Promise Me Lies

by Lena Everhart

Isla Harper signs her name to save the only family she has left—never realizing the real price isn’t measured in money, but in pieces of herself.Daniel Blackwood is impossible to powerful, magnetic, ruthless, and ruled by shadows Isla can’t quite see. He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t bargain. He simply sets the rules—and expects to be obeyed.

For six months, Isla will belong to him.
No questions. No refusals. No room for mistakes.

But what begins as a desperate act of sacrifice quickly becomes something else—a test of will, a spiral of temptation, a battle for control that blurs the line between safety and obsession. With every rule broken, every truth exposed, Isla must decide if surviving this arrangement means losing herself—or finding the strength to want more.

In Daniel’s world, love is a risk, trust is a gamble, and freedom is never free.

How do you walk away from a man who holds everything you fear—
and everything you want?

Genres: Dark Romance, Erotica, Dark

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He offered to save her brother. All she had to do was give him six months of her life.

Isla (h) never meant to sign her freedom away, but when her brother is nearly killed and the debt lands on her shoulders, she has no choice. Enter Daniel (H), ruthless, magnetic, and willing to pay the price. His only condition is complete control, no questions, no refusals. What starts as survival becomes something far more dangerous.

Daniel is a man used to owning everything he touches. Isla is the first thing he can’t predict. Bound by a contract, trapped in his luxury cage, she is pulled between fear and fascination, power and submission, pain and unexpected tenderness. Their connection is obsessive, volatile, and impossible to escape.

But desire has consequences. Old enemies resurface. Secrets break open. As the line between protection and possession thins, Isla must decide who she is, what she wants, and whether Daniel is her captor or the only person who ever truly saw her.

She starts as a girl surviving in someone else’s world. By the end, she’s someone who knows how much she’s willing to risk for herself. He begins as a man who needs to own everything to feel safe. What he finds is someone who won’t stay unless it’s her choice. They break each other open, and not every wound closes clean.

A dark, steamy, addictive, emotionally raw journey, full of sharp edges. It's about control, vulnerability, and what happens when two people unravel each other. It explores identity, obsession, and what love looks like when it refuses to fit inside the rules. There’s pain, but there’s also intimacy. There’s destruction, but also tenderness. Their relationship isn’t ready for closure, it needs a second book to finish what it started.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla Harper signs her name, not to save herself, she signs only to save the only family she has left – she just never realizes that the real price isn't measured in money, it is measured in pieces of herself.

Daniel Blackwood is impossible to powerful, magnetic, ruthless and he's ruled by shadows that Isla can't quite see. He doesn't lie or bargain. He just sets the rules – and expects those rules to be followed and most of all he expects to be obeyed.

The board is set, for the next six months, Isla will belong to him.

No questions, no refusals, and there's no room for mistakes.

But what had started as a desperate act of sacrifice quickly becomes something else – a test of will, a spiral of temptation, even a battle for control that will blur the lines between safety and obsession. Each and every rule is broken, every truth exposed, Isla is going to have to decide is surviving this arrangement means losing herself – or finding the strength within her to want more than she ever thought she could have.

In Daniel's world, love is a huge risk, trust is a gamble, and freedom is never free.

How can Isla walk away from Daniel who holds not only everything you fear – but everything you don't realize you want?

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Contract/Bought, Debt Repayment, Billionaire, Forced Proximity, FMC Bites Back, Dark Tension, Twisted Love, and Jealous Ex.

Promise Me Lies by Lena Everhart. This is the first book by Lena Everhart that I have ever read and I am really glad that I picked this book up. I really enjoyed it as it has all the tropes that I love and it was really very well written.

Daniel had offered Isla the chance to save her brother. In return, all she had to do was give him six months of her life.

Our FMC Isla never planned on giving up her freedom, and never to the likes of Daniel. But, with her brother's life on the line, he'd already nearly been killed once, she suddenly finds that his debt is now on her shoulders to carry, and she knows that she doesn't have any choice. Daniel our MMC is completely ruthless, magnetic, and most importantly, as long as Isla is willing to give him six months of her life, he's willing to pay the price. All he asks, besides is the six months, complete control, no questions, and no refusals. And for Isla, what started off as just entering into the six months for survival slowly turns into something she didn't realize would become so much more dangerous.

Daniel, is the kind of man who is used to owning everything and anything that he lays a finger on or even just points at. Isla is honestly the first thing that enters his life that he can't predict and he finds that at times it will give him a headache. Isla is bound to Daniel by the contract he had her sign, trapped in the luxury cage he put her in and locked the cage door, and she finds that she's torn between the fear she feels towards her captor and the fascination his power, submission, pain, and even the unexpected tenderness all call to her and she finds that she's not so scared of him but rather fascinated by the man who calls himself her captor.

But, of course, Isla's desire and fascination towards Daniel doesn't come without its consequences. Old enemies start to resurface and secrets, secrets that had long been buried and kept hidden are broken open and allowed to see the light. Slowly the line between protection and possession starts to thin. And Isla finds that she has a decision to make and she has to decide who she is and who she wants to be and what she really wants, and if Daniel is truly her captor or is he the only person who has truly ever seen the real her.

Isla started in this book just surviving in someone else's world. But, by the end of the world, she's grown and developed into this woman who knows just how much she's truly willing to risk for no one else but herself. And Daniel, starts this book off as a man who has this need to own everything to feel safe and protected. But, as time passes, he slowly finds in Isla someone who's not going to stay with him unless that is her own choice. Together though, they are able to break the other open, even though they find that not every wound is going to heal cleanly and could end up leaving a scar.

Promise Me Lies is a beautiful, dark, spicy, addictive, and emotionally raw journey that is full of so many sharp edges. It's all about the control, being vulnerable, and what happens when two people can come together and unravel each other.

This book does such an amazing job of exploring themes like identity, obsession, and what love can truly look like what it refuses to fit inside the rules other people put on it. Lena did an amazing job of adding pain but she also ensured that there was a pure and true intimacy. Destruction with a pure tenderness. And a relationship that will never be ready for closure.

Promise Me Lies needs a sequel as there are things that have been started that have been left unfinished. I can only hope and pray that Lena Everhart is currently working on that so I can get the answers to the questions that I seek.

I think that Promise Me Lies is worth reading and will touch your heart as much as it touched my soul and you'll fall in love with Lena Everheart's writing as much as I have and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

[Peachy 105 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla Harper was tossed into a life she never envisioned for herself. A hospital report shattered her routine—her younger brother, Liam Harper, whom she cared for but rarely heard from, was at the brink of death. Her normal weekdays as a research assistant in a laboratory quickly spiraled into panic as she faced the possibility of losing her only sibling.

At the hospital, Isla meets Daniel Blackwood: wealthy, poised, and a cold opportunist. He offers to help with the situation Liam has dragged them both into—but in exchange for six months of Isla’s life. This becomes the turning point of the novel and the setup for a twisted, emotionally charged, and power-imbalanced journey.

The story, written from Isla’s point of view, opens with a strong emotional tone as the female lead grapples with trauma and fear. The author skillfully establishes Isla’s character: caring, but distant, and unaware of the dangerous crowd her brother had become involved with. When Daniel appears—mysteriously knowledgeable about Liam’s condition—his presence immediately sets off the tension. Isla accepts his business card and begins her journey into a world unlike her own.

The characters’ personalities are the driving force behind the novel’s gripping plot. Each character is distinct and well-developed, contributing to the story’s immersive nature. Daniel Blackwood stands out as a cold, manipulative man who leverages every opportunity for his own gain. His offer to Isla is not one of kindness but of control—ensuring she has no choice but to sign his contract. He deliberately drags her into his world without sympathy, refusing to allow her to adjust before asserting dominance.

Isla, in contrast, is naive about Daniel’s world of power and wealth. She initially tries to resist his control, attempting to pay her way out. But when it becomes clear that Daniel will accept nothing but submission to his terms, she struggles to adapt—emotionally distancing herself from the terrifying new reality. Her resistance, though constant, begins to shift as she is forced to confront her powerlessness.

Other characters, like Vivien—the antagonist—are also well-developed. Vivien’s long-standing rivalry with Daniel adds layers to the plot, exposing elements of his past and personality that he refuses to share with Isla. These clashing character dynamics, especially through sharp dialogue and high-stakes confrontations, create suspense and tension throughout the novel.

The plot moves at a steady pace, with peaks during explicit scenes and slower rhythms during emotionally complex moments. These shifts keep readers engaged, while also allowing room for introspection and character development.

The author’s writing style is modern, emotionally charged, descriptive, and dark. Monologues are used effectively to draw readers into Isla’s mental battles. The prose leans into morally grey territory, matching the themes of betrayal, shame, fear, power manipulation, self-discovery, and the vast imbalance between the world of the rich and the "normal class."

One of the novel’s strongest achievements is how emotionally justified and believable the characters' actions feel, even when those actions are cruel or desperate. The romance builds slowly—appropriately so, given the traumatic context—and never feels rushed. It’s the push and pull of resistance, submission, and reluctant understanding that makes the story compelling.

Daniel’s disoriented nature kept me engrossed. I found myself constantly wondering what his next move would be, how he would respond to Isla’s ongoing resistance, and how he interacted with “his kind”—those of his social class. His unpredictability is part of what makes the novel so intoxicating.

The ending was both satisfying and emotionally impactful. It left a cliffhanger that made me emotionally invested in the characters and eager for the next installment in the series.

That said, this book may not appeal to every reader. Its dark themes, psychological mind games, and explicit sexual content make it unsuitable for younger audiences or readers sensitive to manipulation or coercion. However, for readers who enjoy morally grey romances, psychological tension, and stories that explore power, identity, and emotional survival, this book is a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding her brother clinging to life after a brutal assault is only the beginning of Isla’s descent into darkness. The real nightmare begins when she discovers he’s deep in debt to some very dangerous people. Cue Daniel Blackwood, enigmatic and wealthy, who appears with impeccable timing. He offers her a deal she can’t refuse—six months of total obedience, of his complete control, in exchange for her brother’s life. All she has to do is sign on the dotted line. Daniel’s sudden appearance left many questions unanswered—how did he know, why does he care—but Isla isn’t in a position to be skeptical. She’s desperate and desperation makes monsters look like saviors. Having read some of Lena’s other books, like His to Keep, I expected Daniel to be dark, pitch-black dark. But to my surprise, his brand of domination is laced with something more elusive—calculated restraint. He’s not doing this out of kindness, that’s clear, but it’s also not just cruelty for cruelty’s sake. There’s a strange method to his madness, as if Isla is part of some emotional experiment. He doesn’t know what to make of her—a woman so unlike the polished socialites in his usual orbit—and it shows. Daniel is mercurial, his moods flipping like a switch. One moment he’s distant and ruthless, the next, disarmingly tender. It’s disorienting. And while Isla’s inner world is laid bare—her resistance, her confusion, her longing—Daniel remains a locked box. We get frustratingly little of his story, which makes his motivations all the more mysterious. Here’s hoping the sequel pulls back more of the curtain. As for Isla, agreeing to Daniel’s terms doesn’t mean surrendering is easy. She pushes back—at first with righteous feminist fury—but her protests feel less about justice and more about self-preservation. She’s grasping for control in a situation where she has none, while Daniel slowly, methodically unravels the walls she’s built around herself. Is Daniel manipulative? Absolutely. But in his twisted way, he forces Isla to confront the truth: she hasn’t been living—she’s been surviving. Under Daniel’s control, she starts to feel something again. And as her defenses erode, hope begins to flicker—hope that maybe this man who owns her might one day want her heart. This story is a psychological mind f*ck, equal parts seductive and unsettling. It’s a dark, compelling ride that leaves you questioning where the line between coercion and connection truly lies and wonder what you’d be willing to sacrifice if someone you loved was on the line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aurelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla Harper, a normal city girl who is stuck in her normal routine as. a researcher’s lab assistant ; reading and writing reports are her norm, the thrill of her days. Until one call from the hospital— her little brother Liam Harper has been severely injured. Quickly spiraling into panic, dropping everything to only see her sibling hanging onto life by a thread.

Once settled into the reality of her brother’s condition and lost into thoughts of who could’ve done this to him, Daniel Blackwood approached her with interest and information. Slipping her his card and walking away, peeking her interest as to how he was related to Liam. She goes to him and he offers her answers, protection, and financial help but at a cost. Six months of Isla’s life in exchange.

“For six months. You’ll stay where I stay, go where I go, do what I say. No refusals. No boundaries. You’ll be mine.”

The story is written from Isla’s point of view, of an eldest daughter, oldest sister, independent and intelligent woman who has her share of traumas and fears. The author made it clear that Isla’s relationship with her brother, Liam was complicated… she had no idea of what kind of dangerous life he was living. She was written so clearly and vividly, her feelings and emotions were very raw. The more you read the more you felt everything she did, very single tug and pull at her questioning herself and everything she thought she knew.

Daniel Blackwood personality was cold, calculating, and manipulative. His offer to assist Isla was one not of kindness, but of control, power and interest. An opportunity for his own gain and pleasure.

The plot moves at a steady, realistic pace, with a peak of explicit scenes, emotional moments and moments that enrage reader. Keeping readers engaged and immersed, drawing into the characters and their moments. Between Isla’s mental battles with the situation at hand; the betrayal, shame, fear, manipulation of Liam and Daniel.

“I hurt you today,” “And chance are I’ll hurt you again. But that doesn’t mean you’re disposable. Or meaningless. Or… less. Quite the opposite.”

The ending was left at a cliffhanger that made me emotionally invested and eager as to where the character go next, to what happens from here.

This book is dark, so it can be triggering. Please read triggers prior to reading. It is dark themed, has psychological mind games, not clean, not consent scenes… but for those who live for a morally grey romance, power, emotional survival, tension, manipulation in their reads.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can’t. I have no words. Seriously, my mind is so just numb from this crazy train of a book. She warned me that it was a 2 part book. She said their story isn’t over. But the way this ended felt so final. And sad. And I want to smack Daniel in his smug, smirky, stupid face. Agggghhhhhhh.

I have never read anything by Lena before and boy was I floored. This book is something else. Please, please, please read the trigger warnings. I can see this book causes issues for a lot of people.

I started and finished it today because as totally nuts as it was I had to know what happened next. And now I’m sad it’s over and I have to wait for book 2.

Isla is our sweet, naïve fmc who finds her brother in the hospital beaten to within an inch of his life. While she is sitting by his bedside trying to piece together how she got there a tall, dark and handsome man comes in and offers her a taste of knowledge to reveal how her brother ended up where he was. But that knowledge will come at a steep price. Once she isn’t sure she can make.

Daniel is a wealthy man who takes what he wants or gets it through creative means. He offered Isla a lifeline with a chain. 6 months to be his in every way and he would pay off her brothers debts and ensure no harm comes to her.

I really wish this story had a two sided pov because I’d love to know what that twisted man was thinking during some of these scenes.

This book was dark and twisty and honestly I’m a little worried about Lena’s mental health. Are you ok Lena?! 🤪😂 but seriously this book took me places I wasn’t sure I wanted to go but couldn’t put the book down.

If you’re looking for a dark romance this is one. lol. It’s a head trip for sure but I am glad I stumbled upon it. It was an awesome read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘/𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖜 ↴
(𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔶)‼️

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘: Shadowed Hearts #1
𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞 𝖙𝖞𝖕𝖊: ongoing
𝖍𝖊𝖆/𝖈𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗: cliffhanger 🧗🏻‍♀️
𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: dark romance
𝖕𝖔𝖛: single • fmc

𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖕𝖑𝖊: Daniel Blackwood & Isla Harper

📕 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖊 → this book ends on a cliffhanger and is NOT intended to be read as a standalone.

♥️ 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 - contract/bought, debt repayment, billionaire, forced proximity, fmc bites back, dark tension, twisted love, jealous ex

🧨 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊 - slow burn, dub-submission, rough vs soft, inexperienced fmc

🚩 𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖘 - morally black, subtle possessive, emotional manipulation, power imbalance, dubcon, coercion, harsh words, caged bird, faultless delusion

⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - mental health scenarios, traűma, threats, toxic relationships, co-dependency, emotional ab’se, elements of non con, addiction references + themes, triggers and content in line with dark romance genre.

────── ⋆⋅🖤 𝖒𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘 🖤⋅⋆ ──────

He’s got more red flags than body parts, choice is fickle in this book, it borders on the edge, teases you with it, sometimes you’ll want to smack the mmc round the face with it.

Expect tears in your eyes, while a cold chill runs through you one minute, then a fire you’re cursing at the next. And it’s on repeat. Each time giving you whiplash but also a craving you’ll wish you hated.

It gives the best of both worlds in a depraved kind of way, a soft side that melts and a rough side that burns, but both of them ruin in some way or other.

It’s dark. It’s twisted. But, from a dark romance perspective, it’s a beautiful void.

BRING ON BOOK #2!!

(6⭐️)
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
⇉ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥.

[Dark Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the ARC team for an advance copy! This is a wild ride - and it's super dark, so before you begin, check triggers and check in with yourself. This is part I of a series - keep that in mind and don't expect a HEA.

The story begins with the FMC, Isla, finding herself stuck in a situation she can't get out of. Her brother owes money and has told people that she will get it - so she's on the hook for way more than she has. When the MMC, Daniel, offers to pay the debt, she is forced to agree - even if it means being "his" for the next 6 months.

This is not your typical dark romance-style "kidnapped woman falls in love with her kidnapper and he gradually becomes better until they are in love and get married" story. There is a bit of that story arc, but - this is dark. Like, really dark. Daniel's.....not a good guy. And he won't become one, at least not in this book. But if you can handle the darkness and let go of the need for a HEA, there is much to see here. The power exchange - Daniel's wealth vs. Isla's intellect - complicated by both of their warring desires is interesting to watch. I won't say "fun" because this isn't a fun read - it can feel punishing at times, but in the way that you feel yourself growing while you're challenging yourself.

If you're looking for spice, temper your expectations - there is plenty of sex, but much of it isn't "spicy" per se, and the complicated power dynamics make it difficult to tell whether you should be enjoying the spice (and at times make it very clear you shouldn't). It's possible this could change in the sequel, but for the most part, the spice is part of the plot rather than explicitly for your enjoyment. I will say, I was at first excited to see a somno scene, until I realized that it leaned very hard towards NC rather than CNC, so be aware.

Overall, a very dark read, but I think it's worth it if you are ready and able to challenge yourself. The psychological aspects of this book are fascinating, and I'm looking forward to reading book 2.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read this immediately after His To Keep which is also my Everhart...and what I will say is I should have read this one first. While still heavy, not quite as much as His To Keep. While I gave this 4/5 if I had read this first it definitely would have been 5/5. I don't know how Everhart is able to take you as the reader and place you into her worlds that she does an amazing job building and fleshing out to the point that you're able to feel like you're a fly on the wall actually watching the scenes unfold before you. I'm still reeling from how well Everhart writes her morally grey men.

She found a magic code and cracked it to lure us in and wondered if there's something wrong with us for enjoying reading these types of books. While I will always say it and say it again, I despise when books end on cliff hangers especially when they're "heavy" if that makes sense? I want that sense of closure and knowing that everything is dealt with and be at peace with wherever the cards may fall. However I will be taking a break after reading these books as they are so heavy in a sense of feeling just gutted by the end that its making me question my sanity as a reader.

Please be sure to read the content warnings and go in with your eyes wide open because Everhart delivers seemingly every time (this is her second book I've read) on everything that she lays out in the warnings. Take that as you want but you've been advised.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single POV, from Isla. Nothing from Daniel's POV. Maybe thats what makes it an absolute mind game. Definitly toxic relationship. If we can call it relationship. Which i seriously consider as not. I just cant read this guy. What he made off? His background? Whats going on with him? Is it a serial game for him and his depraved rich friends?

And then theres the sex scenes. Or should i say, the author told the readers there's a sex scene but didnt let the readers feel or live the action through the charachters. Its all being told word by word. Not action by action, if you understand what i mean.

In simple word, there were no actual sex scene and the ones exist, well, its far from steamy or sexy. Its just word we read, no feels. No chemistry. Not even when Isla finally had orgasm for the first time after allegedly having sex with Daniel for so many times before.

I'm not sure whats going on here. But i dont feel the chemistry between the main charachters or for them. I still want to see what happen in the next book. I wanna know more about Daniel and his twisted way. I wanna see how the author put the end. Dont have to be HEA for me, but that grit, i need to see that. I need to feel anything for the main charachter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jezebel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If obsession had a pulse, it would beat in Daniel’s chest—and Isla is the oxygen he refuses to live without.

From the moment Daniel makes Isla a proposal she can’t refuse, you know you’re not just stepping into a romance—you’re spiraling into a psychological tug-of-war where love is laced with danger and desire feels like a trap. Lena Everhart doesn’t just write twists and turns; she weaponizes them. Every chapter is a landmine, and just when you think you’ve found solid ground, she blows it up with another revelation.

Daniel is the villain you’ll love to hate—and hate that you love. His obsession with Isla is so intense it borders on feral. He’s possessive, manipulative, and absolutely magnetic. You’ll be torn between screaming at Isla to run and begging her to stay just one more night. Their dynamic is toxic, electric, and impossible to look away from.

And then… the cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers. I despise them. And yet, this book? One of my top reads of the year. Lena Everhart made me suffer beautifully, and I’ll be counting down the days until the next installment like a woman possessed.

If you love morally gray men, emotional devastation, and stories that grip your throat and don’t let go—Promise Me Lies is your next obsession.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

Isla’s brother has gotten mixed up with the wrong people and is now in the ICU fighting for his life. Her brother is all she has left in this world and she promised her Mother she would take care of him, so when a mysterious stranger offers her answers, she’s curious.

Daniel is a powerfully dangerous man with money, connections and an army of ruthless employees at his disposal. What he doesn’t have is someone like Isla. She’s naive, innocent, introverted and at the moment weak. He wants someone at his complete mercy and he’ll use her brother’s pending safety to get it.

An impossible contract for an impossible situation. She will be his completely for 6 months. Isla can’t accept these terms but knows she can’t afford to say no either. Not if she wants her brother and herself to walk out of this situation alive.

This was a good story overall. There’s suspense, danger and a weird kind of chemistry between the two main characters. They are attracted to each other but this forced proximity complicates things and causes them to hurl insults at each other in a defensive manner at times. The ending is a cliffhanger, so I’ll be interested in the next book so we can get some answers to the unfinished feeling we’re left with at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, Addictive, and Utterly Consuming

Promise Me Lies by Lena Everhart is the kind of dark romance that gets under your skin and refuses to let go. From the very first page, Everhart pulls you into a world of secrets, obsession, and forbidden love that blurs the lines between pain and passion.

The chemistry between the main characters is electric—raw, messy, and heartbreakingly real. Every interaction feels charged with tension, every secret that unravels hits like a punch to the gut. What I loved most is how Everhart balances the darkness with vulnerability; beneath the lies and betrayal is a deep emotional core that makes you root for redemption, even when it feels impossible.

The writing is bold and atmospheric, with just the right mix of heat and heartbreak. The pacing never lets up, and the emotional twists kept me glued to the pages until the very end.

If you love morally gray characters, tangled emotions, and stories that make you feel every ounce of the pain and passion—Promise Me Lies is a must-read. Lena Everhart proves once again she knows how to write a dark romance that’s equal parts devastating and beautiful.

I received this as an ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[Ashley Virtus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promise me lies by Lena Everhart was a highly enjoyable read. Our Female lead Isla is swept up in to a situation she was not prepared for. Her brother had been beaten and had given up his sister as who could solve the problem. At the hospital she meets Daniel Blackwood, who gives her his card. The following day she meets with Daniel who can solve her problem with his money in exchange for her time. Isla is a feminist who is not sure she can do what Daniel is asking. There time together is roller coaster like in it's highs and lows. The morally grey Daniel is overwhelming and I would love to know what got him to this point in his life. Isla is completely unsure of her self in this situation and ends up enjoying Daniel's twisted idea of a relationship (hello Stockholm syndrome/ forced proximity). I highly enjoyed reading this. Except for the fact now I have to wait for the second book. If yoy enjoy books that would end up on a crime drama if it were real life this may be a good book for you. Happy reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one pleasantly surprised me in how it dealt with standard trope of an incredibly wealthy MMC manipulating the MFC into contracturally being his in all ways for a specific period of time. In this case, for 6 months.
There's spice in this but it's more suggested than graphic, the overall drive of this book being a complex, intriguing and fascinating character study of the MFC, Isla, and her reactions as well as her method of dealing with a man, situation and impacts to her previously well ordered/organized life.
And while the reader gets small peeks into Daniel, he's an enigma and inconsistent emotionally which keeps Isla constantly off balance and frustrated or angry.
The book is only Isla's POV and while I would have loved his POV too, it makes sense that we don't see it.
This one fascinated me and I felt it is one of the better books I've read for character development: I was completely pulled into Isla's struggles and feelings and was invested in the characters and plot from beginning to end.
I can't wait for the sequel to this one and will definitely be reading this author's other works.

[Belu · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Oh wow… I have SO many feelings about Promise Me Lies 😅. Isla Harper honestly broke me sometimes 💔. She’s desperate, scared, but also so stubborn and real it’s impossible not to root for her. And Daniel… ugh 😤. He’s infuriating, controlling, yet somehow magnetic, and I can’t stop thinking about him.

The story hit me in all the ways: emotionally, mentally… sometimes I was mad, sometimes I was crying, and sometimes I just laughed at my own thoughts while reading. The tension between them? 🔥 Absolutely raw.

Some stuff was frustrating, though. The pacing dragged in the middle a bit, and yeah… some twists were predictable. But honestly? Those slow moments let me feel every tiny bit of Isla’s struggle, so I kinda forgive it.

Overall… this book is messy, emotional, and not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re into dark romance with morally grey characters, intense chemistry, and emotional rollercoasters , you’ll probably love it as much as I did. Just… brace yourself, because it’s not easy reading, and you’ll feel it in your chest 💖.

--I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.--

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Lena Everhart and she has left a huge impression on me! Isla and Daniel are worlds apart: she’s not prepared for his moods, his proclivities, or his darkness. It’s difficult to judge him just by their interactions other than he seems cold, calculating, dismissive, and lost at times. Isla’s POV is self reflective: her emotions, her insecurities, and her anxiety fill much of pages and provide insight for her confusion and lack of understanding. Daniel’s expectations for her conduct and behavior are surprising, contradictory, and maddeningly disturbing at times. She’s not his gf, significant other, or anything else that defines their relationship, but he demonstrates jealousy and resentment towards her. I am invested in what happens in the next book and hope there’s much more from his POV. More explanation about his life, feelings, and actions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RedFlower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my world! This plot was breathtakingly intoxicating!
Daniel and Isla's story is yet another explosive plot in Lena's brilliant writing. This story ends with a cliffhanger, which adds more suspense, and I need more of them right now.

Daniel is ruthless and calculated, with no time or patience, while Isla is geeky, fierce, and has a backbone. I loved that Isla is the star of the show, the center of everything, and it was gripping to be a part of her innermost conflicts, desires, and feelings. Their banter was intriguing and electric. The power imbalance was palpable throughout, captivating me even more. A third character, Vivien, added some fire to this plot, making it more compelling. It's a brilliant read, so get ready to immerse yourself in Daniel and Isla's dark story.

I highly recommend this author and story to everyone interested in this genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. Daniel and Isla are such complex character but the author did an amazing job explaining why they reacted the way they did. This is not a tender love story. Rather it's about how intelligent and successful people can find themselves in a toxic relationship. Even the awareness that the relationship is unhealthy isn't enough to have Daniel and Isla not hope for more. Daniel is mercurial and clearly damaged emotionally. His push/pull on Isla leaves her confused, angry but still hopeful that it might work out. There is a happy-ish for now ending but the author has more planned for these two.

The writing is well done, the pacing is perfect and the emotional exploration is organic and captivating. I can not wait to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ “His decision, my consequence.” ★

💝🫶🏼 Please mind your triggers before diving in 🫶🏼💝

There is something about Isla which instantly captured Daniel Blackwood’s interest, and emotional experiment of sorts, perhaps. Whatever the case, Isla had no other choice but to sign her name on the dotted line in order to save her brother and to guarantee a life for them both afterwards. “His decision, my consequence. Isla tries to stay true to her morality, but finds herself intrigued by the enigma that is Daniel, a master manipulator in their unique situation. She sinks deeper into the various shades of grey with each passing day, but no matter what her heart may feel, the sole purpose of her agreeing to his contract is - and must remain - their survival at the end. Looking forward to the next installment from this new-to-me author!

[Chloe B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark romance between the FMC, Isla
who signs a contract with the MMC, Daniel in order to pay off her brothers debt. Daniel is morally grey, possessive and very unhinged. Some of his actions in this book are extremely
questionable and overall he isn’t a great guy.
Isla is a quiet, but stubborn and fierce character. She stands up and isn’t afraid to fight against Daniel, which I enjoyed seeing their banters.

This book had me on an emotional roller coaster, with so many twists and turns. If you think you know how this book will end, YOU’RE WRONG. The cliffhanger has left me in shock and I need book two immediately. There is on the page spice, and he sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a blend of contract marriage vibes, dark mafia romance, and psychological thriller. I’m not going to lie, at times it was hard to read—not because it was bad, but because the author doesn’t shy away from difficult scenes. I do want to clarify that she writes the dark moments well. They aren’t designed to linger, they’re not overly graphic, and they always serve a purpose. I loved this about her work. I was able to understand the weight of what was happening without being given so much detail that it felt overwhelming.

Where her writing really shines is in the tension. The way she describes a scene, the characters’ expressions, and even the sound of their voices is so well done. Overall, this was a great read… though that ending...GRRRR lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What red-flags?

This story was compelling and captivating. I was held captive by this book. My emotions were all over the place while read this dark psychological romance and I have no regrets. Check your triggers because this one is a wild ride.

This was toxic love at its most unhinged, and I couldn't get enough.

Isla is trying to save her brother and makes a deal in exchange for saving him. She's young, she's an intelligent academic and she's inexperienced.

Daniel is a master manipulator. He is the morally grey possessive billionaire we hate to love.

This story is twisted and will have you questioning your morals and leave you wanting more. This is book one of the series and I seriously can't wait for more!

[bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book straight-up hijacked my nervous system. I knew it was dark going in, but jesus, it’s not just dark.... it’s cruel, intimate, and completely fucked in a way that makes you question your own lines. Daniel isn’t a morally grey man, he’s pitch black, and the worst part is how easy it is to want more of him anyway. Isla? Smart girl, sharp edges, ........ absolutely out of her depth. The whole thing reads like a contract with the devil and then dares you to enjoy it. There were moments I was uncomfortable as hell and still couldn’t stop reading. The control, the emotional whiplash, the fact that you’re just as trapped as Isla by the time you're halfway through.🖤

I don’t even know if I want book 2 or a little therapy. Maybe both.

[Madelyn Cauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing like I thought it would be, and it threw me off. Not only was the plot good but the characters were unpredictable at some points. Isla was called to the hospital where her brother lay broken in a bed and she was approached by someone with a card that had one name, Daniel Blackwood. Little does she know is that approaching him would change everything. He gives her an offer that she cannot refuse with the one request that she lives with him for six months and becomes "his". Knowing that if she refuses her brother can die, she decides to agree, and this takes you on a wild ride.

[Katarinaxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book by accident on BookSprout and claimed the ARC after reading the preview. And damn, I’m glad I did. This isn’t your typical forced proximity dark romance—it’s a twisted, psychological dive into control, manipulation, and survival.

Isla is forced into a contract with Daniel, a wealthy, calculating man, to pay off her brother’s debt after a brutal assault. I’m not going to tell you anything else - Read it!

I hadn’t heard of this book before, but the cover and sneak peek reeled me in—and I’m hooked.
I need to know what happens next between Isla and Daniel.

Solid 4.5 rating from me!

This is my honest review in exchange for an ARC.

[Nicolle Persoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book turned out to be.

I wanted to scream at them both, albeit for different reasons... obviously.

Our heroine agrees to a contract so save her brother, but in the meantime falls hard for the contract-owner. Not the beautiful kind of falling in love, but a very dark version.

A connection so intense, so fragile,so devastating... I cannot wait for book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadowed Hearts book one of a dark, and I mean dark, romance that begs you to check the trigger warnings if necessary for your sanity. A six month contract that states she belongs to him, no limitations to the needs of Blackwood from Isla, all so she can save her brother from a debt. The emotional complexities of the relationship are felt throughout the story, a testament to the incredible writing. So good I read it before falling asleep after dinner, I just couldn’t put it down!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla finds herself in a bad situation after her brother sold her out to have her pay his drug debts. Daniel is the guy who "saves" her. And by saving, he offers her a 6-month contract to pay off her brother's debts.

Daniel isn't a good guy; he doesn't develop a love for her throughout the story. By the end of the book, Isla doesn't want to be alone anymore and wants to stay.

Then the last line, you turn the page, and I literally said WTF at the end.

Will read book 2 when it comes out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Genevieve Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, addictive read that pulled me in from the very first page. Isla and Daniel’s intense dynamic kept me hooked, i could have used more spice but it was enough to add tension without overshadowing the story. The emotional stakes were high, the power plays were captivating, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The ending hit hard with a cliffhanger and no happy resolution, leaving me eager for the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.