Ruthless Vows, the sequel to Divine Might, delivers an emotionally charged fantasy romance that will satisfy fans of the first book while potentially frustrating newcomers. Rebecca Ross crafts a world where magic flows through enchanted objects and war tears apart both kingdoms and relationships.

The story follows Iris and Roman, two journalists whose romantic reunion is complicated by their positions on opposite sides of a brewing conflict. Ross excels at creating intimate moments between her leads—their banter crackles with chemistry, and their emotional vulnerability feels genuine rather than manufactured.

The magical elements, particularly the sentient typewriters that serve as communication devices, add whimsical touches that distinguish this from standard fantasy fare. The author's prose is lyrical without being overwrought, and she handles the dual timeline structure with skill, weaving past and present seamlessly.

However, the book suffers from middle-book syndrome. The pacing drags in the second act as Ross sets up future plot points, and some political machinations feel underdeveloped compared to the romance. Readers seeking high-stakes fantasy adventure may find the focus on relationship drama limiting, while the war subplot occasionally feels like window dressing for the central love story.

Character development beyond the main couple is uneven—supporting characters like Attie show promise but lack sufficient page time to fully develop. This book is perfect for readers who loved Divine Might and are invested in Iris and Roman's relationship. Romance readers who enjoy fantasy settings and don't mind a slower burn will find much to appreciate. However, those seeking action-heavy fantasy or readers new to the series should start with the first book. The ending provides satisfying emotional payoffs while clearly setting up the next installment, making this a solid if not spectacular continuation of Ross's series.