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The Bone Men #2
Solemn Vows
"This is but a herald of the trials that await."
Deep inside the Bone Men cult, Penny and Kit have passed the point of turning back. If they want to survive, they have to make it through the remaining six Oaths of initiation, each one more twisted than the last.
Kit works quietly, piecing together a plan to bring the cult down from the inside, but nothing about it is simple. Not with Penny’s brother watching their every move, doing everything he can to make sure they fail.
With danger now lurking around every corner, Penny can’t help but wonder if finishing what they started is worth the cost. If they keep going, they might not make it out whole.
They may not make it out at all.
Deep inside the Bone Men cult, Penny and Kit have passed the point of turning back. If they want to survive, they have to make it through the remaining six Oaths of initiation, each one more twisted than the last.
Kit works quietly, piecing together a plan to bring the cult down from the inside, but nothing about it is simple. Not with Penny’s brother watching their every move, doing everything he can to make sure they fail.
With danger now lurking around every corner, Penny can’t help but wonder if finishing what they started is worth the cost. If they keep going, they might not make it out whole.
They may not make it out at all.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solemn Vows carries the cozy elements of First Oaths while finally shaking Penny and Kit's false sense of security. This series has been a slow burn but the stakes are rising...I'm looking forward to seeing what still lurks in the cult's shadows.
Thanks so much to the authors for the chance to check out an advance copy! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Thanks so much to the authors for the chance to check out an advance copy! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
January 7, 2026
I’m enjoying this series a lot. I struggle with how to describe it though. Cutesy, romantic, and very cozy but the stakes are so high as well. Is dark cozy fantasy a thing? Bc I think these authors discovered it.
The scene and plot are both very unique. I’ve never read anything like this before. If you’re looking for some sweet characters to get lost in and a story you’ve never read before, this is that.
The scene and plot are both very unique. I’ve never read anything like this before. If you’re looking for some sweet characters to get lost in and a story you’ve never read before, this is that.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Again, the way CJ and Quinn write is just simply the best. The continued world and characters are fantastic. We see Kit and Penny continue their journey to join The Bone Men as they grow closer. Their journey is hard fought, with many ups and downs during the Oaths.
January 17, 2026
I am so in love with this series 🥹🩷 I somehow liked this book even more than the first one, and I already genuinely loved the first!
The perfect balance of coziness and mystery that made the first book so special and unlike anything I’d read before carries perfectly into the second, but it’s taken up a notch. The danger feels much more palpable this time because of what the second oath entails, threatening the sense of security Kit and Penny had built (Kit because of his knowledge of the cult, and Penny because of the trust he places in Kit). That oath really shook everything up and had me gasping and freaking out so much 😭
On a cuter note :’)
We get to see so much more of Kit and Penny’s dynamic and also learn more about them individually, which added sooo much more depth to the story. While we learned about them in the first book, they’ve now spent more time together and grown more comfortable with each other, which allowed them to open up and truly let the other in... That made me love them even more 🩷
I genuinely cannot stress enough how perfectly this series balances everything. It gives us mystery, fear, trauma, and danger, while also delivering love, trust, friendship, protectiveness... My heart can't take it.
I can’t wait to keep reading this series! It might honestly be what I’m most excited about right now 🙈
The perfect balance of coziness and mystery that made the first book so special and unlike anything I’d read before carries perfectly into the second, but it’s taken up a notch. The danger feels much more palpable this time because of what the second oath entails, threatening the sense of security Kit and Penny had built (Kit because of his knowledge of the cult, and Penny because of the trust he places in Kit). That oath really shook everything up and had me gasping and freaking out so much 😭
On a cuter note :’)
We get to see so much more of Kit and Penny’s dynamic and also learn more about them individually, which added sooo much more depth to the story. While we learned about them in the first book, they’ve now spent more time together and grown more comfortable with each other, which allowed them to open up and truly let the other in... That made me love them even more 🩷
I genuinely cannot stress enough how perfectly this series balances everything. It gives us mystery, fear, trauma, and danger, while also delivering love, trust, friendship, protectiveness... My heart can't take it.
I can’t wait to keep reading this series! It might honestly be what I’m most excited about right now 🙈
Review of advance copy received from Author
It might be because it’s not a subgenre I read often, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a story like this.
Just like in First Oaths, the balance between a grim plot and a cozy atmosphere is extremely well done. It kept me on my toes, and I was sometimes genuinely shocked when the grim parts sneaked up on me.
I did feel like the romance was a bit dragging and repetitive at times. As a slow-burn reader, I don’t mind waiting, but this had more to do with repeating the same discussions with the same outcome than with the actual slow-burn pacing.
Still, I honestly can’t wait to get started with book 3 and see where it might lead them.
Tropes:
Grump x cinnamon roll
Pining
Age gap
Hurt x comfort
Spice: 🌶️
Info
Characters: Kit & Penny
Nicknames: Darling & Sweetheart
Age: 30 & 22
Third act break up: no
Just like in First Oaths, the balance between a grim plot and a cozy atmosphere is extremely well done. It kept me on my toes, and I was sometimes genuinely shocked when the grim parts sneaked up on me.
I did feel like the romance was a bit dragging and repetitive at times. As a slow-burn reader, I don’t mind waiting, but this had more to do with repeating the same discussions with the same outcome than with the actual slow-burn pacing.
Still, I honestly can’t wait to get started with book 3 and see where it might lead them.
Tropes:
Grump x cinnamon roll
Pining
Age gap
Hurt x comfort
Spice: 🌶️
Info
Characters: Kit & Penny
Nicknames: Darling & Sweetheart
Age: 30 & 22
Third act break up: no
Review of advance copy received from Author
I said I would review when I was done crying, but I only needed to think about the book and my tears started all over again, so here we go anyway.
This was absolutely stunning. I don't know how these authors managed to write a book that's both this cozy and traumatizing at the same time, but somehow they did, and they did it beautifully.
I laughed, I cried, I smiled so big, and then I cried again. The whole book was a roller-coaster of emotions, and not just small ones, but full on laughing out loud or sobbing my heart out from one chapter to the next.
The characters are fantastically written, even the cruel ones. I love them, I hate them, I want to hug some, punch others. There are parts that made me want to step into the story myself because it was so gorgeously sweet, and parts where I wanted to get in there just to tear someone's head off. How is it even possible to write characters that I hate this much? Actually hate? It's just a story, dammit. Yet I was so full of rage that I had to take a break just to breathe, count to ten, remind myself - it is just fiction.
We have characters we don't know if we can trust, but that we desperately want to. Questions still to be answered, and my friend and I, who read this book together, have been discussing theories for hours.
We have so many. And we are so scared some of them will be right.
I'm gonna stand my ground and hope for a redemption arc for the side character that managed to capture my heart, but who I am pretty sure will completely crush it. One can dream, right? At least until these authors drops whatever painful revelation on me that will have me back to screaming over how much I hate them (while also loving them so much it hurts).
And then we have the characters we love... Kit and Penny, of course. They are... perfectly imperfect. They have flaws that make them human, that make them real, and still they are so sweet, so caring, so perfect for each other. I love how we see them changing, because of course they will. Kit dares to start allowing people into his life, and Penny sees how dark the life within the cult can really be. It's done beautifully, and it's a natural change while still keeping their personality.
Then there are the side characters that are just... so sweet. So lovely. How are these people in a cult like this? They are too good for this place. Rosie should open a bakery somewhere safe, Reimond and Thoma should have gotten married and been happy together without all of this.
God I can't. I'm crying once again.
There was a death in this, I won't spoil it, but anyone who has read it will know. And it was so painful, and still so perfect. I don't know how to put it in words, because I am so sad this character had to die, but I also understand it. A death like this should matter. It should be felt. And I think this character was the only one who could make this kind of impact. That could make it hurt like it did.
It was perfect. But I'm so angry over it. So sad I couldn't sleep last night. I was up for hours with those scenes replaying in my head.
I don't get like this over books. I don't understand what is happening.
Brilliant storytelling. These authors deserve all the love and recognition they can get, and I hope everyone who has ever even considered this series gives it a chance.
It's worth it. I promise. The pain is worth it.
This was absolutely stunning. I don't know how these authors managed to write a book that's both this cozy and traumatizing at the same time, but somehow they did, and they did it beautifully.
I laughed, I cried, I smiled so big, and then I cried again. The whole book was a roller-coaster of emotions, and not just small ones, but full on laughing out loud or sobbing my heart out from one chapter to the next.
The characters are fantastically written, even the cruel ones. I love them, I hate them, I want to hug some, punch others. There are parts that made me want to step into the story myself because it was so gorgeously sweet, and parts where I wanted to get in there just to tear someone's head off. How is it even possible to write characters that I hate this much? Actually hate? It's just a story, dammit. Yet I was so full of rage that I had to take a break just to breathe, count to ten, remind myself - it is just fiction.
We have characters we don't know if we can trust, but that we desperately want to. Questions still to be answered, and my friend and I, who read this book together, have been discussing theories for hours.
We have so many. And we are so scared some of them will be right.
I'm gonna stand my ground and hope for a redemption arc for the side character that managed to capture my heart, but who I am pretty sure will completely crush it. One can dream, right? At least until these authors drops whatever painful revelation on me that will have me back to screaming over how much I hate them (while also loving them so much it hurts).
And then we have the characters we love... Kit and Penny, of course. They are... perfectly imperfect. They have flaws that make them human, that make them real, and still they are so sweet, so caring, so perfect for each other. I love how we see them changing, because of course they will. Kit dares to start allowing people into his life, and Penny sees how dark the life within the cult can really be. It's done beautifully, and it's a natural change while still keeping their personality.
Then there are the side characters that are just... so sweet. So lovely. How are these people in a cult like this? They are too good for this place. Rosie should open a bakery somewhere safe, Reimond and Thoma should have gotten married and been happy together without all of this.
God I can't. I'm crying once again.
There was a death in this, I won't spoil it, but anyone who has read it will know. And it was so painful, and still so perfect. I don't know how to put it in words, because I am so sad this character had to die, but I also understand it. A death like this should matter. It should be felt. And I think this character was the only one who could make this kind of impact. That could make it hurt like it did.
It was perfect. But I'm so angry over it. So sad I couldn't sleep last night. I was up for hours with those scenes replaying in my head.
I don't get like this over books. I don't understand what is happening.
Brilliant storytelling. These authors deserve all the love and recognition they can get, and I hope everyone who has ever even considered this series gives it a chance.
It's worth it. I promise. The pain is worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as a free e-arc and all my opinions are my own :)
Kit Mosel, man that you are (sweet, kind, wonderful)
To say that I enjoyed Solemn Vows as much, if not more than, First Oaths would probably be an understatement. I just love how rich the world-building in this is and how the world expands in the second Oath. I also *love* how realistic the characters are.
Penny and Kit change through the events of the first two. Penny couldn't stay all sunshine and happiness after witnessing the horrors of the Bone Men, and I'm extremely glad that that side of his personality was explored! Likewise, I loved Kit becoming the sweet man he likely always was. Seeing his trust and love for Penny grow with every chapter was breathtaking. They're not perfect, and of course, their own need to protect each other causes them to butt heads, but I appreciated how it never led to any drawn-out miscommunication storylines.
And while I'm not sure if this is an intentional thing or not, I very much adored a little "want vs need" arc coming 👀 full circle!
Kit Mosel, man that you are (sweet, kind, wonderful)
To say that I enjoyed Solemn Vows as much, if not more than, First Oaths would probably be an understatement. I just love how rich the world-building in this is and how the world expands in the second Oath. I also *love* how realistic the characters are.
Penny and Kit change through the events of the first two. Penny couldn't stay all sunshine and happiness after witnessing the horrors of the Bone Men, and I'm extremely glad that that side of his personality was explored! Likewise, I loved Kit becoming the sweet man he likely always was. Seeing his trust and love for Penny grow with every chapter was breathtaking. They're not perfect, and of course, their own need to protect each other causes them to butt heads, but I appreciated how it never led to any drawn-out miscommunication storylines.
And while I'm not sure if this is an intentional thing or not, I very much adored a little "want vs need" arc coming 👀 full circle!
February 12, 2026
I really liked the first book and this was dark, tense, and completely unsettling in the best way. From the first page, there’s this heavy sense of dread that never really lets up. You can feel that Penny and Kit are in way too deep with the Bone Men cult, and every new Oath just tightens the pressure.
What I really liked was how high the stakes felt the entire time. There’s no safety net here. The danger isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and psychological too. Watching Kit quietly work on a plan from the inside while Penny struggles with the growing cost of it all added so much tension. And having the brother constantly watching was a layer of betrayal and suspicion that made everything even more intense.
I feel like this one was even more twisted, uncomfortable, and full of looming consequences than the first. I genuinely felt like no one was safe, and that made it a good read because I was fully engaged with every single page.
This is a dark story about cults, survival, and characters pushed to their limits, and I cannot wait for the third book!
What I really liked was how high the stakes felt the entire time. There’s no safety net here. The danger isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and psychological too. Watching Kit quietly work on a plan from the inside while Penny struggles with the growing cost of it all added so much tension. And having the brother constantly watching was a layer of betrayal and suspicion that made everything even more intense.
I feel like this one was even more twisted, uncomfortable, and full of looming consequences than the first. I genuinely felt like no one was safe, and that made it a good read because I was fully engaged with every single page.
This is a dark story about cults, survival, and characters pushed to their limits, and I cannot wait for the third book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC REVIEW*
I have joined a cult and I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but there is no turning back now.
The emotional roller coaster that I went through with this book was not at all what I was expecting, but I am following along on this journey with Kit and Penny.
In this book, we watch Kit and Penny go through their second and third oaths to join The Bone Men. They know what to expect, but things don't always go to plan. They encounter some close calls and an old friend of Kit's along the way. I don't want to say too much because I'm afraid of spoiling it, but this is going to be a great series and I am here for the journey!
I have joined a cult and I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but there is no turning back now.
The emotional roller coaster that I went through with this book was not at all what I was expecting, but I am following along on this journey with Kit and Penny.
In this book, we watch Kit and Penny go through their second and third oaths to join The Bone Men. They know what to expect, but things don't always go to plan. They encounter some close calls and an old friend of Kit's along the way. I don't want to say too much because I'm afraid of spoiling it, but this is going to be a great series and I am here for the journey!
February 3, 2026
I don’t think I’ve ever read a series that could be described as “cozy horror romance” but you know what? That’s exactly what this book series is.
Also, I swear to all the gods if ANYTHING even REMOTELY bad happens to Kit or Pen I will actually become so ill that I will have to recover in a seaside mansion where I shan’t leave my bed for the rest of my days.
Also, I swear to all the gods if ANYTHING even REMOTELY bad happens to Kit or Pen I will actually become so ill that I will have to recover in a seaside mansion where I shan’t leave my bed for the rest of my days.
January 3, 2026
This second book to the series picks up right after the first and just like before, it hooked me right in.
It is equal parts cozy and darker at times, with a slow burn between Kit and Penny that is worth every moment! I found I was just as invested in their growth as I was the main story. And the details surrounding the cult, what more we learn too of the others living there and their encounters ... it all comes together well!
Definitely a favourite of mine and one I'll enjoy rereading again. Cannot wait for the next book in this series!
It is equal parts cozy and darker at times, with a slow burn between Kit and Penny that is worth every moment! I found I was just as invested in their growth as I was the main story. And the details surrounding the cult, what more we learn too of the others living there and their encounters ... it all comes together well!
Definitely a favourite of mine and one I'll enjoy rereading again. Cannot wait for the next book in this series!
March 19, 2026
I can’t remember ever loving characters as much as I love Kit and Penny ❤️
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June 1, 2026Kit Mosel from The Bone Men is acespec!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided with a free e-copy of the book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks, you for this!
So I might have spent the entire day reading this book and couldn't put it down.
I loved the slowly evolving relationship between Kit & Penny. Even if this is quite new, Penny wants more, and, surprisingly, Kit is the one that is insecure. He never really has loved anyone and is not sure that he can.
The two of them are happy together – considering the circumstances and environment they are stuck in. Through this book, I was constantly scared that something bad was going to happen to one of them.
Some parts were hard to read, without going into details, the Bone Men are brutal, cruel and show no compassion.
Their Oaths are barbaric and only the strongest will pass through their tests.
Unfortunately for our M.C, they have no choice but to continue and prove their faith, since Merrick, Penny brother is still breathing down their neck.
I absolutely loved this book, and I am super excited to continue this series once the next book comes out. I am also really curious to see what the others Oaths will be and how Kit & Penny will survived them!
So I might have spent the entire day reading this book and couldn't put it down.
I loved the slowly evolving relationship between Kit & Penny. Even if this is quite new, Penny wants more, and, surprisingly, Kit is the one that is insecure. He never really has loved anyone and is not sure that he can.
The two of them are happy together – considering the circumstances and environment they are stuck in. Through this book, I was constantly scared that something bad was going to happen to one of them.
Some parts were hard to read, without going into details, the Bone Men are brutal, cruel and show no compassion.
Their Oaths are barbaric and only the strongest will pass through their tests.
Unfortunately for our M.C, they have no choice but to continue and prove their faith, since Merrick, Penny brother is still breathing down their neck.
I absolutely loved this book, and I am super excited to continue this series once the next book comes out. I am also really curious to see what the others Oaths will be and how Kit & Penny will survived them!
February 12, 2026
The vibes in this second installment of the Bone Men series certainly do keep up well with the first. We get our first real, intense and troubling look at the cult and the kind of atrocities they're happy to commit in their god's name - though Penny and Kit are far, far less pleased about it. There are glimpses of danger here, and parts of the book were incredibly riveting because of it.
However, I did find that the pacing in this book, and the movement of the plot was far slower. Things progress with very little urgency despite some of the events seeming like they should be provoking a bit more action than they do. A lot of this book is spent on Kit being uncertain of their relationship when I really would have liked there to be more emphasis on the plot and what Kit and Penny are trying to do in Ashpoint.
Having gone on to start the 3rd book before writing this review, I can say that this has been, by far, the slowest one so far, but that things do wind up picking up a bit more in book 3. Sadly, though, this one was just okay for me.
However, I did find that the pacing in this book, and the movement of the plot was far slower. Things progress with very little urgency despite some of the events seeming like they should be provoking a bit more action than they do. A lot of this book is spent on Kit being uncertain of their relationship when I really would have liked there to be more emphasis on the plot and what Kit and Penny are trying to do in Ashpoint.
Having gone on to start the 3rd book before writing this review, I can say that this has been, by far, the slowest one so far, but that things do wind up picking up a bit more in book 3. Sadly, though, this one was just okay for me.
April 8, 2026
This series keeps getting better, and considering this is book two and book one was already stunning perfection?? I HIGHLY recommend this series. I loved seeing more world building, character and relationship development, the progression of the plot... it's all very unique, and so so good. I can't wait for more from Kit and Penny.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Solemn Vows was a strong follow-up to First Oaths, one of the most enjoyable books I read last year. As strange as it may sound, a number of the things I loved about this installation were also the things the irked me about it, resulting in the grievous markdown of half a star from the first.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN the 22-year-old sheltered, naive farm boy with the wisdom and survival instincts of a domestic hamster is going to make rash decisions and act a fool? WHAT DO YOU MEAN the emotionally-repressed man-shaped pile of trauma whose preferred method of conversation is monosyllabic grunts and annoyed sighing does a poor job of communicating his wants and needs?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN the corpse-desecrating necromantic death cult dedicated to transcendence through pain and suffering lets its initiates die as a method of culling the weak and impure???
The AUDACITY to include realistic representations of complex, nuanced people in complex, nuanced situations instead of just catering to my personal desire for soft, ideal outcomes in the favor of all the characters I like.
Just plain rude, really.
I will admit, I spent most of the book wanting to put Penny in a tupperware container and SHAKE HIM for being a shortsighted, impulsive dink who continually brings himself, Kit, and their tenuous positions in Ashpoint to the brink of disaster, but I grudgingly acknowledge this was the most realistic way to portray him. I do hope he continues to mature and that he's less of abrat nuisance liability in the future, because honestly Kit deserves a BREAK.
A new element not found in book one: there are some zesty scenes in this volume, and I'm delighted to say the sexy bits managed to actually be sexy instead of cringe and awkward, which was a refreshing change from the last several books I've read containing any sort of physical intimacy (including 2 I DNFed because of secondhand embarrassment at just how badly they were executed). The romance continues to be sweet and slow and organic, and the sense of dread continues to build as things begin to go badly (because you know- you know- they're going to get so much worse before they get better), and those two elements are intertwined and balanced so beautifully throughout, all under the looming shadow of cosmic horror ever threatening at the peripherals (I'm calling this one Chekov's Death God, just saying). To quote Willy Wonka, "The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last."
Can't wait for book #3.
Solemn Vows was a strong follow-up to First Oaths, one of the most enjoyable books I read last year. As strange as it may sound, a number of the things I loved about this installation were also the things the irked me about it, resulting in the grievous markdown of half a star from the first.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN the 22-year-old sheltered, naive farm boy with the wisdom and survival instincts of a domestic hamster is going to make rash decisions and act a fool? WHAT DO YOU MEAN the emotionally-repressed man-shaped pile of trauma whose preferred method of conversation is monosyllabic grunts and annoyed sighing does a poor job of communicating his wants and needs?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN the corpse-desecrating necromantic death cult dedicated to transcendence through pain and suffering lets its initiates die as a method of culling the weak and impure???
The AUDACITY to include realistic representations of complex, nuanced people in complex, nuanced situations instead of just catering to my personal desire for soft, ideal outcomes in the favor of all the characters I like.
Just plain rude, really.
I will admit, I spent most of the book wanting to put Penny in a tupperware container and SHAKE HIM for being a shortsighted, impulsive dink who continually brings himself, Kit, and their tenuous positions in Ashpoint to the brink of disaster, but I grudgingly acknowledge this was the most realistic way to portray him. I do hope he continues to mature and that he's less of a
A new element not found in book one: there are some zesty scenes in this volume, and I'm delighted to say the sexy bits managed to actually be sexy instead of cringe and awkward, which was a refreshing change from the last several books I've read containing any sort of physical intimacy (including 2 I DNFed because of secondhand embarrassment at just how badly they were executed). The romance continues to be sweet and slow and organic, and the sense of dread continues to build as things begin to go badly (because you know- you know- they're going to get so much worse before they get better), and those two elements are intertwined and balanced so beautifully throughout, all under the looming shadow of cosmic horror ever threatening at the peripherals (I'm calling this one Chekov's Death God, just saying). To quote Willy Wonka, "The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last."
Can't wait for book #3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solemn Vows is the second book in The Bone Men series, and CANNOT be read as a standalone. I want to say that right away so there's no confusion. You have to read book one, First Oaths, in order to read book two as there's an overarching plotline with each book leaving off with slight cliffhangers.
Now, having said all that, I do want to say that it is extremely worth reading this series as a whole. This is only book two but this series has so much depth and detail to it, it feels like I'm apart of some historically horrifying world where people rob graves and skin other members.. (I say this in a positive way!) I love how these two authors wrote the events in this book in such a way where even though the world the books take place in seem so drastic, it still feels realistic and raw.
I absolutely adored Penny in the first book, and I did still like his character in this one, however, we did get to see a different side of Penny emerge throughout the course of this particular book. Which isn't a bad thing, I just didn't always agree with his behaviors, but hey, he's still a great character! And honestly, he's the perfect partner to balance out Kit. Speaking of Kit, we also saw a different side to his character as well!! A slightly softer, more open version who's starting to recognize and acknowledge his feelings. I have to say that when he finally admitted to himself and others about his feelings for Penny, I was so happy! I was mentally cheering him on the whole time. The scene towards the end of the book where he brings home a certain surprise for Penny was just SO sweet and adorable!
As for the plot itself, it's phenomenal. I have no notes, I'm extremely excited to see where this series goes next. We're starting to see the other pledges getting taken out by one thing or another during each of the Oaths so I wonder how many more Oaths our dynamic pair will have to suffer through before they pass the test.
I do have to say make sure you have tissues nearby, there's a death of a particular side character that caught me by surprise that I'm still upset about... You'll know what I mean when you get to that particular scene.
All in all a terrific continuation of a really unique and deadly series!
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
Now, having said all that, I do want to say that it is extremely worth reading this series as a whole. This is only book two but this series has so much depth and detail to it, it feels like I'm apart of some historically horrifying world where people rob graves and skin other members.. (I say this in a positive way!) I love how these two authors wrote the events in this book in such a way where even though the world the books take place in seem so drastic, it still feels realistic and raw.
I absolutely adored Penny in the first book, and I did still like his character in this one, however, we did get to see a different side of Penny emerge throughout the course of this particular book. Which isn't a bad thing, I just didn't always agree with his behaviors, but hey, he's still a great character! And honestly, he's the perfect partner to balance out Kit. Speaking of Kit, we also saw a different side to his character as well!! A slightly softer, more open version who's starting to recognize and acknowledge his feelings. I have to say that when he finally admitted to himself and others about his feelings for Penny, I was so happy! I was mentally cheering him on the whole time. The scene towards the end of the book where he brings home a certain surprise for Penny was just SO sweet and adorable!
As for the plot itself, it's phenomenal. I have no notes, I'm extremely excited to see where this series goes next. We're starting to see the other pledges getting taken out by one thing or another during each of the Oaths so I wonder how many more Oaths our dynamic pair will have to suffer through before they pass the test.
I do have to say make sure you have tissues nearby, there's a death of a particular side character that caught me by surprise that I'm still upset about... You'll know what I mean when you get to that particular scene.
All in all a terrific continuation of a really unique and deadly series!
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
Review of advance copy received from Author
So many things to love about book 2 in The Bone Men series! I might even like this book better than First Oaths! We get a lot more of the characters I loved from the first book, like Rose, Reimond, and Thoma. We also get to know a bit more about Levitt, who I am hoping we get more of in the next book! I am intrigued by his character, and I need to know how he will fit in with the rest of the story. I love Kit and Penny, but I am even MORE in love with Kit and Penny after this book, if that is possible. Let me gush about these boys for a second. We get a lot more information about Kit’s backstory as he continues to go through his fathers journals, and we learn more of his secrets and the awful things he was forced to do before he escaped. He is scared that once Penny knows, Penny will leave him. Thankfully, Penny is a sweetheart and so understanding! We get to meet a great character from Kit's past, and learn more about how she helped him when he escaped. She helps them a little with oath 3, too! Was I the only one getting the vibe that Kit is some flavor of asexual? Perhaps demisexual? I’m not sure! I loved seeing Kit embrace being a caregiver, and constantly trying to make sure Penny is taken care of. Its hard for Kit to step back and let Penny make mistakes, but he gets better about it by the end. Penny, in particular, really pulled at my heartstrings. He is just too sweet for this world, and I wanted to cover him in a blanket and give him hot chocolate. I loathe his brother and all of the problems he has caused and has yet to cause!
The first book was pretty cozy considering that it is a book about a cult. Well, this book is less cozy, since it covers both oaths 2 and 3. For those reading the reviews before you read the book (like I do), oath 2 is going out and bringing back a body, and oath 3 is ingesting poison. As you can guess, oath 3 was pretty fraught with tension. At one point while we are dealing with oath 3 and its aftermath, my heart broke and I had to put my kindle down for a little bit. We get some more tidbits about like in a cult, and there is a very interesting conversation near the beginning of the book about getting married young, and if you know anything about cults, getting married young is a common trait!
Overall, I love where this series is going, and I can’t wait for the next book!
The first book was pretty cozy considering that it is a book about a cult. Well, this book is less cozy, since it covers both oaths 2 and 3. For those reading the reviews before you read the book (like I do), oath 2 is going out and bringing back a body, and oath 3 is ingesting poison. As you can guess, oath 3 was pretty fraught with tension. At one point while we are dealing with oath 3 and its aftermath, my heart broke and I had to put my kindle down for a little bit. We get some more tidbits about like in a cult, and there is a very interesting conversation near the beginning of the book about getting married young, and if you know anything about cults, getting married young is a common trait!
Overall, I love where this series is going, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you to C.J. Tuma & Quinn Cameron for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is the continuation of an MM romance between Penny and Kit, two men trying to survive the Bone Men Oaths while exploring their feelings for each other
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Spice
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-First Times
-Found Family
-Hurt/Comfort
-Protective/Caring MCs
-HFN
Likes:
-Cozy like the first book
-Well done characters, even the ones I hate
-Kit is such a sweetheart
-How much they love eachother's touch
-Cozy vibes, helps with the trauma you will experience
-Great pacing
-Reveals of Kit's past
-MCs listen to each other and reflect on their actions
-Further character development
-Cute little endearments
-World building
Quotes:
-"If you are going to think about anyone's ham, Kit, it should be mine"
-"I could count on one hand the number of people in my life who had cared enough to think I was worth protecting"
-"The idea of loving someone so instinctually, so completely that I didn't need months to figure out whether or not I could trust them with the rawest parts of myself, was unfathomable"
-"He was the sun that managed to break through my clouds"
-"You found a way to spite your brother with a dessert"
-"The difference was, I handled my fear by getting smaller, and he handled his by making himself too big to hurt. Neither approach actually worked"
-"Pen, I would give everything to have you. I need nothing else"
It truly is a magical talent to write such a cozy, yet trauma inducing story. This book hurt my feelings and then tried to kiss it better, but I am still not over it. This book has such bitter sweet, all consuming moments of care and love between the MCs, which makes me cherish the story even more. I want to wrap Kit and Penny up in a protective bubble so they won't ever feel hurt again. I loved this book just as much as the first. Kit opens up more and you get to see his heart shine through, as well as see into his past. This book has some heavy, darks parts to it, but there are so many sweet, tender moments mixed in that you feel saturated in love. I highly recommend reading this series, starting with book 1: First Oaths.
Intro:
This book is the continuation of an MM romance between Penny and Kit, two men trying to survive the Bone Men Oaths while exploring their feelings for each other
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Spice
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-First Times
-Found Family
-Hurt/Comfort
-Protective/Caring MCs
-HFN
Likes:
-Cozy like the first book
-Well done characters, even the ones I hate
-Kit is such a sweetheart
-How much they love eachother's touch
-Cozy vibes, helps with the trauma you will experience
-Great pacing
-Reveals of Kit's past
-MCs listen to each other and reflect on their actions
-Further character development
-Cute little endearments
-World building
Quotes:
-"If you are going to think about anyone's ham, Kit, it should be mine"
-"I could count on one hand the number of people in my life who had cared enough to think I was worth protecting"
-"The idea of loving someone so instinctually, so completely that I didn't need months to figure out whether or not I could trust them with the rawest parts of myself, was unfathomable"
-"He was the sun that managed to break through my clouds"
-"You found a way to spite your brother with a dessert"
-"The difference was, I handled my fear by getting smaller, and he handled his by making himself too big to hurt. Neither approach actually worked"
-"Pen, I would give everything to have you. I need nothing else"
It truly is a magical talent to write such a cozy, yet trauma inducing story. This book hurt my feelings and then tried to kiss it better, but I am still not over it. This book has such bitter sweet, all consuming moments of care and love between the MCs, which makes me cherish the story even more. I want to wrap Kit and Penny up in a protective bubble so they won't ever feel hurt again. I loved this book just as much as the first. Kit opens up more and you get to see his heart shine through, as well as see into his past. This book has some heavy, darks parts to it, but there are so many sweet, tender moments mixed in that you feel saturated in love. I highly recommend reading this series, starting with book 1: First Oaths.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh it’s getting ssooo good! I just love these men!
📚Book = Series - Book 2 to 4
💕Burn = Slow,
🎭OW/OM Drama = a little, unrequited though,
🔥Heat/spice = 3/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮MM/FF = Yes, MM,
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Fantasy Dystopian Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Dystopian dark cult✨Sunshine & Grump✨Sweet romance in a bitter world✨Cult rituals & grave robbing ✨Lots of first times, Demi awakening ✨Confronting the past✨Trauma bonding & healing✨Poisoning as a love language✨Traumatic events✨
‼️Check TW’s before reading‼️
Wow this is really getting into the cults ritualistic practices with a bang and we haven’t finished yet! Eeekk!
I am just loving this story, it’s hard to read at times as they perform their oaths and the subsequent consequences of these, I mean the whole poisoning and aftermath was just heart-stopping. It is most definitely a very compelling read…….but be ready!!
I Love Kit and Pennys relationship, it’s just so adorable. I love how much they are growing together as a couple, fighting a common goal as well as learning more and more about each other. The way they need and rely on each other as they face each awful trial, is incredible, especially how Kit is learning to trust again. Their romantic relationship has definitely ramped up in this book as their cuddle sessions have turned heated, their first time together was really beautiful and cute. 😍
Pennys confidence has grown so much in the time he has been within the cult, he is learning to stand up for himself, especially concerning his twisted and evil brother. Unfortunately his brother is intent on making Penny loose, as he fights behind the scenes to bring him and Kit down, by any devious means necessary.
Kit is determined to bring the cult down from the inside, however with his intense love for Penny, is it really worth the fight, especially as more eyes are on them with so few initiates left who’ve survived. It’s going to be a delicate balance of survival and playing the game, all whilst keeping each other safe.
I can’t wait for the next instalment, I am hoping Kit’s friend will be an ally, even if he is the Right Hand (Leader), only time will tell!!
📚Book = Series - Book 2 to 4
💕Burn = Slow,
🎭OW/OM Drama = a little, unrequited though,
🔥Heat/spice = 3/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮MM/FF = Yes, MM,
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Fantasy Dystopian Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Dystopian dark cult✨Sunshine & Grump✨Sweet romance in a bitter world✨Cult rituals & grave robbing ✨Lots of first times, Demi awakening ✨Confronting the past✨Trauma bonding & healing✨Poisoning as a love language✨Traumatic events✨
‼️Check TW’s before reading‼️
Wow this is really getting into the cults ritualistic practices with a bang and we haven’t finished yet! Eeekk!
I am just loving this story, it’s hard to read at times as they perform their oaths and the subsequent consequences of these, I mean the whole poisoning and aftermath was just heart-stopping. It is most definitely a very compelling read…….but be ready!!
I Love Kit and Pennys relationship, it’s just so adorable. I love how much they are growing together as a couple, fighting a common goal as well as learning more and more about each other. The way they need and rely on each other as they face each awful trial, is incredible, especially how Kit is learning to trust again. Their romantic relationship has definitely ramped up in this book as their cuddle sessions have turned heated, their first time together was really beautiful and cute. 😍
Pennys confidence has grown so much in the time he has been within the cult, he is learning to stand up for himself, especially concerning his twisted and evil brother. Unfortunately his brother is intent on making Penny loose, as he fights behind the scenes to bring him and Kit down, by any devious means necessary.
Kit is determined to bring the cult down from the inside, however with his intense love for Penny, is it really worth the fight, especially as more eyes are on them with so few initiates left who’ve survived. It’s going to be a delicate balance of survival and playing the game, all whilst keeping each other safe.
I can’t wait for the next instalment, I am hoping Kit’s friend will be an ally, even if he is the Right Hand (Leader), only time will tell!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, I'm going to get rambly! Let's go!
How does a story make me forget that the premise surrounds a cult that grave-robs and collects bones? Seriously, I'm over here with cozy vibes and surrounded by relationship drama.
Warning there may be spoilers in this review, I will do my best to spoiler cover MAJOR spoilers but read at your own risk!!
Penny is my little shit-stirrer, and I swear is going to give poor Kit a heart attack, I swear I had soo much fun with Penny in this book, I swear there were moments I was rooting Pen on as an agent of chaos! But just as much as I rooted Pen on, I was also VERY much reminded that Pen is a 22yr. old, still young and has a very rose-tinted view of relationships, and his overly jealous actions were hard to stomach. But I absolutely love the communication between these boys, even if it takes them time to get there.
How does a story make me forget that the premise surrounds a cult that grave-robs and collects bones? Seriously, I'm over here with cozy vibes and surrounded by relationship drama.
Warning there may be spoilers in this review, I will do my best to spoiler cover MAJOR spoilers but read at your own risk!!
Penny is my little shit-stirrer, and I swear is going to give poor Kit a heart attack, I swear I had soo much fun with Penny in this book, I swear there were moments I was rooting Pen on as an agent of chaos! But just as much as I rooted Pen on, I was also VERY much reminded that Pen is a 22yr. old, still young and has a very rose-tinted view of relationships, and his overly jealous actions were hard to stomach. But I absolutely love the communication between these boys, even if it takes them time to get there.
February 8, 2026
This is the 2nd book in The Bone Men series which cannot be read as a standalone. It picks up right where the first book First Oaths ends.
First let me say...these two are going to be the de@th of me. They are holding ALL of my emotions hostage. This book made me cry, scream in frustration/anger, bite my nails in suspense, and fall more in love with these two knuckleheads.
Kit and Penny's relationship continues to grow and develop, with some stumbling but progress has been made 😁. There was also much self discovery, growth, reopening of old wounds (allowing the hurt, pain, and guilt to slowly ooze out), and some healing. Kit was stubborn but he was no match for Penny's patience, devotion, and pure heart. Penny finds some self confidence to show his claws, his days of being a pushover slowly coming to an end (even with Kit, lol).
The gripping suspense, action, and mystery continues with the bone men and the city of Ashpoint. The town is supposed to be sinister and full of evil, but it doesn't seem to be black/white anymore. It's a warm homey place but with a sinister aura, giving a false sense of comfort until we get a small glimpse behind the curtain. Also, we have met wonderful characters, some despicable ones, and some I'm still unsure in which category they fall into. There's too many secrets left to uncover. But what is discovered in this book will both break your heart and repulse you (characters and some traditions), but it also has many loving and tender moments that will make your heart smile and provide much needed relief. So worth taking this maniacally wild ride.
First let me say...these two are going to be the de@th of me. They are holding ALL of my emotions hostage. This book made me cry, scream in frustration/anger, bite my nails in suspense, and fall more in love with these two knuckleheads.
Kit and Penny's relationship continues to grow and develop, with some stumbling but progress has been made 😁. There was also much self discovery, growth, reopening of old wounds (allowing the hurt, pain, and guilt to slowly ooze out), and some healing. Kit was stubborn but he was no match for Penny's patience, devotion, and pure heart. Penny finds some self confidence to show his claws, his days of being a pushover slowly coming to an end (even with Kit, lol).
The gripping suspense, action, and mystery continues with the bone men and the city of Ashpoint. The town is supposed to be sinister and full of evil, but it doesn't seem to be black/white anymore. It's a warm homey place but with a sinister aura, giving a false sense of comfort until we get a small glimpse behind the curtain. Also, we have met wonderful characters, some despicable ones, and some I'm still unsure in which category they fall into. There's too many secrets left to uncover. But what is discovered in this book will both break your heart and repulse you (characters and some traditions), but it also has many loving and tender moments that will make your heart smile and provide much needed relief. So worth taking this maniacally wild ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was blessed to read an Advanced Reader Copy of Solemn Vows, and all views are my own and freely given.
Solemn Vows picks up shortly after the events of First Oaths. Kit and Penny survived the First Oath and are still settling into Ashpoint. Penny and Kit are becoming closer and find as much happiness as they can with each other. And as much as Kit insists Ashford is dangerous, Penny has made some good friends. But they have also accumulated some powerful enemies. As the Second Oath looms, and on its tail the Third Oath, Kit knows he has to work swiftly to complete his mission of taking down the Bone Men and to keep Penny safe. When his well-meaning intentions nearly lead to catastrophic loss, Kit realizes that he has more to lose now than he ever has before. Without Penny by his side, his mission, his life, is meaningless. And with Merrick breathing down their necks, no secrets are safe in Ashpoint. Kit knows he has to come clean about his past, be honest and open up so that a future with Penny is possible. Kit only hopes it’s not too little too late, that his secrets won’t ruin what he and Penny are building, and that the real horrors of Ashpoint don’t taint the good in Penny’s heart. Kit feels he has finally found a home in Penny, but can he keep him safe long enough to survive the rest of the Oaths and escape the Bone Men alive, or will Eeus claim their bones?
This book was a fantastic follow-up to First Oaths. Kit is as charming as ever. I love his character. He has so many feelings and such a dark history that the fact he can love Penny now is just amazing. I love how he is at once hesitant but confident. That he encourages Penny to be himself but also knows how to keep him in check when needed. I loved how much he blushed in this book. It was honestly so sweet. Penny is still my favorite character. He is larger than life and brings so much sunshine to the wintery prison Ashpoint has become. I loved his jealousy and how he found his bravery to stand up to Merrick. I like and hate that he is finally starting to see behind the cheery facade of Ashpoint and the Bone Men. It is definitely eye opening. And I am curious about some of his behaviors at the end, the anger that he has let fuel him. I hope it is only a symptom of the Merrick issue and not something more sinister going on. I really loved how Kit and Penny came to really lean on each other in this book. Their love is blossoming, and I am so excited to see what happens next. Plus the promise of more, of a real future, is encouraging.
I gotta say, the Bone Men cult is absolutely crazy. The consequences of being caught grave robbing and the uncertainty of the Third Oath was just insane. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see who would succeed and who wouldn’t. And after the Third Oath? I just cannot forgive the authors for that pain. (But of course I will because how can I not if I want to know what will happen next???). Plus it really is reflective of the sinister nature of the cult and all of the horrors it hides with its friendly people and isolated town. This book was definitely more gruesome than the last, and I am so glad that Kit didn’t have to do that to Penny.
I loved seeing Penny and Kit get so much closer and their intimacy start to burn hot. It’s fun seeing Kit all bashful and Penny be the confident one. The spice was still minimal, but what spice there is is hot and authentic. I can’t wait to see that develop more over time.
I am super, super intrigued about Levitt. His history with Kit is obviously more than it originally seemed, but I liked that he accepted Kit’s boundaries. I like that Levitt is cool-headed and that he takes everything in stride. I’m very, very interested to know the rest of his story and how he became the Right Hand. I really hope that he is the ally Kit needs to take down the Bone Men for good. But a part of me worries that he will be a bigger adversary than Kit thinks he is.
Overall I loved Solemn Vows! It was a fantastic continuation of this world. The world building is great, the story is incredible, and the cult is more horrific every page. I couldn’t have asked for a better sequel. I know I’ve just finished it, but I am already ready for the next one! 5/5 stars!
Solemn Vows picks up shortly after the events of First Oaths. Kit and Penny survived the First Oath and are still settling into Ashpoint. Penny and Kit are becoming closer and find as much happiness as they can with each other. And as much as Kit insists Ashford is dangerous, Penny has made some good friends. But they have also accumulated some powerful enemies. As the Second Oath looms, and on its tail the Third Oath, Kit knows he has to work swiftly to complete his mission of taking down the Bone Men and to keep Penny safe. When his well-meaning intentions nearly lead to catastrophic loss, Kit realizes that he has more to lose now than he ever has before. Without Penny by his side, his mission, his life, is meaningless. And with Merrick breathing down their necks, no secrets are safe in Ashpoint. Kit knows he has to come clean about his past, be honest and open up so that a future with Penny is possible. Kit only hopes it’s not too little too late, that his secrets won’t ruin what he and Penny are building, and that the real horrors of Ashpoint don’t taint the good in Penny’s heart. Kit feels he has finally found a home in Penny, but can he keep him safe long enough to survive the rest of the Oaths and escape the Bone Men alive, or will Eeus claim their bones?
This book was a fantastic follow-up to First Oaths. Kit is as charming as ever. I love his character. He has so many feelings and such a dark history that the fact he can love Penny now is just amazing. I love how he is at once hesitant but confident. That he encourages Penny to be himself but also knows how to keep him in check when needed. I loved how much he blushed in this book. It was honestly so sweet. Penny is still my favorite character. He is larger than life and brings so much sunshine to the wintery prison Ashpoint has become. I loved his jealousy and how he found his bravery to stand up to Merrick. I like and hate that he is finally starting to see behind the cheery facade of Ashpoint and the Bone Men. It is definitely eye opening. And I am curious about some of his behaviors at the end, the anger that he has let fuel him. I hope it is only a symptom of the Merrick issue and not something more sinister going on. I really loved how Kit and Penny came to really lean on each other in this book. Their love is blossoming, and I am so excited to see what happens next. Plus the promise of more, of a real future, is encouraging.
I gotta say, the Bone Men cult is absolutely crazy. The consequences of being caught grave robbing and the uncertainty of the Third Oath was just insane. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see who would succeed and who wouldn’t. And after the Third Oath? I just cannot forgive the authors for that pain. (But of course I will because how can I not if I want to know what will happen next???). Plus it really is reflective of the sinister nature of the cult and all of the horrors it hides with its friendly people and isolated town. This book was definitely more gruesome than the last, and I am so glad that Kit didn’t have to do that to Penny.
I loved seeing Penny and Kit get so much closer and their intimacy start to burn hot. It’s fun seeing Kit all bashful and Penny be the confident one. The spice was still minimal, but what spice there is is hot and authentic. I can’t wait to see that develop more over time.
I am super, super intrigued about Levitt. His history with Kit is obviously more than it originally seemed, but I liked that he accepted Kit’s boundaries. I like that Levitt is cool-headed and that he takes everything in stride. I’m very, very interested to know the rest of his story and how he became the Right Hand. I really hope that he is the ally Kit needs to take down the Bone Men for good. But a part of me worries that he will be a bigger adversary than Kit thinks he is.
Overall I loved Solemn Vows! It was a fantastic continuation of this world. The world building is great, the story is incredible, and the cult is more horrific every page. I couldn’t have asked for a better sequel. I know I’ve just finished it, but I am already ready for the next one! 5/5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought I am going to be so happy being back wit Kit and Pen, and o was fa few blissful chapters before the authors deepened the plot significantly and gosh those twists were equal parts heart stopping and equal parts heartbreaking.
CJ Tuma and Quinn Cameron are not playing around any more people. The soft cozy vibes give way to the darker underbelly of consequences this world they’ve built comes with and more than once we see Kit revisit those and though Penny’s sunshine bratty self stays pretty much intact he is in no way unscathed.
We see a lot more of Kit’s past informing his world view, perceptions and hesitations come to light, we see Penny facing some challenges that ultimately could have felled him but he is a resilient one. We also get to see Kit heal a bit, be more authentic, open trusting and build a stronger bond with Penny. Things are getting serious on the romantic front
On the other side two further challenges lead to a perilous adventure and be prepared for loss and tears and keep snot tissues handy.
Merry and Violette incited violence in me. Levitt I kind of want to hug, does he get a story dear authors? Rosie I wanted to give her a hug. Reimond andThoma 🥺.
I think the only other thing I would personally want is a touch faster pacing, maybe more urgency in certain ace serious conveyed through the writing but that’s really nitpicking and I absolutely loved loveeeed the book.
If you havnt started this amazing medievalesque fantasy I highly recommend you do. I can’t wait for book 3.
4.5 stars
CJ Tuma and Quinn Cameron are not playing around any more people. The soft cozy vibes give way to the darker underbelly of consequences this world they’ve built comes with and more than once we see Kit revisit those and though Penny’s sunshine bratty self stays pretty much intact he is in no way unscathed.
We see a lot more of Kit’s past informing his world view, perceptions and hesitations come to light, we see Penny facing some challenges that ultimately could have felled him but he is a resilient one. We also get to see Kit heal a bit, be more authentic, open trusting and build a stronger bond with Penny. Things are getting serious on the romantic front
On the other side two further challenges lead to a perilous adventure and be prepared for loss and tears and keep snot tissues handy.
Merry and Violette incited violence in me. Levitt I kind of want to hug, does he get a story dear authors? Rosie I wanted to give her a hug. Reimond andThoma 🥺.
I think the only other thing I would personally want is a touch faster pacing, maybe more urgency in certain ace serious conveyed through the writing but that’s really nitpicking and I absolutely loved loveeeed the book.
If you havnt started this amazing medievalesque fantasy I highly recommend you do. I can’t wait for book 3.
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solemn Vows absolutely wrecked me 😭. I also ARCed First Oaths, and I already loved Penny and Kit, but this book took that love and deepened it in the most tender, devastating ways.
We pick up immediately after book one: feelings confessed, first kiss shared, initiation brands still burning. The world of Ashpoint opens wider here, and it’s both darker and somehow cozier. There’s cult infiltration and poison-drinking, yes—but also quiet domestic moments, shared nightmares, and two boys who are desperate to protect each other while barely holding themselves together.
Kit’s father is documented cruelty incarnate, and watching Kit confront that legacy, especially as he becomes the one who needs comfort, is a turning point that broke my heart. Penny, meanwhile, is dealing with poor health, simmering anger, and the slow realization that Kit sees him in ways no one ever has. The way Kit supports Penny’s art? Tender. Devastating. Everything.
Their public declaration of feelings is brave and powerful, full stop. This is a story about firsts and onlys, about finding someone who feels like home in a place that very much isn’t. Add in messy side characters (looking at you, Tessa), marriages that aren’t what they seem, and a setting so vividly written I felt like I was breathing the air there, and I was fully gone.
No cliffhanger. Just sweet, hard-won love in a dark, scary place. Somehow even better than the first book. I need book three immediately. 😭
We pick up immediately after book one: feelings confessed, first kiss shared, initiation brands still burning. The world of Ashpoint opens wider here, and it’s both darker and somehow cozier. There’s cult infiltration and poison-drinking, yes—but also quiet domestic moments, shared nightmares, and two boys who are desperate to protect each other while barely holding themselves together.
Kit’s father is documented cruelty incarnate, and watching Kit confront that legacy, especially as he becomes the one who needs comfort, is a turning point that broke my heart. Penny, meanwhile, is dealing with poor health, simmering anger, and the slow realization that Kit sees him in ways no one ever has. The way Kit supports Penny’s art? Tender. Devastating. Everything.
Their public declaration of feelings is brave and powerful, full stop. This is a story about firsts and onlys, about finding someone who feels like home in a place that very much isn’t. Add in messy side characters (looking at you, Tessa), marriages that aren’t what they seem, and a setting so vividly written I felt like I was breathing the air there, and I was fully gone.
No cliffhanger. Just sweet, hard-won love in a dark, scary place. Somehow even better than the first book. I need book three immediately. 😭
Review of advance copy
✨ ARC Review ✨
What an absolute masterpiece of a sequel this was! I mean if you haven't read the first book then you are missing out, if you don't read this when it comes out in two days then my heart weeps for you 💯.
No but for real, this book gripped me from start to finish. It had my heart swooning, breaking, mending and beating so fast I thought I was going into an anxiety attack (I'm exaggerating that last one... Mostly 😅).
Kit and Penny's relationship is so sweet in a world that is harsh and works against them at almost every turn. So while this can be dark and angsty, the romance itself feels cozy and warm like being wrapped in a blanket 💜. Even when I was annoyed at Kit for being so oblivious at times and at Penny for going to extremes at times to stake his claim, I also understood because at the end of the day this is a story about two broken boys, working together and healing together 🫶.
The side characters are also so interesting, even though I despise some of them... And my heart is in tatters for others... If you've read it then you know 👀🫣. If not then consider this incentive to check it out 😏. It's hard not to love the side characters, even as you try to guard your heart because it's hard to tell who to trust.. considering this is a cult 😈.
Kit and Penny are phenomenal together though, and I can't get enough of these two, honestly, and I can't wait for the third book to come out!
What an absolute masterpiece of a sequel this was! I mean if you haven't read the first book then you are missing out, if you don't read this when it comes out in two days then my heart weeps for you 💯.
No but for real, this book gripped me from start to finish. It had my heart swooning, breaking, mending and beating so fast I thought I was going into an anxiety attack (I'm exaggerating that last one... Mostly 😅).
Kit and Penny's relationship is so sweet in a world that is harsh and works against them at almost every turn. So while this can be dark and angsty, the romance itself feels cozy and warm like being wrapped in a blanket 💜. Even when I was annoyed at Kit for being so oblivious at times and at Penny for going to extremes at times to stake his claim, I also understood because at the end of the day this is a story about two broken boys, working together and healing together 🫶.
The side characters are also so interesting, even though I despise some of them... And my heart is in tatters for others... If you've read it then you know 👀🫣. If not then consider this incentive to check it out 😏. It's hard not to love the side characters, even as you try to guard your heart because it's hard to tell who to trust.. considering this is a cult 😈.
Kit and Penny are phenomenal together though, and I can't get enough of these two, honestly, and I can't wait for the third book to come out!
May 14, 2026
In exchange for an honest review i got to read Solemn Vows by C.J Tuma and Quinn Cameron by the Authors.
The second challenge and oaths are getting close and Kit and Penny have been allowed to pair up for the challenge of finding a corpse or bones of a dead person to take back to the Bone Men Cult. During the time away from the cult they meet a couple of people from the cult that they have not meet before and a challenge lays ahead as Penny falls sick during their trip. But as I dont want to spoil why he feels sick I won't go too much into details but know this, this book is way more darker and sad than the first one as major characters passes and there are many events of this book that were so good described in details. The conflict between Penny and his half brother and how Kit and Penny tries to find a way to take down the cult when it seem at some point almost not possible as events in this second book turns for the worst toward the end. Tho I were hooked from page 1 as the chemistry between Kit and Penny is slow burning but in a good way as it moves forward alongside the side characters that make this book into a darker story than book 1 were even tho there were those moments in there too. The world building the Cult is starting to show its more darker side and this is what is tragic and makes this story so good as well. Last of all I want to Thank the authors for letting me read the ARC Version of the book and for making this dark story that is so good!
The second challenge and oaths are getting close and Kit and Penny have been allowed to pair up for the challenge of finding a corpse or bones of a dead person to take back to the Bone Men Cult. During the time away from the cult they meet a couple of people from the cult that they have not meet before and a challenge lays ahead as Penny falls sick during their trip. But as I dont want to spoil why he feels sick I won't go too much into details but know this, this book is way more darker and sad than the first one as major characters passes and there are many events of this book that were so good described in details. The conflict between Penny and his half brother and how Kit and Penny tries to find a way to take down the cult when it seem at some point almost not possible as events in this second book turns for the worst toward the end. Tho I were hooked from page 1 as the chemistry between Kit and Penny is slow burning but in a good way as it moves forward alongside the side characters that make this book into a darker story than book 1 were even tho there were those moments in there too. The world building the Cult is starting to show its more darker side and this is what is tragic and makes this story so good as well. Last of all I want to Thank the authors for letting me read the ARC Version of the book and for making this dark story that is so good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way. I don’t know how the authors managed to make something feel so warm and safe one minute, then rip my heart out the next, but somehow it works. There was a chapter that had me snort-laughing, then two pages later I was ugly-crying and had to put the book down to get myself together. I actually found myself pacing my living room after one of the big reveals because I was so mad (and yes, I hate-read a few pages just to see what would happen next).
The characters are ridiculous in the sense that I cared about them way more than I expected. Even the villains felt real there were a couple I wanted to throw the book at, and I don’t say that lightly. Penny’s journey broke me. I loved that he wasn’t forced to stay cheerful just because that’s who he was at the start; his changes felt honest, even when they hurt. Kit’s slow trust and love for Penny built up so quietly I barely noticed until suddenly, it was everything. Their protectiveness, the way they fumbled through real feelings, and the fact that the story never leaned into those annoying miscommunications honestly, it all just felt right.
I finished this book and immediately wanted to start over, just to feel those highs and lows again. It’s going to stick with me for a long time. Five stars, no question.
The characters are ridiculous in the sense that I cared about them way more than I expected. Even the villains felt real there were a couple I wanted to throw the book at, and I don’t say that lightly. Penny’s journey broke me. I loved that he wasn’t forced to stay cheerful just because that’s who he was at the start; his changes felt honest, even when they hurt. Kit’s slow trust and love for Penny built up so quietly I barely noticed until suddenly, it was everything. Their protectiveness, the way they fumbled through real feelings, and the fact that the story never leaned into those annoying miscommunications honestly, it all just felt right.
I finished this book and immediately wanted to start over, just to feel those highs and lows again. It’s going to stick with me for a long time. Five stars, no question.
July 17, 2026
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Solemn Vows
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: age gap, found family, hurt & comfort, grumpy sunshine
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5 ⭐️ Would give more if I could | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 2/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 — ARC copy
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: So many to choose from
“My head bobbed as I pushed in for another kiss. ‘I’m your someone,” I murmured against his mouth. Kit nodded, too, then tipped his forehead to rest on mine. ‘You’re my only one’”
“I’d never been anyone’s darling before, and certainly no one had ever told me I was perfect...but the way Penny looked at me when he said them, said I was perfect for him…his sincerity was almost enough to make me believe it.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: First off, I want to thank the author so much for sending me an ARC copy of the book! With that being said, all opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, I am mad at myself for not diving back into this series again sooner because this book was even better than the first. Getting to see Kit and Penny’s relationship develop even more and seeing Kit comes to terms with the fact that he can be loved was just uggghhhh, I love every moment of it. With that being said, this book also absolutely ripped my soul out and I had to take a moment to bawl my eyes out.
This series is 100% a must read, and I can’t wait to continue it (even though I fear my heart will only break more)
𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Solemn Vows
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: age gap, found family, hurt & comfort, grumpy sunshine
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5 ⭐️ Would give more if I could | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 2/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 — ARC copy
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: So many to choose from
“My head bobbed as I pushed in for another kiss. ‘I’m your someone,” I murmured against his mouth. Kit nodded, too, then tipped his forehead to rest on mine. ‘You’re my only one’”
“I’d never been anyone’s darling before, and certainly no one had ever told me I was perfect...but the way Penny looked at me when he said them, said I was perfect for him…his sincerity was almost enough to make me believe it.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: First off, I want to thank the author so much for sending me an ARC copy of the book! With that being said, all opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, I am mad at myself for not diving back into this series again sooner because this book was even better than the first. Getting to see Kit and Penny’s relationship develop even more and seeing Kit comes to terms with the fact that he can be loved was just uggghhhh, I love every moment of it. With that being said, this book also absolutely ripped my soul out and I had to take a moment to bawl my eyes out.
This series is 100% a must read, and I can’t wait to continue it (even though I fear my heart will only break more)
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