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Promise Me Never
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 17:06:03
20 copies available
U.S. only
9 hours
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish comes an unmissable thriller about a woman who becomes embroiled in the mystery of her husband’s deceased first wife—and after moving to his remote house in the woods, uncovers terrifying secrets.
Aspiring writer Savannah’s scheme to meet superstar horror novelist Bennett Bryson turns out better than she ever not only does her charming and handsome literary idol offer to read her work, he is instantly smitten with her. After a whirlwind romance, Savannah says "yes" to marriage, and the two settle into Bennett's secluded upstate home.
But just as Savannah thinks she has it made, cracks appear in her perfect new life. Bennett's behavior becomes dark and he criticizes Savannah’s writing, dictates her permitted activities, and spends most of his time locked in his office, forbidding her from entering. And everywhere, Savannah cannot escape the shadow of Bennett's first wife, the free-spirited and passionate artist Poppy, who died in a tragic accident, but who seems still to be Savannah’s rival for Bennett's affection.
Then comes an enigmatic Bennett is not who he seems. The women that came before Savannah have disappeared. And Savannah could be next.
Isolated and unsure whom to trust, Savannah tries to piece together the mystery of the man she married, and the woman he married first. But Savannah has no idea what her husband is really hiding. And someone out there knows Savannah has secrets of her own. As these two writers will learn the hard way—past really is prologue.
With memorably complicated characters, deliciously devious betrayals, and truly shocking twists, this edge-of-your-seat novel from one of today's most original writers will keep you guessing until the last page.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish comes an unmissable thriller about a woman who becomes embroiled in the mystery of her husband’s deceased first wife—and after moving to his remote house in the woods, uncovers terrifying secrets.
Aspiring writer Savannah’s scheme to meet superstar horror novelist Bennett Bryson turns out better than she ever not only does her charming and handsome literary idol offer to read her work, he is instantly smitten with her. After a whirlwind romance, Savannah says "yes" to marriage, and the two settle into Bennett's secluded upstate home.
But just as Savannah thinks she has it made, cracks appear in her perfect new life. Bennett's behavior becomes dark and he criticizes Savannah’s writing, dictates her permitted activities, and spends most of his time locked in his office, forbidding her from entering. And everywhere, Savannah cannot escape the shadow of Bennett's first wife, the free-spirited and passionate artist Poppy, who died in a tragic accident, but who seems still to be Savannah’s rival for Bennett's affection.
Then comes an enigmatic Bennett is not who he seems. The women that came before Savannah have disappeared. And Savannah could be next.
Isolated and unsure whom to trust, Savannah tries to piece together the mystery of the man she married, and the woman he married first. But Savannah has no idea what her husband is really hiding. And someone out there knows Savannah has secrets of her own. As these two writers will learn the hard way—past really is prologue.
With memorably complicated characters, deliciously devious betrayals, and truly shocking twists, this edge-of-your-seat novel from one of today's most original writers will keep you guessing until the last page.
Audible Audio
First published August 18, 2026
About the author
Liv Constantine
21 books11.6k followersLiv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Lynne and Valerie are New York Times and international bestselling authors with millions of copies sold worldwide. Winners of the 2025 Silver Falchion awards for Best Book and Best Suspense, their books have been translated into 29 languages, are available in 34 countries, and are in development for both television and film. Their books have been praised by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Sunday Times, People Magazine, and Good Morning America, among many others. Their debut novel, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Visit Liv at www.livconstantine.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,148 reviews
August 28, 2026
I gobbled this one up in a day.
Novelist Bennett Bryson's debut made him rich and famous.
Everything following it has landed a step lower than the book before.
His agent has been clear: to compete in the current publishing market, he must turn out a book a year...preferably a bestseller.
This is a man who's built a life — a stately home on 14 acres in Bedford, New York; an Aston Martin and Range Rover in the garage; Cartier watches on his wrist — on a single blockbuster.
Sadly, he's spent the past 15 years terrified that it's the only one in him.
Enter Savannah Brooks, an ambitious assistant at a New York literary agency. An aspiring author herself, Savannah's been quietly studying the recently widowed Bennett Bryson, her boss’s most famous client.
Savannah positions herself at a writers’ conference to meet him.
Following a whirlwind romance, the two marry, Savannah leaves her job in Manhattan, and moves into Bennett's 5,000-square-foot colonial home in Bedford.
The dream begins to crack almost immediately...and that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Fans of Liv Constantine’s previous work, especially The Last Mrs. Parrish, will enjoy this fast-paced domestic suspense with continuous twists.
August 19, 2026
Award for THE dumbest book I’ve read this year. 🏆
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Secrets! So many secrets.
Savannah is an aspiring writer working as an assistant at a top publishing company. The company just happens to represent her most favorite horror author, Bennett. After the two meet, they are inseparable and after a whirlwind romance they tie the knot. Ditching her current apartment in the city once they’re married, she moves in to his sprawling estate and realizes Bennett may have a few skeletons in his closet.
I’m kind of torn on this one. On one hand, the chapters were short and kept me flipping those pages and engaged. However, on the other hand, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. They just didn’t have enough backstory or depth for me to care one way or another about them. BUT if I just take them at surface level and roll with the story, they worked well as a pool side, psychological thriller. And while one part of the story was predictable another part was not which is definitely a positive.
All in all, it was a propulsive read and I was surprised with one or two plot threads. I would consider this one a good pick to take to the beach or read poolside.
Solid 3.5 stars. Rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley and a publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Savannah is an aspiring writer working as an assistant at a top publishing company. The company just happens to represent her most favorite horror author, Bennett. After the two meet, they are inseparable and after a whirlwind romance they tie the knot. Ditching her current apartment in the city once they’re married, she moves in to his sprawling estate and realizes Bennett may have a few skeletons in his closet.
I’m kind of torn on this one. On one hand, the chapters were short and kept me flipping those pages and engaged. However, on the other hand, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. They just didn’t have enough backstory or depth for me to care one way or another about them. BUT if I just take them at surface level and roll with the story, they worked well as a pool side, psychological thriller. And while one part of the story was predictable another part was not which is definitely a positive.
All in all, it was a propulsive read and I was surprised with one or two plot threads. I would consider this one a good pick to take to the beach or read poolside.
Solid 3.5 stars. Rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley and a publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2026
This was such a fun, twisty read! I was completely hooked by the whole setup. Savannah meets her literary idol, marries him after a whirlwind romance and moves into his secluded home, only to start realising that maybe she doesn't know the man she's married at all. The mysterious death of his first wife, Poppy, and a locked office she's forbidden to enter really ramps up.
I really enjoyed the two timelines and getting Poppy's story alongside Savannah's. The further Savannah digs into Bennett's past, the more suspicious everything becomes, and I was constantly changing my mind about who I could trust.
The first part is definitely a little slower while everything is being set up, but once the secrets start coming out, I flew through this. It's dark, messy and full of the kind of questionable decisions that make you yell at the book while simultaneously turning the pages faster.
I also really liked that Savannah and Poppy aren't quite as straightforward as they initially seem. There are definitely layers to both of them, and the further into the story you get, the more you start questioning what you thought you knew.
The ending did get a little... chaotic and I'm not sure everything landed perfectly for me, but it was a good read with 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I really enjoyed the two timelines and getting Poppy's story alongside Savannah's. The further Savannah digs into Bennett's past, the more suspicious everything becomes, and I was constantly changing my mind about who I could trust.
The first part is definitely a little slower while everything is being set up, but once the secrets start coming out, I flew through this. It's dark, messy and full of the kind of questionable decisions that make you yell at the book while simultaneously turning the pages faster.
I also really liked that Savannah and Poppy aren't quite as straightforward as they initially seem. There are definitely layers to both of them, and the further into the story you get, the more you start questioning what you thought you knew.
The ending did get a little... chaotic and I'm not sure everything landed perfectly for me, but it was a good read with 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
August 23, 2026
COULD NOT put this thriller down.
It contained several requisite big twists as well as several smaller turns which while driving down the road of this novel I did not see coming.
BRAVO to the pair Ms. Constantine and Ms. Constantine...yes did you realize this was a duo of writing sisters? Fabulous work as it's hard to imagine collaborating on a novel. Perhaps one acts as a writer and the other more of an editor? Maybe they trade roles? I plan to look more into their writing process.
The authors hooked me into the storyline quite quickly. Perhaps because of these elements...
~ Most of the novel takes place on the grounds of a remote and stately mansion with rich and classic furnishings...the best that money can buy
~ The mansion is located quite close by car ride to an unprotected wooded area where our protagonist goes daily to walk her great Dane
~ The protagonist's love interest is an extremely wealthy, extremely successful and extremely handsome horror story author
This book felt for a quick minute like it might tip toe over the line from a psychological thriller to a horror story. Even though the tale felt macabre for a bit it did stay in the thriller lane which the synopsis promised.
Are you looking for a thriller to keep you up late into the night? This might be it...it was for me.
It contained several requisite big twists as well as several smaller turns which while driving down the road of this novel I did not see coming.
BRAVO to the pair Ms. Constantine and Ms. Constantine...yes did you realize this was a duo of writing sisters? Fabulous work as it's hard to imagine collaborating on a novel. Perhaps one acts as a writer and the other more of an editor? Maybe they trade roles? I plan to look more into their writing process.
The authors hooked me into the storyline quite quickly. Perhaps because of these elements...
~ Most of the novel takes place on the grounds of a remote and stately mansion with rich and classic furnishings...the best that money can buy
~ The mansion is located quite close by car ride to an unprotected wooded area where our protagonist goes daily to walk her great Dane
~ The protagonist's love interest is an extremely wealthy, extremely successful and extremely handsome horror story author
This book felt for a quick minute like it might tip toe over the line from a psychological thriller to a horror story. Even though the tale felt macabre for a bit it did stay in the thriller lane which the synopsis promised.
Are you looking for a thriller to keep you up late into the night? This might be it...it was for me.
August 24, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down for initial slowness and the OTT ending. Overall, it was a decent "popcorn" type of thriller, but it got a bit silly with the overly crazy ending, though it was sorta fun. Initially it felt a lot like "Mrs. Parrish" then it turned a bit Freida-esque. Certainly not their best, nor the worst either.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A delightfully dark domestic suspense-meets-popcorn thriller-esque novel, Promise Me Never had me wound around its metaphorical little finger by the time I finished the very first riveting page. I mean, that prologue alone meant I needed to know what was to come in this twisty, fast-paced, one-sitting read. From the Freida McFadden-like plot to the classic Liv Constantine “WTF?!” twists, it was a wild, edge-of-your-seat ride of ratcheting tension and nonstop suspense. Recounted by three true-to-life narrators through short, punchy chapters in both the past and the present, it was an addictive mind game of what everyone was hiding. After all, I knew that this small cast of unreliable characters had some deep, dark secrets in each their closets thanks to a sprinkling of intriguingly vague cliffhangers that kept me guessing.
I do have to say, though, that the eye-popping twists and the action-packed climax went off the rails just a little. Somewhat over-the-top on both counts, they were both deliciously unhinged in the best possible way. Did I have to suspend my disbelief to let myself enjoy the ride? Okay, so maybe I did—but ultimately so what? After all, every time I dive into one of this writing duos’ binge-worthy reads, I know that I’m in for quite a treat—and this time around was certainly no different. Given that I got everything I was expecting plus a satirical view of the literary world and a couple of toxic relationships that made me rethink wanting to date ever again, and this book was nearly as much of a win as my favorite book by them, The Last Mrs. Parrish. So go on. Order this one now. I flew through it, and I bet you will as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Popcorn-ish thrillers
- Marital drama
- A sense of foreboding
- Dark secrets
- Nonstop suspense
- Short chapters
- Jaw-dropping twists
- Multiple POVs
- Unreliable narrators
- Dual timelines
- Literary-world vibes
- Cliffhangers
- Fast-paced plotting
BRIEF BLURB:
In order to get the most out of this book, please oh please go into it at least mostly blind. If, however, you’re one of *those* people, scroll to the end of my review for the full publisher-provided review. Otherwise, all you need to know is…
An aspiring writer named Savannah falls hook, line, and sinker for the renowned horror author Bennett Bryson. Little does she know, but she’s about to get way more than a little career advice. After a whirlwind courtship, she finds herself living in his upstate New York mansion with his ten-carat ring on her finger. Unfortunately, though, she’s not the first Mrs. Bryson—and he’s not the perfect man she’s been dreaming of all this time. Revealing not only a controlling dark side but more than one dead or missing former flame, Savannah begins to look into his past. Will she find out that he’s as dangerous as she fears? And, if so, will she make it out of this marriage alive? After all, he’s not the only one hiding things—and her secrets just might catch up with her first.
Thank you Liv Constantine and Bantam Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 18, 2026
Content warning: sexual content, toxic relationship, emotional abuse, kidnapping, gun violence, murder, mention of: gaslighting
FULL PUBLISHER-PROVIDED SYNOPSIS:
Aspiring writer Savannah’s scheme to meet superstar horror novelist Bennett Bryson turns out better than she ever imagined: not only does her charming and handsome literary idol offer to read her work, he is instantly smitten with her. After a whirlwind romance, Savannah says "yes" to marriage, and the two settle into Bennett's secluded upstate home.
But just as Savannah thinks she has it made, cracks appear in her perfect new life. Bennett's behavior becomes dark and controlling: he criticizes Savannah’s writing, dictates her permitted activities, and spends most of his time locked in his office, forbidding her from entering. And everywhere, Savannah cannot escape the shadow of Bennett's first wife, the free-spirited and passionate artist Poppy, who died in a tragic accident, but who seems still to be Savannah’s rival for Bennett's affection.
Then comes an enigmatic warning: Bennett is not who he seems. The women that came before Savannah have disappeared. And Savannah could be next.
Isolated and unsure whom to trust, Savannah tries to piece together the mystery of the man she married, and the woman he married first. But Savannah has no idea what her husband is really hiding. And someone out there knows Savannah has secrets of her own. As these two writers will learn the hard way—past really is prologue.
I do have to say, though, that the eye-popping twists and the action-packed climax went off the rails just a little. Somewhat over-the-top on both counts, they were both deliciously unhinged in the best possible way. Did I have to suspend my disbelief to let myself enjoy the ride? Okay, so maybe I did—but ultimately so what? After all, every time I dive into one of this writing duos’ binge-worthy reads, I know that I’m in for quite a treat—and this time around was certainly no different. Given that I got everything I was expecting plus a satirical view of the literary world and a couple of toxic relationships that made me rethink wanting to date ever again, and this book was nearly as much of a win as my favorite book by them, The Last Mrs. Parrish. So go on. Order this one now. I flew through it, and I bet you will as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Popcorn-ish thrillers
- Marital drama
- A sense of foreboding
- Dark secrets
- Nonstop suspense
- Short chapters
- Jaw-dropping twists
- Multiple POVs
- Unreliable narrators
- Dual timelines
- Literary-world vibes
- Cliffhangers
- Fast-paced plotting
BRIEF BLURB:
In order to get the most out of this book, please oh please go into it at least mostly blind. If, however, you’re one of *those* people, scroll to the end of my review for the full publisher-provided review. Otherwise, all you need to know is…
An aspiring writer named Savannah falls hook, line, and sinker for the renowned horror author Bennett Bryson. Little does she know, but she’s about to get way more than a little career advice. After a whirlwind courtship, she finds herself living in his upstate New York mansion with his ten-carat ring on her finger. Unfortunately, though, she’s not the first Mrs. Bryson—and he’s not the perfect man she’s been dreaming of all this time. Revealing not only a controlling dark side but more than one dead or missing former flame, Savannah begins to look into his past. Will she find out that he’s as dangerous as she fears? And, if so, will she make it out of this marriage alive? After all, he’s not the only one hiding things—and her secrets just might catch up with her first.
Thank you Liv Constantine and Bantam Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 18, 2026
Content warning: sexual content, toxic relationship, emotional abuse, kidnapping, gun violence, murder, mention of: gaslighting
FULL PUBLISHER-PROVIDED SYNOPSIS:
Aspiring writer Savannah’s scheme to meet superstar horror novelist Bennett Bryson turns out better than she ever imagined: not only does her charming and handsome literary idol offer to read her work, he is instantly smitten with her. After a whirlwind romance, Savannah says "yes" to marriage, and the two settle into Bennett's secluded upstate home.
But just as Savannah thinks she has it made, cracks appear in her perfect new life. Bennett's behavior becomes dark and controlling: he criticizes Savannah’s writing, dictates her permitted activities, and spends most of his time locked in his office, forbidding her from entering. And everywhere, Savannah cannot escape the shadow of Bennett's first wife, the free-spirited and passionate artist Poppy, who died in a tragic accident, but who seems still to be Savannah’s rival for Bennett's affection.
Then comes an enigmatic warning: Bennett is not who he seems. The women that came before Savannah have disappeared. And Savannah could be next.
Isolated and unsure whom to trust, Savannah tries to piece together the mystery of the man she married, and the woman he married first. But Savannah has no idea what her husband is really hiding. And someone out there knows Savannah has secrets of her own. As these two writers will learn the hard way—past really is prologue.
April 25, 2026
Always enjoy the he said/she said drama in a marriage, where the possibility of murder is lurking under the surface. What secret is the wife holding? Why so many former fianceés for the husband? Someone is lying, and as it all goes together, quite the explosion. I picked an entirely different conclusion so it was a happy surprise to find an unexpected one. Will definitely keep reading this author's work.
Want to Read
March 31, 2026This one sounds promising!
Thank you to Netgalley for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2026
3.5 rounded up to a 4
This was definitely a fast, easy read—which was exactly what I needed right now! 🙌 The writing was smooth, the story was easy to follow, and I flew through it pretty quickly.
The beginning was a little slow for me, and you definitely have to suspend some disbelief at times (because really… ONE MONTH?! 😵💫😵💫), but once things got going, I was invested.
The culprit was pretty easy to figure out, but there were still some good twists toward the end that helped wrap everything up nicely. Overall, a fun, low-effort mystery that was perfect for my current reading mood!
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was definitely a fast, easy read—which was exactly what I needed right now! 🙌 The writing was smooth, the story was easy to follow, and I flew through it pretty quickly.
The beginning was a little slow for me, and you definitely have to suspend some disbelief at times (because really… ONE MONTH?! 😵💫😵💫), but once things got going, I was invested.
The culprit was pretty easy to figure out, but there were still some good twists toward the end that helped wrap everything up nicely. Overall, a fun, low-effort mystery that was perfect for my current reading mood!
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Ballatine, and Liv Constantine for the ARC.
Savannah, an aspiring writer meets Bennett Bryson, a horror novelist. The two have a whirlwind romance - which later spirals when Savannah realizes that Bennett is who he isn’t appearing to be.
I went in blind with only the premise and once I got deeper into reading, I was hooked.
Unlike most domestic thrillers, this one’s told in third person with alternating chapters between Savannah, Bennett, and Poppy. It took a minute to adjust, but the perspective shifts added depth and character development.
The character I liked the most was Poppy, she was artistic and her chapters were my favorite to read. Savannah, as the female lead, felt underdeveloped. I wasn’t a fan of Bennett either. He was fine at first, but during the course of the book, his character did a complete 360.
A domestic thriller like this hit the nail on the head. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys unreliable narrators you fully can't trust.
Pub date. August 18th, 2026.
August 4, 2026
Talk about a killer twist!! if you want a fast paced read that will consume your mind Liv Constantine is the author you need. She always delivers on shady characters, jaw dropping twists and a story that is never predictable. I absolutely devoured Promise Me Never, it was so addictive and so fun to read.
And what is even more fun is that it is about a writer and an aspiring author who get married after a whirlwind romance. Bennett Bryson has been here before, and the more his new bride Savannah learns about his past the more she realises that she can’t trust him. Oh, and there is a dog which always wins me over.
Thank you to Ballantine on NetGalley for my early copy of this book by a much loved author. Out on August 18th.
And what is even more fun is that it is about a writer and an aspiring author who get married after a whirlwind romance. Bennett Bryson has been here before, and the more his new bride Savannah learns about his past the more she realises that she can’t trust him. Oh, and there is a dog which always wins me over.
Thank you to Ballantine on NetGalley for my early copy of this book by a much loved author. Out on August 18th.
April 25, 2026
I went into this quite excited, the premise immediately caught my attention, and the novel opens with enough intrigue to make you feel that you’re stepping into a story filled with secrets waiting to unravel.
However, as the narrative progressed, I found myself losing a bit of footing in the middle section. The story begins with promise, but for a considerable stretch not much of consequence seemed to occur until well over twenty chapters in, which slowed the momentum more than I expected and by the time the twists arrived toward the end, they appeared rather suddenly. A few of the reveals felt rushed and quite honestly, slightly less impactful than they might have been with more space to develop.
Character-wise, I struggled to form a strong connection with the characters though Savannah stood out as the perspective I found the most engaging.
All that being said, I did appreciate the structural choices in the storytelling. The use of multiple POVs and dual timelines is a creative approach that gradually pieces things together and helps to build tension.
Overall, the concept behind this story is genuinely interesting and clearly has strong potential. For me, the execution felt somewhat uneven, though I can certainly see how the premise and layered narrative style may appeal to many readers. Perhaps I’m simply the outlier here, but this one didn’t quite land for me in the way I had hoped.
Huge thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, as the narrative progressed, I found myself losing a bit of footing in the middle section. The story begins with promise, but for a considerable stretch not much of consequence seemed to occur until well over twenty chapters in, which slowed the momentum more than I expected and by the time the twists arrived toward the end, they appeared rather suddenly. A few of the reveals felt rushed and quite honestly, slightly less impactful than they might have been with more space to develop.
Character-wise, I struggled to form a strong connection with the characters though Savannah stood out as the perspective I found the most engaging.
All that being said, I did appreciate the structural choices in the storytelling. The use of multiple POVs and dual timelines is a creative approach that gradually pieces things together and helps to build tension.
Overall, the concept behind this story is genuinely interesting and clearly has strong potential. For me, the execution felt somewhat uneven, though I can certainly see how the premise and layered narrative style may appeal to many readers. Perhaps I’m simply the outlier here, but this one didn’t quite land for me in the way I had hoped.
Huge thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2026
the setup…
Savannah is the assistant of hire-powered New York book agent Marion Sutton who also represents bestselling horror novelist Bennett Bryson. His debut novel Promise Me Never was a bestselling hit he’s also Savannah’s idol. She joins him and Marion for dinner and he becomes instantly smitten with her. A few weeks later, the two are married and she’s moved into his upstate Bedford estate. Savannah is also writing an book and Bennett helps provide critical input. Wedding bliss soon starts to lose its shine when his controlling nature emerges. He tries to dictate her every move and his feedback on her book now feels mean. When Savannah learns he not only was married before to Poppy but she died mysteriously, she begins to worry for her own safety. That becomes magnified after she receives anonymous warnings. Is Bennett writing from experience and why isn’t she allowed in his office?
the heart of the story…
I liked having three points of view from Savannah, Bennett and Poppy (from the past). All of them seemed to be harboring secrets that were slowly revealed as the story progressed. It got twisty early on, which I’d anticipated but still wasn’t quite prepared for some of the shockwaves.
the narration…
I was in listening heaven with Suzanne Elise Freeman, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Scott Brick & Alex McKenna. Brick kept me off balance with Bennett as did Freeman and Németh-Parker with Poppy and Savannah. This was special.
the bottom line…
And the twists just kept on coming along with a host of suspicious characters, including Savannah & Bennett. I started patching together a pretty good theory and nailed some of it but missed a big twist. I had a good time with the story until it started to fall apart for me somewhat at the end. Still, this was just the popcorn thriller I’d anticipated even with a hole or two as I finished it in one sitting. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Savannah is the assistant of hire-powered New York book agent Marion Sutton who also represents bestselling horror novelist Bennett Bryson. His debut novel Promise Me Never was a bestselling hit he’s also Savannah’s idol. She joins him and Marion for dinner and he becomes instantly smitten with her. A few weeks later, the two are married and she’s moved into his upstate Bedford estate. Savannah is also writing an book and Bennett helps provide critical input. Wedding bliss soon starts to lose its shine when his controlling nature emerges. He tries to dictate her every move and his feedback on her book now feels mean. When Savannah learns he not only was married before to Poppy but she died mysteriously, she begins to worry for her own safety. That becomes magnified after she receives anonymous warnings. Is Bennett writing from experience and why isn’t she allowed in his office?
the heart of the story…
I liked having three points of view from Savannah, Bennett and Poppy (from the past). All of them seemed to be harboring secrets that were slowly revealed as the story progressed. It got twisty early on, which I’d anticipated but still wasn’t quite prepared for some of the shockwaves.
the narration…
I was in listening heaven with Suzanne Elise Freeman, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Scott Brick & Alex McKenna. Brick kept me off balance with Bennett as did Freeman and Németh-Parker with Poppy and Savannah. This was special.
the bottom line…
And the twists just kept on coming along with a host of suspicious characters, including Savannah & Bennett. I started patching together a pretty good theory and nailed some of it but missed a big twist. I had a good time with the story until it started to fall apart for me somewhat at the end. Still, this was just the popcorn thriller I’d anticipated even with a hole or two as I finished it in one sitting. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 8, 2026
Was the AI portion mentioned in the book supposed to be a dig towards someone? Hmmm 🤔😏
April 24, 2026
Promise Me Never
By: Liv Constantine
Pub Date: August 18, 2026
Publisher: Bantam
This sister author team is back with a suspenseful thriller and I am here for it.
We find Savannah who is wanting to be an author. She makes it her mission to meet novelist Bennett Bryson, who writes horror. Bennett is charming and pulls Savannah into his web with a quick romance that leads to marriage.
Bennett has a dark side and soon Savannah will discover who “he” really is. She is living in his home and is haunted by his first wife Poppy. She died in an accident.
Without any spoilers, get ready to put life on hold and buckle up for one crazy ride. Be careful what you wish for!
By: Liv Constantine
Pub Date: August 18, 2026
Publisher: Bantam
This sister author team is back with a suspenseful thriller and I am here for it.
We find Savannah who is wanting to be an author. She makes it her mission to meet novelist Bennett Bryson, who writes horror. Bennett is charming and pulls Savannah into his web with a quick romance that leads to marriage.
Bennett has a dark side and soon Savannah will discover who “he” really is. She is living in his home and is haunted by his first wife Poppy. She died in an accident.
Without any spoilers, get ready to put life on hold and buckle up for one crazy ride. Be careful what you wish for!
August 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐
Promise Me Never centers around an aspiring writer named Savannah, who has her ultimate dream come true when she marries her literary idol, bestselling horror author Bennett Bryson. Unfortunately, the man behind the books is far more frightening than anything he's ever written, and Savannah soon finds herself questioning everything she knows about Bennett—and the disturbing secrets surrounding his first wife.
This felt like vintage Liv Constantine: secrets, lies, questionable decisions, and enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages long past when I should have stopped. Promise Me Never is very much a popcorn thriller, and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want. There was always something happening, and just when I thought I had things figured out, Constantine would throw another twist into the mix.
My biggest issue, though, was that eventually the twists became a little too much for me. The story ventures so far into the realm of the unbelievable that I found myself struggling to suspend my disbelief. There were definitely moments where I could feel myself thinking, Okay…are we really doing this? 😂 And sadly, once I started questioning the plausibility of the plot, it became harder to fully immerse myself in it.
I also felt like the writing itself was a little less sophisticated than what I've come to expect from Constantine. Certain aspects felt more elementary and straightforward, which made this read somewhat differently from some of her earlier releases. That said, none of that stopped me from being entertained. This book moves, and there was never a dull moment. I flew through it largely because I needed to know what ridiculous twist was coming next!
Ultimately, Promise Me Never was a fun, twisty, highly entertaining thriller that just didn't quite live up to the standard Constantine has set with some of her previous books. I enjoyed the ride, even if I didn't always believe the road we were traveling down. 😅
Entertaining? Absolutely.
Bingeable? Definitely.
Believable? Ehhh…not so much.
Still, if you're looking for a fast-paced popcorn thriller packed with secrets and twist after twist, this one certainly delivers.
Promise Me Never centers around an aspiring writer named Savannah, who has her ultimate dream come true when she marries her literary idol, bestselling horror author Bennett Bryson. Unfortunately, the man behind the books is far more frightening than anything he's ever written, and Savannah soon finds herself questioning everything she knows about Bennett—and the disturbing secrets surrounding his first wife.
This felt like vintage Liv Constantine: secrets, lies, questionable decisions, and enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages long past when I should have stopped. Promise Me Never is very much a popcorn thriller, and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want. There was always something happening, and just when I thought I had things figured out, Constantine would throw another twist into the mix.
My biggest issue, though, was that eventually the twists became a little too much for me. The story ventures so far into the realm of the unbelievable that I found myself struggling to suspend my disbelief. There were definitely moments where I could feel myself thinking, Okay…are we really doing this? 😂 And sadly, once I started questioning the plausibility of the plot, it became harder to fully immerse myself in it.
I also felt like the writing itself was a little less sophisticated than what I've come to expect from Constantine. Certain aspects felt more elementary and straightforward, which made this read somewhat differently from some of her earlier releases. That said, none of that stopped me from being entertained. This book moves, and there was never a dull moment. I flew through it largely because I needed to know what ridiculous twist was coming next!
Ultimately, Promise Me Never was a fun, twisty, highly entertaining thriller that just didn't quite live up to the standard Constantine has set with some of her previous books. I enjoyed the ride, even if I didn't always believe the road we were traveling down. 😅
Entertaining? Absolutely.
Bingeable? Definitely.
Believable? Ehhh…not so much.
Still, if you're looking for a fast-paced popcorn thriller packed with secrets and twist after twist, this one certainly delivers.
August 26, 2026
RTC
Quick notes:
I just finished reading this book.
The last twist in this book was amazing & unforeseen (on my part).
Fast paced.
Good story.
This book was written by Lynne Constantine
[Valerie was busy working on another projects]
A discussion about Promise Me Never can be viewed on A Mighty Blaze: Crime Time between Hank Phillippi Ryan and Lynne Constantine, dated August 18, 2026..
I need time to think before I write more.
Quick notes:
I just finished reading this book.
The last twist in this book was amazing & unforeseen (on my part).
Fast paced.
Good story.
This book was written by Lynne Constantine
[Valerie was busy working on another projects]
A discussion about Promise Me Never can be viewed on A Mighty Blaze: Crime Time between Hank Phillippi Ryan and Lynne Constantine, dated August 18, 2026..
I need time to think before I write more.
August 17, 2026
Pure popcorn thriller fun! Really enjoyed listening to this while I got things done around the house over the last couple of days.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ALC.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ALC.
September 14, 2026
This was a decent story if you are adept at suspending your beliefs.
A cautionary tale to if if you marry in haste, you may experience consequences you never anticipated.
A cautionary tale to if if you marry in haste, you may experience consequences you never anticipated.
August 20, 2026
Savannah can’t believe her luck when she grabs the attention of writer Bennet whilst working for him. Swept off her feet she and Bennet spend time together dining out sharing their plans for the future, she is convinced he is the one.
After world wind romance that leads to marriage cracks begin to appear, he becomes controlling she finds herself isolated and with looming shadows appear over her happy ending she finds herself constantly being compared to his late first wife who apparently died in an “tragic accident”.
Liv Constantine is back, this duo always manages to pull gripping engaging stories out of the bag! There was so much to love about this one, it was fast paced, had multiple points of view and short chapters.
There isn’t much I didn’t like about this one although I do feel like some of the twists/reals have come up in other books before but that I think comes with the pop corn thriller genre.
After world wind romance that leads to marriage cracks begin to appear, he becomes controlling she finds herself isolated and with looming shadows appear over her happy ending she finds herself constantly being compared to his late first wife who apparently died in an “tragic accident”.
Liv Constantine is back, this duo always manages to pull gripping engaging stories out of the bag! There was so much to love about this one, it was fast paced, had multiple points of view and short chapters.
There isn’t much I didn’t like about this one although I do feel like some of the twists/reals have come up in other books before but that I think comes with the pop corn thriller genre.
August 21, 2026
4 Stars
I absolutely love Liv Constantine but this wasn't a favourite.
It follows the life of a best selling horror author and his many relationships. Most of Bennetts relationships ended in death or a missing person.
Savanna is his latest wife and when she hears about his past she begins to get suspicious.
The book also touches on plagiarism which I believe happened to Liv Constantine herself with The Last Mrs Parrish. If you've ever read Mrs Parrish you'll know exactly what Im talking about. I think this author lost big with that book.
Having said that LC is a favourite author of mine and I will always read her books!
I absolutely love Liv Constantine but this wasn't a favourite.
It follows the life of a best selling horror author and his many relationships. Most of Bennetts relationships ended in death or a missing person.
Savanna is his latest wife and when she hears about his past she begins to get suspicious.
The book also touches on plagiarism which I believe happened to Liv Constantine herself with The Last Mrs Parrish. If you've ever read Mrs Parrish you'll know exactly what Im talking about. I think this author lost big with that book.
Having said that LC is a favourite author of mine and I will always read her books!
April 11, 2026
Look no further, I have found the cure to your book slump! Promise Me Never is a fast-paced, cannot put it down, one sitting read! Short chapters, shocking twists, and an alternating POV (don’t worry it’s a small cast) makes this one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Savannah knows what and who she wants and that’s to be a published author and to be with Bennett Bryson but Bennett is not who he seems and there are mysterious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death. Hang on tight, you might get whiplash from this one.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Savannah knows what and who she wants and that’s to be a published author and to be with Bennett Bryson but Bennett is not who he seems and there are mysterious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death. Hang on tight, you might get whiplash from this one.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
August 28, 2026
“Promise Me Never” hooked me from page one and left me reeling by the end. I was cruising at four stars, enjoying the simmering tension, when Liv Constantine hit me with a finale so wild that I instantly bumped it up to five stars.
Thanks to the author and Bantam Books for the eARC received via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Savannah is desperate to publish her debut novel and just as desperate to catch the eye of horror superstar Bennett Bryson. When she finally does, their whirlwind romance feels almost too good to be true. Engagement comes quickly, with Savannah swept off her feet and into Bennett’s remote, lavish estate.
But the fairy tale crumbles fast. Bennett’s charm sharpens, and his critiques of Savannah’s writing turn controlling. She tries to convince herself he’s just being a tough mentor, but the house’s isolation, his constant monitoring, and the subtle pressure he applies make the atmosphere increasingly claustrophobic.
Savannah knew about Bennett’s first wife’s tragic boating accident, but she soon uncovers a pattern: other women in his life ended up suspiciously dead. The deeper she digs, the more it feels like she’s living inside one of his sinister stories. Watching Savannah shift from dazzled fan to a woman fighting for her life is where this book really bites.
Constantine layers on the psychological tension and uses the setting masterfully. The estate is practically a character itself, amplifying Savannah’s fear. The novel digs into ambition, manipulation, and the danger of confusing charisma with decency. Savannah’s journey isn’t just about survival, but about finding her own voice.
And that ending? It’s the kind that makes you sit back and mutter “holy moly” to yourself. Satisfying, gutsy, and the sort of twist that made me want to rethink every page.
Thanks to the author and Bantam Books for the eARC received via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Savannah is desperate to publish her debut novel and just as desperate to catch the eye of horror superstar Bennett Bryson. When she finally does, their whirlwind romance feels almost too good to be true. Engagement comes quickly, with Savannah swept off her feet and into Bennett’s remote, lavish estate.
But the fairy tale crumbles fast. Bennett’s charm sharpens, and his critiques of Savannah’s writing turn controlling. She tries to convince herself he’s just being a tough mentor, but the house’s isolation, his constant monitoring, and the subtle pressure he applies make the atmosphere increasingly claustrophobic.
Savannah knew about Bennett’s first wife’s tragic boating accident, but she soon uncovers a pattern: other women in his life ended up suspiciously dead. The deeper she digs, the more it feels like she’s living inside one of his sinister stories. Watching Savannah shift from dazzled fan to a woman fighting for her life is where this book really bites.
Constantine layers on the psychological tension and uses the setting masterfully. The estate is practically a character itself, amplifying Savannah’s fear. The novel digs into ambition, manipulation, and the danger of confusing charisma with decency. Savannah’s journey isn’t just about survival, but about finding her own voice.
And that ending? It’s the kind that makes you sit back and mutter “holy moly” to yourself. Satisfying, gutsy, and the sort of twist that made me want to rethink every page.
August 20, 2026
Savannah dreams of becoming a famous writer like her idol best selling writer horror writer Bennett Bryson. As an assistant agent she worms her way into an introduction at a writers convention. Bennett’s wife Poppy died less than a year ago and he’s not interesting in dating but feels a spark with Savannah he only experienced with Poppy. In a month they become engaged. Savannah soon notices a darker side to the man she had long admired. Then she discovers a trail of missing and dead women in Bennett’s past.
I will read anything Liv Constantine writers. The two sisters who write as one seem to have an endless supply of creativity, plot twists and excellent ideas.
I will read anything Liv Constantine writers. The two sisters who write as one seem to have an endless supply of creativity, plot twists and excellent ideas.
April 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
4.5 stars rounded up. I was so excited to read a new book from this author and it did not disappoint. I read it in 24 hours - I loved how fast paced this book was. The short chapters hooked me in and motivated me to pick up this book whenever I got the chance. This book is told from 3 different point of views (the husband, the new wife and the ex-wife) and it was hard to know who to trust. The author definitely leads us to believe one way but I knew there would be a twist or two at the end - and it didn’t disappoint!
4.5 stars rounded up. I was so excited to read a new book from this author and it did not disappoint. I read it in 24 hours - I loved how fast paced this book was. The short chapters hooked me in and motivated me to pick up this book whenever I got the chance. This book is told from 3 different point of views (the husband, the new wife and the ex-wife) and it was hard to know who to trust. The author definitely leads us to believe one way but I knew there would be a twist or two at the end - and it didn’t disappoint!
April 30, 2026
I’m a huge fan of this authors work and this book was such a great read! Very fast and constantly on the move, the mystery kept me hooked. Loved the POV switches, it gave a really well rounded view of the characters while still maintaining the suspense. I very much appreciated the way the twist was done as well, but that’s all I will say without spoiling anything. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
April 12, 2026
Promise Me Never by Liv Constantine
Publishing date - 08/18/26
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine publishing for this eARC! Loved it! One my new favorites by Liv Constantine. Short chapters, shocking twists, and alternating POVs make this fast-paced thriller unputdownable. Highly recommend this one when it releases later this year.
Publishing date - 08/18/26
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine publishing for this eARC! Loved it! One my new favorites by Liv Constantine. Short chapters, shocking twists, and alternating POVs make this fast-paced thriller unputdownable. Highly recommend this one when it releases later this year.
August 15, 2026
I was initially really hooked by Promise Me Never. The setup immediately pulled me in, and even though it seemed like we might be heading into a familiar “it’s always the husband” storyline, I was completely seated and ready to see where Liv Constantine would take it. The pacing is excellent, and there was always another question or mystery that made me want to keep reading.
Unfortunately, as the story went on, the reveals became a little too wild and over the top for me. I’m absolutely here for a good soap opera or Lifetime movie moment every now and then, but this one crossed that line into wait…are we really supposed to believe this? territory. 😂 I found myself noticing the plot holes and questioning some of the twists instead of being shocked by them, and ultimately, the answers felt pretty underwhelming after all that buildup.
That said, I can’t deny that this was a page turner. I genuinely wanted to find out what happened, and I flew through it despite my issues with where the story ultimately went. I think readers who enjoy very twisty domestic thrillers and don’t mind suspending disbelief for some big, dramatic reveals may have a lot more fun with this one than I did.
For me, Promise Me Never was a case of loving the setup and the compulsive pacing but not quite connecting with the execution of the twists. It kept me entertained, but I wanted the payoff to land a little harder.
Unfortunately, as the story went on, the reveals became a little too wild and over the top for me. I’m absolutely here for a good soap opera or Lifetime movie moment every now and then, but this one crossed that line into wait…are we really supposed to believe this? territory. 😂 I found myself noticing the plot holes and questioning some of the twists instead of being shocked by them, and ultimately, the answers felt pretty underwhelming after all that buildup.
That said, I can’t deny that this was a page turner. I genuinely wanted to find out what happened, and I flew through it despite my issues with where the story ultimately went. I think readers who enjoy very twisty domestic thrillers and don’t mind suspending disbelief for some big, dramatic reveals may have a lot more fun with this one than I did.
For me, Promise Me Never was a case of loving the setup and the compulsive pacing but not quite connecting with the execution of the twists. It kept me entertained, but I wanted the payoff to land a little harder.
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