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Vines & Venom #2
Days of Vengeance
Emilie
Escaping Murvort should have been the end of my nightmares, but everywhere I look, I'm tormented by the ghosts of my enemies. Their phantom gazes linger on me, and their fingerprints are permanently etched into my skin. I can only pray to the gods that I'll be able to move on with my life once Reyna and her loyalists are all dead and buried.
Ladon
Guilt weighs heavily on my mind. My brother saved my life, but in doing so, put his at risk. Even worse, while Cyrus lies unconscious in the healers' ward, I can't keep my thoughts off of his betrothed. When he wakes, I know I'll have to repent for my disloyalty, but nothing will stop me from being with Emilie. We've been through hell together, and she's the only one who can ease my suffering.
A glimmer of hope arises when our spies catch wind of Reyna hiding in a coastal town. She has evaded us for far too long, but that ends now. Even if it kills us—vengeance will be ours.
Escaping Murvort should have been the end of my nightmares, but everywhere I look, I'm tormented by the ghosts of my enemies. Their phantom gazes linger on me, and their fingerprints are permanently etched into my skin. I can only pray to the gods that I'll be able to move on with my life once Reyna and her loyalists are all dead and buried.
Ladon
Guilt weighs heavily on my mind. My brother saved my life, but in doing so, put his at risk. Even worse, while Cyrus lies unconscious in the healers' ward, I can't keep my thoughts off of his betrothed. When he wakes, I know I'll have to repent for my disloyalty, but nothing will stop me from being with Emilie. We've been through hell together, and she's the only one who can ease my suffering.
A glimmer of hope arises when our spies catch wind of Reyna hiding in a coastal town. She has evaded us for far too long, but that ends now. Even if it kills us—vengeance will be ours.
ebook
Published October 24, 2025
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About the author
Rachel Mays
5 books338 followersRachel Mays is a daydreamer and a hopeless romantic. She'd rather spend her time immersed in a fictional world than the real one. Her fantasy romance novels are filled with vivid scenery, relatable characters and love stories that will have your heart melting. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves to play cozy games and hang out with her cat, Daryl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 13, 2025
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: N/A
Noteworthy: Book 2 of a completed duology but it may be a duet as it looks like the story may continue with a new couple. These books have major content warnings, particularly book 1. It is not for the faint of heart. Available on KU.
I want to start off by saying that I did like this book. It gave me nothing but satisfaction after the hell of book 1. However, this did not need to be 2 books. I think that 100ish pages could have been added to book 1 and it would have been a perfect standalone. This book tried to give us a deep dive into the aftermath of book 1 but could have gone deeper with the healing considering the length of this book. The secrets took too long to come to light and started to feel like filler. Still, I love these characters and this story and will keep reading books in this universe.
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: N/A
Noteworthy: Book 2 of a completed duology but it may be a duet as it looks like the story may continue with a new couple. These books have major content warnings, particularly book 1. It is not for the faint of heart. Available on KU.
I want to start off by saying that I did like this book. It gave me nothing but satisfaction after the hell of book 1. However, this did not need to be 2 books. I think that 100ish pages could have been added to book 1 and it would have been a perfect standalone. This book tried to give us a deep dive into the aftermath of book 1 but could have gone deeper with the healing considering the length of this book. The secrets took too long to come to light and started to feel like filler. Still, I love these characters and this story and will keep reading books in this universe.
October 18, 2025
Disappointing follow-up to Nights of Obedience. Overall, it didn’t feel like anything of note really happened. There was vengeance, but frankly not a lot.
The pacing was quick, but in this case things moved at the cost of tension and story. I felt Nights of Obedience would have benefitted from more world-building, particularly around the magic system and political landscape, and hoped to see more in this half of the duet. Unfortunately, there was none. There was introduction to a new kingdom, but this only served as setting and did not offer anything to the story (despite the author creating the perfect way to do so). Magic is mentioned when it is convenient, but there is no exploration of it nor was there any deeper lore revealed.
Emilie and Ladon are great but I felt like there was no growth or development with them as individuals or as a couple. Pretty much where they started at the beginning of the story is exactly where they ended. The secondary characters were baffling. There was really no character development, and they weren’t featured in the story in interesting ways. One just kinda shows up and tags along through the book, for reasons that are only loosely explained and not explored or developed in a way that enriches the story.
The main conflict of the story is set-up to be about Reyna, but instead shifts to the tension between Ladon, Emilie, and Cyrus. Except the exploration of it is superficial and even a little confusing. Even the conflict with Reyna was minimally done and lacked anything of substance or interest. She was barely mentioned and lost all her menace.
Honestly, this book read like a first draft. The story, world, and characters are only minimally developed and lacked any real substance. There were areas to expand upon that were introduced but never explored, characters that could have added dimension and diversity that were ancillary, and a lot of lost potential for the main characters to gain depth and growth. Plus, parts of the story were implausible (members of the crown going on a secret mission by themselves? Without any resistance or discussion as to why it was a bad idea?), without being treated like they were implausible. If this was sent as an alpha read and not an ARC, I would have been excited and offered the author some great feedback about potential and areas to explore. I think Rachel Mays is talented and has potential as an author, but Days of Vengeance feels unfinished and a flat companion to Nights of Obedience.
The pacing was quick, but in this case things moved at the cost of tension and story. I felt Nights of Obedience would have benefitted from more world-building, particularly around the magic system and political landscape, and hoped to see more in this half of the duet. Unfortunately, there was none. There was introduction to a new kingdom, but this only served as setting and did not offer anything to the story (despite the author creating the perfect way to do so). Magic is mentioned when it is convenient, but there is no exploration of it nor was there any deeper lore revealed.
Emilie and Ladon are great but I felt like there was no growth or development with them as individuals or as a couple. Pretty much where they started at the beginning of the story is exactly where they ended. The secondary characters were baffling. There was really no character development, and they weren’t featured in the story in interesting ways. One just kinda shows up and tags along through the book, for reasons that are only loosely explained and not explored or developed in a way that enriches the story.
The main conflict of the story is set-up to be about Reyna, but instead shifts to the tension between Ladon, Emilie, and Cyrus. Except the exploration of it is superficial and even a little confusing. Even the conflict with Reyna was minimally done and lacked anything of substance or interest. She was barely mentioned and lost all her menace.
Honestly, this book read like a first draft. The story, world, and characters are only minimally developed and lacked any real substance. There were areas to expand upon that were introduced but never explored, characters that could have added dimension and diversity that were ancillary, and a lot of lost potential for the main characters to gain depth and growth. Plus, parts of the story were implausible (members of the crown going on a secret mission by themselves? Without any resistance or discussion as to why it was a bad idea?), without being treated like they were implausible. If this was sent as an alpha read and not an ARC, I would have been excited and offered the author some great feedback about potential and areas to explore. I think Rachel Mays is talented and has potential as an author, but Days of Vengeance feels unfinished and a flat companion to Nights of Obedience.
October 17, 2025
3⭐️ 3🌶
ARC review
What a disappointment 😫. I went into this sequel with sky-high expectations after absolutely loving the first book. The story ripped out my heart and stomped on it in the best possible way. Unfortunately, this installment didn’t come close to delivering the same emotional punch.....🥲
Compared to the intensity and heartbreak of book one, this one felt far too tame. Everything unfolded too conveniently, and there was very little tension or urgency to keep me turning the pages. It simply wasn’t the page-turner I had hoped for.
The only thing that truly carried the story for me was the love between Emilie and Ladon. Their bond remains incredibly powerful because of everything they endured in the first book, and I still adore them with all my heart ❤️.
However, I was incredibly frustrated by how little actually happened. Most of the book was just the characters traveling from place to place without any meaningful development. And don’t even get me started on Emilie and Ladon keeping their relationship a secret from Cyrus. Seriously!!!!! just tell him!
When Cyrus finally found out, his reaction was beyond irritating. He threw a tantrum like a child, as if he had any right to be upset. It was an arranged marriage, and he barely even knows his fiancée. You can’t claim ownership over someone just because of a political agreement—sorry, but NO.
Overall, I’m genuinely sad to say this sequel was just meh. After such a powerful beginning to the series, I expected so much more 🥲.
ARC review
What a disappointment 😫. I went into this sequel with sky-high expectations after absolutely loving the first book. The story ripped out my heart and stomped on it in the best possible way. Unfortunately, this installment didn’t come close to delivering the same emotional punch.....🥲
Compared to the intensity and heartbreak of book one, this one felt far too tame. Everything unfolded too conveniently, and there was very little tension or urgency to keep me turning the pages. It simply wasn’t the page-turner I had hoped for.
The only thing that truly carried the story for me was the love between Emilie and Ladon. Their bond remains incredibly powerful because of everything they endured in the first book, and I still adore them with all my heart ❤️.
However, I was incredibly frustrated by how little actually happened. Most of the book was just the characters traveling from place to place without any meaningful development. And don’t even get me started on Emilie and Ladon keeping their relationship a secret from Cyrus. Seriously!!!!! just tell him!
When Cyrus finally found out, his reaction was beyond irritating. He threw a tantrum like a child, as if he had any right to be upset. It was an arranged marriage, and he barely even knows his fiancée. You can’t claim ownership over someone just because of a political agreement—sorry, but NO.
Overall, I’m genuinely sad to say this sequel was just meh. After such a powerful beginning to the series, I expected so much more 🥲.
October 25, 2025
This could have been an email. The first book wasn’t a work of literature whatsoever and it was really dark but at least there was some sort of plot and character development. This sequel is flat, Ladon is a snoozer, Emily is a wetwipe most of the time, Cyrus is a child. Jade is the only half decent character and we see very little of her. Badly done world building, you have to squint to find the plot, very little vengeance whatsoever. Nights of obedience should have just been a longer standalone book but *cash is king*. Anyway, yuck!!!!
December 8, 2025
Я люблю відпочивати за допомогою такої літератури, але це вже шкода витраченого часу, а не відпочинок 🙈 очі мої простіть мене!
December 11, 2025
Meh 3.5 stars.. it could’ve just been a standalone. The tension in this book was all about hiding their secret and “betrayal”. The goal in this book was fine but they spend most of it traveling..
October 19, 2025
Slightly disappointed…
I was so excited for Days of Vengeance, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver quite like the first book. I’ll always love Ladon and Emelie’s story. Their connection in book one was unforgettable but this sequel just didn’t capture the same magic and thrill. Book one set the bar so high that this one fell a bit short for me.
I was so excited for Days of Vengeance, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver quite like the first book. I’ll always love Ladon and Emelie’s story. Their connection in book one was unforgettable but this sequel just didn’t capture the same magic and thrill. Book one set the bar so high that this one fell a bit short for me.
October 25, 2025
& this is why I hate waiting at the end of cliff hangers, I absolutely devoured the first book in this series it was a five star read and I loved every second it was enchanting, spicy and kept me hooked wanting more but this was not the case with this book.
I was bored found myself skim reading and could not wait for it to be over, the book seemed pointless like it was forced and had no real plot or reason for the book what happened could of easily been done within the first book, the epilogue hinted at another duet for other characters and I’ll be completely honest at this moment I would not be planning to read. Very disappointing possible I was expecting more due to the first being one of my upmost favourite reads.
I’ve gone back and forth over this rating and I’ve settled on 2.75 but rounded to three as I really did love the first book.
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️.5
I was bored found myself skim reading and could not wait for it to be over, the book seemed pointless like it was forced and had no real plot or reason for the book what happened could of easily been done within the first book, the epilogue hinted at another duet for other characters and I’ll be completely honest at this moment I would not be planning to read. Very disappointing possible I was expecting more due to the first being one of my upmost favourite reads.
I’ve gone back and forth over this rating and I’ve settled on 2.75 but rounded to three as I really did love the first book.
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️.5
October 24, 2025
It KILLS me to write this review 😩
My hopes for this were sky-high. Nights of Obedience had me in an actual chokehold. I devoured it in one sitting, and it has lived in my head rent-free since then. Days of Vengeance has been one of my most anticipated releases this year, but sadly, it was quite the let down.
I feel like this story would’ve been incredible written as a standalone. Both the romance and plot could’ve easily come to a very satisfying conclusion at the end of the first installment, perhaps with an epilogue detailing how they were working through their trauma, PTSD, etc…
Not much happened in this book. It was just wrapping up the same two plot lines from the first installment, and 370 pages to do that was so unnecessary. No new developments or new characters really, (there were a few new side characters, but they were very minor and just kind of “there”)… just nothing that really added anything substantial to the story overall.
I started off bored, stayed bored, and by the 80% mark I was absolutely slogging through the remainder– baffled at how there was just.. nothing happening? For the majority of the book?
What did happen often felt “convenient” and predictable, maybe even a little melodramatic at times.
The actions & reactions of some characters sometimes felt “off” and out of character so-to-speak, for them, which yanked me out of the story. I found myself skimming a LOT just trying to finally get to the climax/conclusion so I can move on with my life 🙈 lol
This feels like one of those instances where the 2nd book was written mainly just for the sake of making it a duo and not because the story really *needed* an entire second book… ya know?
It all just felt dragged out, very surface level… meh.
Nights of Obedience still holds a special place in my heart and a top spot on my list of favorite reads ever, but I’m just going to pretend that Reyna was killed in the final battle scene in NOO, Ladon and Emilie came clean to Cyrus and everyone about their feelings for each other, healed, and lived happily ever after all at the end of the 1st installment 🤪
My hopes for this were sky-high. Nights of Obedience had me in an actual chokehold. I devoured it in one sitting, and it has lived in my head rent-free since then. Days of Vengeance has been one of my most anticipated releases this year, but sadly, it was quite the let down.
I feel like this story would’ve been incredible written as a standalone. Both the romance and plot could’ve easily come to a very satisfying conclusion at the end of the first installment, perhaps with an epilogue detailing how they were working through their trauma, PTSD, etc…
Not much happened in this book. It was just wrapping up the same two plot lines from the first installment, and 370 pages to do that was so unnecessary. No new developments or new characters really, (there were a few new side characters, but they were very minor and just kind of “there”)… just nothing that really added anything substantial to the story overall.
I started off bored, stayed bored, and by the 80% mark I was absolutely slogging through the remainder– baffled at how there was just.. nothing happening? For the majority of the book?
What did happen often felt “convenient” and predictable, maybe even a little melodramatic at times.
The actions & reactions of some characters sometimes felt “off” and out of character so-to-speak, for them, which yanked me out of the story. I found myself skimming a LOT just trying to finally get to the climax/conclusion so I can move on with my life 🙈 lol
This feels like one of those instances where the 2nd book was written mainly just for the sake of making it a duo and not because the story really *needed* an entire second book… ya know?
It all just felt dragged out, very surface level… meh.
Nights of Obedience still holds a special place in my heart and a top spot on my list of favorite reads ever, but I’m just going to pretend that Reyna was killed in the final battle scene in NOO, Ladon and Emilie came clean to Cyrus and everyone about their feelings for each other, healed, and lived happily ever after all at the end of the 1st installment 🤪
October 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I was so grateful to receive an ARC for this as Nights of Obedience is one of my favourite reads this year.
This immediately picks up after book one so I was expecting the emotional rawness and intensity straight away, but I feel this was just lacking from the start.
This book focuses on Ladon and Emilie seeking vengeance against Reyna but it mostly felt like they were just travelling to and from places without much world building. I would have loved to have seen more about the magic system as at times it could be forgotten this is a dark fantasy.
I would have liked more with Reyna as she is such a huge part of this story and it felt quite tame in comparison to book one and just needed more tension and intensity throughout.
Still, I had a great time reading this and would still definitely recommend. I LOVED Ladons and Emilies bond and how they’re healing each other. Their relationship made my heart squeeze and the spicy scenes were 👌🏼.
This has great potential, I just would have liked more depth throughout. I still throughly enjoyed this and I feel this is a nice end to their story.
This immediately picks up after book one so I was expecting the emotional rawness and intensity straight away, but I feel this was just lacking from the start.
This book focuses on Ladon and Emilie seeking vengeance against Reyna but it mostly felt like they were just travelling to and from places without much world building. I would have loved to have seen more about the magic system as at times it could be forgotten this is a dark fantasy.
I would have liked more with Reyna as she is such a huge part of this story and it felt quite tame in comparison to book one and just needed more tension and intensity throughout.
Still, I had a great time reading this and would still definitely recommend. I LOVED Ladons and Emilies bond and how they’re healing each other. Their relationship made my heart squeeze and the spicy scenes were 👌🏼.
This has great potential, I just would have liked more depth throughout. I still throughly enjoyed this and I feel this is a nice end to their story.
October 29, 2025
Firstly, thanks to Rachel Mays for this ARC with an exchange of my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 4/5
I love Rachel Mays and I absolutely loved the first book so I went into this book having high expectations but I was just a little disappointed.
Dont get me wrong, I absolutely still loved Ladon and Emilie and I love that we're getting to see the side characters a little more but I just felt like nothing much happened in this book...
Compared to the first book, the connection between Ladon and Emilie was SO STRONG you just felt it through the book. There was still that bond in the second book but just not as intense as the first. I also felt like this book was just about the characters travelling from one place to another without really any development to the characters or the story at all.
Just a little bit disappointed compared to the first book. The only time I felt like I saw the connection between Ladon and Emilie is when Emilie is about to have a panic attack.
✔️ revenge
✔️ brothers betrothed
✔️ forbidden love
⛵️🗡️🌩️💍
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 4/5
I love Rachel Mays and I absolutely loved the first book so I went into this book having high expectations but I was just a little disappointed.
Dont get me wrong, I absolutely still loved Ladon and Emilie and I love that we're getting to see the side characters a little more but I just felt like nothing much happened in this book...
Compared to the first book, the connection between Ladon and Emilie was SO STRONG you just felt it through the book. There was still that bond in the second book but just not as intense as the first. I also felt like this book was just about the characters travelling from one place to another without really any development to the characters or the story at all.
Just a little bit disappointed compared to the first book. The only time I felt like I saw the connection between Ladon and Emilie is when Emilie is about to have a panic attack.
✔️ revenge
✔️ brothers betrothed
✔️ forbidden love
⛵️🗡️🌩️💍
January 17, 2026
This was a bit better than the first book, though it helped that my expectations were lower going in.
Overall it felt much more realistic, dealing with all the trauma coming out of the first book. The "big secret" wasn't quite as annoying as I was expecting it to be. I appreciated the new characters, they kept me on my toes.
A bit disappointed with the ending, it could've used a few more chapters to help with that closure. It definitely seems like it's open to another duology with other characters, but unfortunately I don't really care enough to keep up with it.
Overall it felt much more realistic, dealing with all the trauma coming out of the first book. The "big secret" wasn't quite as annoying as I was expecting it to be. I appreciated the new characters, they kept me on my toes.
A bit disappointed with the ending, it could've used a few more chapters to help with that closure. It definitely seems like it's open to another duology with other characters, but unfortunately I don't really care enough to keep up with it.
October 26, 2025
✨B O O K R E V I E W✨
📖: Days of Vengeance
✍🏻: Rachel Mays
🔥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
-•-
❤️🔥Forced proximity
❤️🔥Brother’s fiancée
❤️🔥Forbidden love
❤️🔥Trauma rep
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫 Mind the TWs, references both dub c0n and non c0n 🚫
-•-
The end of Emilie and Ladon’s story is here. Having devoured Nights of Obedience earlier this year, I was so grateful for the eARC of Days of Vengeance, and the chance to see how they - hopefully! - get a happy ending.
There was a lot to like about their conclusion. The writing has improved enormously and is strong from the beginning. While the subject matter is heavy, I didn’t feel as though it was hard to consume. There is no shying away from the trauma of book one - both Emilie and Ladon are struggling with the events of Nights of Obedience, and this book gently explores the inner scars that don’t heal as obviously as the physical ones. It also goes without saying that their relationship is gorgeous 🥰
However, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by this sequel. Large portions of the book involve a band of people travelling from one place to another in their quest to enact vengeance - but actually, when they do finally catch up with Reyna, it felt a bit underwhelming.
It also didn’t feel like there were any stakes involved in Emilie and Ladon continuing their relationship. There was never any confusion that they would, never any suggestion that this was forbidden, and had to stop - but, ultimately, Emilie’s betrothal to Cyrus was a political match. It seems unlikely that she and Ladon would be able to ride off into the sunset without some sort of consequence, beyond the wrath of a brother. I felt the book could have leaned into that friction to develop some real stakes a bit more, and it would bring some real tension to the story.
However, I liked the addition of Jade to proceedings, and how she grew as a character as the book progressed. Having seen that interaction with Cyrus at the end of the book, I have high hopes for seeing them become the focal point of a new book or duology 👀
🖤
📖: Days of Vengeance
✍🏻: Rachel Mays
🔥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
-•-
❤️🔥Forced proximity
❤️🔥Brother’s fiancée
❤️🔥Forbidden love
❤️🔥Trauma rep
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫 Mind the TWs, references both dub c0n and non c0n 🚫
-•-
The end of Emilie and Ladon’s story is here. Having devoured Nights of Obedience earlier this year, I was so grateful for the eARC of Days of Vengeance, and the chance to see how they - hopefully! - get a happy ending.
There was a lot to like about their conclusion. The writing has improved enormously and is strong from the beginning. While the subject matter is heavy, I didn’t feel as though it was hard to consume. There is no shying away from the trauma of book one - both Emilie and Ladon are struggling with the events of Nights of Obedience, and this book gently explores the inner scars that don’t heal as obviously as the physical ones. It also goes without saying that their relationship is gorgeous 🥰
However, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by this sequel. Large portions of the book involve a band of people travelling from one place to another in their quest to enact vengeance - but actually, when they do finally catch up with Reyna, it felt a bit underwhelming.
It also didn’t feel like there were any stakes involved in Emilie and Ladon continuing their relationship. There was never any confusion that they would, never any suggestion that this was forbidden, and had to stop - but, ultimately, Emilie’s betrothal to Cyrus was a political match. It seems unlikely that she and Ladon would be able to ride off into the sunset without some sort of consequence, beyond the wrath of a brother. I felt the book could have leaned into that friction to develop some real stakes a bit more, and it would bring some real tension to the story.
However, I liked the addition of Jade to proceedings, and how she grew as a character as the book progressed. Having seen that interaction with Cyrus at the end of the book, I have high hopes for seeing them become the focal point of a new book or duology 👀
🖤
October 25, 2025
Plot: 3.5 • Smut: 3/5 ———> Words cannot express how much I loved the first book. To go from that to this… i’m slightly underwhelmed.
I love that Landon and Emilie are still going strong and nothing, not even Cyrus waking up and finding out the truth, comes between them. I ship them as a couple. After what they’ve been through? They’re a match. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Seemed like this entire book was them traveling. Obviously searching for Reyna, but mostly traveling. It seemed to drag in a couple parts. Not to mention I genuinely thought Jade was a snake and was going to do some shady shit, but I guess that’s just how her character was written.
Idk what book 3 could possibly bring now that Reyna is dead, ur hopefully it goes back to something with the passion that book 1 had. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
I love that Landon and Emilie are still going strong and nothing, not even Cyrus waking up and finding out the truth, comes between them. I ship them as a couple. After what they’ve been through? They’re a match. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Seemed like this entire book was them traveling. Obviously searching for Reyna, but mostly traveling. It seemed to drag in a couple parts. Not to mention I genuinely thought Jade was a snake and was going to do some shady shit, but I guess that’s just how her character was written.
Idk what book 3 could possibly bring now that Reyna is dead, ur hopefully it goes back to something with the passion that book 1 had. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
November 4, 2025
I love the relationship between Emilie and Ladon. So heartbreakingly beautiful. Glad they could find light in the darkness. As for the plot, it was severely lacking. The first book just set the bar so high and this one full of nothing but travel until the end was so slow paced that I was so disappointed. It was anticlimactic and could have explored the FMC and MMC’s healing journey more, the other kingdoms, and had more encounters with the protagonist. I even think the relationship between the FMC and MMC lacked growth in this book as it missed the opportunity for them to build stronger emotional connection in their life after tragedy and healing journey because so much of the book was spent hiding their relationship from the king. Yes, the spicy scenes were great but I would have liked to get that emotional depth we had in book 1. Not sure if there is a book 3 but I would hope so with the way this one ended. There were so many things left to the reader to imagine and chapters that needed to be closed. I rate it 2.5
October 23, 2025
✨✨✨Book Review✨✨✨
Days of Vengeance By Rachel Mays
I rated this 4 ⭐️ and 3 🌶️
This is the second book in the Vines and Venom series. This was one of my anticipated reads for this year. I absolutely loved Nights of Obedience. In book 1 you follow Ladon and Emilie endure and escape their worst nightmare. In book 2 you follow them while they try to navigate how to save Ladons brother, King Cyrus and also seek the revenge on the people who tortured them. I very much enjoyed this book and I love the characters. Please Check your trigger warnings before reading.
Days of Vengeance By Rachel Mays
I rated this 4 ⭐️ and 3 🌶️
This is the second book in the Vines and Venom series. This was one of my anticipated reads for this year. I absolutely loved Nights of Obedience. In book 1 you follow Ladon and Emilie endure and escape their worst nightmare. In book 2 you follow them while they try to navigate how to save Ladons brother, King Cyrus and also seek the revenge on the people who tortured them. I very much enjoyed this book and I love the characters. Please Check your trigger warnings before reading.
October 23, 2025
3.5⭐️
ARC read: I enjoyed this one but not as much as the first book!! It was a perf end to Emilie’s and Landon’s story.. it felt rushed at the end but all in all it was still good and I enjoyed it!!
ARC read: I enjoyed this one but not as much as the first book!! It was a perf end to Emilie’s and Landon’s story.. it felt rushed at the end but all in all it was still good and I enjoyed it!!
December 26, 2025
2.5⭐️
I honestly didn’t care for this all that much. There’s no particular reason why really, I just didn’t feel very strongly connected to the story anymore. I loved the first one, and was so excited for this one but for some reason I just couldn’t get into it the way that I wanted to.
I honestly didn’t care for this all that much. There’s no particular reason why really, I just didn’t feel very strongly connected to the story anymore. I loved the first one, and was so excited for this one but for some reason I just couldn’t get into it the way that I wanted to.
November 3, 2025
Sad times, I’ve been waiting forever for this, part 1 was unquestionably 5 stars for me.
November 28, 2025
Franchement assez déçue de celui-ci alors que j'adorais le premier et j'avais hâte de lire le deuxième. Il est lent et long, il traîne pas mal comparé au premier.
December 13, 2025
Sometimes, I read the last word of a book and ask myself “should I have clawed my eyes out instead?”
October 14, 2025
I have no words. I absolutely love this duology. SO. MUCH. It took me less than a day to read book 2 because I seriously couldn’t put it down.
Days of Vengeance is incredible, and a perfect ending to Ladon & Emilie’s story. I don’t want to give any spoilers (which is so hard!!!) - but I will say that Days of Vengeance deals with the aftermath of everything that happened in Nights of Obedience. Everyone is trying to work through their trauma and heal, and the bond between Emilie and Ladon is just…I can’t even explain it. I love them with my whole heart! My only complaint is that it’s over.
There’s a bonus chapter at the end, and it hinted that we may possibly be getting a spin-off in the future (which if that is the case, I cannot wait!!!).
I received an arc copy from the author, but my thoughts on this book and my review are my 100% my own.
Days of Vengeance is incredible, and a perfect ending to Ladon & Emilie’s story. I don’t want to give any spoilers (which is so hard!!!) - but I will say that Days of Vengeance deals with the aftermath of everything that happened in Nights of Obedience. Everyone is trying to work through their trauma and heal, and the bond between Emilie and Ladon is just…I can’t even explain it. I love them with my whole heart! My only complaint is that it’s over.
There’s a bonus chapter at the end, and it hinted that we may possibly be getting a spin-off in the future (which if that is the case, I cannot wait!!!).
I received an arc copy from the author, but my thoughts on this book and my review are my 100% my own.
November 11, 2025
I was so excited for Days of Vengeance and have been eagerly waiting to receive the ARC ever since I finished Nights of Obedience. I'm a big fan of Rachel Mays and have been an ARC reader of hers since her first book, so suffice it to say, I was elated when I finally received the conclusion! Unfortunately, Days of Vengeance was a big disappointment. I absolutely devoured Nights of Obedience! I couldn't put it down and ate it up! The story line was phenomenal, the characters were interesting and evocative, the plot was juicy and left me wanting more. I was so hopeful to satiate that hunger with Days of Vengeance, but was left wanting. It took me literal weeks to finally get through it... It just could not keep my focus and attention. I expected a story of exploring and adventure, with a lot of yummy smut along the way, as was the case in Nights of Obedience. Instead, there were a few fluff scenes and it turned out to be more about SLOWLY finding a cure for Cyrus, waking him up (which seemed to drag on FOREVER in the book), and Ladon and Emilie hiding their relationship from him. The actual "vengeance" doesn't come into play until about 83% of the way through the book, at which point it was a super quick read and seemed very rushed. Along the way, we're introduced to a new kingdom, which as per usual, Rachel describes beautifully, albeit rushed. We meet a new character, Jade, whom had so much potential, but then folded like a wet noodle and became just as boring as the first 83% of the book. Ladon was disappointing and devoted his entire being to simply making Emilie happy and having no substance to himself. Emilie was lame and annoying and forgettable. Cyrus was a big, spoiled, brat that felt entitled to whatever he desired. And the ending left so much to be desired... Do Ladon and Cyrus make up? What happened in the ship bedroom between Cyrus and Jade (mussed hair, half naked, took forever to answer the door...)? I was really hoping for something to develop between Cyrus and Jade, and it seemed like Rachel alluded to it, but never developed the storyline. The scenes with Reyna were rushed and anti-climactic, although the killing blow was pretty cool. All in all, after the incredible Nights of Obedience, I was so hopeful for an equally amazing end to the story, and I was greatly let down.
Rating: ⭐⭐.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Rating: ⭐⭐.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
October 27, 2025
Escaping Murvort should have been the end of their nightmares, but everywhere Emilie and Ladon look, they are tormented by the ghosts of their enemies and haunted by wicked fingerprints permanently etched into their skin. They’ve been through hell together and know what it means to be completely broken, the pieces of their shattered hearts and souls lying on the ground. Now their pieces are scrambled together and neither of them can live without the other.. even if Emilie is engaged to King Cyrus. They know they’ll have to repent for their disloyalty and betrayal but nothing will stop them from being together. At least, not until Reyna and her loyalists are all dead and buried.
🖤 enemies to lovers
💜 slow burn
🖤 forced proximity
💜 one bed
🖤 obsessive + broody mmc
Days of Vengeance is the second book in the Vines and Venom duet and the conclusion to Emilie and Ladon’s story. This was without a doubt one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Days of Vengeance deals with the aftermath of the devastating trauma that Emilie and Ladon suffered at the hands of Reyna and her loyalists as both characters try to find a way navigate their way past their mental turmoil and invisible wounds to find some semblance of normality. Though not quite as dark as book 1, this instalment really highlights themes of mental health and surviving beyond trauma.
Emilie really grows into a strong female lead who uses her pain to drive her quest for vengeance. She knows what she wants and isn’t prepared to let others do all the hard work for her. Ladon is still his posessive, obsessive self but with a vulnerability and softness that is completely endearing. He struggles so much with his demons and feelings of guilt for betraying his brother, but he’s real and raw and loves Emilie with such a tenderness. Book 2 felt like a fitting ending to their story, though I would have liked a little more from Reyna to develop the tension and pack more of an emotional punch. Though I am pleased that the bonus chapter hinted at a potential spin-off… yes please 🤞🏻
Thank you to Rachel for my arc copy of Days of Vengeance ✨
🖤 enemies to lovers
💜 slow burn
🖤 forced proximity
💜 one bed
🖤 obsessive + broody mmc
Days of Vengeance is the second book in the Vines and Venom duet and the conclusion to Emilie and Ladon’s story. This was without a doubt one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Days of Vengeance deals with the aftermath of the devastating trauma that Emilie and Ladon suffered at the hands of Reyna and her loyalists as both characters try to find a way navigate their way past their mental turmoil and invisible wounds to find some semblance of normality. Though not quite as dark as book 1, this instalment really highlights themes of mental health and surviving beyond trauma.
Emilie really grows into a strong female lead who uses her pain to drive her quest for vengeance. She knows what she wants and isn’t prepared to let others do all the hard work for her. Ladon is still his posessive, obsessive self but with a vulnerability and softness that is completely endearing. He struggles so much with his demons and feelings of guilt for betraying his brother, but he’s real and raw and loves Emilie with such a tenderness. Book 2 felt like a fitting ending to their story, though I would have liked a little more from Reyna to develop the tension and pack more of an emotional punch. Though I am pleased that the bonus chapter hinted at a potential spin-off… yes please 🤞🏻
Thank you to Rachel for my arc copy of Days of Vengeance ✨
November 9, 2025
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Days of Vengence by Rachel Mays was my most anticipated read of 2025. This is book 2 of the Vines and Venom duology series. Nights of Obedience was my #1 5 ⭐️ read of 2024 and I really looked forward to this book.
I am so in the fence on this book. I liked the story, but it was nothing that I expected. It was great, but I know it could’ve been better. There was new characters that I liked, there was characters from the 1st book that were missing that I felt should’ve been included. There were multiple plots and characters that needed development and while we saw that, the details could’ve been far greater.
Overall I did really enjoy this book, I almost loved the book as much as I did the first, but I feel it was just rushed. A lot of missed opportunities exploring the continents, the fight scenes, overcoming trauma piece by piece (or person by person), fixing relationships, the magic system, & of course the big HEA.
I was happy to see the open ended chapters to see that there may be more to this world to see these characters again in a new storyline. I would love to see what happens to them in another POV somewhere along the lines. This powerhouse trauma bond couple is a FTW attitude and I’m here for it. But I’d like to see the king get his HEA too.
Rachel - keep doing what you’re doing girl. As dedicated readers like myself, if you ever do feel like you’re being rushed to release the story, know that we understand. We want the best story for these characters too. We love the just as much as you do. & if RY and SJM can take awhile to release books, you can too. Never give into the pressure the true ones will wait for you. ♥️
I had the pleasure to read this story as an ARC in exchanged for my honest review.
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Days of Vengence by Rachel Mays was my most anticipated read of 2025. This is book 2 of the Vines and Venom duology series. Nights of Obedience was my #1 5 ⭐️ read of 2024 and I really looked forward to this book.
I am so in the fence on this book. I liked the story, but it was nothing that I expected. It was great, but I know it could’ve been better. There was new characters that I liked, there was characters from the 1st book that were missing that I felt should’ve been included. There were multiple plots and characters that needed development and while we saw that, the details could’ve been far greater.
Overall I did really enjoy this book, I almost loved the book as much as I did the first, but I feel it was just rushed. A lot of missed opportunities exploring the continents, the fight scenes, overcoming trauma piece by piece (or person by person), fixing relationships, the magic system, & of course the big HEA.
I was happy to see the open ended chapters to see that there may be more to this world to see these characters again in a new storyline. I would love to see what happens to them in another POV somewhere along the lines. This powerhouse trauma bond couple is a FTW attitude and I’m here for it. But I’d like to see the king get his HEA too.
Rachel - keep doing what you’re doing girl. As dedicated readers like myself, if you ever do feel like you’re being rushed to release the story, know that we understand. We want the best story for these characters too. We love the just as much as you do. & if RY and SJM can take awhile to release books, you can too. Never give into the pressure the true ones will wait for you. ♥️
I had the pleasure to read this story as an ARC in exchanged for my honest review.
November 12, 2025
So I'm going to preface this post with a note to say if you have not read Nights of Obedience You need to before reading this book. This is a direct sequel and picks up almost immediately after the Nights. That being said it is SO worth it if you haven't read that. Go do that and then come back... I'll wait... Back? OK!
As I said Days picks up almost RIGHT after Nights ended. Ladon and Emilie have a secret and they're trying SO HARD to keep it until everything is settled. But They can't do anything until the King wakes up from his coma like state. Then even when he does obstacles just keep popping up. Not to mention a crazed woman who started this cascade of dominoes is still out there and needs to be brought down.
Through everything they're still there for each other. Supporting and relying on each other.
I love the dynamic these two have with each other and with other characters. Ladon and Cyrus may be the most emotionally stable brothers I've ever seen. In real or fictional life.
Their need for each other and their ability to rely on the other is so just all the fuzzies. It really softens some of the darkness that is still woven throughout. They're both still suffering, even with being freed, but gratefully they realize the other is what they need to be whole. I just love that. They're their to pick up broken pieces and even try to put the emotional puzzles back together even though they both see they're not the exact same person they were because of the event of Nights. This was an amazing story and I loved it.
I also really hope there's another coming for this series because I feel like there's a frenemies to lovers thing that could happen for two of the other characters and I am HERE for it!
As I said Days picks up almost RIGHT after Nights ended. Ladon and Emilie have a secret and they're trying SO HARD to keep it until everything is settled. But They can't do anything until the King wakes up from his coma like state. Then even when he does obstacles just keep popping up. Not to mention a crazed woman who started this cascade of dominoes is still out there and needs to be brought down.
Through everything they're still there for each other. Supporting and relying on each other.
I love the dynamic these two have with each other and with other characters. Ladon and Cyrus may be the most emotionally stable brothers I've ever seen. In real or fictional life.
Their need for each other and their ability to rely on the other is so just all the fuzzies. It really softens some of the darkness that is still woven throughout. They're both still suffering, even with being freed, but gratefully they realize the other is what they need to be whole. I just love that. They're their to pick up broken pieces and even try to put the emotional puzzles back together even though they both see they're not the exact same person they were because of the event of Nights. This was an amazing story and I loved it.
I also really hope there's another coming for this series because I feel like there's a frenemies to lovers thing that could happen for two of the other characters and I am HERE for it!
October 14, 2025
I finished this in one setting, meaning I stayed up all night to finish!
I fell in love with Nights of Obedience! It was an instant favorite! I recommend reading that before you begin Days of Vengeance.
I was so eager to find out what was next for Landon and Emilie and I couldn’t be happier with how this played out for them. Seeking revenge on the one person who tore them to pieces.
Landon and Emilie have this beautiful bond that only deepens as their relationship grows. The world Rachel has imagined and the way she brings their story to life is beautifully written! This was just as exciting and emotional as book one. Landon is struggling with his trauma and the secrets he is keeping. Emilie is the only one who knows what he experienced while held captive. In fact, it was something they experienced together. They truly need one another and look to each other for comfort.
I hope we get more of Cyrus and Jade in book three? (Please let there be a book three!) Cyrus deserves his happy ending.
Also, I cannot stop thinking of Emilie’s brother... Adrien is sailing around and seems so mysterious. I NEED his story!
I was beyond thrilled to have received this ARC from Rachel Mays in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Promise never to leave me behind.
Promise to always choose me. No matter the cost”. Emilie-
I fell in love with Nights of Obedience! It was an instant favorite! I recommend reading that before you begin Days of Vengeance.
I was so eager to find out what was next for Landon and Emilie and I couldn’t be happier with how this played out for them. Seeking revenge on the one person who tore them to pieces.
Landon and Emilie have this beautiful bond that only deepens as their relationship grows. The world Rachel has imagined and the way she brings their story to life is beautifully written! This was just as exciting and emotional as book one. Landon is struggling with his trauma and the secrets he is keeping. Emilie is the only one who knows what he experienced while held captive. In fact, it was something they experienced together. They truly need one another and look to each other for comfort.
I hope we get more of Cyrus and Jade in book three? (Please let there be a book three!) Cyrus deserves his happy ending.
Also, I cannot stop thinking of Emilie’s brother... Adrien is sailing around and seems so mysterious. I NEED his story!
I was beyond thrilled to have received this ARC from Rachel Mays in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Promise never to leave me behind.
Promise to always choose me. No matter the cost”. Emilie-
October 16, 2025
Oh, Rachel Mays, what are you doing to me???
I have been waiting so long for this book, and it has completely ruined me.
Ladon and Emilie, are without doubt, one of my favourite fictional couples ever! Nights of Obedience is one of my all time god tier reads, it broke my heart and crushed me. So, book 2 was always going to have a lot to live up to, and it knocked my off my feet.
The relationship between Emilie and Ladon is just so beautiful, just so traumatic and filled with hurt and pain, whilst at the same time, becomes something truly wonderful and healing, for both of them.
Book 2 follows Ladons and Emilies search for a cure for King Cyrus's mystery illness, whilst also trying to recover from their past and plan for their retribution. It was a great story in which we got to see a couple of new characters and explore new lands.
It was everything I wished for, I cried (more than once), both with joy but also sadness at leaving these wonderful characters behind.
It was the perfect, and most fitting ending for this story, and I really hope we might get some future books focusing on some of the other characters (King Cyrus and Jade perhaps).
This duology, is most definitely one I will always recommend, it is incredible and if you haven't read book one yet, you 100% need to.
I have been waiting so long for this book, and it has completely ruined me.
Ladon and Emilie, are without doubt, one of my favourite fictional couples ever! Nights of Obedience is one of my all time god tier reads, it broke my heart and crushed me. So, book 2 was always going to have a lot to live up to, and it knocked my off my feet.
The relationship between Emilie and Ladon is just so beautiful, just so traumatic and filled with hurt and pain, whilst at the same time, becomes something truly wonderful and healing, for both of them.
Book 2 follows Ladons and Emilies search for a cure for King Cyrus's mystery illness, whilst also trying to recover from their past and plan for their retribution. It was a great story in which we got to see a couple of new characters and explore new lands.
It was everything I wished for, I cried (more than once), both with joy but also sadness at leaving these wonderful characters behind.
It was the perfect, and most fitting ending for this story, and I really hope we might get some future books focusing on some of the other characters (King Cyrus and Jade perhaps).
This duology, is most definitely one I will always recommend, it is incredible and if you haven't read book one yet, you 100% need to.
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