Velvet Chains

by Lillie Alexander

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥.

𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚

Dancing keeps me from falling apart, a desperate escape from my family’s abuse and the loss that tore my heart out. I pinned all my hopes on ballet being my ticket to freedom, only to be forced into a marriage with a man straight out of nightmares.
There’s no hope, no escape, only darkness.
Until I meet him. The mysterious man next door.

𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫

I take lives as easily as I save them, wielding my scalpel with bloody precision. My life has no room for distractions, but my neighbour proves to be just that.
My beautiful obsession.
She’s trapped in her husband’s cruel grip, but his darkness is nothing compared to mine. My monster is bigger, and it’s ready to set her free.

𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 is a dark Age Gap, Arranged Marriage and Forbidden Love Romance.

Genres: Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Dark Romance Author writing about fated mates, forbidden love, angst and healing journeys.

Reviews

[Just A Girl In Bookworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shall start off by saying, Thank You to Lillie for allowing me the chance to be an ARC for your book. I am always honoured.

Secondly, I highly recommend that you read the trigger warnings! As this is a Dark Romance, with a serial unaliver, graphic unaliving scenes, DV & Grape.

This book is one hell of an emotional roller-coaster. The drama & angst can hit a little too close to home for some, but it’s the ugly world that some people unfortunately live in. Knowing this fact makes it a hard read at times. But there are happy moments, some very spicy moments & a very happy ever after, which makes up for the hell in which both the MFC & MMC have suffered.

I felt so sorry for the FMC. I just wanted her to be strong & walk away from the life she was living. She is presented with an option which she could have used to her advantage, (I can't say what, as I don't want to spoil it) but she doesn't & she's made to suffer & just when you think she does find a way out, she’s thrown into a new hell, a much worse one. There were so many times throughout the book I wanted to shake some sense into her. I truly believe she had ways to get out of both the family home & the relationship, but she allowed fear to hold her back, but she does eventually find the courage & figure it out & grow a backbone. Which had me fist-pumping the air shouting “atta a girl”.

I loved the MMC, as much as he wanted her, he stayed away, he didn’t push, he didn’t get involved until it was absolutely necessary. Even though he’s absolutely obsessed about her and even gets possessive over her, he never takes it too far, or pushes. He gives her the world she very much deserves.

This was a fantastic, fast-paced, but sad read.

Spice Level 🌶️🌶️

[Tashii Sainsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velvet Chains by @lilliealexanderauthor

Omg this book!!!! 🤯🥲🤬🖤

This book had me through every single emotion you can think of! And one point I wanted to cry then the next to throw my kindle out the window in anger 🙈.

The storyline to this book is very touching and emotional and the way @lilliealexanderauthor portrayed this is amazing!! This has to be my favourite book so far!

Izzy is such a sweetheart and she deserves the world and more!

The ending!! Omg I had tears! All I have to say is @lilliealexanderauthor how! Since when! 🤣🤣

This book does have Trigger Warnings so please read them first incase they aren’t for you but I would 10000% recommend this book to anyone!!

So does Izzy get the life she deserves? To find out head over to Amazon and preorder your copy TODAY! Release day 14th September!

Also @lilliealexanderauthor you have nothing to worry about you SMASHED this book!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤

𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 is a dark Age Gap, Arranged Marriage and Forbidden Love Romance with trigger warnings.

[Ellie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Lillie for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team. I saw this on Tiktok & knew I would want to read this story and support her new release & WOW. What an emotional ride that was.This book had me feeling all sorts! It was such a quick pace book that I couldn’t put down & read it all in one go!

‘𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥.’

Please read the TW’s! This book has heavy subjects & may be difficult for others to read.

TROPES
❤️Arranged married
🖤Age gap
❤️Stalking
🖤Forced proximity
❤️Serial unaliver
🖤Dark elements/trauma - please read the TW’s.

I fell in love with our FMC. I just wanted to reach out & grab her & shake her sometimes. There were several characters in this book who made me angry & it made me want to rip my hair out at several moments! This is why it was such an emotional rollercoaster. There are so many things I want to say & go into but I don’t want to give any spoilers.

The things he did for her.. my whole heart melted. Our FMC deserves the world & I really hope she finds her peace🩷

I loved this so much & would highly recommend this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lille Alexander is a new-to-me author, I enjoyed the book, likeable characters and a good storyline.






*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review 3stars.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lillie and Zoe for allowing me in the team and for the chance to read this ARC. This review is only my honest opinion on this book.

Firstly, read the trigger warnings ⚠️ this is a dark romance, with a serial deleter, domestic violence and 🍇 to name a few.

I simply cannot express how much this story got a hold of me by my throat (tongue in cheek) and pulled me in 🥵 the angst this storyline causes is something else, it won’t be for everyone, some may find it hits them in ways they don’t wish to explore and I won’t lie it brings forth hidden depths you don’t want it to, iykyk. For me it holds no punches, that’s not to say there were also some parts that made me scoff, some that made me smile, some that made me out right laugh but mostly it has the feels that keep you enthralled and reading. There are some spicy times too 🌶️.

IMO it is well written and very descriptive, some parts maybe a bit 🤮 but it all adds to the storyline and where the author leads us. For me it's one of those books that will live in my head rent free. It does have a HEA for the MCs. This is a stand-alone.

[bookishfrag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velvet Chains by Lillie Alexander is a powerful, emotionally charged romance that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Isabella’s journey is heart-wrenching, as she navigates life in a controlling, abusive household and marriage while chasing her dream of becoming a ballerina. Her character is so well-developed that you can’t help but feel every ounce of pain, fear, and hope she experiences. She’s resilient, strong, and determined to survive, even when life seems to constantly pull the rug from under her.

Alexander, the male lead, is everything you want in a dark romance hero—brooding, intense, and utterly devoted to Isabella. His obsession with her feels raw and palpable, yet his respect for her boundaries and patience in waiting for her to come to him make their dynamic all the more thrilling. The age gap adds another layer of tension and intrigue, but what truly stands out is how deep and complex their relationship grows as the story unfolds.

The emotional depth in this book is incredible. Lillie Alexander does an exceptional job of balancing the darker, more intense moments with scenes of love and hope. You feel every ounce of Isabella’s struggle, her heartbreak, and her ultimate triumph as she finds her way to happiness and love. The chemistry between her and Alexander is sizzling, and their romance is as tender as it is fiery. Isabella’s journey from a troubled past to finding a fierce, transformative love with Alexander is both intense and deeply moving. Their connection is electric, full of raw passion and genuine emotion. If you’re ready for a powerful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and tug at your heartstrings, this book is an absolute must-read.

Velvet Chains is a beautifully written tale of love, survival, and retribution, with characters you can’t help but root for. The rollercoaster of emotions, the perfectly paced plot, and the unforgettable love story make this book one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. An absolute must-read for lovers of dark, emotionally intense romance!

-bookishfrag

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book.  I love stories of characters that overcome all odds, and the way these two take matters into their own hands is inspiring.  The author’s note at the end of this book sent me reeling. 😭


This book is very heavy…VERY.  Do not underestimate the author’s information on this one before you read.  


There were so many moments I gleaned from reading this novel:::

🔪First of all, I will have zero issues being on the next episode of Snapped should I or any of my friends endure what this woman did.  


🖤Second, the story of our main characters is a good case for why you should always take the shot, even if it seems like the most inappropriate time to do so (assuming you are an individual who can respect whatever response you receive).  


💪🏻Lastly, no matter what life throws at you, we all have the ability to overcome and make life better for ourselves - if only we have the courage to do so.

[Dani 💚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you @lilliealexanderauthor for letting be apart of her ARC team.

Secondly, I highly recommend you check the trigger warnings before diving into the story! This is a dark romance with a serial unaliver, many graphic scenes, and topics that many other intense topics.

💭 This was on big emotional rollercoaster. There was drama, angst, spice but also hard and sad scenes that at some points I had to put the kindle down and just take a breather. But there was a HEA for out MC’s which they both deserved after all they had suffered.

Isabella is a sweet girl who didn’t deserve the cards she was dealt. At points I wanted to yell at her to just walk away but we know that fear can cause a person to stay in a home life or relationship and that’s exactly the way for Isabella. But boy, when she had the balls to stand up for herself, I clapped so hard!

Alexander, a serial unaliver, surgeon! He watched her from a far, no matter how much he wanted her. I liked how he took his time and didn’t push, even if he was a tad possessive.
After all they had both suffered, I’m happy they got their HEA.

[Sinfulbat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, I read the tropes and thought this was RIGHT up my alley. I devoured this book. I ate it up. Dark romance? Serial unaliver? YES PLEASE.

Absolutely smashed this out the ballpark. I can’t wait to read what you have up your sleeve next 🩷

[Zoe_isreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lillie has created such an intense read with Velvet Chains. You're instantly sucked into Isbella's life during one of the worst moments and her bad luck continues throughout. That is until she meets Xander, the handsome older surgeon who changes everything for her.

This book isn't an easy read at times, as Lillie doesn't sugarcoat anything and you feel the real pain of these characters.

A fantastic read, that I can't recommend enough.

[*L*]

DNF, I feel like I've read a different book to everyone else. The writing was quite immature, it didn't flow right and there were numerous inconsistencies at the beginning e.g slid down under the table in a huddle but was describing what was happening to people that are stood up.

The first part was really rushed and doesn't really build much or give the FMC much character tbh. Then the marriage was so drawn out, you don't even get to the MMC until around 35/40%.

It was incredibly slow and that first 40% is pure abuse, it is very very DV heavy. It didn't grip me, I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters and a lot of it just felt very fake. Things were dropped in like the step sister for shock value the rest of the behaviour was enough, it just made it feel like they were trying to drop it in for the gasps. I just couldn't carry on with it.

[Loves2 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to take a few days before I wrote this review.

First, let me say this was my first book by Lillie Alexander, but it won't be my last. Before we get to my full review, my ratings:

Story - 5 STARS
Spice - 4 STARS

This book was hard to read. The author does a great job of making you feel each character. Velvet Chains is the story of Isabella. Isabella has had a hard life and ends up in a less-than-great arranged marriage and then meets her soul mate. (all I can say without spoilers).

SPOILERS BELOW
SPOILERS BELOW
SPOILERS BELOW
SPOILERS BELOW






What I loved...
#1: Establishing who the FMC is Isabella is a young girl who is training to be a ballerina. We are introduced to her and the Love of her life Thomas. Thomas who is then ripped from her due to a motorcycle accident right before he was about to propose. She is left with no one but her friends Sophie (best friend) and Zoe. Her family life is chaotic at best. Her father beats her mother and her mother due to abuse is cold to her children. Although her oldest brother Ash tries to protect everyone from the dad the youngest brother Kieran is neurodivergent. All Isabella wants is for her parents to love her!

#2: Strong characters Outside of Isabella, I love how Lillie allows us to know Thomas in less than a couple of chapters. Also, the building of the characters Zach and Dr. Thorpe is SHEER PERFECTION. Eventually, you understand why each character is why they are.

#3: Rooting for morally grey characters The fact that I root for the morally grey character makes me smile and maybe question myself.

#4: Great lines Need I say more!

If you are good with the TW I would definitely recommend this book.

[Aprils _ Bookheaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is a Roller Coaster of emotions and I felt every emotion of the main characters.

Isabella has gone through so much in her life from family abuse then her heartbreaking loss. Dancing ( ballet) is her escape from the harsh reality of life and to let out her emotions. But her hopes and dreams are shattered when she was forced to marry a controlling and abusive man who became her nightmare and put her through hell. My heart hurts for her 🥹

Alexander is a trauma surgeon who saves lives but also a serial killer because he wanted to take revenge. He has a dark , traumatic past. He and Isabella are drawn to each other but tried to keep distance but when he knew about her suffering in her husband's hands he couldn't hold back and become her shadow and protector. He is obsessed with her and stalked her and she also felt safe with him

Both Isabella and Alexander are broken souls who found solace in each other's arms. She always craved to be loved and He thought nobody would love him due to his dark soul. Both have their own demons to conquer. They accepted every part of each other how they were - Broken , Jagged , Dark and Twisted with their vulnerabilities and insecurities and healed together.

Their Love story is so Beautiful , Emotionally Intense and the Spice and Intimate moments are So Hot between them. They fit perfectly together.

If you like Dark Romance, Age Gap, Forced Marriage, Forbidden Love with Obsessed and Serial killer MMC give this book a chance . You will love to read it .

*Please Check the Trigger Warning before reading.

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Velvet Chains” is an age gap romance and a story of survival. Both the main characters, Isabella and Alexander, have suffered loss and trauma and this book follows their journey of retribution and love. The first part of the book follows each of the characters but it’s as if there are two separate threads, running parallel before coming together for the second half of the book.
Their story is hard to read at times, being full of pain, coercive and controlling behaviour and fear. Isabella is the victim of several traumatic events and the author doesn’t shy away from writing about them so take heed of the trigger warnings if necessary. At times, I wish isabella had stood up for herself a bit more but she needed to do what she could to navigate through her early life and an awful marriage and still survive. The reader can really feel her desperation and heartache.
Alexander was always there, lurking in the background and is everything you’d want in a dark hero; intense and obsessive with stalkerish tendencies. Their chemistry is immediate, romantic and passionate and they help heal each other. Isabella becomes a stronger person and is able to finally find love with Alexander providing the emotional support she needs.
This book is an emotional read that will make your heart ache but also sing with the characters’ happy ever after.

Thank you for the early copy.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Lillie and this talented author blew me away with the emotions that she ripped out of me with this book. It's an emotional roller coaster that I wasn't expected and I loved every single word! ***Please check TWs because this does dive into some sensitive circumstances***

Isabella is a young woman who has a rough start in life, only for the punches to keep coming. My heart broke for this heroine so many times, but it rejoiced when she found her strength and her voice. I loved watching her blossom into the strong goddess she became.

Alexander is a man who is a perfect balance of good and dark. I was intrigued and put under his spell from his first appearance and I couldn't stop myself from falling for him a little more with each turn of the page. I loved how he didn't hold Isabella back, but helps her embrace her strength in his own way.

Lillie didn't hold back on the darkness within the pages of this deliciously dark story that's an addictive page turner for me. She blended the darkness with a dash of crazy, compassion, obsession, love, and suspense with mouth watering steam that balanced out perfectly making this out to be a one sit read that had me hooked from beginning to end. I love Isabella and Xander's story, their rough edges being polished to shine like a diamond by the end. This may have been my first read by this talented queen, but it definitely won't be my last.

[kirahreads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you so much Lillie for allowing me to be part of your arc team.

This one is an emotional rollercoaster. It wrecked me.

‘𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥, 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴.’

This one’s a tough read but so beautiful. Our FMC Isabella really goes through so much. From loss, forced termination, DV and so much more my heart was totally breaking for her. There were moments where I just wanted to shake her and other were I just wanted to cuddle her.

Then there’s Alexander who has been through so much trauma of his own. He’s split between being a serial unaliver on a hunt for vengeance and a trauma surgeon trying to save lives of victims. He’s such a deep character but is so loveable too.

The story to their HEA is a hard one. Full of pain, angst and trauma but the way they fall in love despite it all is honestly so beautiful. It’s definitely worth the tears.

Please read your trigger warnings going into this one. It’s tough and descriptive and your mental health is so important. If you’re prepared you won’t be disappointed with this book❤️

[Amanda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read the TW’s! This book has heavy subjects & may be difficult for others to read.

TROPES
❤️Arranged married
🖤Age gap
❤️Stalking
🖤Forced proximity
❤️Serial unaliver
🖤Dark elements/trauma - please read the TW’s.

This book is one hell of an emotional roller-coaster. The drama & angst there are happy moments, some very spicy moments & a very happy ever after, which makes up for the hell in which both the MFC & MMC have suffered.

I felt so sorry for the FMC. I just wanted her to be strong & walk away from the life she was living. when you think she does find a way out, she’s thrown into a new hell, a much worse one.

There were so many times throughout the book I wanted to shake some sense into her. I truly believe she had ways to get out of both the family home & the relationship, but she allowed fear to hold her back, but she does eventually find the courage & figure it out & grow a backbone.

I loved the MMC, as much as he wanted her, he stayed away, he didn’t push, he didn’t get involved until it was absolutely necessary. Even though he’s absolutely obsessed about her and even gets possessive over her, he never takes it too far, or pushes. He gives her the world she very much deserves.

[Maz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
3 🌶️
This book was very emotional and heartbreaking.
Isabella had grown up in a household where DV is visible. Her father is mean and horrible and is always putting her down too and emotional abuse. She was a good character but came across very weak. When she ends up getting married to a man she doesn't want to, she is stuck in her mother's story. Seeing what her mum went through I thought she would be stronger.
Alex is a surgeon and also has a secret activity he does. I won't say what it is.
This book had potential to be 5 star but I felt the story was too heavy on the repeat process of her DV life. She has a lot of inner fight and I did feel so sad for her. The 2 main characters don't even interact until upto 60% of the book. I did like that part of the book. Seeing how he gives her strength to be herself again and follow her dreams. Alex was good at protecting her and loving her.
When she finally flees her husband to save her life Alex is the one that helps her stay safe.
Her ex is unhinged and isn't going to let her go. Read and find out, how he finally finds her and what happens next.
Suspense, twist, unaliving, emotion and great spice.

[Stephanie Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely don’t know where to start… this is such a gripping, compelling, hard hitting, gut wrenching and heart pounding story, I’m not sure a written review does it justice. I want to bow down at your feet Lillie for breathing life into this and bringing it into the book world.

Before I try and do this masterpiece justice, it’s really important to note that there are so many triggers, whether they are touched upon or depicted in detail, that I urge you to check the warning list before diving in!

Now for the good stuff…
Oh Izzy… there are no words for what this girl has endured, it resonates so profoundly as there are so many women out there with similar stories. As for Alexander, my my my if he isn’t just giving all the morally grey, good guy with a dark side vibes I don’t know who does!
I absolutely love how their relationship and story unfolded, how they truly are kindred souls.

This book will pull you in, sucker punch you, slap you upside the head, wring you out and leave you staring at the stars like a love sick puppy.

[Helen Aitchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancer Isabella uses ballet as therapy — not only from her abusive home life where domestic abuse is part of the family, but also from her own tragic loss.
However, history and patterns repeat themselves as Isabella marries a man who exerts power, control, and violence on her.
Alexander, a doctor with a dark side who has also experienced loss and trauma. When the two meet, the chemistry is intense and the pair help each other heal from their experiences.

Told from multiple perspectives, I loved the fact the main characters stories were told before they met and I really enjoyed the quote at the start of each chapter.
The emotions run high in this book with details trauma. Hard to read but sadly, the experiences of many and I’m pleased the author writes about such disturbing and heart wrenching topics (and the book has trigger warnings).
You can’t help but feel the emotion as it’s described in character, dialogue, and scene setting. A powerful, emotional, spicy book that will stay with me.

Another brilliant book by Lillie Alexander. Highly recommended.

[Damaris Vazquez · Rating 1 out of 5]

ehh SPOILER ALERT!!!

My first book from her and my last. The story was good. Interesting, emotional. I enjoy the fmc to be a little of a bad a**. But Isabella was too weak, frustrating, and I couldn’t find just one good thing about her. Not one. She just wasn’t it. I disliked her from beginning to end!!! The forced marriage had me already like she is weak. But on her honeymoon and he cheats. She catches him and says NOTHING!!! Too weak! It just was down hill from there. I kept waiting for that moment where she was gonna pick herself up and be a bada**!! But it never happened she remained weak. To read her inner thoughts was even worse. I tried because I read all the good reviews but it’s definitely a no for me! If you into reading abusive stories with a weak fmc that doesn’t do anything. This is definitely the book for you. But if you looking for a bada** fmc that’s strong and fights for herself and her life. Don’t read this because Isabella definitely isn’t it.

[Michaella Dieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶
Darkness Level: 💀💀

⚠️ Domestic vìölənce, hospital stays, ðëäth, můŕdĕr, tőrtùre, child åbüsə, forced marriage, cheating, ŕąpë

🚫 Please remember darkness levels are subjective. See the author's content warning for a more detailed list.

Velvet Chains is my favourite book by Lillie Alexander! Isabella's story was just so heartbreaking in so many ways with what she had to go through and endure. I love how she found herself and took back her power.

And Alexander? Phew! I loved his commitment to her, his desire to protect her, and how much he loved her.

Although there are a lot of heavy themes in this book, the overall message of hope, love, and overcoming adversity prevails, ending in a happily ever after that left me satisfied and even a bit teary-eyed.

Congrats, Lillie, on an awesome release!

[Gemma Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

love getting my hands on an author that I have never came across before and she draws me in from the start. So ets start with this is a dark romance so read those TWs.
Lillie Alexander has such a way of telling us a story as well as bringing us on a journey as well as encasing us on an emotionally rollercoaster ride, trust me you will go from crying to anger in such a short space of time. This author knows how to draw you in and keep you on the edge, and makes you want more. This book has everything you expect from a dark romance it has you insides turned, it holds no punches, but lets me honest this is a dark romance what do you expect. Im pulling my words here in this review as to truly appreciate this book you need to nose dive into the darkness, and let the rabbit hole draw you in.
This is a must read for all you dark lovers.

[Susiesbookishworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any triggers PLEASE read the warnings. Velvet Chains has events that happen in real life to many females and males.
This book had me feeling all the emotions especially anger until about 60% through. Some of it was hard to read at times but I couldn’t put it down as I needed to carry on and know what happens in the end.
I felt sorry for Isabella and what she goes through and really wanted to help her, hug her, shake her - Alexander has a dark passed and is filled with trauma but the way they find each other through the chaos is beautiful.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who isn’t trigged by the events that take place in it.
An amazing story of a FMC that’s gets the courage and strength to fight!

[Jordan Charlesworth AKA Book Brilliance Xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: Velvet Chains
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Lillie Alexander

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ✰✰✰✰

𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Eurgh. This book. What an emotional rollercoaster this was. One minute I'm happy and content, the next I'm sad and ugly crying. The entire plot was fast paced that I ended up reading it in one sitting.

The FMC. Oh god, how much I wanted to grab her and hold her, just to be there for her. It was so raw with emotions. I connected with her so easily. Isabella is just someone who deserves the entire world.

There are trigger warnings galore for this one so please make sure you read them first! Be warned there are times where this is not easy to read, but for me, I love how it added to the story and it really made the book what it is.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping and tragic dark romance, exploring enduring and surviving domestic violence, trauma and abuse. It's very raw and emotional, and explored the strength and determination of Izzy to survive.
I loved the growing romance between her and Dr Thorpe and all the revelations that came with it, and the secrets of his own trauma and methods of revenge.
There's a great balance of spice and plot, lots of suspense and it's a haunting journey of finding freedom and peace.
This has some characters you will love to hate, and really shows the darkness of humanity.

"I love you with every damaged, jagged, and tainted piece of my soul. You are the purest, most beautiful thing in my life, and I am a monster who doesn't deserve you or your love"

[Morgan Constantin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

Lillie Alexander writes beautifully, loved her character development, back stories, loved how she described places and scenes. You really feel part of the story.

Fantastic read focusing on domestic violence and overcoming trauma.

The story of Isabella and her triumph over loss and abuse is enthralling. Alexander’s role in overcoming his own demons and helping her with hers is unmatched. Lillie Alexander really knows how to portray DV and trauma in a way many others have fallen short on.

I was slightly disappointed by some of the romantic progression, but I think it’s because I wanted to see so much more from Isabella and Alexander.

This is a slow burn and it is very heavy in DV, please read TW

[Angelica Andersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this one, it is a dark romance with an age gap, arranged marriage and a forbidden love romance. It has trigger warnings so always make sure to read them!

Now this the first book I've read by Lillie Alexander and it will not be the last one cause I just love her writing. There are so many emotions in this book and it goes from heartbreak to survival.

Isabella is a ballet dancer that has a bright future and ballet was a way for her to get out from her abusive home. She had it all and she was going to escape until she didn't.

Alexander is a surgeon that has a dark past but also he falls first and he falls hard.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to form a lineup of characters to push off the mountain, with Zach being number one. That man deserves it.

With that out of the way, let's say I was rooting for the FMC to hurry up and leave Zach behind. She deserved so much better than him after her childhood and how her adult life was turning out. I was yelling at her, yelling at the MMC to hurry up and help her more, but in the end, I did get why he didn't just up and take her away. It was a delicate situation.

This book was such an emotional roller-coaster. I would absolutely read it again. Overall, it was beautifully written, well-structured, and very emotional. Thank you, Lillie Alexander, for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team!

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!
I loved it all!! From the characters, to the storyline, and everything in between!

Isabella and Alexander .....
Their story was filled with drama, suspense, all the feels, tension, and spice.
This book was also a bit of an emotional roller-coaster for me. I got angry, upset, sad, and then hopeful. Rest assured, I was left happy at the end though.

While this was a dark romance and there are darker themes. I still found a certain beauty in it.
The love and care Alexander has for Isabella made my heart so happy.
She is such a loveable FMC.
I was so proud of her growth throughout the story.
I loved it!!