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The Promissory: An African American Dark Romance

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Kyrie thought he could beat the odds until his gambling addiction buried him in a hundred-thousand-dollar debt to Banks, a ruthless hustler known for collecting what’s owed by any means necessary. With his life on the line and no money to pay, Kyrie does the unthinkable to pay off his debt.

Braylen, Kyrie’s wife of five years; stood by Kyrie through his worst moments, but his latest betrayal is a violation she doesn’t think she can forgive. When Banks shows up to collect, the value of what he takes is way more than what is owed. Braylen enters Banks’s world as a pawn, but something dangerous awakens in her under his brutal care. What begins as captivity shifts into obsession.

Banks is ruthless, cold-blooded, and wrong in every way. But he’s also intoxicating. And Braylen’s pain starts to blur into something darker, something that feels a lot like pleasure. As the week nears its end, lines blur, loyalty shifts, and hearts begin to crave what they shouldn’t. But nothing comes without a price. Especially love born in darkness.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2025

193 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

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Kyiris Ashley

21 books74 followers

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5 stars
216 (64%)
4 stars
71 (21%)
3 stars
35 (10%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Shara.
203 reviews10 followers
June 14, 2025
I’m now under the assumption that writers are adding the word “dark” to their novels because this trope is really popular. And, clearly I was duped yet again as, there must be a checklist these writers are using in order to touch on certain plot points or character traits in order to market their book as “dark” when, it is in fact so far removed from this genre- its a utter joke!

My key takeaways - the author spent way too much time focusing on these people hygiene. I swear every chapter someone was washing.

2. Falling in love in a week is simpin and, they NEVER had any type of deep conversation.

3. Hating your husband for selling you but, never holding the man accountable who agreed to this arrangement is crazy.

4. 100k for a week? When this man works in trafficking? It would of made more sense to sell the wife to recoup his losses. But, see that’s why this being a dark novel is laughable because, no morally grey character would agree to this arrangement.

5. Wearing Bath and Body Works as your primary fragrance as an adult is just basic AF.

6. Simpin for a thug you know absolutely nothing about.

Urban lit isn’t dead but, the writing hasn’t evolved and, when it seems as if a writer is trying to step out of the box… IE:Dark Fiction. They ALWAYS fumble the ball because they are chasing a trend instead of investing in their craft and not a gimmick!
Profile Image for Melise.
516 reviews58 followers
Read
May 31, 2025
D N F


I picked up a dark romance and ended up reading a fever dream set in Detroit.

The FMC? Working 12-hour shifts at a car factory while her jobless, gambling-addict husband drives her car and contributes nothing but trauma. The MMC? A literal human trafficker who thinks wearing Lost Cherry is a high end show stopping scent. Sir, that scent lasts like 3 minutes just like your character development.

And don’t get me started on the backdoor scene: no lube, no prep, and somehow she’s in ecstasy? Be serious.

This wasn’t edgy or dark. It was delusional. Like just call them demented novels or something because dark romance needs ROMANCEEEE like enough lmao sex is not romantic, the MMC being rude af speaking down on the woman he chose to accept as payment is CRAZY. The whole my body just can’t resist him… he’s called you a broke hoe 14 different ways burnt ya clothes and hasn’t done a single meaningful nice thing since we were introduced PLEASE MAN
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
673 reviews13 followers
July 10, 2025
I’ll give this 3.5 ⭐️. I have mixed feelings about this. This is considered a dark romance and throughout the whole book all I could think about was how he makes his money. Plus it’s descriptive like yep this is exactly what he does. Anyways Braylen’s husband with a gambling addiction uses her to repay his debt. Braylen is to stay with Banks for a week. This is really fast paced. She showed no animosity towards Banks whatsoever. I guess I was just expecting a little more. There was cute scenes. Ends on a cliffhanger which I had a feeling cuz things were going too good. I would still recommend reading to see if you like it.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,583 reviews104 followers
May 26, 2025
Braylen, girl! That so called husband of yours is trash! 😤 I couldn't believe the hole he allowed himself to fall into with no regard for you, then expected you to clean up his ish and save him!! 🤬 Naw, boo boo, he would he been on his own! 👀 But you a good one stepping up to help him out, cause couldn't have been me! Sorry not sorry! 🤷🏿‍♀️

Banks thought this was just a means to an end but got way more than he bargained for. Although he clashed with Braylen at first, they quickly fell into an easy groove, that grew into more. Braylen found herself again with Banks, while she was stifled with Kyrie. Banks began to feel things he didn't believe were possible with Braylen, and knew he wanted it for keeps.

That ending.... ma'am really???? 😤👀 I hope Banks don't go off the deep end, cause sir you did realize that she was with Kyrie, right? Whew.... can't wait for the next one. 👍🏿👍🏿
4 reviews
August 26, 2025
The only thing dark about this was Banks' occupation. This book dragged with all the unnecessary descriptions; I felt like I was reading an instruction manual for most of it.The focus on clothing brands and perfumes was just too much and added nothing to the book. And what was with all the showers?? I honestly didn't feel the love between Bray and Banks. I MIGHT skim through book 2 just to see what else happens, but the "plot twist" at the end of this one didn't get me excited at all.
Profile Image for NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula.
293 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2025
Whew—this book came in hot and never let up! This was my first read from this author and... color me impressed. The storyline was bold, spicy, and layered with just enough emotional grit and dramatic chaos to keep me flipping pages late into the night. If this is how the author introduces themselves, I already know the follow-up is going to be fire.

Let’s talk about Braylen. Sis, you’re better than me. The way she showed up and showed out—especially for a man who had no business calling himself a husband—deserves a standing ovation and a prayer circle. Kyrie, sir... you really fumbled your whole existence. The audacity was on sale and he bought it in bulk. Watching Braylen wade through the emotional wreckage he left behind was frustrating and empowering. She had every reason to walk away, but chose to lean into healing and self-worth. And when Banks entered the chat? Game. On.

Banks thought he was just here for a little cleanup, a little “do what needs to be done” situation—but ended up in deep waters before he even realized he was drowning. The banter between him and Braylen? Electric. The tension? Thick enough to slice with a dull knife. But it’s the slow burn turned blaze that got me. These two brought out sides of each other that had been buried for too long, and their chemistry leapt off the page in all the best ways.

And that ending? Oh, ma’am... you really just gon’ leave us like that? The way it flipped the emotional script in the final chapters—whew. I see the setup, and I’m perched for the fallout. If Banks goes off the rails, I’ll understand, but let’s not forget the facts, sir.

Overall, this book had everything: heat, heart, and high-stakes drama. One star shy of five only because I need more resolution after that cliffhanger—but trust, I’ll be back for the sequel the moment it drops.
Profile Image for Jae’La S. Bean.
113 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2025
Now wait a darn minute! No you did not just leave us on a cliffhanger Ms. Author! I was not expecting that I was hoping we would be done with Kyrie. Ughhhh! Please don’t let that be true! I just want more of Banks and Braylen.

This book was good! I was hooked by the second chapter. I wasn’t mad at the storyline at all. But I was giving the side-eye in the beginning because Banks was an a-hole and Braylen was a little feeble when it came to her marriage.

Now imagine your good for nothing, trifling, broke and slimy husband offer you up as collateral to a gangsta he owes because he acquired 100,000 in debt and he has a gambling addiction. So because your husband couldn’t pay the debt back you became this man’s toy/play thing for a week. You literally have to do everything he says and anything he wants.

But doing your stay with this handsome, tattooed, dread head, rich gangsta you start to like him and the lifestyle he has. This gangsta is healing you in ways you’ve been wanting to heal yourself. You start to become the woman you always had the potential to be before you got with your trifling husband. Because while married to him you lost yourself and the woman you were. But when you got with him, you discovered a new side to yourself and because the best person/woman you always were.

I need The Promissory 2 immediately!
Profile Image for Donnesha.
139 reviews
October 4, 2025
Ehh it was ok…

The pacing of this book felt completely off to me. There were way too many long, drawn-out descriptive passages everything from bathing, to brushing teeth, to putting on lotion. It felt like filler that took up pages instead of moving the story forward.

That being said, the premise itself was wild. Lol The fact that Banks agreed to take a man’s wife as payment for a debt and keep her for a week is crazy work! Braylen definitely deserved better than her raggedy husband, but I also couldn’t get over the fact that she agreed to go with Banks, a man she’d never met to do God knows what for a whole week.

The spice was solid, though the overall story dragged. In the end, I’d call it a decent read, but not one I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Allison Dulaney.
99 reviews
October 5, 2025
This book was very simply written and a decent read overall when you’re in the mood for quick, simple reading but with that said….

While most romance novels are “we fell in love in seconds” situations, this author failed to expound on the deeper level dialogue that would’ve taken readers along the journey of how they really did fall so quickly. It was high level “we spent the day walking, talking and laughing” when it came to the connection being built between the FMC & MMC yet a whole thesis was written about getting her hair done, cooking a meal or their exact method of daily hygiene every damn day of the story. It was heavy on “let me set the stage” without any depth added to the plot.
38 reviews
July 6, 2025
Don’t second guess yourself. Read this book NOW!!

I am FlOORED after reading that last chapter! What a way to change the narrative!! This book stood out to me in many ways. So many books are getting repetitive with cliche story lines but Barylen will forever go down as one of my favorite FMCs. It is hard to find an FMC that I truly enjoy. I laughed many times while reading this. A fu*k boy could never compare to a real man. A real stepper with BDE!!! Unlike many MMCs, Banks made love to my girl EVERY day. The intimacy was HOT between Banks & Braylen EVERY DAY. My type of carrying on!! 🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Braylen is that GIRL & she has had ENOUGH! …
Profile Image for B. Hu$tle Ali.
93 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2025
Spoiler...

Im not a prude and I like dark books. Even kidnap and force. But somehow the MMC being a trafficker just turned me off completely. Especially when he said him and his crew accounted for about 25% of the missing people in his city. Just couldn't rock with it after that. Still finished though. And I didn't understand the need for a part 2. Even if thr baby wasn't Banks, what does it being the ex-husbands bring to the table? Will there be a fight to the death next book? Will the husband be drama? Will this make her go back? I just feel like it could've been a standalone.
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
805 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2025
Decisions, Decisions!!

Braylen is busting her beat to keep their head above water. Kyrie is terrible gambler and a husband he pawned her off for seven days. When Kyrie got the money up the second time, I just knew Banks had somebody to rob him the first. She realized Banks was showing how she should have treated. Also she wondering how he getting all that money? Vita made some off the wall about sexing her man. You know they drunk mind thinks sober thoughts. If I was Braylen I would just assume that was Banks baby. Braylen is going to be a good mama and tell Kyrie about the baby.
65 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2025
Noooooooo

Ok I really enjoyed this book. However, I wish it was a standalone. Creating a part 2 means the story line will become toxic and unnecessary pain, drama, & bs will be created between Banks & B. The author shouldn't have let them be happy and everything seem so eady/absolute if a part 2 was wanted. I don't think I will read part 2 bcuz it will ruin the storyline for me. But great job on book 1.
Profile Image for Amber Gill.
231 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this

Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect I was actually looking for a specific book when I saw this and I hadn’t been able to find the other book so I picked this up and loved it! The emotions in this story were amazing the story itself was incredible and I loved the characters. I didn’t know what to expect I mean I had an idea but nothing close to the book itself. Fantastic read! Nightly recommended
Profile Image for Tina Bell.
214 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2025
so good!

I absolutely can’t wait for book two! Braylen truly deserves everything. I can’t believe a man would sell his wife to pay a debt, and then continue to do the same thing that caused the debt in the first place. I really hope that things work out for Braylen she deserves happiness.
20 reviews
June 9, 2025
This is NOT a standalone!

The book was good but nowhere in the description did it say book one of whatever... I'm a binge reader, imagine my horror getting to the end and being left hanging over a massive cliff! This is wild and y'all know you're wrong for this! As if today 6/9/25 there's no release date for part 2. So here we are on pins and needles until... who knows?! Smh.
40 reviews
July 10, 2025
Everything good can’t last

I hate that the novel was not a standalone because things were going so great. I did notice the little part about her best friend that was very weird. I think in the next part the best friend might be sleeping with her soon to be ex-husband. I just think it’s so unnecessary to add a whole bunch of drama Into what is a beautiful story.
Profile Image for Katrinia “Kat” Justice.
98 reviews
July 20, 2025
One Selfish Decision Two Many!!!

What do you do when you OWE a Loan Shark $100,000
You loan him your wife for a week to save your life… Right.?!?!
I mean what can possibly go wrong

What do you do when you catch feelings for said wife
You bring the pressure and show her how I should be…

Two selfish men… One beautiful woman and a decision that leads to a FREAKIN CLIFFHANGER!!
Profile Image for Maya Mckenzie.
186 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2025
Braylen is married to Kyrie who has a gambling addiction he owes a ruthless man named Banks a $100,000 so in order to save his life he offered up Braylen to Banks for a whole week. But things didn’t go how Kyrie thought they would even though he got up the money he owed to Banks to get his wife back, she was no longer his anymore she had already fallen for Banks.
Profile Image for Halimah Grant.
1,216 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2025
What a surprise

Oh wow so now what bry going to do since she ased Kylie for a divorce will she let him know she's carrying for him and not banks this is a lot I can't believe kyri3 even gave his wife up like that then thought he can fix everything after that I think k not he definitely tried it can't wait to see what's going to happen with them all next
52 reviews
October 11, 2025
find you happiness and keep it

Kyria was wrong on so many levels. He was selfish all about self stupid crazy. Im so glad bray & bank were put together in and unconventional way. Im glad banks showed her how life was pose be. Sending you wife to pay your debt. Glad kyria met someone to show him how to deal with it gambling issues
22 reviews
January 21, 2026
Enjoyed

I can’t wait for part 2. I wish Braylen can catch a break. After finally finding happiness she still may have to be connected to her sorry husband. It’s just not fair. This story shocked me in more ways than one. The dark erotica is breathtakingly steamy. This book is a must read.
194 reviews
May 26, 2025
OMG!!

Ok I know you lying!! How my girl get her happily ever after and it sour that fast!! I got to know what Banks is going to do and what Braylen is going to do!! This definitely complicates the divorce!! Five stars Ms. Ashley I will be looking for the sequel,,🥰
40 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2025
8/10 recommend

The book was so good. From roaches to riches or whatever the friend said was the truth. From struggling to having it all in a blink of an eye. Please read this book. I rated it an 8 because I didn’t like Banks profession but everything else was tea.
139 reviews
June 3, 2025
This is a must read

So why couldn’t that just be the end.she deserves to be happy.that man doesn’t deserve any more ink in your book he was terrible. Thank you for the adventure I loved it.
Profile Image for Amber J.
98 reviews
June 8, 2025
This book was just ok…I don’t think I’m gonna read the follow up because I honestly don’t care to continue the characters stories..none of them were likeable to me and the twist is just one I don’t even want to explore
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
76 reviews
July 6, 2025
WHY??????

I enjoyed this book until 98% in. Why would you ruin the Braylon’s HEA??? The baby isn’t his??? It makes part 2 so predictable and not worth the read. Really disappointing
Profile Image for Author Jen Elle.
329 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2025
Bruh

Always know how to leave my mouth hanging over the floor!! Whew, baby. This was a ride. Kyrie a whole one, but Bray knew her worth. This was so good. I won't tell the story. Whew.
Profile Image for Tina Brooks.
11 reviews
July 7, 2025
the promissory love tale

Cliffhanger and love story I loved it I could work for reading it can’t wait to read part 2 I love that he’s so romantic with her and the buring the old clothes took me for a loop loved it!!!!
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
650 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2025
say, WHAT!

Kyrie lost ALL his marbles and Braylen has too because she WILLINGLY went along with this foolishness… no fight, no nothing! I am flabbergasted! Banks energy is definitely intimidating!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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