be on the lookout for whatever she comes up with next.
At its core, its not just a story about curses, immortal knights, slow burn this or that or even the well-researched French Revolution. It’s about regret and the choices that define us and the ones we’re forced to live with, good or bad even if with good intentions. Rollant, the main character, isn’t some brooding hero for show. He’s a man burdened by centuries of duty and heartbreak, and the way he wrestles with his past felt painfully honest and so true to life.
Elise is equally compelling. She’s tough in ways most “strong female characters” these days miss. Not flashy or fearless or instantly a ninja but just so resilient and determined, even when she stood alone against society, espeically in a time when a woman like her were not applauded. Her story reminded me of how much inner strength it takes to keep going when the world keeps beating you down and pushing you down a path you don't want to take.
There’s romance here, yeah, but not the run-of-a-mill kind. It’s raw, complicated, and earned. And the ending? I wasn’t expecting to feel the way I did by the last page. And the epilogue was good. I almost thought it was a setup for another book, but it wasn't. It just ended the story so well. It felt real. I thought, maybe there is an estate somewhere in France and these people actually lived. I actually google-earthed the mountain city and tried to see if I could find anything. I didn't.
I don’t usually go for romance in general, but I'm glad I read it. Thanks wifey. It lingers in more ways than one. Characters. Struggles. History. Legacy, and dare I say, Love.
A well-deserved five stars. I suppose Ms. Merwwether can write any story well. I'll be on the lookout for whatever she comes up with next.
July 8, 2025
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book was pretty good! I enjoyed most of it and the characters were great! I know this is a historical fiction but sometimes it felt a little too much if that makes sense, and it made some parts seem to drag a bit.
I also wish we got more into the Deity that cursed Rollant and got a bit more supernatural with that! Like who was it, and was Rollant the only one?? Did this deity make a habit of throwing immortality around to mortals??
But other than that it was pretty enjoyable and i definitely recommend if you like super in depth historical fiction!
This book was pretty good! I enjoyed most of it and the characters were great! I know this is a historical fiction but sometimes it felt a little too much if that makes sense, and it made some parts seem to drag a bit.
I also wish we got more into the Deity that cursed Rollant and got a bit more supernatural with that! Like who was it, and was Rollant the only one?? Did this deity make a habit of throwing immortality around to mortals??
But other than that it was pretty enjoyable and i definitely recommend if you like super in depth historical fiction!
July 19, 2025
I thought I posted this already along with other reviews, but maybe all the reviews got deleted?
Merewether is one of those rare authors whose books always manage to move me, and The Darkest Oath might be her most powerful yet. I’ve read all her work, and what I love most is how she weaves deep emotional romance into stories full of legacy, loyalty, and meaningful sacrifice. This one had me turning the page from beginning to end. I lost two nights' sleep because of this book.
The story follows Rollant, a knight betrayed during the Second Crusade and cursed to live forever. The way he’s written? Just… wow. He carries so much grief and honor on his shoulders, and I felt every bit of it. And then there’s Elise, a revolutionary in 18th-century France with fire in her soul and her own tragic past. Their connection is slow-building, tender, and so emotionally rich. No steam, no fluff, just a gorgeously layered love story between two people scarred by the past but still brave enough to care.
The book explores war, betrayal, and death with honesty and heart. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is immersive, and the supernatural twist (yes, there’s a sorceress, and yes, she’s chilling in the best way) adds a mythic weight that makes the whole story feel timeless.
It’s not a series, and it doesn’t need to be. It ends perfectly. (Though I really want another book like this. Ms. Merewether, if you’re reading... hint hint.) The Darkest Oath stands beautifully on its own. I laughed once, cried (more than once), and sat with that ending long after I closed the book.
If you love historical romance with rich prose, slow-burning emotion, and unforgettable characters, this is absolutely for you.
Fans of clean romance who aren’t afraid of blood and heartbreak, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Merewether is one of those rare authors whose books always manage to move me, and The Darkest Oath might be her most powerful yet. I’ve read all her work, and what I love most is how she weaves deep emotional romance into stories full of legacy, loyalty, and meaningful sacrifice. This one had me turning the page from beginning to end. I lost two nights' sleep because of this book.
The story follows Rollant, a knight betrayed during the Second Crusade and cursed to live forever. The way he’s written? Just… wow. He carries so much grief and honor on his shoulders, and I felt every bit of it. And then there’s Elise, a revolutionary in 18th-century France with fire in her soul and her own tragic past. Their connection is slow-building, tender, and so emotionally rich. No steam, no fluff, just a gorgeously layered love story between two people scarred by the past but still brave enough to care.
The book explores war, betrayal, and death with honesty and heart. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is immersive, and the supernatural twist (yes, there’s a sorceress, and yes, she’s chilling in the best way) adds a mythic weight that makes the whole story feel timeless.
It’s not a series, and it doesn’t need to be. It ends perfectly. (Though I really want another book like this. Ms. Merewether, if you’re reading... hint hint.) The Darkest Oath stands beautifully on its own. I laughed once, cried (more than once), and sat with that ending long after I closed the book.
If you love historical romance with rich prose, slow-burning emotion, and unforgettable characters, this is absolutely for you.
Fans of clean romance who aren’t afraid of blood and heartbreak, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 14, 2025
The Darkest Oath is a dark, emotional story that blends historical fiction with a touch of fantasy and romance. It starts with a powerful scene during the Siege of Damascus in 1148, where the main character, Rollant, is betrayed by someone he trusts deeply. Just as he's about to die, he's offered eternal life by a mysterious sorceress—but at a terrible cost. That one decision haunts him for centuries.
The story then jumps to France just before the Revolution, and we see Rollant still alive, still suffering, and now tied to the royal court. The writing brings the setting to life—Versailles, Paris, the unrest in the streets. It’s all described in a way that feels real and intense. One of the strongest parts of the book is the character Élise, a brave young woman who speaks out against injustice. Her scenes are raw and powerful, and her interactions with Rollant add real emotional weight to the story.
I would absolutely recommend this book to others, especially if you like historical stories with a bit of the supernatural. It’s not a light read, and it deals with dark themes like betrayal, power, and loss—but it’s beautifully written and stays with you after you finish. It makes you think about what it means to live forever and what we’re willing to sacrifice for the people we love.
The story then jumps to France just before the Revolution, and we see Rollant still alive, still suffering, and now tied to the royal court. The writing brings the setting to life—Versailles, Paris, the unrest in the streets. It’s all described in a way that feels real and intense. One of the strongest parts of the book is the character Élise, a brave young woman who speaks out against injustice. Her scenes are raw and powerful, and her interactions with Rollant add real emotional weight to the story.
I would absolutely recommend this book to others, especially if you like historical stories with a bit of the supernatural. It’s not a light read, and it deals with dark themes like betrayal, power, and loss—but it’s beautifully written and stays with you after you finish. It makes you think about what it means to live forever and what we’re willing to sacrifice for the people we love.
January 30, 2026
One of those I saw on Instagram and was intrigued by the immortal plot line in Revolutionary France.
Yet, I was bummed with how shallow or lacking the supporting characters or plot was.
Don't get me wrong! The romance was nice but it was so constant and repetitive. He would go and see her. Have lunch or dinner with her, leave her, hang out at Court, return in a year or so. Repeat.
The story got different around the 70% mark, but then it started going through the same issues again when another man (pushed on by the immortal lead) entered the picture.
There is also the fact he was once a knight and I just didn't really get any knightly vibes from him.
Yet, I was bummed with how shallow or lacking the supporting characters or plot was.
Don't get me wrong! The romance was nice but it was so constant and repetitive. He would go and see her. Have lunch or dinner with her, leave her, hang out at Court, return in a year or so. Repeat.
The story got different around the 70% mark, but then it started going through the same issues again when another man (pushed on by the immortal lead) entered the picture.
There is also the fact he was once a knight and I just didn't really get any knightly vibes from him.
July 10, 2025
Lauren Lee Merewether has delivered an absolutely stunning and emotionally charged masterpiece with The Darkest Oath. From the very first page, I was completely swept away into the tumultuous world of the French Revolution, where love truly becomes the most dangerous form of rebellion. This book isn't just a story; it's an experience that will grip your heart and refuse to let go.
The premise alone is enough to hook you: an immortal knight, Rollant, cursed to lose anyone he dares to love, haunted by centuries of duty and regret. His burden is palpable, and your heart aches for him from the outset. Then enters Élise, the fearless rebel with an unyielding spirit and a fiery determination to fight for freedom. Their meeting, born of circumstance and danger, sparks an electrifying connection that you know, even as a reader, is forbidden and potentially catastrophic.
Merewether masterfully crafts a slow-burn romance that is agonizingly beautiful. The push and pull between Rollant and Élise, the agonizing choice between duty and desire, curse and salvation, is pure genius. Every stolen glance, every hushed conversation in the shadows of crumbling Paris, is charged with an intensity that will leave you breathless. The echoes of "Beauty and the Beast" are woven in so subtly and effectively, adding depth to Rollant's tormented existence and Élise's ability to see beyond the surface.
Beyond the magnetic romance, the gothic historical fantasy elements are impeccably rendered. The dark underbelly of the French Revolution is a vivid, dangerous backdrop, making every decision fraught with peril. The Darkest Oath explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and what it truly means to fight for a future, whether it's for a nation or for one forbidden love.
If you love deeply emotional, high-stakes forbidden romance, immersive historical fantasy, and stories where "love is treason" and "every vow carries a price," you must read "The Darkest Oath." It’s an unforgettable journey that will remind you that sometimes, the darkest oaths are the only path to true freedom. A resounding 5 stars!
The premise alone is enough to hook you: an immortal knight, Rollant, cursed to lose anyone he dares to love, haunted by centuries of duty and regret. His burden is palpable, and your heart aches for him from the outset. Then enters Élise, the fearless rebel with an unyielding spirit and a fiery determination to fight for freedom. Their meeting, born of circumstance and danger, sparks an electrifying connection that you know, even as a reader, is forbidden and potentially catastrophic.
Merewether masterfully crafts a slow-burn romance that is agonizingly beautiful. The push and pull between Rollant and Élise, the agonizing choice between duty and desire, curse and salvation, is pure genius. Every stolen glance, every hushed conversation in the shadows of crumbling Paris, is charged with an intensity that will leave you breathless. The echoes of "Beauty and the Beast" are woven in so subtly and effectively, adding depth to Rollant's tormented existence and Élise's ability to see beyond the surface.
Beyond the magnetic romance, the gothic historical fantasy elements are impeccably rendered. The dark underbelly of the French Revolution is a vivid, dangerous backdrop, making every decision fraught with peril. The Darkest Oath explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and what it truly means to fight for a future, whether it's for a nation or for one forbidden love.
If you love deeply emotional, high-stakes forbidden romance, immersive historical fantasy, and stories where "love is treason" and "every vow carries a price," you must read "The Darkest Oath." It’s an unforgettable journey that will remind you that sometimes, the darkest oaths are the only path to true freedom. A resounding 5 stars!
July 9, 2025
Immortality comes at a price and sometimes it's heavier than Rollant can bear. He is under a sorceress' curse and forbidden to love, serving France for six centuries. But then he falls for beautiful and fierce Èlise. He's determined to keep her safe from a distance as the threat of war looms in France, but he knows any true relationship with her threatens her life.
This story is an emotional roller coaster. I like that the chapters are written from each characters point of view so you really feel the emotion. Though the romance is clean, the violence and blood of revolutionary France are not! I haven't read much from this time period in France, but the historical fiction with a paranormal twist was well written and kept me riveted to the pages. I finished this a couple of days ago and the ending is still replaying in my mind!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is an emotional roller coaster. I like that the chapters are written from each characters point of view so you really feel the emotion. Though the romance is clean, the violence and blood of revolutionary France are not! I haven't read much from this time period in France, but the historical fiction with a paranormal twist was well written and kept me riveted to the pages. I finished this a couple of days ago and the ending is still replaying in my mind!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2025
The French Revolution was a terrible time, and the romance of Rollant and Elise reflects the terror, confusion, despair and persistent hope of that era. I recommend this book for lovers of history and slow burning, chaste attraction that burns brightly at the end.
January 21, 2026
If you're tired of characters healing too fast, trauma getting glossed over, or love that solves everything too easily—read this book. The Darkest Oath doesn’t flinch. It’s haunting, tender, brutal, and so real it hurts in the best way. It breathes with you, aches with you, and then leaves you changed. I didn’t expect it to unravel me, but here I am, months later, still turning it over in my chest.
I didn’t want to write a novel-length review, but after months of mulling over what to say, here it is: my novel-length review.
It’s not just that the prose is beautiful (it is absolutely stunning), or that the world feels hauntingly immersive (deeply grounded in history without ever feeling academic); it’s the characters that elevate this entire story into a 10/5 amazing read. Honestly, this should be on every historical recommendation list—it deserves FAR more recognition than it’s received so far.
The characters are so human. They repeat thoughts. They spiral. They cling to mantras that keep them sane in their upside-down lives. Everything is always at war within themselves. They make micro-progress, and sometimes they backslide—like how Rollant's internal compass is shattered, so he leans on rigid oaths and rituals because he no longer knows who he is without them. That’s life. It’s self-doubt and grief and survival showing up in the most intimate ways.
I’ve seen reviews that dock stars for the “repetitive” thoughts. Personally? I call that REAL. Anyone who’s lived through chronic hardship or long-term grief turned numb will understand exactly what this book is doing. It doesn’t flinch from the truth that healing is layered, uneven, and sometimes even painful. The trauma is not hand-waved. Nothing “fixes” trauma overnight. This story and this author understand that. I ached for all the characters.
This author has such a rare gift for making fictional people feel like they’re living right now, just in another century. I felt that deeply when reading the author's The Curse of Beauty, and again with Rollant and Elie—I cried with them. Sat in the grief with them.
Rollant is probably one of the most devastating protagonists I’ve ever read. He’s noble in that classical, tragic sense. He was formed by duty and faith, but what happens when the very thing that defines you is ripped away in the worst way possible? His choices, as bleak or cold as they become, feel earned. I never judged him. I just wanted to hold him together, wrap him in my arms, and lie to him, telling him everything was going to be ok.
And Elise is a force, a fire, but not because she was “written strong.” She became strong. She’s guarded and careful because she has to be, and when she does trust, it feels huge. I was hurt as a child—not like Elise, but enough to say that I recognized so much of that cautious hope and flinching heart. The wary defiance. How much was it going to cost? What would leaving cost? The self-doubt of being brave in an unknown way. The way she processes touch and genuine kindness, the way she reads danger into tone or silence, the way she tests safety—I felt every word of it.
The supernatural (paranormal) elements are restrained and woven with intention. I actually really appreciated that the book didn’t try to give a rational explanation for the sorceress. She’s there, she chooses Rollant, and the world just accepts her presence—very much like how medieval people understood the divine or the cursed. It reminded me more of whispered folklore or a legendary punishment passed down in hushed voices than traditional fantasy. If you’re expecting a full-blown magic system, this isn’t that kind of story. Think myth more than magic—kind of like wolf shifter books. They just shift; there is no rhyme or reason to it. It is just accepted.
But that’s what made it feel timeless. The curse doesn’t overtake the human story—it deepens it. It raises the stakes because the consequences become eternal. There’s a certain chapter (no spoilers) that takes place in Rollant's country home, and the sheer emotional tension paired with the supernatural weight in that scene made my chest hurt.
If you’re drawn to stories about love born in shadows and silence, shared pain, oaths made under duress, and characters who are forced to choose between what they want and what they love—this is the book for you. It’s beautifully written, painfully earned, and unforgettable.
All of that to say: this might be my favorite book I’ve ever read. This author is criminally underrated, and I will read anything she puts out.
I didn’t want to write a novel-length review, but after months of mulling over what to say, here it is: my novel-length review.
It’s not just that the prose is beautiful (it is absolutely stunning), or that the world feels hauntingly immersive (deeply grounded in history without ever feeling academic); it’s the characters that elevate this entire story into a 10/5 amazing read. Honestly, this should be on every historical recommendation list—it deserves FAR more recognition than it’s received so far.
The characters are so human. They repeat thoughts. They spiral. They cling to mantras that keep them sane in their upside-down lives. Everything is always at war within themselves. They make micro-progress, and sometimes they backslide—like how Rollant's internal compass is shattered, so he leans on rigid oaths and rituals because he no longer knows who he is without them. That’s life. It’s self-doubt and grief and survival showing up in the most intimate ways.
I’ve seen reviews that dock stars for the “repetitive” thoughts. Personally? I call that REAL. Anyone who’s lived through chronic hardship or long-term grief turned numb will understand exactly what this book is doing. It doesn’t flinch from the truth that healing is layered, uneven, and sometimes even painful. The trauma is not hand-waved. Nothing “fixes” trauma overnight. This story and this author understand that. I ached for all the characters.
This author has such a rare gift for making fictional people feel like they’re living right now, just in another century. I felt that deeply when reading the author's The Curse of Beauty, and again with Rollant and Elie—I cried with them. Sat in the grief with them.
Rollant is probably one of the most devastating protagonists I’ve ever read. He’s noble in that classical, tragic sense. He was formed by duty and faith, but what happens when the very thing that defines you is ripped away in the worst way possible? His choices, as bleak or cold as they become, feel earned. I never judged him. I just wanted to hold him together, wrap him in my arms, and lie to him, telling him everything was going to be ok.
And Elise is a force, a fire, but not because she was “written strong.” She became strong. She’s guarded and careful because she has to be, and when she does trust, it feels huge. I was hurt as a child—not like Elise, but enough to say that I recognized so much of that cautious hope and flinching heart. The wary defiance. How much was it going to cost? What would leaving cost? The self-doubt of being brave in an unknown way. The way she processes touch and genuine kindness, the way she reads danger into tone or silence, the way she tests safety—I felt every word of it.
The supernatural (paranormal) elements are restrained and woven with intention. I actually really appreciated that the book didn’t try to give a rational explanation for the sorceress. She’s there, she chooses Rollant, and the world just accepts her presence—very much like how medieval people understood the divine or the cursed. It reminded me more of whispered folklore or a legendary punishment passed down in hushed voices than traditional fantasy. If you’re expecting a full-blown magic system, this isn’t that kind of story. Think myth more than magic—kind of like wolf shifter books. They just shift; there is no rhyme or reason to it. It is just accepted.
But that’s what made it feel timeless. The curse doesn’t overtake the human story—it deepens it. It raises the stakes because the consequences become eternal. There’s a certain chapter (no spoilers) that takes place in Rollant's country home, and the sheer emotional tension paired with the supernatural weight in that scene made my chest hurt.
If you’re drawn to stories about love born in shadows and silence, shared pain, oaths made under duress, and characters who are forced to choose between what they want and what they love—this is the book for you. It’s beautifully written, painfully earned, and unforgettable.
All of that to say: this might be my favorite book I’ve ever read. This author is criminally underrated, and I will read anything she puts out.
July 17, 2025
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars
What I Liked
I loved Rollant and Elise's story! It's a sloooooow burn, taking a place over several years, so if you love a story that slowly weaves its tale, this is for you. The setting is the French Revolution, and Merewether includes all the harsh details of this era without being gruesome. It gave a glimpse of the brutality of the French Revolution while portraying a beautiful love story between a cursed man and a woman trapped in a dangerous relationship.
It’s historical with a hint of fantasy (Rollant is cursed by a sorceress) and closed-door romance. If you enjoy French Revolution history, I would recommend this to you without hesitation.
The Darkest Oath is written in dual third-person POV (my favourite!), and addresses larger themes of abuse, suffering, trust, betrayal, and vengeance.
What I Didn’t Like
The French Revolution is tedious in its slow build-up, but I admire Merewether’s ability to acknowledge the political tension without being dragged down by it. The climax is slightly underwhelming… I won’t spoil it here, but I’ll say that the solution to Rollant’s curse is more pragmatic than I anticipated.
Major Themes
Trust and betrayal: Rollant is in the eternal pickle that he is in because of a trusted friend’s betrayal and Rollant’s subsequent act of vengeance. The opening scenes clearly and emotionally set the stage for the rest of the story.
Domestic violence: Elise has never known a healthy relationship. She grows up under the thumb of her greedy aunt and then is sold to an abusive baker. Her journey is painful, but altogether realistic as it describes the codependence and difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship.
Duty and honour: Rollant is a knight of the realm, and this sense of duty and honour is a critical part of his curse. He is bound to the French monarchy despite its many poor decisions. It was fascinating to see him play the role of advisor to the king, though of course, his advice is not heeded and the French monarchy crumbles against the fury of the Third Estate.
Writing Style
Beautiful writing! Excellent sentence work—descriptive without being too flowery and evocative without being obvious. I haven’t read Merewether’s work before, but you can bet that I’ll look out for her other works, which include a series in Ancient Egyptian mythology, as well as a book based on Greek mythology.
Merewether’s research is on point. She paints the French Revolution in broad brushstrokes, highlighting the main points while focusing on the story of her protagonists. It’s not a story about the French Revolution as much as it is a story that takes place during the French Revolution. Merewether capably tells the story across several years without losing intensity or the reader’s interest.
Tropes
- Cursed protagonist
- Damsel in distress
- Strong female protagonist
- Forbidden love
- Slow-burn closed-door romance
Others Like This
Beauty and the Beast
Circe by Madeline Miller
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
I received this book as an advanced reader copy (ARC) from BookSirens and left this review voluntarily.
What I Liked
I loved Rollant and Elise's story! It's a sloooooow burn, taking a place over several years, so if you love a story that slowly weaves its tale, this is for you. The setting is the French Revolution, and Merewether includes all the harsh details of this era without being gruesome. It gave a glimpse of the brutality of the French Revolution while portraying a beautiful love story between a cursed man and a woman trapped in a dangerous relationship.
It’s historical with a hint of fantasy (Rollant is cursed by a sorceress) and closed-door romance. If you enjoy French Revolution history, I would recommend this to you without hesitation.
The Darkest Oath is written in dual third-person POV (my favourite!), and addresses larger themes of abuse, suffering, trust, betrayal, and vengeance.
What I Didn’t Like
The French Revolution is tedious in its slow build-up, but I admire Merewether’s ability to acknowledge the political tension without being dragged down by it. The climax is slightly underwhelming… I won’t spoil it here, but I’ll say that the solution to Rollant’s curse is more pragmatic than I anticipated.
Major Themes
Trust and betrayal: Rollant is in the eternal pickle that he is in because of a trusted friend’s betrayal and Rollant’s subsequent act of vengeance. The opening scenes clearly and emotionally set the stage for the rest of the story.
Domestic violence: Elise has never known a healthy relationship. She grows up under the thumb of her greedy aunt and then is sold to an abusive baker. Her journey is painful, but altogether realistic as it describes the codependence and difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship.
Duty and honour: Rollant is a knight of the realm, and this sense of duty and honour is a critical part of his curse. He is bound to the French monarchy despite its many poor decisions. It was fascinating to see him play the role of advisor to the king, though of course, his advice is not heeded and the French monarchy crumbles against the fury of the Third Estate.
Writing Style
Beautiful writing! Excellent sentence work—descriptive without being too flowery and evocative without being obvious. I haven’t read Merewether’s work before, but you can bet that I’ll look out for her other works, which include a series in Ancient Egyptian mythology, as well as a book based on Greek mythology.
Merewether’s research is on point. She paints the French Revolution in broad brushstrokes, highlighting the main points while focusing on the story of her protagonists. It’s not a story about the French Revolution as much as it is a story that takes place during the French Revolution. Merewether capably tells the story across several years without losing intensity or the reader’s interest.
Tropes
- Cursed protagonist
- Damsel in distress
- Strong female protagonist
- Forbidden love
- Slow-burn closed-door romance
Others Like This
Beauty and the Beast
Circe by Madeline Miller
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
I received this book as an advanced reader copy (ARC) from BookSirens and left this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
Lauren has written the slow burn historical romance of my dreams. I liked the pacing, the yearning and the smouldering - the fact that it is all fade to black is something that I appreciate because explicit sexual scenes are not my favourite, I’m more interested in the intense longing and angst that comes with it and boy was there plenty of it in this book!
Some parts were difficult for me to get through because they resonated so acutely with how I feel and made me cry a few times. I was so captivated by the story and the setting and was so sad to leave this world when the book ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some parts were difficult for me to get through because they resonated so acutely with how I feel and made me cry a few times. I was so captivated by the story and the setting and was so sad to leave this world when the book ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2025
I have many of Lauren Lee Merewether's books and have enjoyed them all. She is a skilled storyteller and world-builder. Her books draw you in, and transport you into the world she created within the pages you're reading. This book was no exception. It's a beautiful story of the power love has to overcome, even when we think the obstacles are too great.
A knight, cursed with immortality and bound in service to the French monarchy. For six centuries, he has served the kings of France, to the best of his abilities, cursed not only to live forever upon earth, but to never again hold someone he loves within his embrace, lest their life be forfeited.
A young woman, raised in poverty in Paris, rescued from an aunt who turned her into a thief, only to be abused and worked like a slave at the hands of her "rescuer".
A chance encounter between the two sparks a connection that can't be denied.
Can they overcome the obstacles that lie before them, to find happiness and a life shared together? Will love conquer all?
You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A knight, cursed with immortality and bound in service to the French monarchy. For six centuries, he has served the kings of France, to the best of his abilities, cursed not only to live forever upon earth, but to never again hold someone he loves within his embrace, lest their life be forfeited.
A young woman, raised in poverty in Paris, rescued from an aunt who turned her into a thief, only to be abused and worked like a slave at the hands of her "rescuer".
A chance encounter between the two sparks a connection that can't be denied.
Can they overcome the obstacles that lie before them, to find happiness and a life shared together? Will love conquer all?
You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
What would you do if you are offering salvation by becoming immortal but only if you swear an oath to protect the king of France in perpetuity? Would you take it? And when you do and you avenged your killer by killing him you get cursed by killing your loved ones by only holding them.
This is the darkest oath that the knight Rolant de Montvieux has suffered for 600 years, all of his loved ones are death, he has by the sides of France's kings for all those years, avoiding love and human connection until he meets Elise, a fighter of freedom in the days prior of the French Revolution, can their love flourish or will it kill Elise?
With the background of the times before the french revolution, during it, during the reign of terror that happened afterwards and finally after it, we follow this love story written beautifully with such attention to details and descriptions of places and circumstances that you feel you are living all this tumultuous times with Rolant and Elise.
I enjoyed reading this book and truly recommend it.
This is the darkest oath that the knight Rolant de Montvieux has suffered for 600 years, all of his loved ones are death, he has by the sides of France's kings for all those years, avoiding love and human connection until he meets Elise, a fighter of freedom in the days prior of the French Revolution, can their love flourish or will it kill Elise?
With the background of the times before the french revolution, during it, during the reign of terror that happened afterwards and finally after it, we follow this love story written beautifully with such attention to details and descriptions of places and circumstances that you feel you are living all this tumultuous times with Rolant and Elise.
I enjoyed reading this book and truly recommend it.
July 12, 2025
An epic story. Rollant is a young man who is dying and makes an oath to serve the french crown and he will live. An act of vengence will have the oath changing to a curse that he can never embrace his love or they will die. Elise is a woman who is a rebel when she meets Rollant. She finds him handsome and will want more from him. Rollant can't stay away from Elise, but will be tested each time that he sees her. He will introduce a young man to her, hoping she will become attracted to him. Nothing will remove the love that Elise has for Rollant and she vows to wait for him. The book is written just as the french revolution is becoming an issue and it presents the danger that Elise and Rollant are in the middle of and the happiness that eventually comes. I loved this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2025
502 Immortality
Siege of Damascus, Levant 1148
Rollant de Montvieux 26+ Amee Cateline
Arnoul
Chartreuse, France
Versailles Jan1788
K Louis XVI 33
Etienne Charles de Lomenie de Brienne
CalonneAntoine-Jean Amelot de Chaillou
Cesat-Henri de La Luzerne
Arman-Marc comte de Montmorin
Chretien Francois de Lamoignon
Faubourg Sainnt-Antoine, Paris Feb
Malo
Yves
Gabin Roux 24
Elise 19
Yanis
Sylvian
Olivier
Mael
Siege of Damascus, Levant 1148
Rollant de Montvieux 26+ Amee Cateline
Arnoul
Chartreuse, France
Versailles Jan1788
K Louis XVI 33
Etienne Charles de Lomenie de Brienne
CalonneAntoine-Jean Amelot de Chaillou
Cesat-Henri de La Luzerne
Arman-Marc comte de Montmorin
Chretien Francois de Lamoignon
Faubourg Sainnt-Antoine, Paris Feb
Malo
Yves
Gabin Roux 24
Elise 19
Yanis
Sylvian
Olivier
Mael
May 19, 2025
Merewether is one of those rare authors whose books always manage to move me, and The Darkest Oath might be her most powerful yet. I’ve read all her work, and what I love most is how she weaves deep emotional romance into stories full of legacy, loyalty, and meaningful sacrifice. This one had me turning the page from beginning to end. I lost two nights' sleep because of this book.
The story follows Rollant, a knight betrayed during the Second Crusade and cursed to live forever. The way he’s written? Just… wow. He carries so much grief and honor on his shoulders, and I felt every bit of it. And then there’s Elise, a revolutionary in 18th-century France with fire in her soul and her own tragic past. Their connection is slow-building, tender, and so emotionally rich. No steam, no fluff, just a gorgeously layered love story between two people scarred by the past but still brave enough to care.
The book explores war, betrayal, and death with honesty and heart. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is immersive, and the supernatural twist (yes, there’s a sorceress, and yes, she’s chilling in the best way) adds a mythic weight that makes the whole story feel timeless.
It’s not a series, and it doesn’t need to be. It ends perfectly. (Though I really want another book like this—Ms. Merewether, if you’re reading... hint hint.) The Darkest Oath stands beautifully on its own. I laughed once, cried (more than once), and sat with that ending long after I closed the book.
If you love historical romance with rich prose, slow-burning emotion, and unforgettable characters, this is absolutely for you.
Fans of clean romance who aren’t afraid of blood and heartbreak, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The story follows Rollant, a knight betrayed during the Second Crusade and cursed to live forever. The way he’s written? Just… wow. He carries so much grief and honor on his shoulders, and I felt every bit of it. And then there’s Elise, a revolutionary in 18th-century France with fire in her soul and her own tragic past. Their connection is slow-building, tender, and so emotionally rich. No steam, no fluff, just a gorgeously layered love story between two people scarred by the past but still brave enough to care.
The book explores war, betrayal, and death with honesty and heart. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is immersive, and the supernatural twist (yes, there’s a sorceress, and yes, she’s chilling in the best way) adds a mythic weight that makes the whole story feel timeless.
It’s not a series, and it doesn’t need to be. It ends perfectly. (Though I really want another book like this—Ms. Merewether, if you’re reading... hint hint.) The Darkest Oath stands beautifully on its own. I laughed once, cried (more than once), and sat with that ending long after I closed the book.
If you love historical romance with rich prose, slow-burning emotion, and unforgettable characters, this is absolutely for you.
Fans of clean romance who aren’t afraid of blood and heartbreak, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 30, 2025
I don't usually get tears in my eyes when reading a book,it haven't happened to me in many years nor, but this book took me out! Mereweather managed to create such powerful images that can make the reader feel the terror, smell the blood and the fear of the French Revolution.
You cannot read Rollant's story and not feel his pain, the struggle and endurance he is bound to. Elisè's love is his salvation, and their story is heartbreaking.
This book is easily becoming one of my favorite books of the year, with the powerful and very well documented historical facts, with well written characters (not only the main characters have powerfull traits, even the children). This story is the kind you read and re-read after a while, just so you can experience again the feelings it left you with!
I have received this wonderful book as arc, and I am writing this review voluntary. Thank you Lauren Lee Mereweather for this gift of a book! It most definitely will remain in my mind for a long time!
You cannot read Rollant's story and not feel his pain, the struggle and endurance he is bound to. Elisè's love is his salvation, and their story is heartbreaking.
This book is easily becoming one of my favorite books of the year, with the powerful and very well documented historical facts, with well written characters (not only the main characters have powerfull traits, even the children). This story is the kind you read and re-read after a while, just so you can experience again the feelings it left you with!
I have received this wonderful book as arc, and I am writing this review voluntary. Thank you Lauren Lee Mereweather for this gift of a book! It most definitely will remain in my mind for a long time!
May 17, 2025
What if you were cursed to never know touch love and be forced to serve royalty forever? That’s the question Rollant faced when he made an oath to live (not a spoiler… it’s in the first few chapters). That oath became a curse and the torment that he faced during his immortality.
Lauren Lee Merewether’s writing was haunting, beautiful, and timeless. I enjoyed the historical fiction type of writing set in France during the French Revolution that also uniquely mixed in paranormal themes. The author was also able to show some parallels to political and spiritual discussions that are current to our day. This made the story relatable and relevant as was evident in one of my favorite quotes, “We want to be something when we have been treated as nothing, though we have done everything.” (PG 208) Mereweather’s writing reflected a well researched and multidimensional depiction of a complex time period in France. I appreciated that she was able to reflect the complexity of all sides during the revolution without being preachy.
In addition to the well written historical elements, this was a beautifully haunting clean love story told with multiple point of views. I loved how Merewether was able to show the mind and commitment of the characters. It made me grow attached to each one watching their passions, joys, sorrows, etc. unfold during the novel. I rooted for the characters throughout and found myself satisfied at the end of the book.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Lauren Lee Merewether’s writing was haunting, beautiful, and timeless. I enjoyed the historical fiction type of writing set in France during the French Revolution that also uniquely mixed in paranormal themes. The author was also able to show some parallels to political and spiritual discussions that are current to our day. This made the story relatable and relevant as was evident in one of my favorite quotes, “We want to be something when we have been treated as nothing, though we have done everything.” (PG 208) Mereweather’s writing reflected a well researched and multidimensional depiction of a complex time period in France. I appreciated that she was able to reflect the complexity of all sides during the revolution without being preachy.
In addition to the well written historical elements, this was a beautifully haunting clean love story told with multiple point of views. I loved how Merewether was able to show the mind and commitment of the characters. It made me grow attached to each one watching their passions, joys, sorrows, etc. unfold during the novel. I rooted for the characters throughout and found myself satisfied at the end of the book.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 14, 2025
I loved this book. The love story between Rollant and Elise was so beautiful written. I could feel their pain. Being in love with someone as pure and wonderful as Elise but not being able to physically express it, was absolute torture for Rollant, thanks to a curse placed on him over 600 years ago. And Elise, finally giving in to Rollants’ gentle pressure to leave her abusive relationship, suffered just as much. Being part of the poor working class during a revolutionary period in Paris, she often put herself in danger. Rollant had promised to keep her safe, yet told her she would likely never see him again, but due to her being in the middle of the riots, every few years they did, opening old wounds. Even though Elise knew Rollant felt he would never be able to be with her, she refused to wed. The author wrote this book with such depth, that I suffered with them and was hoping for the ending they were. Going to keep you guessing……
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2025
This book! Oh this book was delightful! This book was a goodreads giveaway! This book is also at the top of my Christmas list! Deep! Real! Refreshing! Historical! Magical! Heartwarming! Beauty and the beast retellings are my absolute favorite. I felt like this was so relatable, it felt right. Like a fairytale should be! Definitely going to be buying Lauren’s other books. I actually got to speak to this author via fb while reading the book and it was delightful. She is super sweet! You can honestly feel the book. I loved the history Marie Antoinette is one of those historical tales that you research late at night after watching some documentary. She stayed true to history as sad as it was! I absolutely loved this magical reading journey I went on. No cons on this book. It was just a perfect amount of everything. This has to be the best book of 2025 that I have read! I can’t wait to see other exciting worlds she creates.
May 31, 2025
I received this free ARC for a voluntary review. What a charming, poignant and heart-wrenching story of a man resigned to immortality for the price of never experiencing love. Rollant, a French knight in the 12th C, accepts immortality to avenge his death only to learn he’s condemned to serve the kings of France forever. Rollant is a great character but his hardened heart is finally awakened by a young street girl, Elise, abused by a vile man, but grateful to be able to eat and sleep indoors. Set in the days before the French Revolution, the story weaves the chaos of those times with Rollant’s efforts to protect Elise, a woman he can love but never embrace. The ending brings their story full circle and closes out a beautiful love story. While the book is long, it’s a fast read, and beautifully written.
May 27, 2025
A long wonderful fictional story.
May 15, 2025
An intriguingly warm yet tragic gothic romance that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you reminiscing about the story long after you've finished it. Lauren Lee Merewether has done a beautiful job of writing a tale that captures Rollant and Elise's pain, longing and love. Remarkable writing and fabulous storytelling, I couldn't recommend this book more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2025
Wow this book was amazing! Perfect plot and theme, along with the characters. Highly recommend it to everyone. Really worthy of 5 stars.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2025
I loved everything about this book.
May 26, 2025
There are slow burn romances and then there's The Darkest Oath. This was the first book I've read by Ms Merewether, and it was worth every moment. The story of Elise and Rollant started with Rollant's character origin in the Crusades, dying on the battlefield after being betrayed by a fellow soldier and friend. He gets a second chance of life - not as a vampire - but in his anger makes a decision that curses him with immortality.
Fast forward to the French Revolution, and Elise catches Rollant's eye as he wanders through Paris on the orders of King Louis the 16th. Her presence is magnetic, but Rollant notices the small details of her well-being: the bruises, the dismissive speech toward her, Elise's body language when she is not speaking to her fellow citizens at large. The long-dormant heart of a soldier cursed with immortality starts to beat again, and while he cannot give her his love as a normal man could, Rollant is determined to keep her safe.
The years pass, the secrets are still kept from each other, and their feelings for each other are in a weird limbo. Rollant sees Elise periodically, but she can't understand why he cannot stay with her. As long as she is safe, Rollant cares little about himself. He even tells her about his curse, and she can't bring herself to believe him. It's not until the neighborhood is evacuated to the other property in the mountains does Elise declare herself as Rollant's woman, willing to wait for the rest of her life if necessary to be at his side.
What I loved most about the story was the little ways Elise and Rollant shared their emotions for each other. He made breakfast for her when he came home, she always wore his shirt to bed every night even though they rarely spent the night under the same roof. The yearning for a life together made a heart ache so much until Rollant made his final decision (at least for this reader), and the epilogue was closure at its very best.
While not as overly graphic as dark romances today, please be aware that this book takes place during a brutal time of history. The French Revolution and years thereafter were a horrifying period of humanity. It did not take much to send a fellow citizen to jail, and those jailed rarely returned home intact, if at all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fast forward to the French Revolution, and Elise catches Rollant's eye as he wanders through Paris on the orders of King Louis the 16th. Her presence is magnetic, but Rollant notices the small details of her well-being: the bruises, the dismissive speech toward her, Elise's body language when she is not speaking to her fellow citizens at large. The long-dormant heart of a soldier cursed with immortality starts to beat again, and while he cannot give her his love as a normal man could, Rollant is determined to keep her safe.
The years pass, the secrets are still kept from each other, and their feelings for each other are in a weird limbo. Rollant sees Elise periodically, but she can't understand why he cannot stay with her. As long as she is safe, Rollant cares little about himself. He even tells her about his curse, and she can't bring herself to believe him. It's not until the neighborhood is evacuated to the other property in the mountains does Elise declare herself as Rollant's woman, willing to wait for the rest of her life if necessary to be at his side.
What I loved most about the story was the little ways Elise and Rollant shared their emotions for each other. He made breakfast for her when he came home, she always wore his shirt to bed every night even though they rarely spent the night under the same roof. The yearning for a life together made a heart ache so much until Rollant made his final decision (at least for this reader), and the epilogue was closure at its very best.
While not as overly graphic as dark romances today, please be aware that this book takes place during a brutal time of history. The French Revolution and years thereafter were a horrifying period of humanity. It did not take much to send a fellow citizen to jail, and those jailed rarely returned home intact, if at all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2025
I enjoyed this quite a bit. The writing was great, the historical details thorough and vivid, and the plot interesting.
Plot- There is lots of internal and external conflict driving both the romance and individual supernatural/political stories forward. I was always intrigued to see what happened next, even though I obviously knew how the political story goes. I particularly liked how the supernatural plot ended, and how Rollant’s character arc was tied into it. The romance was a bit weaker for me, though. I never really understood why they fell in love in the first place. Their feelings seemed to develop far too quickly, especially given how old Rolland is and how long he had locked up his emotions. I’m generally ok with the weird immortal age gaps as long as the young one behaves naturally for their age, but Elise very often behaved like a bratty child. I couldn’t understand why a 660 year old immortal would like that…
Characters- The characters were clear and distinct, and their internal conflicts and growth arcs came across well. However, it felt like they both stuttered forward-backward-forward-backward along those arcs a few too many times. That can certainly be a realistic trajectory, but here it just wasn’t quite well enough depicted to feel natural. It felt more like the characters forgot everything they just did and thought and reverted to a prior state for the purpose of lengthening the plot.
Setting- This was the strongest part of the book for me. The fear and smell and visual descriptions of the Terror were extremely visceral. I could picture myself there. The historical events were perfectly integrated to the story, the real life characters felt accurate and included a lot of real details about them. All of the world building and descriptions were completely immersive.
Writing- the writing was very good, smooth and clear conveying clear visuals. Occasionally, especially with characters’ inner thoughts, it became redundant. A little bit more editing down would’ve helped this and the character arcs issue. But really this was minor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Plot- There is lots of internal and external conflict driving both the romance and individual supernatural/political stories forward. I was always intrigued to see what happened next, even though I obviously knew how the political story goes. I particularly liked how the supernatural plot ended, and how Rollant’s character arc was tied into it. The romance was a bit weaker for me, though. I never really understood why they fell in love in the first place. Their feelings seemed to develop far too quickly, especially given how old Rolland is and how long he had locked up his emotions. I’m generally ok with the weird immortal age gaps as long as the young one behaves naturally for their age, but Elise very often behaved like a bratty child. I couldn’t understand why a 660 year old immortal would like that…
Characters- The characters were clear and distinct, and their internal conflicts and growth arcs came across well. However, it felt like they both stuttered forward-backward-forward-backward along those arcs a few too many times. That can certainly be a realistic trajectory, but here it just wasn’t quite well enough depicted to feel natural. It felt more like the characters forgot everything they just did and thought and reverted to a prior state for the purpose of lengthening the plot.
Setting- This was the strongest part of the book for me. The fear and smell and visual descriptions of the Terror were extremely visceral. I could picture myself there. The historical events were perfectly integrated to the story, the real life characters felt accurate and included a lot of real details about them. All of the world building and descriptions were completely immersive.
Writing- the writing was very good, smooth and clear conveying clear visuals. Occasionally, especially with characters’ inner thoughts, it became redundant. A little bit more editing down would’ve helped this and the character arcs issue. But really this was minor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
“You are my sanctuary”
“He would save her, no matter the cost. Eternity could wait.”
Do you like slow-burn, closed door Gothic romance? Do you like high stakes historical tales? Do you like forbidden love with Beauty & the Beast vibes? If so, The Darkest Oath by Lauren Lee Merewether is for you!
The Darkest Oath takes place during the French Revolution. When Chevalier Rollant de Montvieux, who is sworn to serve the French Crown crosses paths with Elise, a poor girl with a powerful revolutionary voice from the Third Estate, the reader experiences the darkness of the time period.
We meet Chevalier Rollant de Montvieux, the MMC, in the Second Crusade. He is dying after being betrayed and accepts an offer from a sorceress to live and not leave his wife and daughter to his betrayer. In exchange for eternal life, he must serve the French crown. Rollant’s first act as an immortal is vengeance, and he quickly learns vengeance is not justice. As a result of his dishonorable choice, his immortality becomes cursed and anyone he embraces in love will perish. Rollant lived six hundred loveless years clinging to memories of his wife, when on assignment from the king, he meets Elise, a young rebel with a powerful voice for the Revolution. Rollant is captivated from the moment he sees her, and although he desires to resist his feelings, he is unable. Elise, the FMC, is a fiery, passionate young woman who has experienced a life of suffering. Their unfolding love story is intense and difficult for them to navigate due to the curse, but they find ways to express their love.
“I would trade the thousand lifetimes I’ve lived for just one life with you.”
The reader hopes for the curse to be broken, but…no spoilers here! Rollant and Elise are characters that draw you in and will be characters I remember.
I highly recommend The Darkest Oath. It does not disappoint! I received a copy of this book as an ARC read, and this review is my honest review!
“He would save her, no matter the cost. Eternity could wait.”
Do you like slow-burn, closed door Gothic romance? Do you like high stakes historical tales? Do you like forbidden love with Beauty & the Beast vibes? If so, The Darkest Oath by Lauren Lee Merewether is for you!
The Darkest Oath takes place during the French Revolution. When Chevalier Rollant de Montvieux, who is sworn to serve the French Crown crosses paths with Elise, a poor girl with a powerful revolutionary voice from the Third Estate, the reader experiences the darkness of the time period.
We meet Chevalier Rollant de Montvieux, the MMC, in the Second Crusade. He is dying after being betrayed and accepts an offer from a sorceress to live and not leave his wife and daughter to his betrayer. In exchange for eternal life, he must serve the French crown. Rollant’s first act as an immortal is vengeance, and he quickly learns vengeance is not justice. As a result of his dishonorable choice, his immortality becomes cursed and anyone he embraces in love will perish. Rollant lived six hundred loveless years clinging to memories of his wife, when on assignment from the king, he meets Elise, a young rebel with a powerful voice for the Revolution. Rollant is captivated from the moment he sees her, and although he desires to resist his feelings, he is unable. Elise, the FMC, is a fiery, passionate young woman who has experienced a life of suffering. Their unfolding love story is intense and difficult for them to navigate due to the curse, but they find ways to express their love.
“I would trade the thousand lifetimes I’ve lived for just one life with you.”
The reader hopes for the curse to be broken, but…no spoilers here! Rollant and Elise are characters that draw you in and will be characters I remember.
I highly recommend The Darkest Oath. It does not disappoint! I received a copy of this book as an ARC read, and this review is my honest review!
May 18, 2025
“Her love is his only salvation—and the undoing of everything he needed to survive.”
That single line captures the heart of The Darkest Oath, a beautifully written, slow-burn historical fantasy romance that swept me away with its haunting atmosphere, emotional depth, and richly layered characters.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of revolutionary France, this story follows Rollant de Montvieux—an immortal knight bound by a centuries-old curse—and Elise, a bold, fearless woman who challenges everything he thought he knew about duty, sacrifice, and love. Rollant’s quiet anguish and unwavering sense of honor made him such a compelling protagonist, and Elise is the perfect match: passionate, unrelenting, and full of life.
The romance is clean but packed with emotional intensity. It simmers slowly, building on shared values, unspoken pain, and a sense of inevitability that made every interaction between them feel weighted and intimate. I was absolutely hooked on their connection—both warm and dark, tender and tragic, full of longing and hope.
What really stood out for me was the writing itself. Lauren Lee Merewether’s prose is elegant and immersive, with a lyrical quality that fits the era and the tone perfectly. The fantasy elements are subtle but powerful, enhancing the stakes without ever overshadowing the human story at the heart of it all.
This is a story of curses and choices, love and loss, and the haunting cost of immortality. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, echoing in the quiet moments long after the final page.
That single line captures the heart of The Darkest Oath, a beautifully written, slow-burn historical fantasy romance that swept me away with its haunting atmosphere, emotional depth, and richly layered characters.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of revolutionary France, this story follows Rollant de Montvieux—an immortal knight bound by a centuries-old curse—and Elise, a bold, fearless woman who challenges everything he thought he knew about duty, sacrifice, and love. Rollant’s quiet anguish and unwavering sense of honor made him such a compelling protagonist, and Elise is the perfect match: passionate, unrelenting, and full of life.
The romance is clean but packed with emotional intensity. It simmers slowly, building on shared values, unspoken pain, and a sense of inevitability that made every interaction between them feel weighted and intimate. I was absolutely hooked on their connection—both warm and dark, tender and tragic, full of longing and hope.
What really stood out for me was the writing itself. Lauren Lee Merewether’s prose is elegant and immersive, with a lyrical quality that fits the era and the tone perfectly. The fantasy elements are subtle but powerful, enhancing the stakes without ever overshadowing the human story at the heart of it all.
This is a story of curses and choices, love and loss, and the haunting cost of immortality. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, echoing in the quiet moments long after the final page.
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