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Nightwalkers of Concord #2
A Verdant Vendetta
A werewolf overwhelmed by obligation. A hermit in crisis, isolated to protect her own heart. And a beast that could devour everything they hold dear.
Nikos doesn't mean to run from his people. But ever since he's been brought back to life, no one has quite looked at him the same, and he just needs to breathe. When he stumbles into a skirmish and unearths a much greater threat, he leaps at the chance to run away from his responsibilities a little longer.
Juniper has never felt at home in civilisation, only in the heart of the forest. But when her twin brother is taken from their isolated home, and a mysterious stranger appears and offers his help, she has little choice but to accept the additional advantage.
Neither is what the other expects, and both know much more about vulnerability and fear than they want to admit. But when they learn the being behind the abductions is none other than a corrupted, magic-eating dragon, both hunters know that only a powerful alliance can bring it down. Problem is, with every moment they spend together, they risk falling into the most terrifying thing of all... intimacy.
Nightwalkers of Concord returns with A Verdant Vendetta, a bisexual romantasy set one year after the epilogue of A Crimson Covenant. Can be read as a standalone.
Nikos doesn't mean to run from his people. But ever since he's been brought back to life, no one has quite looked at him the same, and he just needs to breathe. When he stumbles into a skirmish and unearths a much greater threat, he leaps at the chance to run away from his responsibilities a little longer.
Juniper has never felt at home in civilisation, only in the heart of the forest. But when her twin brother is taken from their isolated home, and a mysterious stranger appears and offers his help, she has little choice but to accept the additional advantage.
Neither is what the other expects, and both know much more about vulnerability and fear than they want to admit. But when they learn the being behind the abductions is none other than a corrupted, magic-eating dragon, both hunters know that only a powerful alliance can bring it down. Problem is, with every moment they spend together, they risk falling into the most terrifying thing of all... intimacy.
Nightwalkers of Concord returns with A Verdant Vendetta, a bisexual romantasy set one year after the epilogue of A Crimson Covenant. Can be read as a standalone.
ebook
First published November 22, 2025
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Donnellan
14 books116 followersAimee Donnellan is an author of fantasy adventures and romances centering queer women. She loves to write about bisexuals even more chaotic and disastrous than herself.
She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her fiancè — who helps her write and worldbuild — and dreams of dog ownership when not playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons.
She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her fiancè — who helps her write and worldbuild — and dreams of dog ownership when not playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 16, 2025
thank you netgallery and the author for the e-arc in exhange of an honest review!
i really enjoyed this book a lot. it’s the first time i’ve read anything by aimee donnellan, but i will check other books by her (specially the first one in the nightwalkers of concord series)
the characters were very enjoyable and easy to love and root for. i wish we could’ve read more about varra, since she won my heart from the very start. still, the main characters felt very real, like they were my friends. it’s refreshing to see such relatable struggles in both juniper and nikos, each being overcame in different ways, and i saw myself in both of them at multiple times
definitely, a very entertaining read i recommend to everyone who wants to enjoy a wonderful fantasy world, queer characters and an enticing romance :)
i really enjoyed this book a lot. it’s the first time i’ve read anything by aimee donnellan, but i will check other books by her (specially the first one in the nightwalkers of concord series)
the characters were very enjoyable and easy to love and root for. i wish we could’ve read more about varra, since she won my heart from the very start. still, the main characters felt very real, like they were my friends. it’s refreshing to see such relatable struggles in both juniper and nikos, each being overcame in different ways, and i saw myself in both of them at multiple times
definitely, a very entertaining read i recommend to everyone who wants to enjoy a wonderful fantasy world, queer characters and an enticing romance :)
December 8, 2025
- Arc Review -
3.75 ⭐
I really enjoyed returning to a fantasy world like this one; it had been a while since I’d read something in the genre, and it felt refreshing. The dragon-centered quest gave me strong D&D vibes, which I think many readers who enjoy adventure-driven stories will appreciate. I also found the personal relationships beautifully explored, like the romantic ones, the sibling-like bonds, the friendships, even the parental dynamics. Those emotional threads were written with a depth and care that really stood out to me, sometimes even more than the fantasy elements themselves.
That said, there were moments when the story didn’t feel entirely fluid. Certain plot points became a bit predictable, and the way they were written sometimes diminished the tension that the scenes seemed to call for. At times, the narrative felt a little too straightforward, making it easier to foresee what would happen next. Because of that, I struggled to fully connect with some of the characters. It’s also possible that not having read the previous book influenced the way I related to the characters, making it harder to feel as attached to them as I would have liked. Stil, the author’s ideas were genuinely compelling! the abilities of the main characters, the structure of the village, and the mystery surrounding the dragon and its powers were all highlights with a lot of potential.
What truly won me over, though, was the neurodivergent representation through Juniper. The way their difficulty with touch was portrayed felt thoughtful and respectful, leading to some of the best intimate scenes I’ve ever read. The connection between the characters and the way intimacy was built were exceptionally well done. I was also really happy to see such strong LGBT+ representation throughout the book, especially the bisexual representation, which is still far too rare. As someone who’s bi, I deeply appreciated seeing it handled so well.
Overall, even with the moments that didn’t fully click for me, this book still left me really curious, and honestly pretty excited, to dive into more of the author’s books!
Thank for this reading opportunity 💗
3.75 ⭐
I really enjoyed returning to a fantasy world like this one; it had been a while since I’d read something in the genre, and it felt refreshing. The dragon-centered quest gave me strong D&D vibes, which I think many readers who enjoy adventure-driven stories will appreciate. I also found the personal relationships beautifully explored, like the romantic ones, the sibling-like bonds, the friendships, even the parental dynamics. Those emotional threads were written with a depth and care that really stood out to me, sometimes even more than the fantasy elements themselves.
That said, there were moments when the story didn’t feel entirely fluid. Certain plot points became a bit predictable, and the way they were written sometimes diminished the tension that the scenes seemed to call for. At times, the narrative felt a little too straightforward, making it easier to foresee what would happen next. Because of that, I struggled to fully connect with some of the characters. It’s also possible that not having read the previous book influenced the way I related to the characters, making it harder to feel as attached to them as I would have liked. Stil, the author’s ideas were genuinely compelling! the abilities of the main characters, the structure of the village, and the mystery surrounding the dragon and its powers were all highlights with a lot of potential.
What truly won me over, though, was the neurodivergent representation through Juniper. The way their difficulty with touch was portrayed felt thoughtful and respectful, leading to some of the best intimate scenes I’ve ever read. The connection between the characters and the way intimacy was built were exceptionally well done. I was also really happy to see such strong LGBT+ representation throughout the book, especially the bisexual representation, which is still far too rare. As someone who’s bi, I deeply appreciated seeing it handled so well.
Overall, even with the moments that didn’t fully click for me, this book still left me really curious, and honestly pretty excited, to dive into more of the author’s books!
Thank for this reading opportunity 💗
November 18, 2025
I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of writing an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book. Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an early copy!
I loved A VERDANT VENDETTA as much as I loved A CRIMSON COVENANT. It was awesome to return to Concord for another heart-pounding adventure with two new, endearing characters—and a cast of favorites from the first book. The last quarter of this book had me on the edge of my seat, stressing over how on earth the protagonists would make it out alive. And good lord, that slow burn? That TENSION? WHEW.
What really struck me about this book, though, was the beautiful progression of trust between Nikos and Juniper. The character and relationship development in this story is masterful. Though the slow burn had me gripping my kindle and begging for these two to get their shit together, the payoff was so worth it. This is one of the only books I’ve read where the slow burn is closely tied to the core of the characters and isn’t there just for the sake of drawing out tension. Like, there’s a reason they’re both suppressing their feelings, and their efforts to work through their respective trauma advances the romance as much as it advances character development. I just think that’s an excellent way to utilize that trope.
I can’t wait to see what adventures await in Concord next!
I loved A VERDANT VENDETTA as much as I loved A CRIMSON COVENANT. It was awesome to return to Concord for another heart-pounding adventure with two new, endearing characters—and a cast of favorites from the first book. The last quarter of this book had me on the edge of my seat, stressing over how on earth the protagonists would make it out alive. And good lord, that slow burn? That TENSION? WHEW.
What really struck me about this book, though, was the beautiful progression of trust between Nikos and Juniper. The character and relationship development in this story is masterful. Though the slow burn had me gripping my kindle and begging for these two to get their shit together, the payoff was so worth it. This is one of the only books I’ve read where the slow burn is closely tied to the core of the characters and isn’t there just for the sake of drawing out tension. Like, there’s a reason they’re both suppressing their feelings, and their efforts to work through their respective trauma advances the romance as much as it advances character development. I just think that’s an excellent way to utilize that trope.
I can’t wait to see what adventures await in Concord next!
November 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! I don't usually read m/f romance but this story has so much more going on than that and, in the end, it was pretty sweet anyway. I was super intrigued about how the resurrection aftermath would be handled and curious about Nikos in general after reading A Crimson Covenant. Juniper stole the show, though. I love that she's "difficult" and messy even when it's "inconvenient" or "not cute." I found her really relatable even as someone who is just an introvert who wishes she lived in the middle of a forest. It helps that she has some very gay moments along the way.
As always, Donnellan really pulled through with the queer cast and worldbuilding. There are some fun scenes with Lenora and Arche- It's nice to see what domestic life looks like for them, after all they went through! There are cameos from some other characters, as well, and new ones introduced as you go. I have read so many of Donnellan's books at this point that the world feels familiar and yet she is always adding new layers and twists to it. Every story introduces fresh elements and builds upon the others, it's fun to watch it all unfold!
I definitely would recommend A Verdant Vendetta for people who like stories with high stakes and characters that are overcoming trauma in a way that's relatable but not *too* dark, or lovers of elaborate but approachable fantasy settings!
As always, Donnellan really pulled through with the queer cast and worldbuilding. There are some fun scenes with Lenora and Arche- It's nice to see what domestic life looks like for them, after all they went through! There are cameos from some other characters, as well, and new ones introduced as you go. I have read so many of Donnellan's books at this point that the world feels familiar and yet she is always adding new layers and twists to it. Every story introduces fresh elements and builds upon the others, it's fun to watch it all unfold!
I definitely would recommend A Verdant Vendetta for people who like stories with high stakes and characters that are overcoming trauma in a way that's relatable but not *too* dark, or lovers of elaborate but approachable fantasy settings!
November 9, 2025
"Maybe we are both a bit broken. Maybe we'll help each other, maybe we won't, but at least we're not in it alone."
I love Nikos and Juniper so much. When I read Arche and Lenora's story, I didn't think too much of Nikos and while reading this book I am so happy to have been wrong for not wanting to know more about him!
Nikos is so thoughtful, kind, resilient and just an all around super loveable character. He struggles with some serious anxiety and guilt.
Then comes Juniper who also struggles with her own anxiety and struggles on how to trust or let anyone in that isn't her twin brother hazel.
but the slow progression between strangers to friendship between both main characters (not to mention the YEARNING) is chef's kiss!
I love how relatable Juniper was (to me).
she's not a typical FMC. She's rough around the edges and is blunt and clear about her boundaries. She will not sugar coat anything and calls it how she sees it.
Overall, I loved the pacing and the magical elements and how well this story tied in with "A Crimson Coveant".
I look forward to what comes next!
I love Nikos and Juniper so much. When I read Arche and Lenora's story, I didn't think too much of Nikos and while reading this book I am so happy to have been wrong for not wanting to know more about him!
Nikos is so thoughtful, kind, resilient and just an all around super loveable character. He struggles with some serious anxiety and guilt.
Then comes Juniper who also struggles with her own anxiety and struggles on how to trust or let anyone in that isn't her twin brother hazel.
but the slow progression between strangers to friendship between both main characters (not to mention the YEARNING) is chef's kiss!
I love how relatable Juniper was (to me).
she's not a typical FMC. She's rough around the edges and is blunt and clear about her boundaries. She will not sugar coat anything and calls it how she sees it.
Overall, I loved the pacing and the magical elements and how well this story tied in with "A Crimson Coveant".
I look forward to what comes next!
December 3, 2025
I picked this up for the neurodivergent and bi rep and was so delightfully entertained!
I love the main characters Juniper and Nikos so much! Their romance is slow to start, as they begin testing the waters throughout the quest element that makes up a good chunk of the front end of the book. Seeing their first attempts at connecting while working through some trauma was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming! Nikos is such a patient consent King!
There was a really good blend of fantasy and romance in this book; I’d say it was a pretty equal 50/50 split. The fantasy aspects were really interesting and the main plot kept the action going!
Please tell me there’s a possible Varra/Hazel coming up next!? While I read A Verdant Vendetta as a standalone (and it totally worked as a standalone!) I’m so curious to learn more about this world and characters! I’ll be adding the first book to my TBR and look forward to any future books!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
I love the main characters Juniper and Nikos so much! Their romance is slow to start, as they begin testing the waters throughout the quest element that makes up a good chunk of the front end of the book. Seeing their first attempts at connecting while working through some trauma was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming! Nikos is such a patient consent King!
There was a really good blend of fantasy and romance in this book; I’d say it was a pretty equal 50/50 split. The fantasy aspects were really interesting and the main plot kept the action going!
Please tell me there’s a possible Varra/Hazel coming up next!? While I read A Verdant Vendetta as a standalone (and it totally worked as a standalone!) I’m so curious to learn more about this world and characters! I’ll be adding the first book to my TBR and look forward to any future books!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
November 13, 2025
Thanks so much to netgalley and the author for providing me with an eARC. All thoughts are my own!
This was such a fantastic second book in this series. Even better than the first!
I loved getting to know Nikos. He’s an absolute ray of sunshine, more golden retriever than werewolf. But he has a lot of trauma that he’s dealing with and I really appreciated the way that was handled.
Juniper was a brilliant character. I just loved her so much. She’s prickly and introverted and she has a lot of trauma to unpack too.
I loved how gentle and kind and compassionate these two were with each other, how much trust built between them over time.
The plot had me hooked! A quest to save someone! A magic stealing dragon! Big exciting battle sequences! It was so great.
I can’t wait to see what comes next.
This was such a fantastic second book in this series. Even better than the first!
I loved getting to know Nikos. He’s an absolute ray of sunshine, more golden retriever than werewolf. But he has a lot of trauma that he’s dealing with and I really appreciated the way that was handled.
Juniper was a brilliant character. I just loved her so much. She’s prickly and introverted and she has a lot of trauma to unpack too.
I loved how gentle and kind and compassionate these two were with each other, how much trust built between them over time.
The plot had me hooked! A quest to save someone! A magic stealing dragon! Big exciting battle sequences! It was so great.
I can’t wait to see what comes next.
November 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ 20%
I struggled to connect with the story and the romance, and it simply wasn’t resonating with me the way I’d hoped. I requested this title while I was deep in a horror reading phase, and I found it difficult to shift into a romance/fantasy mindset. I kept picking it up, hoping it would eventually click, but unfortunately that never happened. The writing also felt a bit bland to me, though that may be because I typically read a lot of high fantasy with denser worldbuilding.
I think this book may be better suited for readers who are specifically in the mood for a lighter YA romantasy. In the end, it felt more like a mismatch between my reading tastes at the moment and the book itself.
DNF @ 20%
I struggled to connect with the story and the romance, and it simply wasn’t resonating with me the way I’d hoped. I requested this title while I was deep in a horror reading phase, and I found it difficult to shift into a romance/fantasy mindset. I kept picking it up, hoping it would eventually click, but unfortunately that never happened. The writing also felt a bit bland to me, though that may be because I typically read a lot of high fantasy with denser worldbuilding.
I think this book may be better suited for readers who are specifically in the mood for a lighter YA romantasy. In the end, it felt more like a mismatch between my reading tastes at the moment and the book itself.
Read
November 8, 2025I received this book as an ARC.
After having DNF right at the beginning the last 4 books I tried to read, it was nice to finaly find a book that "clicked" with me.
This book is well written and I like that it throw you in the action right of the bat
In my opiniln, this book is 50% fantasy adventure and 50% falling in love and being horny for the other main character.
Unfortunately, I wasn't much interested in the love story. Mostly because I don't like spice and I didn't enjoy most of the horniness
I'm currently 75% in and will probably not finish this book because of that
Still, I enjoy spending time with the female main character and could relate to her since I'm also autistic
After having DNF right at the beginning the last 4 books I tried to read, it was nice to finaly find a book that "clicked" with me.
This book is well written and I like that it throw you in the action right of the bat
In my opiniln, this book is 50% fantasy adventure and 50% falling in love and being horny for the other main character.
Unfortunately, I wasn't much interested in the love story. Mostly because I don't like spice and I didn't enjoy most of the horniness
I'm currently 75% in and will probably not finish this book because of that
Still, I enjoy spending time with the female main character and could relate to her since I'm also autistic
November 23, 2025
I can't even explain how much i enjoyed this book and how i know it's one of those that will pop up in my mind every so often.
This has everything you might need in a romantasy: reluctant alies, strong personalities, kind of grumpy x sunshine (fmc is the grumpy one), and oh god such a slow burn for all the right reasons. This had action, banter, friendships and a great love story, that really had to work for it. One of those couples I know will grown old together. I'm very excited about what's next in this world, can't wait!
Received an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!
This has everything you might need in a romantasy: reluctant alies, strong personalities, kind of grumpy x sunshine (fmc is the grumpy one), and oh god such a slow burn for all the right reasons. This had action, banter, friendships and a great love story, that really had to work for it. One of those couples I know will grown old together. I'm very excited about what's next in this world, can't wait!
Received an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!
November 23, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
A prickly, self-proclaimed hermit and a lycan raised from the dead come together in this fantasy romance story with some action. The two bond over fighting the same creature in order to save her brother and his city.
This follows up A Crimson Covenant but can act as a standalone as that follows a different couple. The strength of this story lies in the description of Juniper with her neurodivergence but overall I think the story could have used more polishing. There are a few open door scenes for a bit of spice.
I received an advanced copy for free, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A prickly, self-proclaimed hermit and a lycan raised from the dead come together in this fantasy romance story with some action. The two bond over fighting the same creature in order to save her brother and his city.
This follows up A Crimson Covenant but can act as a standalone as that follows a different couple. The strength of this story lies in the description of Juniper with her neurodivergence but overall I think the story could have used more polishing. There are a few open door scenes for a bit of spice.
I received an advanced copy for free, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2025
I read this without realising it was set after events in A Crimson Covenant, but didn't feel like I was missing information and happily read this as a standalone.
I really liked Nikos and Juniper for the start. They both have personalities and relatable feelings. The cast of supporting characters were well written.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and magic. There was a section in the middle that felt a bit slow but it was important for the characters development.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
I really liked Nikos and Juniper for the start. They both have personalities and relatable feelings. The cast of supporting characters were well written.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and magic. There was a section in the middle that felt a bit slow but it was important for the characters development.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
December 7, 2025
4⭐️
This was brilliant!
I was completely unaware that there was another book before this in the series, they’re interconnected(so you don’t have to read it first to understand this book). Needless to say i will definitely be picking up the previous book A Crimson Covenant sometime in the future!
This book had everything a good fantasy book in my personal opinion needs, good writing, intriguing plot, interesting magic and world building plus some well written romance. This book checked all the boxes, i especially loved our main characters and their romance was absolutely perfect, it was such a good slow burn that kept me hooked from start to finish. I appreciated how these characters formed their connection slowly and how their friendship developed. This book had plot beyond just the romance BUT the yearning was incredible.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with this arc!
This was brilliant!
I was completely unaware that there was another book before this in the series, they’re interconnected(so you don’t have to read it first to understand this book). Needless to say i will definitely be picking up the previous book A Crimson Covenant sometime in the future!
This book had everything a good fantasy book in my personal opinion needs, good writing, intriguing plot, interesting magic and world building plus some well written romance. This book checked all the boxes, i especially loved our main characters and their romance was absolutely perfect, it was such a good slow burn that kept me hooked from start to finish. I appreciated how these characters formed their connection slowly and how their friendship developed. This book had plot beyond just the romance BUT the yearning was incredible.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with this arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
I enjoyed the premise and characters, I just couldn’t quite connect with it and find myself looking forward to picking it up again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Aimee Donnellan, for providing an ebook ARC for me to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Aimee Donnellan, for providing an ebook ARC for me to read.
Want to read
August 13, 2025Omg Nikos’ book yay.
November 22, 2025
This book was a great read and easy to like the characters! I'm normally not the biggest fan of werewolf stories by any means. I really found myself rooting for Juniper the entire time and love her!
December 14, 2025
🌑 I am delighted to be reading another Aimee Donnellan ARC! I have really grown to love this series. While this is book 2, it can also be read as a standalone novel. You want to read A Crimson Covenant too though, I promise.
🌑 I loved the characters in A Verdant Vendetta, especially getting to know a character we didn’t see as much of in ACC. Nikos is an absolute gem, and I love him dearly. Juniper is wonderfully complex and I loved seeing the story from her point of view. There is so much of her character I can relate to, I had to reread pieces to make sure I hadn’t imagined them.
🌑 The story is well paced, with a good balance of lighter and more intense moments. The fight scenes had me holding my breath in places!
🌑 The romance was really sweet. A slow burn but also not. I found the navigation of the growing relationship beautifully done.
🌑 There is definitely more to this story, I am sure! And I am so excited to (hopefully) keep reading!
📕 Thank you to the author and NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌑 I loved the characters in A Verdant Vendetta, especially getting to know a character we didn’t see as much of in ACC. Nikos is an absolute gem, and I love him dearly. Juniper is wonderfully complex and I loved seeing the story from her point of view. There is so much of her character I can relate to, I had to reread pieces to make sure I hadn’t imagined them.
🌑 The story is well paced, with a good balance of lighter and more intense moments. The fight scenes had me holding my breath in places!
🌑 The romance was really sweet. A slow burn but also not. I found the navigation of the growing relationship beautifully done.
🌑 There is definitely more to this story, I am sure! And I am so excited to (hopefully) keep reading!
📕 Thank you to the author and NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews