His Broken Vow

The Twelve Nights of Christmas #3

by Darcy Fayton

Sebastian vowed to protect Kathryn—no matter the cost.

In stolen moments of firelight and snow, they begin to rebuild what was quiet confessions, shared memories, and a desperate, tender intimacy that feels like the first real safety she’s known in months.

But promises are fragile things.

The Duke is the next patron, another night in the relentless bargain, and for once they allow themselves optimism that things will go well.

Then something unexpected happens turns their world upside down.
Kathryn pays a price neither saw coming, and Sebastian’s failure cuts deeper than any wound.

Now, broken trust hangs between them like frost on glass.

To survive what comes next, she must decide whether to forgive the man who swore to shield her… or let the vow that bound them shatter their bond forever.

This is Book Three of The Twelve Nights of Christmas, a twelve-part dark romance series of short novellas.

Dark forbidden romance. High stakes. A bond tested to the breaking point.
Can a broken vow still bind two hearts together?
Order it now and feel the heartache, the sweet tenderness, and the devastating cost of love.

Genres: Dark Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Dark, Christmas, Paranormal Romance, Steamy

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2026

About the author

✨ Want New Release Alerts for Darcy's Books? Join the Newsletter
✨ Read Darcy's books on Amazon
✨ Check out the Author Website & Social Media: Click here

✨Author Bio:
Darcy Fayton writes addictive slow-burn Dark Romantasy set in gothic castles by firelight, where forbidden attraction becomes dangerous devotion and morally grey gentlemen navigate dark worlds while falling hard for the women they should never want.

Expect immersive dark fantasy worlds full of vampires, wolf-shifters, yearning, emotional angst, scorching spice, witty banter, a touch of magic, and hard-won redemption.

For new readers, Collared by the Vampire Prince is the perfect place to start.

Her family thinks she writes sweet romance—but oh, if only they knew!

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Book 3 is back with a vengeance. Sebastian and Kathryn are at it again, but let's be real, Kathryn still doesn't trust Sebastian as far as she can throw him. Mr. Kenneth is an amazing character, I'm loving how he's got Kathryn's back. In this book, Kathryn's in for a world of hurt, and I mean, it's worse than the last two, yikes. But wait, there's more, she's also got an offer that's driving Sebastian totally bonkers. So, how's Sebastian supposed to protect her from the crazy that's about to go down?

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[RoXXie | The Art of Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawn In and Repelled: The Uncomfortable Power of His Broken Vow


The third installment of the series, His Broken Vow, opens in the quiet aftermath of the previous novella, His Lesson in Submission . Sebastian wakes to find Kathryn sleeping beside him after she sought his company following her difficult night with Professor Zott. Nothing physical has happened between them, but the emotional atmosphere is unmistakably different. There is a subtle intimacy in the way Sebastian observes her in those early pages. His thoughts reveal a tenderness that suggests their relationship is beginning to evolve beyond the rigid boundaries that have defined it so far.<



His Broken Vow ♦ Darcy Fayton - A Review

Opinion
For a brief moment, the story feels almost gentle. Sebastian’s reflections hint at vulnerability and perhaps even a quiet longing for something more than the grim arrangement binding them. Unfortunately, this promise of emotional development quickly dissolves. Within a few pages, Sebastian performs an abrupt 180, insisting that his only concern is protecting Kathryn. This shift is triggered by the arrival of a telegram addressed to both of them, which he immediately decides to conceal from her. The motivation behind this decision feels frustratingly opaque, especially because the earlier scene had seemed to suggest a more honest emotional direction for his character.

Fortunately, the narrative does not linger in that stalemate for long. Sebastian’s plan is swiftly undermined by the household butler, whose loyalty clearly lies with Kathryn rather than with him. This moment injects a welcome spark into the story. From that point onward, the plot accelerates considerably. What follows is a sequence of events that pushes the characters further into the dangerous bargain that structures the entire series.

One of the most intriguing developments is the arrival of the mysterious sender of the telegram. This figure brings Kathryn a gift she can hardly refuse: the return of her old piano. The gesture is loaded with emotional weight. It hints at Kathryn’s past life, suggesting fragments of identity that existed before the grim circumstances she now endures. In a story defined largely by power dynamics and sacrifice, the piano becomes a rare symbol of something personal and almost hopeful.

However, that fragile sense of hope does not last long. The next “patron” of the evening is already waiting, and this encounter marks the darkest turn in the story so far. Without revealing too many specifics, the scene ventures into territory of sexual, physical and mental violence. Fayton clearly does not treat this lightly. The tone remains serious and deliberate, and the narrative emphasizes the emotional consequences rather than sensationalizing the act. Still, the scene pushed my personal boundaries considerably.

Reading it produced a deeply uncomfortable conflict of reactions. On the one hand, the story continues to draw me in with its tense atmosphere and complicated emotional connections between the characters. On the other hand, moments like this challenge my moral comfort as a reader. The tension between disgust and fascination becomes part of the experience itself. It’s not a feeling I usually seek in dark romance, but it undeniably creates a strong emotional impact.

Where the book succeeds most is in maintaining narrative momentum. Despite my discomfort, I remain invested in the larger arc of the story. The situation facing Kathryn and Sebastian grows increasingly precarious, and the consequences of their choices are becoming more severe with each installment. Kathryn in particular bears the heavier burden. Her sacrifices in this story feel both heartbreaking and infuriating, and they raise difficult questions about the limits of loyalty and survival.

Sebastian remains an especially frustrating character. His protective instincts often clash with his secrecy, and it is clear that he is still hiding important truths from Kathryn. That lingering mystery is one of the main reasons I plan to continue the series.

Conclusion
By the end of His Broken Vow, the emotional landscape between the two characters has shifted once again. Trust has been damaged, perhaps even shattered, and the sense of fragile progress from the earlier chapters is replaced by uncertainty. Despite my mixed feelings, I am curious enough to continue with the next installment, His Father’s Sin. If nothing else, this series is extremely effective at leaving readers suspended in uneasy anticipation.

A compelling but challenging installment that deepens the characters’ predicament while testing the reader’s tolerance for the darker edges of the story’s theme.

Through BookSirens I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first posted at The Art of Reading.

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

***NO SPOILERS***
DETAILED REVIEW OF: His broken vow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
READ. THE. TRIGGER. WARNINGS.

144 pages
MF
POV: Dual 1st Person
Vampires x humans
Death
Betrayal
Bargains
Assault
🌶️🌶️🌶️ My spice rating doesn’t really work for this book so I will say it’s dark, it’s not frequent and mass produced and there’s no dirty talk but when you read it you’ll understand…

You must read this series in order, this is book 3.
This series is set in the same world as her other books so are interconnected, however previous books do not need to be read at all to enjoy this series.

This story leads on smoothly from book 2, almost like it’s just a chapter of the same book. Previous books, their history and memories are all mentioned and really help develop and deepen the plot and the connection between the main characters.
It starts so sweetly… and then whack Darcy decides to smack us all in the head with a frying pan- take that dear readers for believing I can be nice to you all! 🫣😂 seriously though what a damn twist! I was wondering ‘why so straight forward and easy’ and then I got my answer… how the FMC is a crumpled pile of emotions and loathing I do not know! I would be! I’d like to sit here and think I’d have some fire in me for revenge and retribution but honestly I think I’d have tapped out of the world by this point. That’s what makes dark romance so tantalising though isn’t it, when such a creative and intelligent author can inspire hope even in the darkest most depraved moments… and Darcy just pulls you in.. there is no escape, no predicting these twists, and no hope for return, once you’ve started this series there is simply no going back!

The side characters are starting to come out in this one, I love mr Kenneth! And we get more of a general idea of live at the house too. Anyone thinking this is just a smut series needs to re think because the plot and characters make this story!

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to be one of the first to read this book before its release, I know I’m a strict review and my honest and truthful opinion gives this a 4.75 stars! Now go write more please!

[Jennifer Lambert]

I really enjoyed this book. It is the 3rd book in the series. I cannot wait until I can read the next book. I absolutely love this author and the way they write the books. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal romance. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dawn Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow book 3 hits hard.
It starts off gentle and vulnerable and just when you get sucked into this false sense of happiness... the Duke arrives and we go down the darkest path so far 🖤

This is not an easy read and yes I am questioning my moral compass very hard right now because I still loved the story and can't wait for more 🖤

Mr Kenneth is becoming a favourite character but Sebastian the hot blonde vampire we do not trust yet is still the firm favourite and his daddy is about to be summoned for book 4 🖤

Thank you to the Author and Book Sirens for the review copy

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book opens with a deceptive softness, a fragile quiet that feels less like peace and more like the stillness before something unspeakable breaks. The bargain still looms, unchanged and unrelenting, casting its long shadow over everything. And yet, in the aftermath of her night with Professor Zott, Kathryn and Sebastian wake entwined, clinging to something that almost resembles comfort. Their walk through the forest feels like an attempt to resurrect something long buried, a connection that is fraying at the edges. But something is wrong. Deeply wrong. Kathryn has no memory of the year they shared, while Sebastian carries every moment like a wound that refuses to close. The imbalance is unsettling, a quiet horror in itself. Then comes the letter. A promise of release, or perhaps just another illusion. It offers an end to Kathryn’s suffering, but at a cost that forces Sebastian into a choice that feels as murky as it is maddening. His decision to withhold its contents from Kathryn is baffling, almost cruel. One night instead of ten—how could that not be a mercy? And yet, nothing in this story has ever been that simple. When the letter’s author steps out of the shadows to make his offer in person, the tension tightens. Kathryn is left to choose, though it hardly feels like a choice at all. Because no matter what she decides, Duke Crawley still waits. And what follows is not just another descent, it’s a plunge into something far more brutal. Where the previous nights were already difficult to endure, this encounter strips away even the illusion of control. The Duke doesn’t just take from Kathryn physically; he fractures something deeper, something internal and intangible. It’s invasive in a way that lingers, that festers. This time, the horror isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s overwhelming. What once unsettled now shocks, outrages, and devastates. The emotional toll is crushing, eclipsing the fragile progress Kathryn and Sebastian managed to claw back at the beginning. Those small moments of closeness now feel insignificant, swallowed by what’s been done. By the end, Kathryn’s path narrows to a single, ominous option: accept the mysterious patron’s offer and step into the unknown. But nothing about that unknown promises salvation. If anything, it feels like stepping deeper into the dark.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the third volume of this gripping yet disturbing, dark paranormal romance series; it picks up directly where the previous book left off—which is why it’s best to read the series from the beginning. Warning: The book contains explicit scenes of non-consensual and questionable sex, including bondage, mind control, whipping, voyeurism and forced exhibitionism. Kathryn’s past patrons, including her current one, are creepy and will make your skin crawl. Kathryn and Sebastian are lovable protagonists. He is morally conflicted, but his love and his urge to protect her are palpable. Kathryn is a strong heroine, and I can really empathize with her and her conflicting feelings. Her inner conflicts, their emotionally charged dynamic, the chemistry, and the rekindling connection between them are palpable and heartbreaking.
The series gets more emotional and gritty with each book, and you almost find yourself wishing the Twelve Nights were over so that Sebastian and Kathryn could finally have a chance at a happy ending.

Sebastian and Kathryn are slowly growing closer, but Sebastian is dismayed to discover that Kathryn’s memories of the beautiful moments from their shared past seem to have been erased, and he cannot help her regain those memories without revealing the dark secrets of his own past. Then Tiberion—Sebastian’s hated and vile father and Kathryn’s former stepfather, the man who put her in this situation—makes an offer: one night with him, and he’ll pay off her outstanding debts. Sebastian convinces Kathryn not to accept the offer, as his father would be a nightmare, but the next suitor is also a monster—Kathryn’s former suitor Judge Crawley, whom she humiliated by rejecting his proposal and who now wants to take revenge on her…

I recommend this book to anyone who likes gritty, gut-wrenching and slow-burning paranormal romance novellas with lovable protagonists and explicit sexual content, including noncon/dubcon dynamics.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Victoria Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Darcy Fayton and BookSirens for the ARC copy, I am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⚠️Check all trigger warnings and sensitive content before reading 'His Broken Vow'⚠️

Tropes:
💔Dark Romance
💔Vampires x Humans
💔Debt to Settle / Bargain
💔Enemies to Lovers
💔Forbidden Love
💔Erotic Novella Series

'His Broken Vow' opens with Sebastian & Kathryn comforting each other from the nights events with Professor Zott. There is a gentle softness in this story and a tenderness we have not read before. His feelings reveal compassion, as he observes Kathryn and admires her strength from enduring one of the worst nights ... or so we are led to believe. I really enjoyed this third instalment, and I must urge readers to check all the trigger warnings. We know Kathryn must face her next patron, The Duke - Judge Crawley a man whom she was engaged to marry and she jilted.

The cruelty she suffers in the second half of this book is not to be taken lightly, Kathryn is led into a false sense of security and the abuse/torture enters the realm of pitch black for this dark romance. Judge Crawley has a vendetta to settle, we were not expecting that plot twist. There is no escape, Sebastian feels utterly responsible and he knows choice but to end Kathryn's suffering. Warning:- there are explicit scenes between Duke & Kathryn which are non-consensual, forced and include bondage, whipping, voyeurism and mind control that might make some readers uncomfortable. We cannot forget the unexpected arrival of Sebastian's father, Tiberon with an offer I don't think Kathryn will refuse -- end the bargain and be free, but can it really be that simple.

I am looking forward to the fourth book and appreciate the opportunity to ARC read for this author.

[Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader
At the beginning, I actually had half forgotten how the second installment had ended-- so I was a little lost at first. Didn't the second installment have a "previously in" section, or a recap? Or am I just going crazy? Anyways, that would have been grand. I did remember, yes, it was the professor. I didn't recall the actual ending and them in bed together. So maybe a recap might not have helped, but it's something to note.
Know your triggers. As any dark romance -- this is very, very important. I saw how this installment would be much darker. Though as I read--- I'm thinking.... but it isn't that dark yet. Then the Judge enters, and it all goes to Hell. Literally.
His first part was sort of lackluster-- only for him to have a follow-up appearance, and that ... was the darkness. I feel for Kathyln. That poor girl has already endured so much. Honestly, Sebastian was right with his retaliation.
I was a little confused at parts here, but not enough to deduct any stars in my rating. As I know it will most likely be explained in later installments. Why is Kathlyn having memory loss when it comes to Sebastian? Am I missing something that was done in the previous two books? Or is this just actually something that comes in the next installments?
I'm excited to see the next installment, where Sebastian's father gets involved. I'm predicting it now--- he somehow makes it much worse and doesn't pay in the way like he said he would. It wouldn't be the Twelve Nights series if it ended on book four, I suppose.

[jessica Teasdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️

His Broken Vow is a dark, emotionally intense romance that leans heavily into themes of trauma, redemption, and the complexity of love when both characters are carrying deep scars.

The story follows a relationship built on broken trust and painful history, and what stood out most to me was the emotional weight behind every interaction.

This isn’t just about attraction or tension, it’s about whether two damaged people can find a way back to each other, and whether they even deserve that chance.
Fayton does a strong job of creating a dark, atmospheric world, with elements of power, control, and vulnerability woven throughout.

The male lead is very much a morally grey character, and while his actions aren’t always easy to forgive, his internal conflict adds depth and keeps you invested in his journey. The female lead holds her own, which makes the dynamic feel more balanced and compelling.

The romance is intense and often heavy, with moments of spice that feel tied to the emotional stakes rather than just added for effect.

This gives the story a more grounded, impactful feel despite its darker themes.
That said, this is not a light read. The pacing can feel emotionally heavy at times, and readers looking for something softer or more straightforward may find it intense. However, if you enjoy darker romances with strong emotional depth and flawed characters, this book delivers.

Overall, His Broken Vow is a gripping and emotionally charged read that explores love in its most complicated form.

[Rane Sterling]

In Darcy Fayton’s His Broken Vow, readers are thrust into a world of deep-seated secrets and high-stakes emotional conflict. This narrative masterfully explores the weight of promises kept—and those shattered—within the framework of a compelling romance.
​Plot and Character Dynamics
​The story centers on a central betrayal that ripples through the lives of its protagonists. Fayton excels at building tension through alternating perspectives, allowing the reader to feel the visceral pain of "the broken vow" from both sides. The characters are not merely archetypes; they are flawed, relatable individuals struggling with the consequences of past choices and the difficult path toward redemption.
​Themes and Tone
​Betrayal vs. Forgiveness: The book poignantly asks whether love is enough to bridge the gap created by a significant breach of trust.
​Atmospheric Emotional Depth: The tone is consistently intense, drawing the reader into the characters' internal turmoil.
​Pacing: Fayton maintains a steady rhythm, balancing quiet, introspective moments with dramatic revelations that keep the pages turning.
​Final Verdict
​His Broken Vow is a standout choice for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy stories with significant emotional weight and complex character development. It is a powerful exploration of how we navigate the messiest parts of human relationships and find a way back to one another—or find the strength to walk away.

[Connie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the installment to make sure you check trigger warnings for. It was only so long until one of these patrons were going to go beyond the terms of the arrangement, and the Duke is the one to break that bargain.

That letter! I was already wrapped in the tension between Sebastian and Kathryn, and the revelations of missing memories when that letter dropped. My god, I could feel the sleaziness deep within my bones and that scene of him offering safety and a reprieve, all while dangling such a dark payment over her body and soul… truly a despicable man.

I have most looked forward to the growing and healing relationship between Sebastian and Kathryn, and I really liked the expansion of their relationship within this book. I was wondering if there was more to their relationship to have led to that faithful night all those years prior, and the realization to why they grew apart has me eager to learn even more. I have so many questions now about what third party (or if one of them accidentally/choose to be) is the cause to this. The already established pinning and regretful love shared between the pair is even more enthralling.

This is the third installment, and I look forward to the next. I am actually super eager for the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cassie Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three hurts in a completely different way.

This installment feels colder and more personal. Less shock. More ache. It’s not trying to stun you. It just sits on your chest and stays there. The kind of hurt that doesn’t explode, it just lingers. Every conversation feels loaded. Every almost feels heavier. It’s intimate in a way that makes it worse.

The tension here isn’t just about the bargain anymore. It’s about memory. About one person remembering everything and the other only remembering the wound. Watching him hold onto moments she doesn’t even know existed is brutal. She carries the damage. He carries the history. And neither of them are standing on the same ground.

AND THEN THAT FUCKING LETTER...

The absolute audacity wrapped in politeness. The way it tempts with an easier way out that feels morally rotten. It tightened the entire situation in a way that made my stomach twist.

There’s also a moment later that crosses into something far uglier. The kind of cruelty that hides behind ceremony and spectacle. It’s deeply uncomfortable, and it’s meant to be.

I will absolutely be back for whatever emotional damage comes next.

[Mimi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes it can get darker and I‘m here for it!!!
This third book focuses more on Kathryn and Sebastian‘s relationship. We get to read more about their past dynamic, how they grew up, the pace is slower at the beginning but oh will it pick up!

This is the heaviest of the series so far so check triggers. As the countdown continues, a new offer is presented that could settle the debt fully but at what cost?
Morals, trust, shame, doom, resilience, survival are all themes present. And then you meet the new patron…the Duke. He and Kathryn have some history and now he offered to help settle parts of the debt for a night with her.
She always felt weary around him but what choice does she really have in that limited time?

This one hurt in many ways and I need to keep reading to see where the story takes us next.
Will Kathryn and Sebastian be able to stand up again after all this trauma?

Dark paranormal romance readers, you shouldn’t miss out on this series!! It grips you and will not let you go until you know what happens next.

Thank you BookSirens and Darcy Fayton for the ARC💕

[Kayla.bookish26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Broken Vow - Darcy Fayton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

His Broken Vow by Darcy Fayton was dark, emotional, painful and so addictive. This series just keeps pulling me deeper into Sebastian and Kathryn’s twisted little gothic nightmare and honestly I am totally obsessed. 🖤🩸

Sebastian has always vowed to protect Kathryn but in this book that vow gets shattered in the most heartbreaking way. The guilt, the pain, the tension, the possessiveness and the way everything feels so forbidden and fragile had me completely hooked. I love a tortured vampire MMC and Sebastian is exactly that. He is broody, desperate, morally grey and drowning in everything he feels for Kathryn.

Kathryn has been through so much but I love seeing her strength come through even in the darkest moments. Their bond is messy, intense and full of hurt but that is exactly what made this book so good. It had that dark gothic vampire vibe I crave with angst, danger, spice and emotional damage wrapped together like a beautiful little nightmare.

If you love dark vampire romance, forbidden tension, possessive MMCs, gothic vibes and books that make you feel slightly feral then you need this series. 🖤

I would like to thank Darcy Fayton and Book Sirens for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ Warning!!! This book is much darker than the other two. Please check TW/CW!!! ⚠️

I am seriously enjoying the books in this series, and I cannot wait for the last one to come out in April!

We're back with the intense and insane story of Sebastian and Kathryn. I didn't think I would be rooting for the two of them because of his choices (even though he was in a tough spot), which caused her to pay the price and suffer, but in the end, I started to come around to them being together. Sebastian’s father, Tiberion, had made an offer to stop it all, but Sebastian knew his true intentions and wouldn't let her take his deal.

Sebastian swore he would protect her (as much as he could in their situation). But something unexpected happened with the next patron, The Duke, that was out of his control, and he wasn't able to keep to his promise.

My heart truly broke for them. Sebastian was devastated and blamed himself for not being able to stop the outcome from happening to her, and the horrible trauma she suffered left me in tears.

The story continues to pull me in, and I can't put the books down. There's so much suspense & drama that brings out so much emotion in me and takes me deeper into their story. I need the last book, but I also don't want their story to end.
 
Overall: 4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (very steamy but it's not in the usual way as it's forced for payment, not the MMC)
Main Characters: Sebastian & Kathryn
Darkness: 6 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤☠️
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Books need to be read in order
Title: The Twelve Nights of Christmas Series- His Broken Vow: Book 3 of 4
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant MMC
*Detailed Non-Con 🍇 (not the MMC)
*MMC does his best to protect in his own way
*Abu$e
*Vampire and Shifters (human form but can shift)
*$ex by FMC to pay off family debt (not with the MMC)
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with this series, but damn it devastates me every time. His Broken Vow is book 3 of The Twelve Nights of Christmas, a twelve-part dark romance series of short novellas. This series is very dark with big trigger warnings—check them before reading, don’t go into it lightly.

This book started so nicely. Kathryn and Sebastian were starting to bond again, building back their relationship. Then BAM, it all went to hell! I just really want a win for these two soon. I don’t know how much trauma Kathryn can go through. I don’t even know how she isn’t broken to the point of not coming back from it yet. I know this series is supposed to lead to a HEA eventually, but I’m actually scared to see what the rest of the series brings. I’ll admit I’m terrified for what’s to come in the next book. But I can’t stop reading—I need to know what happens next. I want to see some redemption.

Tropes:
🖤 Dark paranormal romance
🧛 Vampire x human
💔 Second chance romance
🐢 Slow burn
🎭 Dual POV
⚠️ Triggering themes

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (triggering/no love spice)

[Ashy Khaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the books I've read in this series so far, this one was probably my favourite. While the relationship between Kathryn and Sebastian continues to face challenges, I found myself more invested in their story this time around and genuinely curious to see how they would navigate the consequences of Sebastian's actions.

One of the more interesting aspects of the book was watching the strain placed on their relationship because of the way Sebastian chooses to handle difficult situations. The conflict felt believable, and it highlighted how even strong relationships can suffer when communication starts to break down.

That said, Sebastian continued to frustrate me throughout the story. What annoyed me most was his constant decision to hide the truth from Kathryn when honesty was all she had been asking for. At times, it felt as though he was treating her like a child who couldn't handle reality rather than an equal partner who deserved the truth. While I understood some of his motivations, it was difficult not to become frustrated with the repeated secrecy.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installation of this novella series packed a punch! As said in the previous reviews this series is very dark, very heavy and non-Con is part of the main plot point, please protect your mental health and check out the content warnings before you read! 💜

Okay let’s get into it, book three yanks on your heart strings even more than the previous books and I didn’t think that was even possible! There’s definitely a point in this book where your anxiety levels even out and you feel relieved for Kathryn and then the rug is pulled right out! We see a more furious version of Sebastian rightfully so and we edge closer to the secrets that he’s been hiding, this series really has me hooked, it’s an uncomfortable read and you get the sense that it’s supposed to be, this is love blooming like a rare flower on scorched earth. I’m excited and terrified to read the next instalment!


Review of advanced copy given via BookSirens

[Lilith's_Library_]

✨⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review – His Broken Vow by Darcy Fayton ✨

His Broken Vow absolutely delivered the perfect mix of tension, heartbreak, and spice that I’ve come to expect from this series. Darcy Fayton knows exactly how to write emotionally messy characters who still have undeniable chemistry, and this book had me hooked from the first chapter.

The angst in this one? Delicious. The push and pull between the main characters felt intense without becoming overdone, and every confrontation carried so much emotional weight. I especially loved how the story balanced vulnerability with those heated moments that had me fanning myself more than once. 🌶️🔥

The romance felt raw and addictive, with plenty of longing, broken promises, and “one bed” style tension that kept me turning pages late into the night. While I did wish a couple of plot moments had been explored a little deeper, the emotional payoff and chemistry easily made up for it.

[Leah.roseReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is officially my favourite book in the series so far!

Every time I thought I’d finally worked out where the story was going, it completely blindsided me. Just when everything felt a little too easy, the plot took a turn I never saw coming, and from that moment I couldn’t put it down.

Kathryn absolutely broke my heart in this one. The emotional toll she carries feels so real, and I found myself completely invested in every decision she made. Sebastian continues to keep you guessing, and their relationship is just as addictive as ever.

One thing I love about this series is that it’s so much more than the romance. The twists, betrayals, emotional moments, and incredible cast of side characters are what make these books impossible to stop reading. Mr. Kenneth deserves a special mention because I adored every scene he was in.

This book had me stressed, shocked, emotional, and completely hooked from beginning to end.

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promises were never meant to break… but this one hits hard.

His Broken Vow is an emotional and engaging story that leans into tension, past decisions, and the consequences that follow.

What I really liked was how the story builds around that central conflict. There’s a strong emotional pull as everything unfolds, and you can feel the weight behind the characters’ choices.

The relationships carry the story, with moments that balance both vulnerability and tension, making it easy to stay invested.

For me, this is a solid 4 ⭐ because it was compelling and easy to get pulled into, even though I found myself wanting a little more depth in certain areas.

Highlights:

• strong emotional conflict at the core
• character choices feel meaningful
• relationships keep the story engaging
• easy to stay invested from start to finish

Emotional. Tense. Compelling.

[Maria Mieling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story just gets wilder and wilder. With a mysterious letter from a mysterious suitor, we continue to find that Sebastian is holding more secrets. We also start to see more of his protectiveness and jealousy with the arrival of the letter. Can he protect her from the Duke? This one left me feeling so bad for both Sebastian and Kathryn. They both can’t catch a break and I really do feel like he never was “the bad guy” all those years ago. I once again felt like I needed more, that it’s just a bit too short, which all of the stories/nights together would be a good read but having them broken up and so short makes the story as a whole feel choppy (but I’m still anxiously awaiting the release of each one).

I received this book as an advanced reader copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars
My heart breaks for Kathryn more and more with every book. Watching her slowly lose pieces of herself is painful, and at times it’s honestly hard to keep reading. The way these men use and abuse her makes me angry in a way few books manage to do.

At the same time, I’m completely drawn in by the development of her relationship with Sebastian. There’s something there that keeps me holding on, even when everything else feels so heavy and cruel.

But that’s exactly what makes this book so difficult — you keep turning the pages, wondering just how much more she can take… and how much more you can handle reading.

It’s raw, frustrating, and emotional, and I’m both dreading and needing to see what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrscuteness · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just get progressively worse. The pain the characters are forced to endure, it feels like there is no end in sight and we've barely begun.

Honestly, as upsetting as some of the content in these books is, I can't stop, I want and need to see how things play out and how they eventually heal and reach their goal.

Also, it seems very few characters in this world are good people in any respect. And the actions they take honestly make you sick.

Like really? That is how you choose to take revenge? And it's not even justified! Like what?!

But these books really do speak to the true reality that some women face just because they exist. And it's honestly sad and we should do better, society.

These books are sooo good and if you can handle the content warnings, then they really are worth reading.

[Destiny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ Make sure to check the trigger warnings before starting this series. It’s a dark paranormal romance with heavy themes and intense power dynamics that may not be for every reader.

I really enjoyed His Broken Vow by Darcy Fayton. This installment adds even more emotional weight to Kathryn and Sebastian’s story, and their fragile bond really takes center stage. The quieter moments between them made the tension and heartbreak hit even harder.

Even though it’s a short novella, it packed a lot of emotion and kept me completely invested in what will happen next. This series continues to pull me in with its dark atmosphere and complicated characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - Stars
🌶🌶🌶.5 - Spice

Book three got a little darker than the first and second book in the series and I have a feeling it will only get darker.

Kathryn has her third patron, Duke Crawley. This patron she knows from her past and he has other things planned for her, that she or Sebastian doesn't know of. And oh man, it was something.
It seemed like everything was fine after Duke Crawley finished with Kathryn, nothing amiss, but Duke Crawley conspired with Braggon to get his revenge with no one to stop him.

Sebastian just wants to protect Kathryn, but there is always someone preventing him to do and this time it just tipped him over and the consequences be damn.

"Everyone needs someone, Sebastian. Even you."

ARC provided from the author and BookSirens for an honest review.

[Miaowwow · Rating 5 out of 5]

God if the first 2 novellas were dark this one goes into the inky depths. I feel for both the MC’s but Kathryn, that poor woman just can’t catch a break.

While Darcy Fayton creates wonderful MC’s who you cam empathise with she also excels at creating truly evil and vile villains.

Please do heed the trigger warnings as the content will not be for everyone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The third in a series of 12 novellas “The 12 Nights of Christmas” and the back story is unfolding. You just know there is going to be so much more to come. There are 4 full length novels that create the world in which these novellas are set. I have read them all and if you enjoy this series you will enjoy them.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story flows seamlessly from book two, less a sequel and more a continuation every memory and scar tightening the bond between the characters. It begins almost deceptively sweet… then Darcy strikes, shattering that calm with a brutal twist you never see coming. Just when it feels too easy, everything unravels. The FMC is left drowning in emotion, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? It’s that pull of dark romance where even in the bleakest moments, hope flickers just enough to keep you trapped. Darcy doesn’t just tell a story, she drags you in, no escape, no predicting, no turning back. And with side characters like Kenneth finally stepping into the light, it’s clear this is far more than just spice. It’s a story that owns you.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check those warnings!!

His Broken Vow. Sebastian makes a promise, one he doesn’t know he can’t keep.

Once again there are more secrets. A mysterious letter arrives that Mr Kenneth, quickly becoming one of my favorites within the series, is aware of. He knows not what is within the letter just that it has some significance.

A walk down memory lane, proves how strong a mind can be to protect. Sebastian has so many secrets and is learning how his actions have affected Kathryn. Kathryn proves once again how strong she is. What she endures on night 3 or horrendous! How one can go through what she has and then continue to pick herself back up.

Will the contents of the letter prove to be the answer to everything? Or will it be a grave mistake?