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Vows of Unity #1
A Vow to Heal
Korik the Steadfast has never fit in anywhere. Tall and gangly even for an orc, he’s always stuck out like a sore thumb in Drol Kuggradh, where he is the only healer to make the city their permanent residence. But he’s content with his solitary existence—until the unification between elves and orcs suddenly draws him into the inner circle of Drol Kuggradh’s new royalty.
Just as he’s getting his bearings with his new lot in life, he’s pushed even further out of his comfort zone; he’s the only healer available to accompany a pregnant elf, Enriel, and her arrogant older brother, Varen, back to the elven capital. Enriel is nice enough, yet he and Varen butt heads immediately, and he resigns himself to an unenjoyable journey with the most aggravating man he’s ever met.
But the roads prove more treacherous than they a simmering orc rebellion against the new King Zorvut boils over, and when Enriel is kidnapped, he and Varen discover a plot that has taken several other elves captive. Before he’s even realized it, Korik is catapulted into the center of a mounting conflict threatening to break out between elves and orcs once again—alongside Varen, who is as distractingly handsome as he is annoying.
In pursuit of the orc rebels, Korik and Varen must learn to rely on each other if they hope to return home unscathed. It’s an inconvenient time to fall in love, especially as winter’s cold grip tightens around them and their very survival is on the line. But Varen’s confidence proves to be more than just empty words, and when it’s just the two of them alone against the elements, giving in to their attraction feels inevitable.
As they fight to survive, Korik and Varen must decide if their feelings for each other will remain unspoken in the wilderness, or if they’re willing to give up the lives they once knew to discover where they truly belong.
A Vow to Heal is an MM, slow burn, forced proximity fantasy romance featuring an anxious orc healer and a cocky elf commander. This 18+ novel contains omegaverse elements and other adult situations.
⚠ Content Animal death, kidnapping, discussions of pregnancy including male pregnancy, fantasy violence.
Just as he’s getting his bearings with his new lot in life, he’s pushed even further out of his comfort zone; he’s the only healer available to accompany a pregnant elf, Enriel, and her arrogant older brother, Varen, back to the elven capital. Enriel is nice enough, yet he and Varen butt heads immediately, and he resigns himself to an unenjoyable journey with the most aggravating man he’s ever met.
But the roads prove more treacherous than they a simmering orc rebellion against the new King Zorvut boils over, and when Enriel is kidnapped, he and Varen discover a plot that has taken several other elves captive. Before he’s even realized it, Korik is catapulted into the center of a mounting conflict threatening to break out between elves and orcs once again—alongside Varen, who is as distractingly handsome as he is annoying.
In pursuit of the orc rebels, Korik and Varen must learn to rely on each other if they hope to return home unscathed. It’s an inconvenient time to fall in love, especially as winter’s cold grip tightens around them and their very survival is on the line. But Varen’s confidence proves to be more than just empty words, and when it’s just the two of them alone against the elements, giving in to their attraction feels inevitable.
As they fight to survive, Korik and Varen must decide if their feelings for each other will remain unspoken in the wilderness, or if they’re willing to give up the lives they once knew to discover where they truly belong.
A Vow to Heal is an MM, slow burn, forced proximity fantasy romance featuring an anxious orc healer and a cocky elf commander. This 18+ novel contains omegaverse elements and other adult situations.
⚠ Content Animal death, kidnapping, discussions of pregnancy including male pregnancy, fantasy violence.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 5, 2025
Nice!
I liked this. I thought the pacing was better than the original orc series by Lionel Hart, and it wrapped in one book! I love shy sweet giants of men, and each of the two men were great. A cute story.
My favorite Lionel Hart story is still Beneath His Wings, but that’s because it ripped my heart up a few times. This on the other hand was much gentler and sweet. An also enjoyable read.
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 2/5
I liked this. I thought the pacing was better than the original orc series by Lionel Hart, and it wrapped in one book! I love shy sweet giants of men, and each of the two men were great. A cute story.
My favorite Lionel Hart story is still Beneath His Wings, but that’s because it ripped my heart up a few times. This on the other hand was much gentler and sweet. An also enjoyable read.
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 2/5
June 7, 2025
3.5⭐
I guess this author is just not for me. This is the second book by Lionel Hart I read and both were okay to me.
Don't get me wrong, they are good books and I totally see why other people enjoy them more than me, but the writing style it's just not for me.
There is sooo much inner monologue and descriptions that are not interesting to me.
I had a hard time getting into this story. I didn't get any friendship feelings nor romantic feelings from the mcs. We didn't get to see how they fell in love, we were told they did. I don't know how many descriptions of meals, nature and animals we got but no real communication between the mcs. And don't get me started on the miscommunication, it was quite frankly annoying and I really had to push myself to keep reading.
There were things about this book that I enjoyed though. Mainly Korik and kitties!!
Korik was so cute, I really loved his character. I just enjoy a shy mmc! Varen on the other hand seemed inconsistent, I don't even know how to describe it. He felt like multiple people.
Loved all the cats and me personally would have kept both of the kitties. Speaking of animals, that's what I hated in 'Claimed by the Orc Prince' too, the unnecessary killing of animals in his books? Why do all these horses have to die? It makes me super sad and pissed me off.
The main reason I bought the book though, is the absolute beautiful cover! It's so so pretty and I'm glad I have it as a paperback on my shelf!
I guess this author is just not for me. This is the second book by Lionel Hart I read and both were okay to me.
Don't get me wrong, they are good books and I totally see why other people enjoy them more than me, but the writing style it's just not for me.
There is sooo much inner monologue and descriptions that are not interesting to me.
I had a hard time getting into this story. I didn't get any friendship feelings nor romantic feelings from the mcs. We didn't get to see how they fell in love, we were told they did. I don't know how many descriptions of meals, nature and animals we got but no real communication between the mcs. And don't get me started on the miscommunication, it was quite frankly annoying and I really had to push myself to keep reading.
There were things about this book that I enjoyed though. Mainly Korik and kitties!!
Korik was so cute, I really loved his character. I just enjoy a shy mmc! Varen on the other hand seemed inconsistent, I don't even know how to describe it. He felt like multiple people.
Loved all the cats and me personally would have kept both of the kitties. Speaking of animals, that's what I hated in 'Claimed by the Orc Prince' too, the unnecessary killing of animals in his books? Why do all these horses have to die? It makes me super sad and pissed me off.
The main reason I bought the book though, is the absolute beautiful cover! It's so so pretty and I'm glad I have it as a paperback on my shelf!
May 21, 2025
While A Vow to Heal picks right back up after the end of Lionel Hart's Orc Prince Trilogy timeline it not absolutely necessary to read the trilogy to enjoy this book. Hart does a great job filling in the story you may have missed by not reading it first. We follow a shy soft hearted Orc healer on what should have been a quick escort trip of a cocky Elven military commander and his pregnant sister. I say "should" because of course it all goes sideways. Forcing our main characters to work together in this slow burn masterpiece. I love a good Only One Cave trope and the spice re-wrote my brain chemistry. I will say this book caused a first for me, I've never cried during a spice scene before but I am an absolute unspoken feelings angst addict and the later half of the book had me reaching for my tissues on more than one occasion. No criticism from me! I can't wait for the next book in the series based on the hints in the afterward. I am thankful for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2025
Lionel Hart has done it again. He’s built on a world he created and we see characters from it we have missed and meet new favorites. Full of adventure and magic this book takes two unlikely to be friends let alone lovers and drags you along on their quest. What will a grumpy talkative elf and a quiet magic filled orc find in common as they find themselves needing to rescue not just one of their party but perhaps many more. Find out who plays matchmaker in this lovely and harrowing story of not quite enemies to lovers.
November 10, 2025
DNF @ 23%
This is my first time reading anything by this author and also my first orc romance.
I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover, but the writing was just not up to par. The plot was intriguing so I think with a really solid round of edits it could be good. But the writing was stilted, I wasn't buying the attraction that was developing between them, and there was too much repetitive internal monologue.
Internal monologue can be great - I loved Fox of Fox Hall and that book is like 70% Fox's thoughts - but this book was not it. It could probably be 50 pages shorter with much better pacing if the monologue was just tightened up.
Additionally, the magic system was contradictory, not well developed or explained, and seemed to bend to whatever the plot needed it to be.
And most importantly, Varen's characterization is inconsistent. I was willing to overlook the other stuff, but this was a deal-breaker for me. The final nail in the coffin was this paragraph:
We've never been given any reason to believe that Varen was argumentative or aggressive. The worst we've seen is him bickering with his sister like normal siblings. He's always been kind, a good listener, a little arrogant, and a little commanding (in the way you would expect a military commander to be - firm, expectant, but not aggressive). And yet Korik is constantly telling us he's intimidated to the point of trepidation and coursing adrenaline. It's a huge disconnect between what the author is showing vs telling, and it was the final straw for me.
This is my first time reading anything by this author and also my first orc romance.
I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover, but the writing was just not up to par. The plot was intriguing so I think with a really solid round of edits it could be good. But the writing was stilted, I wasn't buying the attraction that was developing between them, and there was too much repetitive internal monologue.
Internal monologue can be great - I loved Fox of Fox Hall and that book is like 70% Fox's thoughts - but this book was not it. It could probably be 50 pages shorter with much better pacing if the monologue was just tightened up.
Additionally, the magic system was contradictory, not well developed or explained, and seemed to bend to whatever the plot needed it to be.
And most importantly, Varen's characterization is inconsistent. I was willing to overlook the other stuff, but this was a deal-breaker for me. The final nail in the coffin was this paragraph:
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Varen added, then turned to walk away. Korik watched him go for a moment; he couldn’t quite place the trepidation he felt in his chest. He had been preparing himself for an argument that never came—he should have been relieved, yet it still felt like adrenaline was coursing through him.
We've never been given any reason to believe that Varen was argumentative or aggressive. The worst we've seen is him bickering with his sister like normal siblings. He's always been kind, a good listener, a little arrogant, and a little commanding (in the way you would expect a military commander to be - firm, expectant, but not aggressive). And yet Korik is constantly telling us he's intimidated to the point of trepidation and coursing adrenaline. It's a huge disconnect between what the author is showing vs telling, and it was the final straw for me.
January 23, 2026
I picked this book up in a free sale partly because I liked the sound of the premise (elf/orc romance?) but also I really liked the cover. And it lived up to it for me, enough to make me interested in checking out the first series from this author set in this world.
I really enjoyed the fantasy elements of this, about the peace treaty between the orcs and the elves, as well as the different kinds of magic they have (and part of that magic being secret from the other race too). While the book doesn't dwell on fantasy racism/xenophobia, it is acknowledged and the main character, Korik, does experience it occasionally. I did like how magic was both used to fix problems but also cause them, and how it brought the two characters closer together. I did find it a little weird that the .
I enjoyed the slight enemies-to-lover dynamic going on with Korik and Varen, as well as Enriel's relationship with both Korik and Varen. And I really enjoyed how the conflict that brewed up between them was definitely an extension of existing flaws of the two of them. It felt like a very realistic miscommunication, one that both had to work past because they could move forward. I also really liked how the book ended, with where the couple ended up.
A bit slow to start and I found the orc rebellion subplot a little half-baked at times, but I really appreciated the main romance plot. It was very nicely developed.
I really enjoyed the fantasy elements of this, about the peace treaty between the orcs and the elves, as well as the different kinds of magic they have (and part of that magic being secret from the other race too). While the book doesn't dwell on fantasy racism/xenophobia, it is acknowledged and the main character, Korik, does experience it occasionally. I did like how magic was both used to fix problems but also cause them, and how it brought the two characters closer together. I did find it a little weird that the .
I enjoyed the slight enemies-to-lover dynamic going on with Korik and Varen, as well as Enriel's relationship with both Korik and Varen. And I really enjoyed how the conflict that brewed up between them was definitely an extension of existing flaws of the two of them. It felt like a very realistic miscommunication, one that both had to work past because they could move forward. I also really liked how the book ended, with where the couple ended up.
A bit slow to start and I found the orc rebellion subplot a little half-baked at times, but I really appreciated the main romance plot. It was very nicely developed.
May 18, 2026
This was such an amazing Romantasy!! I loved the world building and I was fully invested in the action/adventure side of the plot, despite not having read the previous trilogy. (So, yes, this does work as a standalone!). I'm also now curious about the trilogy and will be rounding back to read those.
I absolutely adored Korik and Varen; they are both somewhat "later in life" compared to your typical romantasy love interests and it made their love story so unique to who they are as characters. "Cat Dad" Korik is a healer that grew up nomadic but now lives a quiet and reserved life in the city. Varen is an army commander that takes the lead wherever he goes; making tough calls and ensuring the wellbeing of the group. This unlikely pair end up facing both foes and mother nature together then finding love where they least expect it.
This book includes some of my favorite tropes & dynamics: size difference, the smaller partner is dominant, nursed back to health, snowed in together, pining, "we said casual, but I caught feelings", "there's no way he likes me too" - they both said to themselves, and groveling.
The spicy scenes were HAWT (like, damnnnn), but were not a large portion of the story content (~4 spicy scenes in a ~400 page book ). So expect the slow burn with plenty of fantasy plot build-up!
Would 100% recommend as well balanced Romance + Fantasy with just the right amount of spice!
I absolutely adored Korik and Varen; they are both somewhat "later in life" compared to your typical romantasy love interests and it made their love story so unique to who they are as characters. "Cat Dad" Korik is a healer that grew up nomadic but now lives a quiet and reserved life in the city. Varen is an army commander that takes the lead wherever he goes; making tough calls and ensuring the wellbeing of the group. This unlikely pair end up facing both foes and mother nature together then finding love where they least expect it.
This book includes some of my favorite tropes & dynamics: size difference, the smaller partner is dominant, nursed back to health, snowed in together, pining, "we said casual, but I caught feelings", "there's no way he likes me too" - they both said to themselves, and groveling.
The spicy scenes were HAWT (like, damnnnn), but were not a large portion of the story content (~4 spicy scenes in a ~400 page book ). So expect the slow burn with plenty of fantasy plot build-up!
Would 100% recommend as well balanced Romance + Fantasy with just the right amount of spice!
January 31, 2026
oh. my. gorb. this book was really good! it has everything a fanfiction enthusiast could ask for! size difference, smaller top/larger bottom, sunshine/grumpy, even a hint of omegaverse with elves going into heat and mpreg! it's an adventure, it's a romance, it's fantasy. apparently this is a branch off another series, which you don't have to have read to get through this, but i'm sure it would have helped. the worldbuilding feels a little lacking, but this could come from the author having expected the readers to have gone through the previous series first. the rules of the magic are simple and easy to follow, and none of the magic used feels particularly broken or overpowered. i did raise my eyebrow when the objective of the summary was cleared early on, but luckily the author came in with a "one more thing" that felt logical and within the rules of the plot. the relationship felt and flowed naturally and realistically. i really enjoyed it! highly recommend for romantasy readers who like their men shy and green! 5*
May 17, 2025
Whenever I read a book in a genre that’s not particularly in my comfort zone but the writer makes it work and I end up enjoying the book; I know that this will become one of my go to writers. This is the first time I’ve read anything by Lionel Hart and I’m glad to have a new author to add to my TBR.
Varen (elf) and Koric (Orc) were well written and I enjoyed reading about them. The book seemed event-driven rather than character driven so it was a lot of things happening rather than interacting eg. Journeying then tracking then getting lost etc.
The slow burn in this really did it for me and ticked all my boxes. I think the only thing that let me down was at the end the pacing suddenly became quite rushed and I felt the way the two MCs resolved their situation seemed done just for the sake of it being done.
Overall a memorable story and I hope we get to see more like this.
Varen (elf) and Koric (Orc) were well written and I enjoyed reading about them. The book seemed event-driven rather than character driven so it was a lot of things happening rather than interacting eg. Journeying then tracking then getting lost etc.
The slow burn in this really did it for me and ticked all my boxes. I think the only thing that let me down was at the end the pacing suddenly became quite rushed and I felt the way the two MCs resolved their situation seemed done just for the sake of it being done.
Overall a memorable story and I hope we get to see more like this.
January 23, 2026
an actual slow burn
The best way to describe this is tame. I kept waiting for something big to come and it never did. This is no roller coaster, but it is wholesome.
There is a lot of traveling, but the characters are always doing something. While it feels like not a lot is going on as you read, you realize a lot did happen by the end. The characters spend most of their travel tip toeing around each other, unsure of their feelings, and steadily feeding the slow burn. It is so sweet when they finally come together in the end. There is a lot of growth.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I was confused on the magic, but it didn’t take away from the story.
I feel satisfied after finishing this book. Like I just got some uninterrupted quiet time alone.
The best way to describe this is tame. I kept waiting for something big to come and it never did. This is no roller coaster, but it is wholesome.
There is a lot of traveling, but the characters are always doing something. While it feels like not a lot is going on as you read, you realize a lot did happen by the end. The characters spend most of their travel tip toeing around each other, unsure of their feelings, and steadily feeding the slow burn. It is so sweet when they finally come together in the end. There is a lot of growth.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I was confused on the magic, but it didn’t take away from the story.
I feel satisfied after finishing this book. Like I just got some uninterrupted quiet time alone.
May 30, 2025
4.5 -Back in the land of Orcs and Elves. I enjoyed the previous trilogy so much and the world that had been created, getting the chance to see it from a different perspective was so fun. The 2 MCs have such a journey across the world and with emotions, from hating eachother to a genuine love it really hit just right.
The first 2 act of the book was faster paced as the characters bounce from one bad situation to the next not sure where we are headed. (spoilers) then the 3rd act really drags you down to and emotional low with a heartfelt and earned ending. Loved these 2 can't wait for more couples in this world and seeing more on how the people with in it move forward.
The first 2 act of the book was faster paced as the characters bounce from one bad situation to the next not sure where we are headed. (spoilers) then the 3rd act really drags you down to and emotional low with a heartfelt and earned ending. Loved these 2 can't wait for more couples in this world and seeing more on how the people with in it move forward.
May 19, 2025
The first in a new spinoff series from The Orc Prince series. Just as lovely as I'd hoped.
Bonus points for Varen the elf being very well hung, and him and Korik being the first verse orc/elf pairing I've read.
Bonus points for Varen the elf being very well hung, and him and Korik being the first verse orc/elf pairing I've read.
June 2, 2025
4.5 stars. I loved Korik. He was such a kind and gentle character with unexpected strength. Varen wasn't really likeable for much of the story and managed to hurt Korik a lot, but he fortunately made up for it at the end. I really enjoyed the world building, and although I haven't read the previous series, this worked well as a standalone. This promises to be an excellent series.
June 4, 2025
4.5
This is a story of strong drama, misunderstanding, adventure and slow burning love and romance.
Varen; a Elfin soldier and Ranger, joins Korik; an Orc healer, on a journey to take the pregnant Enriel home to the Elfin city of Aefraya. Nothing is ever easy but they eventually achieve their goal.
Very enjoyable.
This is a story of strong drama, misunderstanding, adventure and slow burning love and romance.
Varen; a Elfin soldier and Ranger, joins Korik; an Orc healer, on a journey to take the pregnant Enriel home to the Elfin city of Aefraya. Nothing is ever easy but they eventually achieve their goal.
Very enjoyable.
January 14, 2026
The slow burn is just so so good in this one!! This also reminded me of my fantasy loving roots. I adored Korik to bits! He’s got a very soft beautiful soul. You can’t help but connect with him. Varen does take a second to grow on you but he is equally lovely! I really love this universe and can’t wait for more!
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May 26, 2025
Slow burn,forced proximity, fantasy
Sweet, shy, magic orc and grumpy, cocky elf.
These two honestly felt they had nothing in common.
That misunderstanding is slowly relinquished as they get to actually know one another while attempting a rescue mission.
Sweet, shy, magic orc and grumpy, cocky elf.
These two honestly felt they had nothing in common.
That misunderstanding is slowly relinquished as they get to actually know one another while attempting a rescue mission.
June 4, 2025
I really enjoyed the orc prince triology and this picks up soon after following a orc healer and an elf on a journey with his pregnant sister.
It’s a good palette cleanser, I enjoyed the plot and the characters were likeable and I was anticipating when there was finally romance.
It’s a good palette cleanser, I enjoyed the plot and the characters were likeable and I was anticipating when there was finally romance.
September 30, 2025
Amazing!!!
This book was so good and it filled the spot in my heart that needed more of the Orc Prince universe. I am going to be impatiently waiting for book two to come out next year.
The slow burn was unexpected but so masterfully down my jaw was on the floor!
This book was so good and it filled the spot in my heart that needed more of the Orc Prince universe. I am going to be impatiently waiting for book two to come out next year.
The slow burn was unexpected but so masterfully down my jaw was on the floor!
December 30, 2025
3.5
I really enjoyed the beginning and the middle of this story, but feel like it fell flat toward the end. I don’t think that I got enough personality/character from either of the main characters but I liked them well enough to see the story through.
I really enjoyed the beginning and the middle of this story, but feel like it fell flat toward the end. I don’t think that I got enough personality/character from either of the main characters but I liked them well enough to see the story through.
January 7, 2026
Sweet, cute story between a gentle giant and a arrogant elf. Full of adventure and risks. Wandering a lovely, if risky, fantasy land.
It also all wraps up in one book. Which is a huge bonus.
May 20, 2025
Lovely slow burn fantasy, same world as the Orc King series but independent entirely. Interesting and imperfect characters and a vivid setting. Looking forward to the next in series!
May 21, 2025
3,75⭐️
May 21, 2025
*4,5
I ADORED IT! I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!
I ADORED IT! I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!
July 9, 2025
I really like this world and the relationships Lionel has created. Fingers crossed she makes more in this universe!
September 25, 2025
3.5 stars
January 1, 2026
Easy, fun and relaxing fantasy read — I loved the writing, pacing and characters in the book. Has the perfect amount of action, slow burn and smut.
Did Not Finish
February 16, 2026dnf @ 66%
if you came here for the romance, don't bother. there is none.
if you came here for the romance, don't bother. there is none.
March 30, 2026
3.5 stars.
A very fun orc romance and I had a good time reading it. The introduction of a shy orc is a wonderful change of pace and it worked well in the setting.
The pacing of the plot was a little too slow at places for me (I swear we spent an eternity on the mountain) but it worked okay for the slow-burn romance between the two main characters.
Points to the author that not once did I feel confused over the world and even after learning it was a continuation for a trilogy did I feel like I missed something. Kudos!
A very fun orc romance and I had a good time reading it. The introduction of a shy orc is a wonderful change of pace and it worked well in the setting.
The pacing of the plot was a little too slow at places for me (I swear we spent an eternity on the mountain) but it worked okay for the slow-burn romance between the two main characters.
Points to the author that not once did I feel confused over the world and even after learning it was a continuation for a trilogy did I feel like I missed something. Kudos!
March 11, 2026
I love this world. I loved these characters. I just wanted more of them together. They spend the whole book on an epic adventure and yet I only really get the cute stuff at the end. It didn’t feel like I got enough pay off for the wait.
July 19, 2025
enjoyed this a surprising amount given that i didn't really fuck with claimed by the orc prince. satisfying, easy read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews