Bound by Lies

by J.R. Sawyer

Mira Voss was never meant to have a choice. Raised in the shadows and shaped into something dangerous, she was taught that loyalty is everything, and love is a weakness she cannot afford.

Roman Deveraux is power, control, and a past buried beneath ash and silence. The kind of man who doesn’t trust easily, yet can’t ignore the pull toward the woman who slipped too easily into his world.

What begins as a calculated mission quickly unravels into something far more dangerous. As Mira moves deeper into Roman’s life, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur, and the past she was built on starts to fracture. The man she was sent to destroy becomes the one she cannot walk away from.

But nothing about Mira’s life has ever been real; not her past, not her purpose, and certainly not the people who shaped her into who she is. When long-buried secrets come to light and the truth behind her existence is revealed, loyalty turns into betrayal, and survival becomes a choice she may not get to make.

In a world built on manipulation, power, and control, love is not a weakness—it’s a weapon. And in the end, it may be the one thing that destroys them both.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

J.R. Sawyer is an indie author from Minnesota who writes emotionally driven stories filled with tension, secrets, and complicated characters. Drawn to darker themes and layered relationships, their work explores the blurred lines between love, loyalty, obsession, and survival.

When not writing, they can usually be found reading, spending time with family, or working on the next story idea with an energy drink nearby. J.R. Sawyer is passionate about creating immersive worlds and unforgettable characters that stay with readers long after the final page.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books starts off with a bang! From the first chapters, you are drawn into a world that compels you to learn more; more about a world fueled by dark MMCs, strong FMCs, and a desire to find out the secrets that they keep.

This delicious slow burn of a novel is addicting in all the right ways.  The push and pull between the main characters keep you drawn into a story that weaves and twists to keep you guessing.

And, to top it off, the book ends on a major cliffhanger that immediately leaves you wanting to reach for the second book! This is such a beautifully written book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

[Bailey Oswald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
✨
This was a gripping dark romance filled with tension, betrayal, and emotionally layered characters. Mira and Roman had incredible chemistry, and I loved the constant push and pull between loyalty, deception, and attraction. The twists surrounding Mira’s past kept the story interesting, and the darker atmosphere made it hard to put down.

The pacing slowed a little in the middle, but overall it was still a really addictive read. But the ending… no, I am generally not one for cliffhangers, but knowing another book is coming, I’ll let it slide. If you enjoy morally gray characters, suspense, and intense romance, this book is definitely worth reading.
✨
Summary: Mira Voss was never meant to have a choice. Raised in the shadows and shaped into something dangerous, she was taught that loyalty is everything, and love is a weakness she cannot afford.

Roman Deveraux is power, control, and a past buried beneath ash and silence. The kind of man who doesn’t trust easily, yet can’t ignore the pull toward the woman who slipped too easily into his world.

What begins as a calculated mission quickly unravels into something far more dangerous. As Mira moves deeper into Roman’s life, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur, and the past she was built on starts to fracture. The man she was sent to destroy becomes the one she cannot walk away from.

But nothing about Mira’s life has ever been real; not her past, not her purpose, and certainly not the people who shaped her into who she is. When long-buried secrets come to light and the truth behind her existence is revealed, loyalty turns into betrayal, and survival becomes a choice she may not get to make.

In a world built on manipulation, power, and control, love is not a weakness—it’s a weapon. And in the end, it may be the one thing that destroys them both.

[Mya Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book not entirely sure what to expect. In the beginning, I found myself wishing for more descriptive depth on the characters to really connect early on. However, as the story progressed, I became much more invested and genuinely started to enjoy the journey.

While there were a few moments where I felt the tension could have been heightened to keep the pacing tighter, the story still managed to surprise me in the best ways. There were twists that completely caught me off guard the “oh wow, I didn’t see that coming” moments that makes reading engaging.

One of my favorites was the FMC. I really appreciated that she stayed true to herself and didn’t lose her strength or independence. She held her own throughout the story, which was refreshing and made her easy to root for. Little flame… Burn. The MMC also wasn’t trying to make her seem unintelligent, he picked up on things with her that was nice not making her seem like weak little girl. He was smitten with how she held herself. The betrayal and secrecy were also well done, they fit naturally into the plot and added an extra layer of intrigue.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself pleasantly surprised by how much it pulled me in. I was able to finish it in one sitting because once it started to pick up it reallllly picked up! I’m definitely looking forward to the next book and can’t wait to see what’s in store next.

[Jess Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

***HONEST ARC REVIEW***

From the very first chapter this book captured my attention and held it in a vice grip. It jumps straight into a very revenge filled female assassin doing her job but it goes sideways and from there its just solid tension building.

I thoroughly enjoy a FMC that can handle business without needing a male counterpart to constantly step in and save her during the entire book. Mira was such a badass. She was the perfect mix of sassy and cocky in all the best ways. She knew she was hot shit and she showed them who was boss often. Roman was the perfect morally grey, tension filled, alpha male who just lusted over Mira (without realizing it) and gave us the perfect dark romance plot.

Every time I thought I knew what was happening in regards to the secrets, I was thrown for yet another loop but in the best possible way. The author really encompassed the tension, the bitterness and the revenge plotline to a T and nailed it.

The cliffhanger ending had me sitting on the edge of my seat with my mouth hanging open - cause absolutely not do we just leave it there and not give me SOMETHING more. I need book two ASAP!!!

[Cera Schulke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start!! I just knew within the first few chapters that I was going to love it.

I’m such a sucker for books with an assassin FMC, and Mira did not disappoint. Even though you can kind of tell where the plot is going early on, the slow burn made it so worth it. The tension, the buildup—everything just worked.

Mira and Roman??? Their connection was EVERYTHING. And the banter?? Don’t even get me started, I was eating it up every single time.

I was NOT expecting the Nikolai twist—that completely caught me off guard. But honestly, like father like son… the whole “women are property” mindset just made sense in a frustrating way, and it made their outcomes feel kind of inevitable.

And when Roman said Seraphina?!?! What female assassin named Seraphina have you ever met that you didn’t love?? I was already sold, but that moment just sealed it for me.

Also Emerald is such a cutie and I already love her.

Overall, I had such a great time reading this and I’m so excited to see where the next book in the duet takes the story.

[Audrey Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc reader here

4⭐️
1.5🌶️

This book is a page turner. Enemies to lover, forced proximity.

Let’s just say this book jumps straight into action. This book follows Mira who has lost her family and is seeking revenge. The MMC is Roman who has taken over his family business and is working to protect his family. Without giving to much away Mira begins to work for Roman as security. She quickly finds her mission is not as simple as it seems. The cliff hanger this book is left on will make you want the second book Asap.

After Mira fails her mission she is forced into a job to ensure she can complete her mission. This is where she meets our MMC Roman. The banter starts right away with these two. They can’t stand each other but also can’t seem to stay away from each other. Mira begans to feel feelings she has never felt before. She forms bonds she never wanted to and can’t seem to figure out who to trust.

If you are looking for a fast pace book. Enemies to lovers, banter this is definitely the book for you.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many questions and need the answers! Next book please!
It was amazing, I finished it so fast and went back for a second not long after. Gets a little spicy toward the end (between middle and end?) But not overly for those of us that dont want too much. Definitely plot driven which I love. Also not the typical story line I go for but the blurb had me intrigued and im so glad I did.
Well written, I definitely anticipated some details before they were revealed because I can't help myself but try to figure everything out immediately instead of letting it come naturally, but the author still managed to surprise me a couple of times which rarely ever happens so I was very gladly surprised and my husband even got interested in the book despite not being 'into girly books' as he says. There's enough action it got his attention at points as well.
I love it. Will be on the look out for others by this author.

[Cassi Olazabal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader
This book was a wild ride of lies. I can't wait for the next one!
The characters were all written beautifully. I loved the interaction between Roman and Mira. The story held lots of different dimensions. So many layers and webs.
Some parts didn't flow the same as the rest of the book, but it didn't upset the flow so much that it made the book unreadable at these points. These parts could have actually been parts of the many webs of lies that were throughout the book. Thus why I am not deducting my rating from five stars to four.
It gives Rina Kent Universe meets Haunting Adeline vibes. When there is some spice, it isn't overly in your face, as some scenes you might find in dark romance-styled books.
Each character has their own part to play; there weren't really any useless named characters. If a character had a name, they had some part to play within the story.

[Aneta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira
She is a killer for the man who took care of her after her parents died. She is assigned to kill the son of the people responsible for their death. The assassination does not go as planned and that's when she meets Roman.

She is a badass. Some of her comebacks made me laugh out loud. She acts like someone who has no emotions, like a trained killer.

Roman
He hires Mira to be part of his security team but feels like he knows her, not knowing that she was the one who attempted to kill him. Or does he?

This book got me interested from the beginning. It is very well written and has enough incentive that it was hard for me to put it down. I love Roman and Mira together and how Roman's sister helps them to show their humanity. The story unravels into something i wasn't expecting and I loved it.

It ends in a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Katherine Elley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always check your triggers before reading.
Dual POV
Assassin FMC

Mira’s parents were killed by the Deveraux family and she wants revenge. She has no memories. She has an arrangement to marry Nikolai by Lucien who has looked after her. Lucien has trained her in the shadows, she has been assigned to kill Roman Deveraux, but she couldn’t as she hesitated.

Grabbing a job undercover as a guard at the Deveraux mansion, she’s been assigned to look after Roman’s sister, Emerald.
Getting closer to her target shouldn’t be a problem. She starts to get closer to Emerald and starts to care.

Ends on a cliffhanger 😫 I need the next book and cannot wait for the next instalment. Loved the characters and how the story unfolded throughout.
Being fed by lies all her life, the truth will be set free.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review.

I went into this book without knowing a lot about it, I loved the beautiful cover and was excited to see how this book read..

It did not disappoint from the start the fmc is already strong , sure of herself and what she's about. Once I started I was so intrigued in the story it's the little pieces of the plot you are getting bit by bit slowing helping to put together the story. I was really engaging with the tension and banter between fmc and mmc even tho they are enemies they just flow.
Im definitely waiting for book 2 there is so much to unpack and still so much to learn we didn't get and the cliffhanger had me like WHAT.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was captivating but needed more background content of how the main characters knew one another other than being childhood friends. Maybe like a prologue. Would have liked more information of the characters ages. Author did well establishing Emeralds character and age. Took me a a couple days to read because it sort of lost my attention but captivated it toward the end. Wish there was more chemistry between the main characters. Some sentences I had to reread to understand. Excited to read the second book to find out what happens to Mira (seraphine) and Roman as well as Emerald. Which she ended with more details on their relationship.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a ARC from the author, thank you for choosing me to be one of the first to read your book!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bound by Lies by J.R. Sawye was such a good read! This story honestly made me tear up, laugh, and kick my feet all at the same time. The storyline was entertaining and kept me hooked right from the start, and I couldn’t put it down from when I started. It’s a short quick read in a binge! The characters and tension had me fully invested the entire time.

That ending though… the cliffhanger has me needing book two ASAP because I have to know what happens next.

[Cassie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this book to end! I wanted more! The back and forth between them was juicy! She was sent to kill him throughout lies, her family died in a house fire and she was rescued by someone else. Was made to be a machine to have no emotions, was made to kill and that was it, she hesitated and realized how beautiful he was. She failed, he said a certain name and her body realized it but she did not. He hired, and she became his sister protector where pieces started to be put together. I guess you’ll have to read the rest to find out what all happens

[AJ Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, i need the next installment. There's so much to unpack within this story. Mira is our FMC. She's strong, determined and goal focused. Roman is the MMC. He's calculated, controlled and has two weaknesses. Mira believes Roman's family killed hers. Roman believes Mira is someone from his past. Dive in an figure out who's right and who's wrong. Just know, you'll need the next book. It'll be a craving you can't resist.

[Conchetta Oglesby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read!!! I’d rate it a 3.75/5 stars. The book is engaging and it is book 1 in the series. There are certainly some high intensity moments and it ends on a cliffhanger. The FMC kicks ass and the fighting scenes in the book were well written. The relationship development between the FMC and MMC seemed a little rushed, but you could still feel the tension and the slow burn! Overall great read!

[Ash EBW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action. Plot twists. Love. Lies. Betrayal. Overall, this book was a good read. I read this book in one sitting so it definitely will suck you in. I really liked the plot. The banter was great. The plot twists were good. I do feel like something was missing or off or maybe it didnt fulfill me in some way I thought it would. I dont know, I can't really explain it but the book was missing something to me. Again, I did like the book and Im interested in reading the next one.

[Diane Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I need book 2 NOW (twisty cliffhanger included)! Action-packed, edge of my seat all the way through the book. The story is an intriguing web of emotion, lies, and the ultimate dysfunctional family. I love the characters with all their flaws, except the ones who deserve my hate because they are pure demented evil. And the banter between the main characters is tense. Book 2 soon, please.

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this read. I enjoyed the background on every character and what made them how they are. I enjoyed watching how Mira navigated her surroundings and her emotions Roman was a great main male to include he was very intelligent and I loved how he protected those who needed it. I absolutely loved Emerald. The ending left so much to seen and definitely had my heart racing

[Krystal Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. The character development and the story had me glued to the pages. I loved the twists and turns so many things I didn’t see coming. Mira’s character development and what she goes through is relatable in a way…you will have to read to find out how..no spoilers from me
10/10 recommend
I cannot wait for the 2nd book

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book that I have read by this author and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

Mira, raised to be an assassin, is in a job…….then a name is said that changes the course of destiny

Roman, needs answers as to why there’s been a breech and how to fix it, in comes some new staff, but are they whom they say they are?????

And then…………the epilogue 👌👌👌

[Gabriela Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down this book. The intensity every page had me wanting more! I cannot wait for the second book. Mira and Roman 💜. The lies that lie within. This book is action packed. If you are looking for a book with a strong female and male, an enemy to lover book this is it. 

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line of this book, it was well set out and easy to follow, it kept you wondering all the way through which then kept me glued to the book more, I am really grateful for the opportunity to read this arc.

[Anitaloves_her_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This my first read from this author

I loved it. The strength that Mira had was genuine and her relationship with Roman was.. omg.. The banter..

But there is always that sneaky plot twist that nobody expects. Always down for that...

Can't wait for more....

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an instance and dark romance. Loved Mira and Roman. The way they connected. And their banter was awesome. The twists and turns had me turning the pages so fast. I was so engrossed in this one. An absolutely amazing story.

[Rosalie Warford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riddle in lies, through out the book you start piecing them together to unravel the truth.
Characters were written so well.
Ends in a cliff hanger that makes you want more.
Can’t wait for the next book.

[Alera · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Honest Arc Review**

I was super excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint! I feel it’s a slow burn but kept me engaged and wanting more. I loved the book & can’t wait to read the second one!

Thank you J Sawyer!

[Jessie Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest Arc Review- I have never read anything by this author nor did I know much about the book going into it. That being said, I did enjoy the dark romance book. It held my attention and kept it the entire time. The characters were easy to follow and their story wasn’t the same as all the others.

[Midnight Reading Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a thrilling read! Captivating mystery! Thank you!

[K T]

The banter and tension! A quick paced read. I wish there was more and I look forward to book 2! The plot was kind of simple but the writing style kept me hooked til the end.