Lace & Poison

Vow of Death #2

by Alexis Calder

Betrayed the man I loved. Married my enemy. Used as a pawn.
But I carry the powers of Death. And I’m just getting started.

I was sent to bring down an empire. Instead, I helped my ex gain a crown. Now I'm married to the new emperor. And the man I love wants nothing to do with me. But if there's no rules, I'll make some of my own.

With Anya as Caiden's captive and my newfound magic barely under control, every move I make is a risk. But that doesn't mean I'm not plotting death for those who deserve it.

I know I need to stay away from Brevan. But as his secrets spill, I can't. If I succumb to my feelings for him, it could cost us everything.

But then again, I've always been willing to burn it all down to see this empire fall.

This is book 2 in the Vow of Death Trilogy. It contains violence, spice, and dark themes, Mind the Cliff.

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2026

About the author

Alexis Calder writes sassy heroines and sexy heroes with a sprinkle of sarcasm. She lives in the Rockies and drinks far too much coffee and just the right amount of wine.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, what just happened?! I absolutely devoured this book in a day. I thought book 1 had my head spinning with all the twists and turns but this one blew that away. Between learning secrets some are hiding to being left entirely in the dark on others…… at this point I don’t even know who I’m rooting for anymore. I really thought I knew but now I am so confused on that front and need the next book now please.

Thank you so much to the author for the advanced copy of the book.

[Cassie Nosko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Alexis Calder for allowing me to read and review this in advance! I've been anticipating this release since I finished book 1 and once again I am left yearning for the final book in the trilogy! You absolutely blew me away! My apologizes for the delay in posting my review but life has been lifing BUT the world needs to know about Lace & Poison!

This book has left me absolutely spinning; I have so many questions, theories... ahh I am in desperate need for the final book! The character development for main and new characters was incredible; I am so invested in this story! If you love forced proximity, yearning, forced marriage, so much betrayal, plot twists upon plot twists; THIS is the book for you! The cliffhanger has me going feral because WHAT THE HECK?!?

‼️ POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW ‼️

Sabina AKA Taylan has developed so much in this book, my girl has been through so much but she is blossoming into such force!

Caiden I kept flip flopping with his character but I have a strong feeling he's going to surprise us all!

Brevan my MAN he's got so many secrets and a lot of explaining to do...

Ludis aka Lee... if I could punch a fictional character it would be him x million!


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Anna Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I received this book as an arc after loving and devouring the first one. This book literally never stopped! It was one thing after another and I feel like I could never guess who was telling the truth or where the characters were going to be betrayed! I will say character development wise I felt confused quite often. For some part of the plot it makes sense because they're trying to increase the mystery and suspense of the characters, but I feel like there was so much going on in this story that sometimes it was hard for me to keep track of certain things. Al

My biggest issue with characters is when they're kind of wishy-washy and I felt like the FMC and the other male leads definitely had a lot of that!

All things put aside though this book still hooked me. I really enjoyed it and I love the monsters and the magic that is found in this book and I'm really excited to see how that continues to evolve and grow in the next one!

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just as addictive as the first one! I loved the pacing and the story unfolding. It's such a fun ride with so many twists and turns. I'm so excited to see where the story goes next. I have a ton of theories. I think it's such a gorgeous cover too. It's definitely one of the most twisted love triangle stories I've read. I love the fmc's snappy side. She's got a lot going on. I didn't connect to Caiden as much this time but I really am excited to see where his story goes in the next one. I can see how complex all of the characters are. I think the complexity is my favorite part of this series. So well done!

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**𝓝𝓞 𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓘𝓛𝓔𝓡𝓢**
⚜️𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- Lace & Poison

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐢𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.

⚜️ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
* 📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
* 🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶🫑 / 5 -𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠
* Which books have I also given this same rating? (𝑠𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛)
5⭐️ Fourth wing / Bound by inked flame / Anathama / The Lies of Lena / Of silver and Curses
4.5⭐️ Bitten / The Female / Quicksilver / Bride / Lights Out / A Bargain so Bloody
4⭐️ Spellcaster / One Dark Window / From Blood and Ash / Phantasma / Butcher & Blackbird
3⭐️We Who Will Die / The Wolf King / Daughter of No Worlds / The Ex Hex


⚜️𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
* Genre- Fantasy romance
* 📖 405 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
* 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 multi 𝗣𝗢𝗩
* 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- 22 June 2026
* 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? 𝒜 ℳ𝒾𝓍
* 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- Vow of death book 2
* 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨? ✅𝒴ℯ𝓈.
* 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- ℱ𝒶𝓈𝓉
* 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? ✅𝒴ℯ𝓈! ℐ 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓇ℯ𝓂ℯ𝓂𝒷ℯ𝓇 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓋𝒾𝒷ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻ℯℯ𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝓁ℯ𝒻𝓉 𝓂ℯ 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽!
* 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)❌
* ℳℴℴ𝒹𝓈; 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚, 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝑖𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒚, 𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒚, 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑯𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆.
* 𝒟𝒾𝒹 𝒾 ℯ𝓃𝒿ℴ𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈?✅
* 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓃ℯ𝓍𝓉 𝒷ℴℴ𝓀 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈ℯ𝓇𝒾ℯ𝓈?✅
* 𝒲ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 ℯ𝓁𝓈ℯ 𝒷𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓇?✅
* 𝖂𝖍𝖔 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖎 𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔? Every romantasy fan that loves a little twist of darkness and morally grey to their MMC’s. If you fall for the villain not the hero, you enjoy a secretive love triangle and a good betrayal plot then this is for you!


⚜️𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝔽𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕤:
🔥𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧
💌forced ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ
💋𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ 𝒾𝓃𝒸𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℯ𝓈 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 ℯ𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝒷ℴℴ𝓀
🌡𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝔸𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥, 𝕋𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟
🔺 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒

⚜️𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 & 𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕤
🔮𝔓𝔯𝔬𝔭𝔥𝔢𝔠𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔐𝔶𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰
👑𝓡𝓸𝔂𝓪𝓵 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓾𝓮
☯️ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕠𝕟/𝔻𝕖𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤
🥸spies
🗡Rebellion
🪦𝕳𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖗 𝕰𝖑𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘
🧬 𝐔𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
🧩𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒚
💈 ᗷᗩᑎTᗴᖇ
☠️𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕...
🏹𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐌𝐂
🥊 Revenge
⌚𝔸-𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕖
👑Shadow Daddy


📝Cliff Notes Review-
Absolutely brilliant, even better than book one! The angst and tension threaded all the way through this is palpable, the yearning is delicious and the secrets… well, the secrets are everywhere so who can you trust? Who will you believe? Can you even trust yourself anymore?


🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
I got thrown about, twisted up and smacked in the face with this book! I couldn’t work out the twists, predict what was coming next or figure out who we could trust! It was just so well written!
The pace was medium to fast all the way through and was wrapped up in corruption, secrets and betrayal. No info dumps, heavy sections or dull parts to get through. The prose (writing style) was interesting and vibrant, full of great detail and clear language to allow an easy and intriguing read.

This book literally never stopped! It was one thing after another and I couldn’t work out who was telling the truth, who was withholding secrets, or who was going to betray whom.

I am wondering if this will end up being a why choose….? Because this story starts to hurt! The end of book one left Caiden knowing about Brevan and Taylan, so it’s expected to see them being forced apart but my god was that emotional.

But the simmering tension that is created from this new dynamic is everything. Watching Taylan try to manage Caiden while battling with with her feelings for Brevan was absolutely destructive in the best way. it was extremely addictive as it created a whole new level of tension and angst with higher stakes surrounding every little move she made!

I love an emotional soul destroying book and this is leaning heavily into that now, because While the romance hurt, the plot revealed secrets upon secrets and that hurt even more! This book gave us betrayals, jealousy, heartbreaking deaths, mystery, political intrigue, impossible choices, shocking reveals, questionable loyalty, new characters and a *ma-hoo-sive* cliffhanger.

🧝‍♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
I will say character development wise I felt confused quite often. There was far more growth had by all in this book but Both Brevan and Caiden were rather frustrating in this one. They’re idiots, arrogant and romantics all at the same time. And the stubbornness… well, they gave me whiplash!

I REALLY enjoyed the chapters with Brevan and Caiden bonding alone. They have a dark history and we start to reveal some of their past creating a very tense dynamic. They once were as close as brothers, but something happened when their powers came in so now they are practically strangers, then you throw Sabina in the mix for them to fight over and it’s a delicious set of circumstances to behold.

😥 𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕟𝕠 𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤?
There are areas with big lags in the story where nothing really happens, and I’m all for secrets and dark twists but throw us a bone once in a while with a few answers…. Please!


🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This book was steamy and spicy, with a dark love triangle, darker secrets. But this was definitely plot and angst driven what with all the secrets, the impossible choices and the heart breaking betrayals.


𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...

IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

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𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️

Ever read a book where you love or are intrigued by both men but also hate them at the same time? 🤣 that’s this book! 😂😂

Secrets secrets are no fun, secrets secrets hurt someone.

Anyone else remember that saying growing up? It fits this story so much. lol.

Sabina (aka Taylan) has been impersonating the dead princess for months at the request of her ex, Lee for the rebellion. Her goal was to get close and learn all she could about the Prince, Caiden. Instead, she get EXTRA close with the Enforcer, Brevan 😜

Except, everyone around her and herself included have secrets and ulterior motives to everything that all came crashing down at the end of book 1.

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left us off and Sabina is to wed now Emperor Caiden. She doesn’t want to marry him. She loves Brevan, but to keep everyone she loves safe, she must continue with the ruse. Even if it means needing to stay away from Brevan. And he makes it easy by vowing to stay away as well, especially after her lie about her identity was revealed to him. To the kingdom, she’s still Princess Sabina. All in an effort to help Lee (aka Ludis) take back his own kingdom.

But even with the Emperor dead, it seems there is still someone out there pulling all the strings. People are mysteriously dying and no one can figure out the cause. And Sabina is determined to do what she can to save Anya from the hell she’s been sent to, coming to find though a couple things. 1) her mind still can’t keep off Brevan and 2) Caiden may not fully be monster he seems and Brevan may be more of a monster than she thought.

At the same time, Sabina is tasked with coming into her new powers. They terrify her. And on top of it, she has the Goddess of Death challenging her with the task of bringing down the empire and finding what’s hidden from her….without much more instructions to go on from there 😂 no help at all that Goddess is 🤣

This moves to a multi-POV format. We had Sabina and Brevan in book 1, and in book 2, we add a few chapters with 2 other character POV’s, which I liked. I hope we continue with that.

Both Brevan and Caiden in this book are frustrating. They’re assholes and romantics all in the span of a few chapters. It’s whiplash with both of them. Haha. And while I’m firmly on team Brevan, there’s more to Caiden than meets the eye.

I actually REALLY enjoyed the chapters with Brevan and Caiden interacting alone. They have this very tense dynamic. They were as close as brothers once and fell apart after their magic came, and now you have Sabina in the middle of them too. It’s watching them try SO hard to be friends again but there’s also something stopping it.

There were a couple scenes of spice 🌶️ this book. More than book 1. But this was definitely plot and angst driven this book.

Interested to see where book 3 takes us. The ending leaves a lot of questions and I think the answers may not be what you expect.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoil Free Reviews

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @authoralexiscalder
POV: Multi 1st person
Gene: Romatasy
Triggers: Explicit sexual scenes, violence, excessive drinking, etc.
Read Time: 7 - 9 hours
Expected Publishing Date: OUT NOW
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

❤️ World Building: The world building is just amazing! We went to so many different places that were so well described I could picture it in my head. The way the magic system works is also fascinating, since in some places it’s political.

❤️ The Characters: I absolutely LOVE the characters in this story. They have so much depth and personality. The love triangle is so gut wrenching! I’m firmly in the #TeamCaiden court! I LOVED seeing more of him in the book, it's like meeting a whole new side of him! I don’t like some things he does, but there is more behind that than I realized.

❤️ The Story: I SERIOUSLY did not want the book to end! I sat in silence after reading it, just absorbing it all! It was just so good! I love all the new characters in the story, they brought in some new intrigue. I’m a little sad that there is only one more book in this series.

❤️‍🔥Overall: THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!!

Death Magic Fact Inspired by Mara: Death mages have a reputation for being evil, unfeeling psychopaths. It’s somewhat unfair – while their close proximity to negative energy does make death mages appear a little callous by normal standards, it doesn’t make them any more likely to resort to cruelty or violence. While it’s true that an unusually high fraction of death mages fall on the Dark side of the Dark/Light divide, this is more to do with the fact that death mages are very good at combat, and brute force will get you a lot further in the Dark hierarchy than in the Council. (benedictjacka.co.uk)

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Alexis Calder for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.

When Love Becomes the Most Dangerous Weapon

'Lace & Poison' raises the stakes in every possible way. What begins as a battle for survival quickly evolves into a story where love, loyalty, revenge, and power are constantly at war with one another. Every choice carries devastating consequences, making it impossible to predict where the story will lead next.

Watching the heroine struggle with the weight of betrayal while trying to master powers she barely understands adds an emotional intensity that lingers throughout the novel. Her magic feels both terrifying and intoxicating, especially because it mirrors the darkness growing inside her. She is forced to make impossible decisions, yet never loses the determination that makes her such a compelling protagonist.

The relationships remain the true heartbeat of the story. Every interaction is layered with lingering feelings, painful misunderstandings, and dangerous secrets that slowly unravel. The tension between love and duty is beautifully written, creating moments that are just as emotionally gripping as the action itself.

The pacing keeps moving with political intrigue, betrayals, magical discoveries, and unexpected twists that continually reshape the story. Every revelation adds another piece to a much larger puzzle, making the world feel richer with every chapter.

Alexis Calder delivers another addictive installment filled with heartbreak, morally gray choices, dangerous romance, and powerful magic. The ending leaves just enough unanswered to make the wait for the next book feel almost impossible.

Sometimes the deadliest power isn't magic at all. Sometimes it's refusing to stop fighting for the future you still believe in.

Morally Gray Characters | Forced Marriage | Political Intrigue | Magic Academy Elements | Death Magic | Forbidden Love | Slow Burn | Betrayal | Touch Her and Die | Found Family | Hidden Secrets | Royal Court | High Stakes Fantasy | Emotional Angst

[Uncaged Reads Uncaged Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Chaos, Brilliant Depth, and Another Massive Cliffhanger!
I am officially putting myself on cliffhanger timeout! It seems like every ARC I’ve read recently ends with a massive shocker, meaning the wait for the next book is going to feel twice as long. It’s entirely my fault for jumping in early, but it is also a huge compliment to Alexis Calder because Lace & Poison completely consumed me.
Picking up right where Silk & Iron left off, the intensity is dialed up to a ten from the very first page. The world-building is gorgeous and incredibly easy to visualize, serving as the perfect backdrop for a fast-paced story riddled with corruption and betrayal. The plot is so intricate that even the secrets have secrets.
What really stole the show for me was the character development. Each character has a level of emotional depth and complexity that keeps you entirely off-balance—you truly don't know whether to love them, hate them, or trust them. If life hadn't pulled me away, I wouldn't have blinked until I hit the final page.
Thank you so much to Alexis Calder for the advanced copy, even though I didn’t finish until well after release day. All thoughts and opinions are completely mine.

[Ashley Jurczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what Alexis Calder puts into her books, but her writing is downright addictive. The kind of addictive where you tell yourself, “Just one more chapter,” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’ve read half the book.

*Lace and Poison* was everything I hoped for in Book 2—and somehow even more.

The story picks up immediately after the events of *Silk and Iron*, with Taylan, our fierce FMC, forced into a marriage with Emperor Caiden. A man she absolutely despises... or does she? No spoilers here, but let’s just say Alexis kept me questioning everything.

Then there’s Brevan, the Enforcer. In Book 1, he was everything I want in a book boyfriend—dark, brooding, mysterious, and completely irresistible. But after this book? I honestly can’t decide whether I’m Team Brevan or Team Caiden. It’s a complete coin toss.

And the plot twists? Absolutely unhinged in the best possible way. There were multiple moments where my jaw was on the floor, and Chapter 28 nearly had me throwing my Kindle across the room. If you know, you know.

The ending was pure chaos. I’m still reeling, still processing, and desperately need Book 3 immediately. Alexis, please. I am begging.

The only thing getting me through this wait is knowing she has another book coming out in September, because apparently I need her writing like I need oxygen.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so many feelings on this book so let me try to wrangle them in
I ate up the first book and couldn’t wait to dive into this one.
However to me the author had so many editing and continuity issues that it brought me out of the story. I don’t mean grammar or punctuation although that was there too

There was no plot barely romance and the FMC had zero character growth
The MMCs were also flat and the cliffhanger ending was so far outside the scope of the book that I was not sure how to process

Anyway not sure about book 3 for me other than I want to see what’s in store for Brevan but honestly none of their actions made sense
Too many ladies and characters speaking at once

Wanted to love and if you do that’s awesome
I wish the author success no matter what

[AGirlReadsandWrites · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Alexis for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Lace & Poison.

This was a fantastic continuation of the characters I came to love in Silk & Iron. We pick up where S&I left off with all the court intrigue, yearning, betrayal, and espionage that pulled me in. Taylan and her men have secrets upon secrets, developing magic and several revelations and twists that kept all the characters guessing. It’s feeling like a strong love triangle (I’m team Brevan) but I’m hoping for a Why Choose. Caiden is growing on me.
I had several WTF moments while reading and stared at a wall for a bit when I finished.
Stupefying me earns this a 5⭐️ rating.

I’m excited and eager for the next book. You should definitely add this series to your TBR, just beware of the cliff.

Tropes:
Forbidden love
Forced marriage
Multi POV
Yearning
Necromancy
Death magic
Meddling gods

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🗡️🗡️🗡️
🏔️🏔️🏔️🏔️

[coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book.

Book one, Silk & Iron, was a 6-star read for me. One of my favorite books of all time. I knew Alexis would follow it up with another good book, but to give us another 6-star read?! And that ending?!

I will never shut up about this series; I’m ready for book 3.

[Ashley Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished last night and my brain is REELING from that cliffhanger ending. Who do I trust? Who do I root for?! Alexis is absolutely diabolical with her plot twists and mystery. I will be back in a couple days with my full review after I've let this sink in a little more!!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHHH TAYLAN!!!! What's a girl to do! I am thoroughly hooked by this series, and though I finished this book days ago - I am still reeling at that ending. I was so steadfast in my commitment to one...but I don't even know who I'm rooting for anymore! Not only re: the main characters but also the side characters, honestly! I'm weary of everyone at this point hahaha.

I love this series - there are so many mysteries still to unpack and I will be left here wondering what's to come until I have book 3 in my greedy little paws...

[Lyla Raine (Author) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Overall Rating: 5⭐️
🌶️ Spice: 2.5 🌶️
📱 Kindle Unlimited: Yes
📚 Stand-alone/Series: series
🗣️ POV: Sabina/Brevan/Caiden/Anya
👫 Main Couple: Sabina/Brevan
🔥 Trope(s): forbidden love, MMC guard Enforcer/FMC Empress, longing, found family, magic, dragons?

This was just as good as I thought it was going to be. Just as good as the first one. I have SO MANY QUESTIONS that I hope we get answers to in the next book. I couldn’t put this down. Spoilers, because I reread my reviews before the next book comes out so I can remember where we left off.

The story picks up right where we left off at the end of book 1, with total upheaval and lies and betrayals revealed. Caiden and Taylan/Sabina were married. Lucius is part of the royal party now as her “brother” as Lucius and Caiden plan to overthrow Iskvaland. Brevan is back to being Sabina’s guard. Caiden uses Brevan and Sabina against each other, threatening them and those they love if they don’t end their relationship. Caiden tries his best at courtship, and it manages to make Brevan jealous. Surprisingly, Sabina warms up to him. Even kisses him. She doesn’t seem to completely hate him, which is surprising.

People start getting poisoned, the goddess Mara shows up occasionally to stir things up, and Taylan’s magic manifests as shadows and death. She can hear the dead, talk to ravens, and apparently heal people. She is surprisingly forthcoming about her magic with Caiden, despite all the secrets he’s keeping from her.

We find out more about Brevan, who has a seer sister locked in the tower with Anya who is a danger to everyone and needs a yellow stone to control her power that is only found in the Shatterlands. Brevan and Taylan fight their feelings for each other until they give in, going back and forth with whether they should risk being together. Brevan reveals a surprising power, but doesn’t tell Taylan about it.

That ending… ugh. I can’t spoil that. But I have so many questions. Like why???? Also, why didn’t they talk about their sexy dreams?! I’m feeling like a fated mates thing going on there and want to know more. And their tattoos… I thought last time they slept together both of them manifested more tattoo. What about this time, or after they both used their magic? And what’s the deal with Nate? I want to like him, but I just don’t know. I wonder if Brevan’s sister told him about the future, and he sided with Lucius to change it or save Taylan…

I’m so ready for Taylan’s villain era. I really hope she just loses it and starts killing people until she’s on top. Make an army of the dead and take over. I’m so here for it. I can’t wait for book 3!

[Ashley(burntedgesandbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even process the end of this book? Or any of this book??
This is the 2nd book in the Vow of Death Series and it starts off right where we left off in book 1. Feelings and emotions picked up right away and followed the same route:
Betrayal
Angst
Love
Lust
Confusion
SHOCK
MIND BLOWN
Excitement
and Attempted Murder.(multiple times)
The list can go on and on. This book brought out a lot of WTF moments for me. A lot of what did I just read and oh god, I need to reread this again(several times) and then sit there thinking I DID read it correctly...
ALL THE TIME! CORRECT READING EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Alexis Calder is such an amazing writer. She writes her stories and gets you so invested in the characters. You are one of the characters experiencing every moment with them, and once you are completely invested... SHE RIPES THE GROUND OUT FROM UNDER YOU!
AND I do admit I comeback every time, begging for more!
This Book expands its world so much! You start learning about the different lands, more about them, and you start to get a little insight to their cultures. I love when I am learning about new places within the world I am in.
I am a die hard Brevan fan! He is my number one in this book! He only cemented that even more in this book! I Love him so much! BUT.... then you have Caiden... oh Caiden, I have to give it to him. Its like he is a completely different man... I am SO ON THE FENCE WITH HIM. I feel like there is something holding you back, like you just waiting for the other, other, other foot to drop.
I have a lot of questions about this one...
Taylan/Sabina, I love reading her story, I love going through everything with her and understanding her feelings. I understand everything she is going through and the fight of the man she is in love with and the other... she is married to. I really enjoyed watching her through her ups and downs and how she is going to become the powerful woman we all know she will be!
OMG... OMG! That ending.
Hard cliffhanger but sometimes you need that cliffhanger to help you process everything that this book is, and bringing you back for more!
MUST READ! if you didn't get that from above!

Thank you Alexis Calder and her team for allowing me on there ARC team! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one had me hooked so the moment this book was released, I read it immediately.

I'll be honest, this one wasn't a favorite. And Taylan drove me crazy.

There wasn't a whole lot of plot. It was mostly just the saga of Taylan's conflicting feelings for Brevan. One second it's over. Next she's confessing her undying love. All to immediately go back to saying she's done with him. It just kept happening. And throughout the book, she was just having the same conversations with everyone over and over again. On repeat. She was also very reactive to everything that was ever said to her and didn't spend much time trying to understand other characters and their motivations. She was giving a teenager with an attitude honestly and also an unhinged inability to keep it in her pants. Oh and she made very little progress on any of the clues Mara gave her. And even though Mara kept saying she wasn't gonna give her any answers, Taylan continued to yell at Mara, mind you a GOD, demanding answers. Again, rehashed conversations.
She annoyed the hell out of me. I struggled to like her in this book. I needed her to be smarter than all this.

All that being said, the ending hooked me. Clearly the author has an interesting idea of where she's going with the plot, it just took a while to get to it. I will most definitely read the next book for that alone but I really hope Taylan gets it together. I will pull my hair out if the third book continues to have every conversation between her and Caiden sounding like a broken record. I need more depth.

Anyway, the characters gave me a headache so I would have given this book 3 stars. But that ending was crazy so I bumped it up to 4 stars.



As a side note, I'm not sure I've ever read a book that used "there're" as much as I did in this book. I know it's not technically grammatically incorrect, just a bit awkward I suppose. But it was strange how often it was said and it stuck out.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so first I’m going to say some things to start that will ruin book one if you haven’t read/finished it (also if you haven’t read it check out my review from a while back). So here is your chance to turn back now…
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Ok so if you are still here remember we left off with everyone knowing Sabina is really Taylan and having her bestie used as leverage against Caiden to force the wedding. Well we start with the wedding dress fitting.

With everything on the line she goes through with the wedding and becomes Empress. But, and this should not be a shock, she and Brevan still love each other. Even if they aren’t speaking.

What is a shock is Caiden. So book one I thought he was a dick but maybe he had a softer side. This book I’m pretty sure he really does have a softer side but also…. Still a dick. There are still layers to him we need to unravel. Totally feeling Callum and Blake vibes here in the I’m so conflicted sense (although both of our guys here have a darker side).

Taylan gets to get back with her ladies again and I love all of them together. There is new guard Nate who I really like and hope we see more of.

We start to learn more and more secrets about what’s going on. Taylan learns more about the powers she has been given. And just when you think the book is going to wrap up and leave us curious enough about what’s going on to eagerly await book 3 BAM s**t hits the fan and OMG what did we just find out and then WAIT WAIT WAIT THE END?

So yeah…. All this said…. Make sure you are caught up on Silk and Iron so you can read Lace and Poison when it comes out June 22.

[Siren by Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book thinking I was ready.
Spoiler: I wasn't… not even close!

Our Taylan, still known to the kingdom as "Sabina" (because the lie goes on) is married to Caiden, the new emperor.

Forced. Against her will. And with a broken heart over Brevan, who vowed to stay away after discovering her lie.
Great. Wonderful. Totally fine. (NOT)

Here's the problem though: Caiden isn't quite the monster we thought he was, or at least I don't think so!
There's more beneath that emperor's mask and in a completely unsolicited turn of events, my heart decided to develop a crush.
Without asking me first. Thanks, Alexis.

And Brevan? The secrets. The tension and the yearning that made me put the book down three times just to scream into the void.

Caiden and Brevan together are a constant emotional whiplash - romantic and insufferable within the same chapter - and I loved every single second of it 😂

Taylan's ladies? Absolutely ICONIC!
Loyalty, attitude and a collective energy of "let's go!" that I desperately need to bring into my real life.

The plot?
People dying mysteriously, someone pulling strings from the shadows, Death powers that terrify Taylan herself and a Goddess who hands her a mission with zero useful instructions.
Literally. No divine support whatsoever. 🙃

And Ludis. My official favourite thing to hate. Every scene with him is a personal attack and I took it very personally (but Taylan absolutely destroys him, don't worry).

THAT ENDING???
I WAS SCREAMING MY LUNGS OUT!
Everything in that final chapter was definitely not in my bingosheet and I LOVED IT!

[Samantha Bilodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gonna pick my jaw up off of the floor right now...

I thought that Silk & Iron (book 1) was wild, but O.M.G. What did I just read?!!

So in this book, we start basically where we left off after that insane ending of the first book. — STOP RIGHT NOW IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOK 1! — Taylan/Sabina has broken Brevan's trust, and she's stuck marrying the now-emperor, Caiden. She is basically alone, since her ladies and friend Anya are being used as leverage to keep her in line.

This book is almost slower in pace, though not without excitement, some spice, and a lot of intrigue to keep you turning those pages! I really liked getting to muddle around in the world and really sink into it.

This series and the way it really plays with the idea of "What IS a monster?" is so good I can barely stand it. It flips you upside-down and right-side up, and you start to wonder who is really the villain in all of this. In particular, it really had me second-guessing what I thought I knew about Caiden, and I am not even a little mad about it.

This ends in another cliffhanger (ha!), and I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!

Thank you, Alexis, for the advanced copy. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is 100% my own.

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐦‍⬛I don't intend to leave any of the Pendralian empire standing when I'm finished.🐦‍⬛

When I say this is a series you don't want to sleep on, I really and truly mean it. Lace & Poison is the second book in the Vow of Death series by Alexis Calder and has quickly become one of my favorite series this year! A dark romantasy filled with forced marriage, an fmc chosen by death, forbidden love and the ever popular touch her and die! 🤌

I love that we get to spend more time with some of the ladies in this one and I'm hoping these newly strengthened bonds are true and don't come back to bite us in the ass later 🫠 I'm also super glad we got a little more action with the fmc's powers and started working on those! Who doesn't love a touch of shadows and necromancy?! And oh my gods?! The HUGE discoveries we have, not only half way through but also the ones at the end?! I am still reeling from the first one and then the others grabbed me by the throat and hurled me into orbit! I will now me counting down the days until we get the news about book three because I got a few answers here but I left with twice as many questions!! 🔥

[Bari Mariani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocked, speechless, jaw on the floor and staring at the wall- that’s how I feel finishing this book!

Saddle up and hold on because you are in for one WILD ride. Even more than book one, lace and poison is filled with secrets, betrayals, more magic, more tension and EVEN MORE questions.

There is so much going on and so much the characters are trying to uncover that I felt the romance took a bit of a back seat this time but it did not ruin the story at all! The scenes and moments Alexis did give us were perfect. And dare I say I even softened a smidge for our Emperor Caiden.

Nothing is what is what it seems and EVERYTHING is about to change! And I can honestly say I have no clue how this series is going to end. But one things for sure … I’m here for it!

Book 1 is still my favorite of the series so far. This fell just short of 5 stars just for overwhelming it was! There were several times though out the book where I found myself rereading to try to grasp what was going on. Will I finish you series- OF COURSE I WILL !

[Nemo Adorkable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was going to be extremely difficult to top the first book in this series, but Alexis Calder does it flawlessly.

This story is one where you think you know a little bit of what’s going on, but in the end (on the very last few pages) you realize that you were stumbling around in the dark the entire time. It’s such a wild ride, and much like the first in the series, I loved every second of it.

The character development in this book is so juicy. Taylan/Sabina, Brevan, and Caiden are not the same characters we met in Silk & Iron. Throughout Lace & Poison we slowly learn more and more about them, and the multiple POVs help us as readers get a feel for how the characters see each other and their situations as well.

Lace & Poison builds off of the world of Silk & Iron beautifully. It’s an incredible follow up to a novel I couldn’t get enough of, and I cannot wait for the third book.

[Unsavory Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhm

So this is book 2 and we start off with a wedding.

I described book 1 as love triangle between duty and lust. That fully fits book 1 (Silk and Iron).

Book 2 is both men suck. One is ok. The other one is ok. Both men suck.

The choices our FMC have made are both simplistic in the sense that she does what’s necessary and what’s expected and overly complicated due to the circumstances thrust upon because of the games Gods play.

Told from multiple point of views the plot of court and Gods is seen but not fully understood. I’m still trying to figure out roles and who is truly the villain.

Did I love this book? Absolutely I read it in a day and am now more invested than ever in Taylan’s (FMC) fate and future choices.

Do I know what guy to like? No. This is more confusing than which boy band I was supposed to like the most when I was a teenager.

[Jenna Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

This series just keeps getting better.

The betrayals, the mystery, political intrigue, and impossible choices had me completely hooked from beginning to end. Watching Taylan navigate a marriage to Caiden while still grappling with her feelings for Brevan absolutely destroyed my heart…but god was it so addictive!

The tension was chefs kiss, the stakes felt higher than ever, and Taylan’s growth in her power she carries was so satisfying. Every secret revealed left me desperate for more, and the chemistry between her and Brevan had me holding my breath for what felt like eternity 😮‍💨

This was an emotionally damaging, captivating, and action-packed story that will leave me counting down the days until the next book. And that jaw dropping cliffhanger?! I need answers…and most of all, I need more Brevan ❤️🔥🖤

[Jeannie Storm Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whhaaat?!?!!? I cant say too much without giving anything away but absolutely yes!! And what?!?! Im so torn! Caiden or Brevan?!?! I cant believe how this ended like i knew nothing the whole time and made me practically change my mind completely! What a whirlwind! I will save final judgements of the mmcs when this is ultimately ends. The intensity and excitement of this book is top notch! I flew through this with such speed to find out more clues. More tidbits to what was going on. I love how it slowly revealed more and more pieces up until the very end. The yearning was torturous and the spice was blazing! Loved the moments she had with the emperor that showed his softer side. It was very interesting watching her uncover more and more of her magic and what she can do! And there's a dragon? Magnificent! Go read this you wont regret it for one second!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was so excited to jump into this one after Silk & Iron! After finishing... I genuinely don't know what to think. Did I switch sides? Am I completely deranged? Am I supposed to be feeling this conflicted? 😂 At this point, I need book three to tell me what to think. 😩

After being forced to marry Emperor Caiden, Sabina is determined to continue her mission to bring down the empire. The problem? She's hopelessly in love with Brevan, the Enforcer, and the two keep trying (and failing) to stay away from each other.

Meanwhile... Caiden had me questioning everything. 😵‍💫 He's clearly set up as the villain, but then he drops these little comments that completely messed with my head. Is he actually evil? I honestly don't know anymore.

Sabina spends much of this book torn between her duty and her heart while also learning more about her powers and uncovering pieces of her destiny. There were several plot twists I never saw coming, and by the end I had way more questions than answers!

Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book three because I need to know who I'm actually supposed to be rooting for. 😅

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜Arc review 💜

Words cannot describe how freaking awesome this book is.

Ugh! Book two starts off right where one ended and holy moly hang on for one heck of a mind blowing! 🤯

Having grown up responsibilities is just horrible when you have a book this good waiting to be read! I will say my trust issues are so confused right now. Talk about not knowing who to trust.

I realize I’m talking in circles and not really writing anything about book two. Let’s just say this one is a page turner that keeps you not only on the edge of your seat but also wishing you had the inside scoop with the author herself.

The secrets just keep getting bigger, the magic is just getting started, and so much gets unpacked at the end I need the next book NOW!

This is a top read for me this year! Definitely recommend! 🖤