Twisted Promises

Messina Crime Family #3

by Lilian Harris

I hate everything about him. I hate his smile. I hate his laugh, and most of all, I hate how he makes me feel—so completely alive with every forbidden kiss.

Gio is the son of the Italian Mafia and I’m an Irish Mob princess. An assassin who swore her life to the cause.
We were never meant to find each other.

But one night changed everything. I was about to end his life, while he was about to end mine.

Instead, we found ourselves in bed hashing out a lot more than our differences.

I disappeared after that. I couldn’t let him get close. I couldn’t let him figure out my secrets.

But he found me and refuses to let me go, reminding me why I crave him.

The only problem is, he’s set to marry my sister.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Crime, Forbidden Romance

478 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2023

About the author

Hi! I'm only on Goodreads on occassion. You may find me on my website www.LilianHarris.com

Or, connect with me through social media.

Thanks!

MAILING LIST: https://lilianharrisauthor.myflodesk....
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AMAZON:
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FACEBOOK: facebook.com/LilianHarrisBooks/
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/lilianharrisauthor/
WEBSITE: lilianharris.com
EMAIL: LilianHarrisAuthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ღ I don’t want to give you too much Details. About Iseult & Gio……. But I can share with you this much

ღ Rafae Seems to have started a war with the Irish mob, and guess who has to fix his brother’s wrongs

So, as you can figure out this is one of those Arrange marriage books….. And what a mix these two are …. We have Italian Mafia playboy and Irish Mob enforcer


Something about these Messina’s men that do all kind of crazy things to me….. each book seems to get better and better….. And each one sexier in their own way then the last one



Omg how I just love strong women, she is the first female enforcer in the Irish Mob, but also the first female instructor at Caellach Academy that is underground assassin school

We’re different, she and I. I’m loud, where she’s quiet. I’m hard, where she’s soft. She can talk anyone out of doing anything with her gentle way, while I’d beat them into submission. Two different people, but close as ever. I’d kill for her without any hesitation.

Lord have mercy, besides finally finding out Iseult backstory, there was so much going on in this book…… there was few twists and turns Along the way. But Holy Smokes that ending was beyond. … it was just beyond What I had expected?....... let me just say that thankfully I put this book on the back burner for hot second, cuz I really don’t think I could wait that long for the next installment in this series… I must mention the fact that this is a very Cruel. author who will give you such great glimpse of the next book and then make you wait months for the next book

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC Review)

''I find broken things beautiful''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Loss of loved ones
- Torture
- Violence/d*ath
- PTSD/Trauma
- Mention of human trafficking
- HEA

I am sure that this book was made for everyone that enjoys angst to the max.

Iseult and Gio were teased previously, and we were left with so many questions and mystery surrounding these two. We got a good amount of backstory for how they met and how they ended up with the complicated setup at the present moment.

I really liked how Iseult was such a badass and took her past (despite her struggles with it) and built her strength from it as well. Gio was absolutely in love with her feisty personality and loved the threats she threw at him. It was like foreplay for these two!

We are left with a few mysteries in the beginning of this book:
1) What happened to Gio's good friend?
2) What happened to Iseult when she was 17?

I had my theories about Gio's friend - but the nice little twist at the end of the perpetrator was fun.
Iseult's backstory was given to us in pieces but finding out all about it was intense, I could feel her pain over and over again whenever she truly felt lost, and the trauma took over.

I did not see the traitor aspect coming, I was SHOCKED. It was truly shocking how it happened. I never got a weird feeling or suspicious which shows how well it was built upon and how well I was tricked.

Gio was the real force behind the two of them staying together, he basically spends almost all of the book convincing her to give them a chance, to allow him in. I loved his commitment to her and how he truly didn't think of a life that didn't include Iseult. Her fears/hesitations were consistent, and I didn't blame her, it had nothing to do with Gio himself but everything in general.

Their chemistry was off the charts and the tension was really well done. I do wish Iseult could have given Gio a better chance in the beginning but again I understood her hesitation.

Let's not even discuss the ending of this book, what the hell was that??? Lilian gives us a glimpse for a future book that won't be out for quite some time but I am super excited for it! Though I will say that Fernanda is one secret keeper, you would think she would have learned to not keep secrets again but here we are.

We also got a glimpse of the next book that will be out in September!

I’ll say that I feel like there are a few characters in this book who could easily get books of their own (outside of the ones already planned) and I am hoping it happens one day!

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

One year prior, at a charity auction, Gio Marino spots Iseult Quinn who, unbeknownst to him, is on a covert assignment as an enforcer in the Irish mafia.

When Gio sees her being hauled away, he instinctively shifts into protector mode. The aggression quickly becomes heated and they share an intensely passionate night.

The next time they cross paths, much has changed and there are many obstacles to overcome before they find their HEA.

I loved the push and pull they had along with the unique storyline. Combine that with Izzy’s badassery and Gio’s relentless pursuit, Twisted is easily my favorite of the series. It’s honestly just gotten better with each installment!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤨🥵🥺😳😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance

✨ Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Family Saga, Forbidden, Grumpy/Sunshine, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, MINE!, One Night Stand, OTT Jealous/Possessive, Reformed Player, Who Hurt You

💋 Kinks: Bondage/Restraints, Dirty Talk, Domination, Finger Licking Good, Toys

⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.

🚩 Safety Squad: Loss of Parent (Past), UnaIiving, VioIençe, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Twisted Promises is part of of the Messina Crime Family series, but can be read as a standalone. The couple gets their HEA/HFN and no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, but reading prior books will enhance the experience.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

MCs:
- Gio, 28/29
- Iseuth/Izzy, 26/27

Book info:
- Organized crime (Italian/Irish)
- Violence
- Kidnapping
- Death of loved one
- No cheating, 3rd act breakup
- Forbidden
- Non-virgin MCs
- Celibate MCs (during 1 yr separation)
- Second-chance (1 yr separation)
- HEA

Notes:
- Gio's brother agreed to an arranged marriage for him, and he didn't want to do it. He was caught off guard when they went to Izzy's house.
- His fiancee is Izzy's sister, but they both want nothing to do with each other.
- There were some jealousy scenes because men kept flirting with Izzy
- What I loved the most. They were both sexually active people, but after they met a year ago, they remained celibate and didn't look at anyone else.




Another book that surprised me and made me swoon over a reformed hoe. I try to avoid books with mmcs like this, but damn Gio for making it so impossible not to fall for his charm. Honestly, he's way too good for Izzy, and the never-ending patience of this man was so admirable. Had it not been for him chasing her all throughout this book, I don't think anything would have happened to them. He's OTT sweet, caring, thoughtful, loving, jealous, possessive, and, on top of that, protective. He knew she was the one for him, and didn't let anything or anyone stop him from having her.

Izzy was something, but I think she's a bad something. God, this woman tested my patience, and I almost lost it not just once but multiple times while reading her POV. She doesn't deserve Gio, in my opinion, and I feel like she won the lottery by having him in her life. This woman had no qualms about running away and shutting him out all the time. She's always done the push-pull treatment, saying they shouldn't happen or she's way too broken and that Gio deserves someone better, with which I honestly agree. I did get where she was coming from, but, maaan, she exhausts me most of the time.

Her hot and cold with Gio was grating on my nerves. Each time she pushed him away, I wanted to get inside the book and shake her for being stubborn. Also, that act she pulled at the end was so freaking stupid. She has a martyr complex and is way too prideful to ask for any help; she would rather put herself in danger than tell those who care about her what's happening in her life. And annoying FMCs were always a no-no for me.

Also, it took her quite a while to admit her feelings to him. While Gio has been all in, she has always been one foot in and one foot out. She also said those three words at around 91% of the story, and Idk, I think that it was way too late—better late than never, I guess. 🤷‍♀️

Overall, this was fun, swoony, hot, and heartwarming ONLY BECAUSE OF GIO! He carried this book, and I may be biased, but I really dislike Izzy, and I didn't warm up to her personality.

Anyway, if readers want some crazy obsessed and in love mmc, they should go for this.

[nat. ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nadie está más sorprendido de que le de 4 estrellas que yo ¿pero sabes qué? Me dio todo lo que necesitaba y 𝐬𝐢 𝐦𝐢 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐚 𝐧𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐣𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐨 (𝐬𝐢, 𝐚𝐬𝐢́ 𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐨), él es el tipo de interés amoroso que me gusta, yo lo AMO, de verdad, él estaba tan enamorado de Iseult, nunca dudó ni negó sus sentimientos, su único defecto es estar tan obsesionado con ella 😫. Aunque el libro se volvió un poco repetitivo en el medio con Iseult negando sus sentimientos por Gio pero eh, solo porque ELLA no fue la que le rogó a ÉL (como fue la situación del libro anterior, ew) lo dejare pasar.

Isa también me gustó como protagonista, fue como ver a una variante de Rose Calloway pero en la mafia, ¿sabes? En términos de carácter, por lo menos y en la dinámica que Coballoway tiene, lo único que no me gusta es que sé que a Iseult no le gustaría Taylor Swift (esto define personalidades, amigos) pero bueno, por lo menos sabemos que Gio cantaría sus canciones a todo pulmón con su sobrina!!

Y bueno ¿qué pasó con ese final? Un poco a lo rápidos y furiosos con el plot twist pero puntos extra porque estoy intrigada.

Acá algunas frases:
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞. 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞, 𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦’𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞.
𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈’𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.”

“𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬.”

“𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲—𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”

[nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. This was so good. 10/10 would recommend, no doubt. The fact that Gio referred to Iseult as his future wife and was smitten with her since day one??? SWOON. Also, just an fyi...the H was engaged to the h's sister but both of them didn't want it and hadn't even seen each other when their marriage had been arranged by their respective heads of the family. The H and h met a year ago, prior to this happening. Just wanted to clarify since I usually hate the whole "i-was-supposed-to-marry-your-sister-first-but-ended-up-marrying-you" trope. But in this case, Gio wasn't even aware that this was gonna happen and when he found out, he flat out refused and told his brother that he was hell bent on making Iseult his wife right from the beginning. A completely safe read for me and worth the 5 stars because I DEVOURED this baby😮‍💨

P.S. Is it possible to highlight an entire book? Because every single word that came outta Gio's mouth made me want to spread my legs for him and ask him to ruin my life. He really is a man written by a woman😭🤚🏻

[isy · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book took me eight days to get through.
EIGHT LONNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG ASS DAYS.

There was so much going on but also nothing at the same time?? The plot was predictable. The things that were going on seemed to get solved in like .5 seconds and other stuff that was happening just randomly stopped?
Also, the amount of SIDE CHARACTERS in this books. Omfg. I could not keep up. And then there is a side character who popped up for 2 seconds and all of a sudden is the next book in this series?? What? There were other characters and couples who had way more crumbs and that the book made seem like they were going to be next but nope. This random ass couple who I think was in one convo if that is.

And this bitch. The FMC? ANNOYING AS HELL. Jesus Christ this girl was insufferable. Man was obsessed from the beginning (wasn't done right imo, too insta lovely. insta obsession has to be done just right and this was... not) and this whole 400+ page book was basically the same conversation/situation over and over again.
Him: "be my wife"
Her: "no, I won't be a good one"
Him: "be with me. I know you want to"
Her: "no, I can't love you im too damaged'
Just these same lines^ different ways every other chapter.
So boring.
And like I get it, she was tortured blah fucking blah. She had no other reason that she couldn't love?? I was just confused on how she would be a bad wife, mother, and lover all because of the torture sesh she went through. Made like no sense especially since it was 10+ years ago...

Note to self: STOP PICKING UP BOOKS AFTER READING A SINGLE LINE FROM A TIKTOK 😃

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread with audio! Great performances that elevate the thrilling story!

Wow! That was quite the twist!

I was on the edge of my seat with these characters. I knew some of what had to be going on from previous books but seeing it all from their perspectives was wild. I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend.

I knew I was gonna love this couple and they did not disappoint me. I'm glad I waited a bit to dive into this one because now I can jump right into the last book.

Gio and Iseult are an epic love. Definitely a couple you need on your Mafia tbr!

4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale

CW: depictions of torture, loss of a parent, ptsd, murder

[Milica's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored these two from the first moment. They are perfect for each other. They are my favorite couple in this series.

[bhavna :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

gods the beginning, the way they met, their banter, their romantic moments, the mystery surrounding iseult's past and bryce's murder was intriguing too.

SHE IS AN ENFORCER FOR THE IRISH MOB AND HE IS IN MESSINA CRIME FAMILY. TWO ENEMIES. HE IS SUPPOSED TO MARRY HER SISTER. WILL THEY OVERCOME THE ADVERSARIES AND FALL IN LOVE?

(SPOILER)

just something to make you swoon-
"Just so you know, husband, I always sleep with a knife under my pillow.” -Iseult
“That’s okay, my little bambina, because I sleep with a gun under mine.” -Gio

the tension between them, their sexual chemistry, the elevator scene(s) (yes there are 2), the dining table scene at the marino's house, everything was so hot.

love the way iseult told gio to call her whenever he reaches home as to verify he's safe or not, and to think gio wouldn't fall in love with her, it's the small gestures really that makes a person loveable, also not him tattooing the bite mark given by iseult, the way they care for each other, the way they love each other with such intensity, so lovely.

(SPOILER)

if adriel is raph's twin brother, then michael and gio are his brothers as well, and his father is patrick hence iseult is his half sister, SO WHAT DOES THAT MAKE ISEULT AND GIO? HALF SIBLINGS?? AND THEY MARRIED STILL???? I DONT UNDERSTAND AAHHHHHH

"And with Gio, I know it’s okay to cry. Because being in love means being who you are, and I can be that way with him."
-Iseult

"You wouldn't be my Red, if you didn't threaten me once a day." -Giovanni

and would definitely LOVE to get to know about Hudson×Hadleigh, they're giving marriage in trouble and guy obsessed. AND THEY ARE COMING YESSIR, the book's name is SHATTERED SECRETS.
see my whole personality change when that book comes out, going to be feral.
""It’s whatever. We can’t all be perfect like you and Hudson.”
She releases a burdened sigh. “Believe me, we’re not.” I sit up straighter, concern filling my gaze. “Is everything okay?” “Yeah.” She waves off my concern. “Nothing we can’t handle.”"

ALSO ERIU AND DEVLIN, gimme them now too. gonna love love it too.
and TYNAN being adamant on not marrying saying being thrown into a volcano is better than that, i hope he finds a girl he desperately wishes to marry but can't cause of certain circumstances, it will be enjoyable then.
also KONSTANTIN, he should get someone his own caliber and one to banter with.
GOD I WOULD LOVE ALL OF IT, if lilian will be ready to give us their pairings 😏

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Irish & The Italians!

Giovanni MESSINA is swoon worthy. I fell in love with him and this story from the first few pages. He is the youngest brother being forced into a arranged marriage.

Life is made up of tiny camera flashes, but we’re too busy to ever look through the lens and grab hold of the present moments until it’s too late.

Iseult Quinn is one tough as nails woman. She’s snarky , an enforcer for her family.

“Falling in love with you would be the easiest thing in the world,” she confesses, jumpstarting my heart.

There story is twisted at times. The evil is is so bad that it will make you cringe.This author always brings you all the feels.

You’re kinda becoming my person, Giovanni Marino, so maybe you’re stuck with me too.”

Let me tell you that ending was shocking and crazy.

I really hope the next series is about the rest of the Irish Quinn’s brothers and sister.

[mimi brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one was so close to perfection.

the mmc was so obsessed and head over heels in love with the mmc and the mmc is such a prickly female badass.

this is one of my favourite tropes. i have such a fun reading this series. and i hoping to read the next one (which i am so fucking excited about??? i hadn't seen that twist coming holy shit)

[Alina Kravets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ця книга була ну дуже гарячою, і впринципі мені сподобалась. Але я я ставлю тверду 4, бо напевно не дуже люблю коли ггж, така сильна і їй ніхто не потрібен. Все ж таки знайдуться люди яким вона до душі, я впевнена.😏

Історія продовжується, тепер ми знайомимся з молодшим братом з клану Мессіни. Джованні ( він же Джіо) і він зустрічає жінку в яку з першого погляду закохується. Вони знайомляться при дивних обставинах😅 Они обоє мають вбити людину яка їм заборгувала, і щоб вирішити хто це зробе, вони говорять кому він більше винен😂
І це видається дівчина, але їх пригоди не закінчуються, і він доводить її до оргазму, одразу видно що герої відчувають потяг один до одного. Але нажіль вони не знають жодної інформації про один одного, навіть імен.
І вона зникає , але Джіо не здається і шукає її, і ось йому щастить, все ж таки вони зустрічаються, коли вона йде до себе в квартиру, ой дажі сцена була така 🔥🔥🔥
Він її примкнув наручниками до деревяного ліжка, щоб вона звноу не втікла, і пішов в душ, а коли повернувся, побачив що деревянна рейка вирвана і ї немає на ліжку😂😂😂
Але у них все склалось добре, і вона знову зникає.
Рік він її не може знайти, і думки у нього лише про неї.
Для Джіо Майкл заключає шлюбну угоду, і коли вони їдуть знайомитись з нареченою, то як видумаєте хто являється сестрою нареченої😅
Так ми дізнаємось що головну героїню звати Ізольд, і вона в складі ірландської мафії.

Хімія між героями це щось🤌
Тому теж рекомендую🫶

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m not the kind of man who gives up easily. When I decide I want something, I go after it with full force.” His mouth feathers against my lips. “And unfortunately for you, I’ve decided I want you.”

I can't stress upon how good this book was because it was a delight to read! The banter between Gio & Iseult was top tier! They were an equal match and their fights were so amusing. These two together were a serve! If you're looking for a book with a FMC who is equally ruthless as the MMC, this book is for you because Iseult was badass! I was sucked into the story from the very first chapter and the plot was compelling. I can't get enough of this world and I'm so glad that more books are coming as I cannot wait to see what these characters have in store for them next!

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review

[Hailey Goshert · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy shit.

that’s it. that’s the review. 4.5⭐️

[anna. ׂׂૢ · Rating 5 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆´ˎ˗

﹌﹌﹌
5 stars!! My absolute favorite story in the entire series was this one. I definitely adored the ongoing sexual tension between these two.

Gio. The fact that he was so fixated on Iseult was indication that he was in love. He possessed sunshine, and that sunshine blossomed. Despite how frequently she had vanished, he did all for her and repeatedly found her. I need a Gio for myself.

My favorite was Iseult. That girl is fierce, and the fact that she won't think twice about killing or engaging in battle proves that she is the baddest. I find myself becoming fixated on her, and I am beginning to comprehend Gio's fixation with her. She is not only an arrogant person, but she also has a compassionate soul.

Overall, I was completely engrossed in this story from the beginning and am now fascinated with it, which is why I will be recommending it to you guys all the time.

* I was half asleep writing this!

﹌﹌﹌

[nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Twisted Promises is the best book from Lilian Harris, so far. I loved this book with my entire heart and soul. Lilian's writing, as always, was so fluid, cohesive and coherent. I devoured the book in one day. Gio and Iseult have my entire heart in their hands.

Iseult was so brilliant, so fierce, intelligent, I felt completely in love with her since the first page, since the first time she appeared in the book. And her chapters were my favourite one! That woman is my boss and she can do anything she wanted with me. I love her so much, so much!

Gio was amazing too, he is so amazing and everything I love in a male character. It was impossible not to falling in love with him. He is so intelligent and strong. He deserves the world, and that's the real truth!

Gio and Iseult relationship were so amazing since the beginning. All of their scenes were really good, I loved all of their interactions, all the time they were at the same room I was with a biggest smile on my face. They had so much chemistry, so much love for each other, that it was impossible not to falling in love with them.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta be honest, had to power through here. Not a fan of the forbidden trope, he's supposed to marry her sister and the quasi cheating.

Love a strong, independent female lead, but sometimes she was just too much yk. You can be independent or you can be plainly stupid. I mean, girl, take a second and think this through before make a dumb decision. Maybe I was just in a mood tho.

End was honestly kinda surprising and like the author said in an acknowledgement (I think?), the end just happened to publish more books. I kinda thought the Messina Crime Family was wrapped up after that - would have been too. I would rather read more about the Quinn's and the Irish mob but there will probably be books about them too.

All in all, okay read. Necessary, because I can't leave a series unfinished. But the other two were just better.

[Lesliesbooktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read of Lilian Harris... and I loved it! I would suggest reading the previous books in this series as I think I lost some backstory... I will definitely be reading the previous books soon!

♥️Mafia
🖤Forbidden
♥️Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤Secret ID
♥️Frienemies to Lovers
🖤Bantering
♥️He falls first
🖤Touch and 💀

This couple 😍 the chemistry 🔥

Iseult is a strong, brilliant l, independent women and I just love her snarky ways.

Gio was definitely the strength in their relationship, continuing reminding her they are perfect for each other.

And the ending.... shocking. I need more.

[Estefania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an underrated series that needs more attention. If you like mafia romances, with spice and a touch of mystery, this series is for you. "Twisted Promises" is my favorite book in the series by far 🥹Gio and Iseult captivated me from the beginning, but especially her for her character and her way of showing and defending herself (we love a strong, powerful FMC 🥰) I love how obsessed Gio was with her and how willing he was to do what was necessary to find her again. Their relationship was so chaotic but at the same time so unbreakable and unique in the best way💘

[rj]

DNF 73%

At first I had dnf’d early on due to the H being a gross manwhore but I went back since reviews were raving on about him. Besides that icky part he was pretty awesome. Devoted to h immediately and loved how he was calling h his future wife right away lol

But now quitting due to the h being soooo insufferable!! She is just constantly pushing H away and trying to block him at every turn and it’s just too much.

[ForeverreadinG · Rating 1 out of 5]

The female lead was insufferable and so annoyingly stubborn to the point it wasn’t that cute 💀

The last 20% was a mess. I just wanted to finish it.

[**Tessa** (semi hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 54%

SUPER unpopular opinion

First of all I don’t know where this supposed connection between the H and h is from. It’s all about sex with them. Always. I only saw sexual chemistry between them and nothing more personally.

Second, he was so obsessed and only wanted her but agreed to an arranged marriage to her sister. He didn’t know it was her sister until he came to meet her. But still. WHY TF is he planning to marry someone else if he loves her? For ANY reason?? And while agreeing to this he’s still searching for her. Fuck the alliances if he loved her he wouldn’t marry anyone else for any reason. Plus at the beginning of the book he says he will never get married he thinks it stupid. What was the plan? Make h his mistress when he found her?? I saw some reviews saying he was blindsided by the arranged marriage but he must be one hell of an actor because he didn’t appear blindsided AT ALL when he met the sister. Him and sister have no desire to marry each other. Also, he said he was going to get out of the arrangement with sister and marry h instead but up to the point I DNF he had made no effort to do so.

Third, manwhore. No we don’t see it we just hear about it. They are both celibate during the one year separation. But I’m so over manwhores. SO OVER THEM. His reputation is so bad that her whole family is worried he will cheat on her sister once they marry. I assume he will get out of the marriage to the sister and marry the h. But…

Fourth, the h was so overboard being a martyr. Like way overboard. I get it shitty things happened to her. We don’t know what yet at this point. She’s had trauma. But ffs get help or shut tf up. Her push and pull is so bad it made my head spin. If it weren’t for those things I woulda liked her.


Whenever they are together it’s always about something sexual or sex. That isn’t love. Let’s be honest he is obsessed with her bc she is beautiful and that’s it

The only thing I liked was him nicknaming her Red. No matter how many redheaded heroines I read I still love it when they call her Red. As a redhead who gets called red all the time it’s awesome 🤣

Anyway, I didn’t believe they loved each other and didn’t care what happened to them. So I’m out. 2 stars because the writing was really good.

[Camii · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Eres una reina que no se da cuenta de que está bien que alguien más sostenga su corona de vez en cuando"

Tenía muchísimas ganas de leer la historia de Iseult y Gio porque siempre leí de ellos en otros libros¡Y ESTOY ENAMORADA!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Iseult y Gio son los asesinos de sus familias mafiosas y se conocen cuando una noche coinciden teniendo que matar al mismo hombre y la atracción es tan grande que terminan teniendo una aventura, Iseult después de esto desaparece porque no cree en el amor pero Gio juro casarse con la mujer que lo atrapo y hará todo para tenerla.

¿Entienden que el es el prometido de su hermana y que no pueden estar juntos pero igual lo hacen y tienen el MEJOR AMOR PROHIBIDO DE LA HISTORIA?, Me encanto todo de ellos.

Iseult es una mujer muy fuerte que nunca necesito la ayuda de nadie y lo demostró desde el primer momento pero en el fondo siempre escondió sus sentimientos porque después de una experiencia horrible que tuvo en su adolescencia quedo con muchas heridas tanto físicas como psicológicas así que su escudo era "no creer en el amor" y detrás de esa mujer fuerte había alguien que quería ser amada y protegida, cosa que Gio pudo ver y decidió ser ese hombre para ella.

Gio es todo lo que esta bien 😭♥️, el tenía el contraste perfecto entre obsesivo y posesivo pero a la vez muy amoroso con Iseult y algo que me encanto es que el sea el mas demostrativo en su relación y que realmente se esforzará por ganarse el amor y confianza de Iseult diciéndole todo el tiempo, lo orgulloso que estaba y sobre todo la admiración que sentía por todo lo que ella hacía. Y la confianza que tenía con ella nunca la vió como el enemigo si no como su igual en TODO.

El libro me sorprendió hasta el final porque esos giros NO LOS ESPERABA WTF 🧍🏻‍♀️, quede en shock jaja . El final que es todo lo que esta bien ♥️

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retrocedemos en el tiempo de esta serie para esta tercera entrega, por lo que al principio del libro no ha ocurrido nada de lo que pasa en los libros anteriores. Esto es necesario para conocer qué es lo que pasó entre Gio e Iseult y que tanto nos había intrigado.

Desde luego que me ha convencido ese pasado entre ellos, era lo que esperaba y más. Pero además nos permite conocer mejor a los Quinn, algo imprescindible en esta historia.

Pero conocer a Gio es lo mejor del libro. Gio es mucho más de lo que esperaba, se transforma completamente conforme avanzan las páginas y se convierte en un hombre que no tiene miedo de decir y demostrar lo que siente, es un hombre que no tiene problemas en afirmar que la vida sin ella ya no tiene sentido y bien vale la pena morir.

Iseult es un personaje que arrastra mucho bagaje y eso hace que tenga comportamientos contradictorios y que, a veces, le cueste avanzar. Es una guerrera que le va a dar batalla a Gio, aunque a mi a veces me ha sabido mal por él.

Hablemos ahora de ese final... ¿de dónde sale eso? madre mía en tan pocas páginas cuántas cosas pasan. Se reactiva la acción de otra serie conectada y nos inicia la trama del próximo libro. Si no vas a continuar la lectura, tendrás tu cierre, pero si quieres seguir, aquí hay mucho más. Yo sigo.

[Jesi Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ebook review*
First of all, Iseult was a queen. SLAY QUEEN. I loved her so much. Her personality. Her charisma. Her sarcasm. It was all perfect.
And Gio.... oh my God *falls to the floor*

Their banter was so amazing. I loved them from the very beginning. The way she runs from him and he chases after her had me kicking my legs in the air. Their chemistry is through the roof. She is definitely more grumpy than he is. He does have his moments of broodiness but is more the sunshine character in this book.

I---AH! I don't even know what to say. Everything was perfect!!! I can't wait for whatever else is in this universe. It's so good. I recommend this series so much.

*audio review*
Jason Clarke and Ramona Master did an excellent job at bringing Gio and Iseult to life! I always say, when i read the ebook and then get to listen to the audio, that its like reading it for the first time. I get to experience books in a different medium when I did a different one before. Twisted Promises was no different.

I hadn't though about this the time I read Twisted Promises but Gio and Isuelt proved the invisible string theory. She may have not been so happy to keep bumping into Gio but she cant deny that it was meant to be. Of course, it was never in their plans to come back into each other's lives as future bother and sister-in-law after sleeping with the other multiple times in the past year or so. Even though Isuelt is the oldest daughter, its not in the cards for her to be married. Gio will stop at nothing to her his wife instead.

❈•≫────≪•◦𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕◦•≫────≪•❈
• arranged marriage (to her sister)
• assassin fmc (mafia enforcer)
• man + woman obsessed
• ✨️the holy trinity of smvt: consent, degradation, and praise✨️
• broody but sunshiney mmc
• dark mafia romance
• enemies with benefits
• fordidden/secret romance
• forced proximity
• he falls first
• kinky: impact play, hand necklaces, 🐈 slaps
• mental health rep/triggers
• mutual pining
• one night stand
• reverse grumpy x sunshine

[shane. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I met Gio in Sinful Vows, I knew he’d be a favorite, and I was proven right. He is 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.

Although it is considered a standalone, I recommend reading the first two books before this one. As it gives more insight on how these two met before his marriage arrangement to her… sister. 👀

Now, about the main couple, Gio and Iseult… I‘ve loved Gio from the beginning, but Iseult? I fell in love with her. She is so fierce, intelligent, strong, a literal bad a$$. And learning about her past? Gods, my heart. As for Giovanni? Loyal, fierce, and will stop at nothing for those he loves. Their dynamic / chemistry was intense, passionate, and all consuming.

I won’t say much else other than this is my absolute favorite from this series. I loved every bit of their story. I definitely recommend.


*ARC for honest review.

[Paperback Princess]

DNF @50%

I absolutely loved the first two books but this one ..good lord the way I had to power through ..sigh!! This book felt like a rehash of the first two books. So I was already over the entire story. Plus I really wasn’t vibing with the main characters but I do like what I’ve read so far from this author so I’ll see what she’s got on her back list.

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My beautiful girl. There's nothing about you that could ever turn me off. You are art. It's a privilege to look at you.

This story follows Giovanni Marino (from the Messina Crime Family) and Iseult Quinn (Irish Mob) and it's my favorite so far! It not only starts as a murder mystery but it's full of angst with a Romeo/Juliet situation like romance. Except he's being forced to marry the younger sister. Even though the families hate each other. This is what the head mobsters think will stop the fighting and killing between the two crime families. BUT then there's more drama with Iseult's dad and Gio's mom. This book kept surprising me and the love between Gio and Red was amazing! So hot! I feel like they fell for each other at the same time but she was denying it and made him work for every little moment. She was definitely my favorite of all the women in the series. As well as Gio, which was unexpected. He was my least favorite brother until his book. He seemed very aloof and self centered, definitely a player that hated relationships and was never going to marry. The way he loves... sigh. He was so sure and that turned out to be the sexiest of all. His undeniable all consuming love. It did not waver once, even when she kept pushing him away and the whole murdered friend thing. Situations kept popping up and Red was devastated and expecting the worse and he would not for a minute doubt their love or her intentions. So yeah, I really liked these two together.

The back stabbing and plot twist in this one were epic. So much drama and so well done. Like okay, mafia book I see you. The amount of hidden children that come back to wreak havoc. Like what!?!?!? I was expecting this missing sibling because of the fourth book in the series, of course I looked ahead because I was curious but the way it was done! Wow.

Anyways, huge spoiler ahead do not click on this if you have not read it yet.

“Just tell us, Ma,” Michael boils. “What the hell is going on?!” “It was so long ago.” She swipes under her eyes. “I gave birth to two fraternal twins that day, but was only allowed to keep one.” “Why the hell is that?” Patrick’s face grows redder by the second. “You see, that boy… He had your eyes, Patrick.” She scowls, her face crumbling. “One look into them, and my mother knew. I knew. And so would Giancarlo.” She pauses to collect herself. “So my mother told me I had to give him up, or else our plan to make Gian believe the baby was his would backfire.” “So you just let her take our baby?!” “No! Of course not. I fought. I begged. But she threatened to take both of my babies. And I had just given birth, Pat. I was disoriented, bleeding, my heart aching. But she took him and told me he would go to a good home. Then she bundled him up and left with him. I never saw him again!”

LIKE WHAT?!?!? A fraternal twin that looked Irish!!! So Raphael could pass as Italian but NOT Adriel. Adriel looked Irish. Poor Fernanda, she was forced to marry that awful man, Giancarlo (head of Italian mob), who cheated and abused her throughout their marriage. She was also forced to give one of her twin boys away at birth because he looked Irish and was the living proof of her relationship with Patrick Quinn (head of Irish mob) who she loved. And now he's back but want's revenge.

*Other big Spoiler* But Kora (fake best friend to Iseult, also fake name. Real name Katarina) loves her dad Sergey Marinov, the evil man who tortured and burned Iseult and who did burn her mother alive in video to send to her husband for territory. Kora who lived a happy privileged life loves her dead beat dad who impregnated a prostitute and left her to die. OKAY! This makes sense. Make it make sense. Shouldn't Adriel be looking for family not hate his family, who knew nothing about him. Listen, I'm all for soap opera like themes but this is a bit much. LOL. I'm still here for it though. I'm scared to read the next book knowing what I know. But I also can't wait. It's weird okay.

This book was pretty great.

[Luna ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

»You're a queen who doesn't realize that it's okay for someone else to hold her crown sometimes.«

★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑰𝒔𝒆𝒖𝒍𝒕
She‘s a fighter. Really liked her confidence and the fact that she is a killer herself.

❥ 𝑮𝒊𝒐
He is a dark golden retriever. Gio is obsessed with Iseult and does everything for her.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Another great mafia romance in this series.
I really liked the writing style and world building. Everything is fluent and easy to understand.
Gio and Iseult are like fire and gasoline. Both are dangerous and attracted to each other. Their story has a lot of ups and downs and was entertaining to follow. I liked them together and the tension was chefs kiss.
Still this book is way too long (in my opinion) and it felt kinda repetitive.
Overall an enjoyable read.

𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, especially if you read the previous books in the series.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 3/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
possessive and protective hero, mafia, instant attraction, lies and secrets, forced proximity, he falls first and harder, morally dark hero, darkromance, traumatic past

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Iseult (27) and Gio in his late twenties
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Sinful Vows ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Cruel Lies ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Twisted Promises ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...