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Promises
Killing is the only thing I’ve ever done right.
Or at least, that’s what I’ve always believed.
Until I destroyed the one thing I had going for me with the only woman I’ve ever loved. She was everything. And I gave her nothing but reasons to walk away. I let her go when I should’ve fought for her. For us. For the son that I wasn’t there to raise.
Now that she’s back, I’m determined to show her that I can do that for her. So, we make a deal. A marriage of protection, convenience, necessity—call it what you want. I would’ve said yes for any reason, but this time, I won’t waste the second chance I’ve been handed.
I’m not the man she remembers. But I’ll do anything to become the man she deserves.
One brutal promise at a time.
Or at least, that’s what I’ve always believed.
Until I destroyed the one thing I had going for me with the only woman I’ve ever loved. She was everything. And I gave her nothing but reasons to walk away. I let her go when I should’ve fought for her. For us. For the son that I wasn’t there to raise.
Now that she’s back, I’m determined to show her that I can do that for her. So, we make a deal. A marriage of protection, convenience, necessity—call it what you want. I would’ve said yes for any reason, but this time, I won’t waste the second chance I’ve been handed.
I’m not the man she remembers. But I’ll do anything to become the man she deserves.
One brutal promise at a time.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2025
237 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 10, 2025
*4.75
Thank you to Sylvia and Chaotic Influencers for the free e-arc!
This book was written with so much love, I know this as a reader, reviewer and as a mutual of Sylvia. I will always support Latine authors but in particular Mexican authors, Sylvia wrote this novel as a means to bring a voice to Mexicans in the Dark romance/suspenseful romance genre.
This book although fictional represents us Mexicanos in the loud and silent ways, from the way we talk to our cultural values and beliefs. We consistently talk about reading books from margalinzaled communities, whether it be from a traditionally published author or an indie author. I'm only one reviewer from the Mexican community but I cannot encourage people enough to read this.
Carmen, Gustavo, and Julian are everything! The cutest tiny little family filled with so much love and hope. Writing this out is only bringing the same emotions as to when reading the book for the first time.
I am a sucker for the angst of a second chance romance but adding the Single parent + Marriage of Convenience increases the experience of the romance 10x's. There's so many scenes in this book that I absolutely loved, there's one involving a gazebo that drove me up the walls!!
Julian is a gentleman from a past that he is trying to escape, seeing him not only grow into himself but showing up for the people he pushed himself away from was an emotional experience. I just want to give him the biggest hug.
Carmen is a FMC who knows what she wants and how to get it. Seeing her be confident not only in her own abilities but her family as well as truly admiring. She knows her worth and who she wants to be and that's respectable.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough, there are so passages that are written in English and in Spanish, which I believe made the book even more authentic to being Mexican and speaking both languages. Since I speak/write/read in both languages this was no problem to me. The author has a page in the book with a QR code that has the translation of the Spanish phrases.
Please read trigger warnings before picking the book up!
Thank you to Sylvia and Chaotic Influencers for the free e-arc!
This book was written with so much love, I know this as a reader, reviewer and as a mutual of Sylvia. I will always support Latine authors but in particular Mexican authors, Sylvia wrote this novel as a means to bring a voice to Mexicans in the Dark romance/suspenseful romance genre.
This book although fictional represents us Mexicanos in the loud and silent ways, from the way we talk to our cultural values and beliefs. We consistently talk about reading books from margalinzaled communities, whether it be from a traditionally published author or an indie author. I'm only one reviewer from the Mexican community but I cannot encourage people enough to read this.
Carmen, Gustavo, and Julian are everything! The cutest tiny little family filled with so much love and hope. Writing this out is only bringing the same emotions as to when reading the book for the first time.
I am a sucker for the angst of a second chance romance but adding the Single parent + Marriage of Convenience increases the experience of the romance 10x's. There's so many scenes in this book that I absolutely loved, there's one involving a gazebo that drove me up the walls!!
Julian is a gentleman from a past that he is trying to escape, seeing him not only grow into himself but showing up for the people he pushed himself away from was an emotional experience. I just want to give him the biggest hug.
Carmen is a FMC who knows what she wants and how to get it. Seeing her be confident not only in her own abilities but her family as well as truly admiring. She knows her worth and who she wants to be and that's respectable.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough, there are so passages that are written in English and in Spanish, which I believe made the book even more authentic to being Mexican and speaking both languages. Since I speak/write/read in both languages this was no problem to me. The author has a page in the book with a QR code that has the translation of the Spanish phrases.
Please read trigger warnings before picking the book up!
July 9, 2025
The representation was off the charts. I could feel the love for the culture with every word I read. Julian and Camen's relationship was captivating. Their love for each other flowed beautifully throughout the book and THE COMMUNICATION?! I definitely loved Gustavo. Every character loved and cared for Gustavo, but Julian and Gustavo's immediate connection was top tier! The ending was interesting. I'm excited to see where the story goes next.
Tropes/Themes
✿ Marriage of Convenience
✿ Second Chance
✿ One Bed
✿ Single parent
✿ Secret Child
✿ Hit Man + Journalist
✿ LOTS OF SPANISH <3
✿ Multiple POV
✿ Mexican Rep.
Tropes/Themes
✿ Marriage of Convenience
✿ Second Chance
✿ One Bed
✿ Single parent
✿ Secret Child
✿ Hit Man + Journalist
✿ LOTS OF SPANISH <3
✿ Multiple POV
✿ Mexican Rep.
June 25, 2025
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
This is a terrific second chance at love romance with a great suspenseful element.
Carmen is the lover who got away from her boyfriend and is the mother of their son. She is a journalist who tells the facts and is a straight shooter. Julian is the ex-boyfriend, the CEO of the family business, and a recovering alcoholic. Now back, Carmen needs Julian’s help, and he is more than happy to oblige and extremely happy to get to know his son.
In this relatively short story, the main characters can immediately feel the chemistry they have always had. The chemistry wasn’t the issue—the alcohol was the main problem. However, Carmen now knows she can rely on Julian to help her and their son.
The mystery of who is threatening Carmen and her son is quite tangled. As the depth of underhanded deception starts to unravel, all is revealed.
While I enjoyed the Spanish in the story, at times I found it a little tiresome to continually look up the translation. It slowed things down a lot for me in this otherwise fast-paced story.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
This is a terrific second chance at love romance with a great suspenseful element.
Carmen is the lover who got away from her boyfriend and is the mother of their son. She is a journalist who tells the facts and is a straight shooter. Julian is the ex-boyfriend, the CEO of the family business, and a recovering alcoholic. Now back, Carmen needs Julian’s help, and he is more than happy to oblige and extremely happy to get to know his son.
In this relatively short story, the main characters can immediately feel the chemistry they have always had. The chemistry wasn’t the issue—the alcohol was the main problem. However, Carmen now knows she can rely on Julian to help her and their son.
The mystery of who is threatening Carmen and her son is quite tangled. As the depth of underhanded deception starts to unravel, all is revealed.
While I enjoyed the Spanish in the story, at times I found it a little tiresome to continually look up the translation. It slowed things down a lot for me in this otherwise fast-paced story.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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June 24, 2025
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
This is a terrific second chance at love romance with a great suspenseful element.
Carmen is the lover who got away from her boyfriend and is the mother of their son. She is a journalist who tells the facts and is a straight shooter. Julian is the ex-boyfriend, the CEO of the family business, and a recovering alcoholic. Now back, Carmen needs Julian’s help, and he is more than happy to oblige and extremely happy to get to know his son.
In this relatively short story, the main characters can immediately feel the chemistry they have always had. The chemistry wasn’t the issue—the alcohol was the main problem. However, Carmen now knows she can rely on Julian to help her and their son.
The mystery of who is threatening Carmen and her son is quite tangled. As the depth of underhanded deception starts to unravel, all is revealed.
While I enjoyed the Spanish in the story, at times I found it a little tiresome to continually look up the translation. It slowed things down a lot for me in this otherwise fast-paced story.
June 23, 2025
An unhinged MMC w/ a trigger finger. Sign me up! 🤭🤣
This book had me tapping my Kindle screen so hard, my friends asked me was I okay. 🤭🤣 The plot was so fast-paced, I didn’t even try to guess what would happen next.
So here’s the tea ☕️ on cultural representation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The translations were hilarious, emotional and hot (in the best way possible)🤭🥵 I didn’t mind having to translate the prose. It was satisfying and felt like I was uncovering hidden gems. I would recommend reading it on any e-reading device for easy translation but the author does provide the translations in the book, which is super helpful
Everything about this book was attention grabbing.
Things I loved:
Realistic relationship issues between the main characters
Touch her or ☠️antics
Big family with mixed intentions
Lots of family trash talk 🤭
If you’re into a second chance slow burn and a marriage of convenience (or else the FMC will ☠️😱), then buckle up.
This is a great start for first time dark-romance readers that’s looking to try the genre but without skimping on the plot.
I hope to read more from Sylvia Narvez!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 for the chaotic family drama!
This book had me tapping my Kindle screen so hard, my friends asked me was I okay. 🤭🤣 The plot was so fast-paced, I didn’t even try to guess what would happen next.
So here’s the tea ☕️ on cultural representation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The translations were hilarious, emotional and hot (in the best way possible)🤭🥵 I didn’t mind having to translate the prose. It was satisfying and felt like I was uncovering hidden gems. I would recommend reading it on any e-reading device for easy translation but the author does provide the translations in the book, which is super helpful
Everything about this book was attention grabbing.
Things I loved:
Realistic relationship issues between the main characters
Touch her or ☠️antics
Big family with mixed intentions
Lots of family trash talk 🤭
If you’re into a second chance slow burn and a marriage of convenience (or else the FMC will ☠️😱), then buckle up.
This is a great start for first time dark-romance readers that’s looking to try the genre but without skimping on the plot.
I hope to read more from Sylvia Narvez!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 for the chaotic family drama!
September 25, 2025
✨3.5✨ Found this author from one of her tik toks, I thought the tropes were up my alley so I decided to read it, always have to support our fellow Latin authors.
I loved the representation, the culture, also Morelos!! My family is from there so it was nice to see. I did enjoy the family drama, the second chance & redemption that Julian had but I just wanted more development, for the story to flow a bit better but it was an enjoyable read. I thought it was nice to have the translations for those who need it, for me this is my first book that I have picked up where it starts with English and changes to Spanish dialogue & vice versa, so it took me a bit to get use to it. Julian & Gustavo’s relationship was very nice & sweet due to how machistas Latin dads can be so I really thought that was a beautiful touch. Will like to see how this series continues so will be waiting for that one.
I loved the representation, the culture, also Morelos!! My family is from there so it was nice to see. I did enjoy the family drama, the second chance & redemption that Julian had but I just wanted more development, for the story to flow a bit better but it was an enjoyable read. I thought it was nice to have the translations for those who need it, for me this is my first book that I have picked up where it starts with English and changes to Spanish dialogue & vice versa, so it took me a bit to get use to it. Julian & Gustavo’s relationship was very nice & sweet due to how machistas Latin dads can be so I really thought that was a beautiful touch. Will like to see how this series continues so will be waiting for that one.
June 27, 2025
🤭MEXICAN ROMANCE
-Marriage of Convenience with ex
-Second chance
-Secret child
-He's a paid unaliver for his security company
-Spanish
-Smutty scenes 😮💨
🥹loved the Mexican
representation! It was incorporated so smoothly! It does have some dark elements 👀🙂↕️but they all deserved it! Carmen and Julian’s attraction never went away so when they met again 😮💨😩 and he was sooooo good with their son 🥹🥺 loved!! He was such a cute kid! Both their families do not play about him and I love that for him! 🥲 it does end in a happy for now bcuz it’s a series and we’ll keep seeing their relationship so I’m excited!
-Marriage of Convenience with ex
-Second chance
-Secret child
-He's a paid unaliver for his security company
-Spanish
-Smutty scenes 😮💨
🥹loved the Mexican
representation! It was incorporated so smoothly! It does have some dark elements 👀🙂↕️but they all deserved it! Carmen and Julian’s attraction never went away so when they met again 😮💨😩 and he was sooooo good with their son 🥹🥺 loved!! He was such a cute kid! Both their families do not play about him and I love that for him! 🥲 it does end in a happy for now bcuz it’s a series and we’ll keep seeing their relationship so I’m excited!
June 27, 2025
This is Carmen and Julian’s story.
Carmen is a journalist who tells the truth and is a sharpshooter, while Julian is her ex-boyfriend, who is CEO of his family’s business, and is a recovering alcoholic. Carmen is back and needs Julian’s help, and he gets the chance to get to know his son.
This is a good story which is a slow burn, fast paced, action packed story, with family, emotions, angst, mystery, heartbreak, marriage of convenience, obsession, second chances, touch her and die vibes, romantic suspense, and secrets, which leads to an enjoyable page turner,
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future,
Carmen is a journalist who tells the truth and is a sharpshooter, while Julian is her ex-boyfriend, who is CEO of his family’s business, and is a recovering alcoholic. Carmen is back and needs Julian’s help, and he gets the chance to get to know his son.
This is a good story which is a slow burn, fast paced, action packed story, with family, emotions, angst, mystery, heartbreak, marriage of convenience, obsession, second chances, touch her and die vibes, romantic suspense, and secrets, which leads to an enjoyable page turner,
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future,
July 21, 2025
This book threw me off at first since I missed the QR code with translations and read a few chapters and felt lost. 😅 There were a few missing in the translations but not enough to ruin the story. As someone who is HORRIBLE with Spanish and failed it all throughout high school...I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pining. The tension. The stolen moments. ATE IT UP! 🤌 It was pretty predictable who was behind the threats, but the story had such a good plot for being such a short read! Thank you for letting me read this ARC!
❤️Touch her and die
❤️Dysfunctional family
❤️Dual POV
❤️Second Chance
❤️Slow Burn
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❤️Touch her and die
❤️Dysfunctional family
❤️Dual POV
❤️Second Chance
❤️Slow Burn
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 5, 2025
Second chance
Single parent
Marriage of convenience
Fake relationship
Slow burn
Romantic suspense
Obsessed hero
Characters
Carmen
Julian
Julian and Carmen have history and they get a second chance at happiness. However, it comes with challenges. Fast paced with plenty of action. This story is full of emotion and angst.
Please check trigger warnings!
Abuse mention - not main characters
Violence /murder
Cheating mentioned- not main characters
Alcohol abuse
Single parent
Marriage of convenience
Fake relationship
Slow burn
Romantic suspense
Obsessed hero
Characters
Carmen
Julian
Julian and Carmen have history and they get a second chance at happiness. However, it comes with challenges. Fast paced with plenty of action. This story is full of emotion and angst.
Please check trigger warnings!
Abuse mention - not main characters
Violence /murder
Cheating mentioned- not main characters
Alcohol abuse
August 11, 2025
Marriage of convenience, surprise child, recovering addict, second chance. Good stuff 😂 no, but really enjoyed their story and the second chance isn't my usual favorite, but I like how this was written. Spice was mild, not too much, 2.5/5 Surprise elements I hope to get more deets for in upcoming work? Hopefully. With the MMC's family as well, it'd be nice to get some more understanding of the dynamics. Has some Spanish in it as well. Overall 3.5 / 5 enjoyable read
January 3, 2026
The premise of the story I enjoyed. Marriage of convenience. Second chance. Forced proximity. One bed. All very good tropes. Also, the representation was so comforting. I understood so well some of the characters worries because they reflect the lived experience of Latinos.
I think for me, the writing was just sub par. I think if the author worked on the pacing and sentence structure it would flow a lot better. I did love the dialogue in Spanish though.
I think for me, the writing was just sub par. I think if the author worked on the pacing and sentence structure it would flow a lot better. I did love the dialogue in Spanish though.
June 22, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this Mexican dark romance, loved the use of Spanish dialogue in the book and the strong Mexican culture representation. As a fellow Latina, I could relate and understand the references and dirty talk (; completely.
I would recommend this to a new dark romance reader as a great entry to the genre.
I would recommend this to a new dark romance reader as a great entry to the genre.
June 25, 2025
This was my first book that was like this. Throughout the book there is Spanish.i had to wrap my head around and translate. I did find the story interesting. This was a short read that kept me turning the pages. This was a slow burn with touch her and die vibes. The family drama with secrets mixed in kept me turning the page to see what happened next.
January 7, 2026
I love the representation of culture and the use of spanglish! Jaime seemed to have done chages and really work on himslef. They are a representation of te re ight person wrong time. Loved that they were able to work together and end up together. Kinda wish he would have gave her the ring but love thtat hes following her pace and when she is ready.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
Carmen and Julian's story unfolds with a compelling slow burn that captures attention. It's a fast-paced narrative filled with action, rich emotions, and themes of angst, heartbreak, and second chances. The intensity keeps readers engaged, and it offers a profound reading experience. I am definitely looking forward to future works from this author.
June 27, 2025
I really loved thiss one!! 🥰 I don’t speak Spanish so I had to use the translate feature on my kindle app! I think that was cool because I don’t know many books like that & I enjoyed it! but I love Carmen, I fell in love with her 😩😂😍
July 14, 2025
I loved this book! It was really good. But the Spanish words were a bit much. I got bored with having to translate from Spanish to English. This was not good for my adhd. It took me longer to read this than normal. Mainly because I would have to read the page just to make it make sense.
December 2, 2025
i had fun reading this one, honestly felt refreshing to read spanish and english at the same time, that it made me feel like i was watching a telenovela in my mind. it did get cheesy for bits but nothing too bad for the first book in the series
January 3, 2026
A Mexican author, a story written in both Spanish and English, and a plot that had me hooked from chapter one—I literally couldn’t put it down. I’m a romance lover and this book was EVERYTHING. Highly recommend! 💕✨
January 11, 2026
3.5⭐️
I enjoyed reading a book written by a Latina author! Great way to start the year finishing up a book about second chances with Spanish lingo as well.
I sometimes wished the writing would flow just a bit smoother as sentences felt a little short and awkward at times.
I enjoyed reading a book written by a Latina author! Great way to start the year finishing up a book about second chances with Spanish lingo as well.
I sometimes wished the writing would flow just a bit smoother as sentences felt a little short and awkward at times.
December 3, 2025
Toxico in the perfect way
Loved this hot and picoso novela and can’t wait to read the next one! Loved the Spanish and English mix and the characters
Loved this hot and picoso novela and can’t wait to read the next one! Loved the Spanish and English mix and the characters
January 1, 2026
3.5 rated. RTC✨
January 18, 2026
It's a good read
I didn't dislike the book I just felt like it was all over the place and there wasn't a lot of suspense or excitement.
I didn't dislike the book I just felt like it was all over the place and there wasn't a lot of suspense or excitement.
June 18, 2025
Short and interesting story! There was so much Spanish in here, it made my head spin but I liked it
Julian and Carmen, there was no way that they could have kept things platonic, it was slow burn but the tension was so there
I loved the plot and the characters gave me a little columbiana movie vibes. But with more secrets and drama.
It was a great book and I really enjoyed reading this!
Julian and Carmen, there was no way that they could have kept things platonic, it was slow burn but the tension was so there
I loved the plot and the characters gave me a little columbiana movie vibes. But with more secrets and drama.
It was a great book and I really enjoyed reading this!
Read
January 24, 2026I really wanted to like this story more because it was written by a Latin American author but I didn’t like how to story was set. I expected more from the plot after reading the description but it felt short. I wasn’t a fan of the different point of views, FMC and MMC I could pass but then adding the cousins, it was too much. I liked the love story and second chances, but the MMC needed more work, I wish there was more background to grow to like him. Some points were made and then left unanswered or weren’t necessary to the story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews