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Where Promises Lie #1
Fractured Promise
She chases answers. He guards secrets. Until their worlds collide in fire.
True crime podcaster Sylvie Calloway made a name chasing justice for forgotten women. But when her investigation into a quiet data analyst ends in a car bombing—and her camper van goes up in flames—she barely escapes with her life. Her only lead brings her to Sinclair Security—where she finds more questions than answers, and a man who swore he’d never work with a civilian… until walking away from her became impossible.
Eli Bishop has been on edge since his team lost their mentor under mysterious circumstances. Sylvie’s case links back to that disappearance, and the last thing he wants is a civilian complicating the investigation. Except Sylvie is nothing like he expects—sharp, fearless, too stunning to ignore—and the more she pushes back, the more he wants her by his side… and in his arms.
Forced into an uneasy partnership, Sylvie and Eli dig into a trail of lies, power, and buried crimes. Every answer brings them closer to a dangerous conspiracy—and to each other. As enemies close in, they realize the case is bigger than one murdered woman…
And someone will kill again to hide the truth.
**She’s a target.
He’ll burn the world down to protect her.
But first—they have to survive the fire.**
Fractured Promise is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It's the first book in the Where Promises Lie series, set in the world of Sinclair Security.
True crime podcaster Sylvie Calloway made a name chasing justice for forgotten women. But when her investigation into a quiet data analyst ends in a car bombing—and her camper van goes up in flames—she barely escapes with her life. Her only lead brings her to Sinclair Security—where she finds more questions than answers, and a man who swore he’d never work with a civilian… until walking away from her became impossible.
Eli Bishop has been on edge since his team lost their mentor under mysterious circumstances. Sylvie’s case links back to that disappearance, and the last thing he wants is a civilian complicating the investigation. Except Sylvie is nothing like he expects—sharp, fearless, too stunning to ignore—and the more she pushes back, the more he wants her by his side… and in his arms.
Forced into an uneasy partnership, Sylvie and Eli dig into a trail of lies, power, and buried crimes. Every answer brings them closer to a dangerous conspiracy—and to each other. As enemies close in, they realize the case is bigger than one murdered woman…
And someone will kill again to hide the truth.
**She’s a target.
He’ll burn the world down to protect her.
But first—they have to survive the fire.**
Fractured Promise is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It's the first book in the Where Promises Lie series, set in the world of Sinclair Security.
Audible Audio
Published July 31, 2026
About the author
Ivy Layne
55 books1,329 followersIvy Layne has had her nose stuck in a book since she first learned to decipher the English language. Sometime in her early teens, she stumbled across her first Romance, and the die was cast. Though she pretended to pay attention to her creative writing professors, she dreamed of writing steamy romance instead of literary fiction. These days, she’s neck deep in alpha heroes and the smart, sexy women who love them.
Married to her very own alpha hero (who rubs her back after a long day of typing, but also leaves his socks on the floor). Ivy lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and her other half are having a blast raising two energetic little boys. Aside from her family, Ivy’s greatest loves are coffee and chocolate, preferably together.
Sign up for Ivy's Reader's Group for free books, exclusive content, giveaways, and more @ ivylayne.com/readers-group
Married to her very own alpha hero (who rubs her back after a long day of typing, but also leaves his socks on the floor). Ivy lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and her other half are having a blast raising two energetic little boys. Aside from her family, Ivy’s greatest loves are coffee and chocolate, preferably together.
Sign up for Ivy's Reader's Group for free books, exclusive content, giveaways, and more @ ivylayne.com/readers-group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 22, 2026
No chemistry, no fire... This author's books are bland and bleh..
July 25, 2026
It was cool being back in the Sinclair Security world. It did take me a few chapters to remember everyone mentioned in passing aside from getting to know the new crew. I don’t know if I loved it as much as the original Sinclair Security stories but it was pretty good, kept me interested. I liked Eli and Sylvie, plus the new crew. I feel like they were pretty hands on with finding out things and digging but could have been more epic in finding things out. I feel like with other books I’ve read in the past relating to security and hacking, there was better people but who am I? I’m just a reader who knows nothing about hacking or security. It just didn’t have that wow factor, like oh my goodness! They found it out that way! Or like who would have thought? The way they found out information seemed pretty underwhelming. Then again, I think this particular hacker they were trying to stop was just better at getting into things, so much so that walls were hit and they just didn’t know how to attack it or where to start. Eventually they did, but it took some time. I feel like in other books we would have known quicker. I was into the investigating, Sylvie took it seriously and complied with everyone for the most part until her trust was broken, and rightfully so. I still think she was dumb for leaving without any protection because it brought her right where the killer wanted her to go but I could see this coming. What I appreciated with her though was how she didn’t feel like she could do all this on her own. She didn’t claim to be a detective or the best person to solve cases. She didn’t have stubbornness or refuse to listen. It was refreshing that she knew she was in over her head with this case and accepted it. She knew she wasn’t really qualified to get answers or solve cases but was doing it for justice. She worked with the police to help her investigating and cooperated with them, giving them information as she found things. When she finds herself backed in a corner and with Sinclair Security as a lead, she went there immediately and did the same thing she did with the police in other cases. She told them what she knew and what brought her there and also as she found things but it was a shame they didn’t give her that same respect. I didn’t like how she was treated when she sees them but at the same time can understand why. What I didn’t understand was why Eli didn’t come clean to her once they decided to forgo being professional around each other and became lovers, or in Eli’s case, becoming serious. His instinct kept telling him to fill her in but he just couldn’t do it even as he was falling hard for her. Sylvie was trusting him from the beginning and wasn’t even hesitant about starting anything with him sexually and emotionally. I don’t know what he was nervous about with her when all she’s done was be honest from the beginning. She told him about her childhood, what got her interested in crime and what brought her to their door, not holding anything back. I didn’t like how he hid information from her. I can understand in the beginning when she was a random person and not part of the team or in Eli’s case, his family. However, after talking, spending time with each other and being intimate, with Sylvie seeing Eli at a time when he was most vulnerable, I would think secrets didn’t need to be kept anymore but he had other ideas. In the end, I didn’t love this one as much as the original stories from Sinclair Security. It was enough for me to give it a 4 though. I enjoyed following the case as well as Sylvie and Eli’s relationship. I just could have done with more trust from Eli and his team and with steamier sex scenes. There was a few that were elaborated but after that it was more like a tender connection followed by a quick wham bam, thank you ma’am. Then at the end I feel like nothing really gets solved. The killer gets caught but we don’t get information from him, nor do we find out what happened to Eli’s mentor and the murder Sylvie was trying to solve. It just ends up opening more doors to a case bigger than the team thought with cryptic warnings but nothing gets disbanded or figured out. I’m hoping the books that follow the team members and their lovers will continue with this case because I don’t like how the book ends and the fact that it doesn’t get solved. It just ends up with more questions. Sure, the killer is gone but the threat is far from over. Even the preview for the next book in the series which has Wren being the focus doesn’t reveal anything. In fact, it seems completely different than how this book ends which is leading me to believe that this case won’t be revisited which sucks and I really hope it gets solved. Maybe, that’s the intent though and Wren is putting the pieces together for the long haul. All I know is I felt unsettled after this book because the issue doesn’t get figured out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review, as the book will be getting published next Tuesday (July 21st):
An new series…an familiar setting….Atlanta & Sinclair Security…
Since it is a new series…one really doesn’t need to read any previous books—but three of the characters & the ‘premise’ of this series was introduced in the last book of the ‘Hearts of Sawyers Bend’—Forbidden Heart.
There we briefly met Ryder, Eli & Wren…when they were ‘directed’ to head to Saywers Bend to help flush out a few baddies…
Fractured Promises takes place several months after the ‘end’ of the major baddy in Forbidden Heart.
So…what happens when your security team that operates within the white & gray areas is ‘sold’ to Sinclair Security…and your ‘boss’ basically tells you to behave & he’ll be back??
What happens when an ‘civilian’ walks through the doors of Sinclair Security & asks for ‘help’…& it turns out her ‘project’ ties in with your missing boss??
Well…
Grab Fractured Promises & get ready to go on a wild rollercoaster ride.
I’m feeling the need to create a ‘murder board’ to see if I can guess what’s going on…but this is only the first book…so only a few ‘easter eggs’ were possibly dropped.
Did I catch all of them? Nope….but that’s what a re-read is for….
I loved this book. I was drawn in quickly & I loved seeing Cooper & the others on page—especially Alice. Do I have my own theory on things? Maybe…but again—it’s only the first book.
Sylvie was exactly what Eli needed…someone who was capable of pushing him out of his ‘shell’ that he’d been living within for years…Eli…well…he’s a stubborn male that may or may not have made the classic mistake of thinking ‘he knew best’ in regards to a few things.
Am I impatiently counting down the weeks & months until book two is released? Yes, yes I am. Five out five stars for Fractured Promises & highly recommended. If you love strong heroines & heroes that may or may not have to grovel a time or two—then this book is for you. Grab a copy of Fractured Promises, a cup of coffee (or tea) & settle in for an adventure.
#bookreview #fracturedpromise #wherepromiseslie #romanticsuspense #forcedproximity #slowburn
An new series…an familiar setting….Atlanta & Sinclair Security…
Since it is a new series…one really doesn’t need to read any previous books—but three of the characters & the ‘premise’ of this series was introduced in the last book of the ‘Hearts of Sawyers Bend’—Forbidden Heart.
There we briefly met Ryder, Eli & Wren…when they were ‘directed’ to head to Saywers Bend to help flush out a few baddies…
Fractured Promises takes place several months after the ‘end’ of the major baddy in Forbidden Heart.
So…what happens when your security team that operates within the white & gray areas is ‘sold’ to Sinclair Security…and your ‘boss’ basically tells you to behave & he’ll be back??
What happens when an ‘civilian’ walks through the doors of Sinclair Security & asks for ‘help’…& it turns out her ‘project’ ties in with your missing boss??
Well…
Grab Fractured Promises & get ready to go on a wild rollercoaster ride.
I’m feeling the need to create a ‘murder board’ to see if I can guess what’s going on…but this is only the first book…so only a few ‘easter eggs’ were possibly dropped.
Did I catch all of them? Nope….but that’s what a re-read is for….
I loved this book. I was drawn in quickly & I loved seeing Cooper & the others on page—especially Alice. Do I have my own theory on things? Maybe…but again—it’s only the first book.
Sylvie was exactly what Eli needed…someone who was capable of pushing him out of his ‘shell’ that he’d been living within for years…Eli…well…he’s a stubborn male that may or may not have made the classic mistake of thinking ‘he knew best’ in regards to a few things.
Am I impatiently counting down the weeks & months until book two is released? Yes, yes I am. Five out five stars for Fractured Promises & highly recommended. If you love strong heroines & heroes that may or may not have to grovel a time or two—then this book is for you. Grab a copy of Fractured Promises, a cup of coffee (or tea) & settle in for an adventure.
#bookreview #fracturedpromise #wherepromiseslie #romanticsuspense #forcedproximity #slowburn
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a great introduction to a new series that’s part of the Sinclair Security world. I like the team is made up of men AND women both being lead badasses. Each character is introduced with a few getting more time than others. I’m ready for Wren and Miranda’s stories! After the Sawyer family this is more like the Sinclair brothers being back in security, Atlanta, and their missing mentor former boss involved with an overarching mystery that turns dangerous.
Eli and Sylvie are great characters. Eli is written with more vulnerability than I remember past characters, giving an insight into his past and developing feelings for Sylvie. They are both equals and strong leads who immediately have chemistry as partners - both in the field and off.
I wasn’t keen at first on a cold case podcaster. Not a fan of sensationalizing “my favorite murder” for entertainment after growing up during BTK and blocks from where he killed people. Ivy handles the “entertainment” issue of a cold case podcaster very sensitively and gave Sylvie a backstory that had me sympathizing and understanding her motivation to help others. You may not always bring families and friends an immediate resolution but you might bring enough attention for their untold story to get there.
If you’re looking for appearances by past characters (always!), by order of most page time is Emmett (excited to see him settled in after Hawke and Quinn’s book), Alice, and Cooper. I’m rereading the Winters books and hope to see more in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Eli and Sylvie are great characters. Eli is written with more vulnerability than I remember past characters, giving an insight into his past and developing feelings for Sylvie. They are both equals and strong leads who immediately have chemistry as partners - both in the field and off.
I wasn’t keen at first on a cold case podcaster. Not a fan of sensationalizing “my favorite murder” for entertainment after growing up during BTK and blocks from where he killed people. Ivy handles the “entertainment” issue of a cold case podcaster very sensitively and gave Sylvie a backstory that had me sympathizing and understanding her motivation to help others. You may not always bring families and friends an immediate resolution but you might bring enough attention for their untold story to get there.
If you’re looking for appearances by past characters (always!), by order of most page time is Emmett (excited to see him settled in after Hawke and Quinn’s book), Alice, and Cooper. I’m rereading the Winters books and hope to see more in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 21, 2026
Sylvie hosts the Evidence & Echoes podcast, which focuses on unsolved murders of women. As she begins investigating the case she wants to feature in the next season, she soon realizes she's become a target herself. Her search for answers leads her to Sinclair Security and Eli. Now that his former boss, Silas, has sold the company to Cooper Sinclair, Eli is part of the Sinclair Security team—and together, he and Sylvie dive into a case filled with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists. Sylvie's tenacity and determination made her an easy character to root for, while Eli's protectiveness toward those he cares about made him impossible not to love. As they work closely together to uncover Emily's killer, their relationship develops into a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between Sylvie and Eli was heartfelt and completely worth the build up in the book.
This book kept me guessing from beginning to end. Just when I thought a clue would finally lead to Emily Shaw's killer or reveal Silas's whereabouts, another twist would completely change everything. It truly felt like taking two steps forward and three steps back, making it impossible to predict what would happen next. Sinclair Security is back finding people, solving crimes, and conducting top-notch investigations. I loved visiting with the old characters from other series throughout the book.
This book had everything: suspense, romance, and secrets that just keep unraveling. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next installment in the Where Promises Lie series!
I received an ARC of this book, and I’m voluntarily leaving a review. It’s a must read.
This book kept me guessing from beginning to end. Just when I thought a clue would finally lead to Emily Shaw's killer or reveal Silas's whereabouts, another twist would completely change everything. It truly felt like taking two steps forward and three steps back, making it impossible to predict what would happen next. Sinclair Security is back finding people, solving crimes, and conducting top-notch investigations. I loved visiting with the old characters from other series throughout the book.
This book had everything: suspense, romance, and secrets that just keep unraveling. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next installment in the Where Promises Lie series!
I received an ARC of this book, and I’m voluntarily leaving a review. It’s a must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, man, I love it when authors begin a new series that is based in the world of another of their series. There's a familiarity with the background that makes it so much easier to concentrate on new characters. In this case, we're getting familiar with Sinclair Security's new crew, and each of them have their own charms and hidden secrets. Plus, of course, there are lots of cameos!
I was very captivated by the budding romance between Eli and Sylvie. Sylvie's unusual carreer made her an unlikely civilian ally to Cooper Sinclair's elite team of security personnel, and she grew on Eli from the very start, despite his valiant efforts to keep things professional. She had a quirky charm and a steel backbone, and this book finds her at a most vulnerable moment in her life. Eli was all business, and loyal to a fault, but his loyalties were tested when he faced a new danger that threatened both his past and future. Beneath his formal demeanor, we found that Eli was a man who cares deeply. These two were thrown in some twisted adventure that had them hurtling towards a mysterious threat, as well as each other, and the ride was exhilirating!
Intrigue is masterfully threaded in each part of the story, and the sexual tension is off the charts! This winning combo in Fractured Promise provided a tentalizing start to the series, and things bode well for the rest of the books. I got won over by Eli (and Sylvie) and can't wait to discover more of Creed Global's ecclectic former crew.
I was very captivated by the budding romance between Eli and Sylvie. Sylvie's unusual carreer made her an unlikely civilian ally to Cooper Sinclair's elite team of security personnel, and she grew on Eli from the very start, despite his valiant efforts to keep things professional. She had a quirky charm and a steel backbone, and this book finds her at a most vulnerable moment in her life. Eli was all business, and loyal to a fault, but his loyalties were tested when he faced a new danger that threatened both his past and future. Beneath his formal demeanor, we found that Eli was a man who cares deeply. These two were thrown in some twisted adventure that had them hurtling towards a mysterious threat, as well as each other, and the ride was exhilirating!
Intrigue is masterfully threaded in each part of the story, and the sexual tension is off the charts! This winning combo in Fractured Promise provided a tentalizing start to the series, and things bode well for the rest of the books. I got won over by Eli (and Sylvie) and can't wait to discover more of Creed Global's ecclectic former crew.
July 21, 2026
This story is the start of a new series “Where Promises Lie” having meet everyone from Hearts of Sawyers Bend. Eli has been feeling lost since his mentor has disappeared so being assigned a case working with Sylvie a crime podcaster he’s trying to find a way to quickly close the case. Sylvie has seen success with a following cold cases about women who have been wronged and get too close on finding clues about Emily Shaw. Becoming homeless overnight she’s fortunate to have found a note leading her right to Sinclair Security where she finds help, a place to stay and whatever else is needed to solve the case as they are secretly working from a different angle. Sylvie pushes Eli to include her in the investigation and as they gather information and clues there is danger around every corner. At one point they go from not getting along to respecting each other to Eli becoming protective to becoming more! They seem to find trouble each step of the way and getting out of it finds its rewards. Eli has been keeping a secret about his involvement in the case and when it’s revealed Sylvie losses all faith and sticking to business doing what she can on her own. Eli’s coworkers Ryder, Lucas, Eli and Wren warned him and he chose not to listen but you have to love the girls for how they truly care for Sylvie when it’s needed! Finding Eli’s boss and what really happened to Emily will pick up in the 2nd story and hopefully the wait is over soon!
July 24, 2026
Sylvie Calloway is a podcaster and has a thing for mystery. She has been doing ok so far with the job. When her newest story leads her down an explosive path, she needs to find out what happened. Eli Bishop is still trying to get comfortable with Sinclair Security. His team is also trying to find out what happened to Silas. When a woman comes in with information that connects the two, he is tasked to find out what she knows and protect her.
When Eli first meets Sylvie he already thought her case was a waste of time. Once he listened and actually learned about her and what she knew, he had respect for her. But I hated that he kept the reason her information was helpful. The link to Silas was interesting. Sylvie learns about Eli and his past. These two have lost so much. They get closer and things start looking up. But you know that Eli not telling Sylvie about Silas and the connection to Emily is going to be bad. I agreed with Maddox and Emmett. Things get scary towards the end. Thing do work out but Silas is still MIA. And who has hacked into Wren’s stuff. Looking forward to this encounter.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
When Eli first meets Sylvie he already thought her case was a waste of time. Once he listened and actually learned about her and what she knew, he had respect for her. But I hated that he kept the reason her information was helpful. The link to Silas was interesting. Sylvie learns about Eli and his past. These two have lost so much. They get closer and things start looking up. But you know that Eli not telling Sylvie about Silas and the connection to Emily is going to be bad. I agreed with Maddox and Emmett. Things get scary towards the end. Thing do work out but Silas is still MIA. And who has hacked into Wren’s stuff. Looking forward to this encounter.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this might be the most action packed book Ivy Layne has written to date. It grabs your attention and holds it until the end, then you're left disappointed that the journey is over. That said, I'm so happy to be back in the Sinclair Security world. Mainly because of their resident hacker Lucas Jackson, but also because of this new cast of characters. I do believe Sylvie might just be my favorite FMC Ivy has written so far. She's so full of grit and a level of fearlessness that is admirable. Eli is her perfect counterpart, showing enough caution for both of them and always catching her when she falls. Because this is an Ivy Layne book the guessing game of, who took out Emily Shaw, has officially began and I can't wait to see all the suspense, action, and drama that will come with this series. Our author is always giving a masterclass in mystery. You don't have to read the other books that feature the Sinclairs to read this one, but I'd recommend them since they're a good time. This book though definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fractured Promise by Ivy Layne is an engaging blend of romance and suspense that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed meeting Sylvie, a podcaster who investigates cold cases. Her search for answers leads her to Sinclair Security but it also puts her directly in the path of a dangerous killer. The romance between Sylvie and the hero develops naturally as they work together, and their chemistry is both believable and full of sparks.
The suspense is intense, the pacing is excellent, and the story is filled with exciting moments that kept me turning the pages. The steamy scenes are well written and complement the emotional connection between the characters rather than taking away from the plot.
The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way. I genuinely didn’t want the book to end, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense with strong characters, sizzling romance, and an intriguing mystery, this book is definitely worth reading.
I really enjoyed meeting Sylvie, a podcaster who investigates cold cases. Her search for answers leads her to Sinclair Security but it also puts her directly in the path of a dangerous killer. The romance between Sylvie and the hero develops naturally as they work together, and their chemistry is both believable and full of sparks.
The suspense is intense, the pacing is excellent, and the story is filled with exciting moments that kept me turning the pages. The steamy scenes are well written and complement the emotional connection between the characters rather than taking away from the plot.
The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way. I genuinely didn’t want the book to end, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense with strong characters, sizzling romance, and an intriguing mystery, this book is definitely worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a start to a new series!! This series has me hooked already and we only are on book 1. There has to be several more of each team member gets a story before the mystery will be solved but dang, what an explosive way to start.
Sylvie and Eli’s story is an amazingly creative storyline. Both are stubborn in their own way. Sylvie is an independent woman who is used to be on her own. Eli is protective stubborn. These two combined lead to trouble but it could cost them both their lives. Sylvie stumbles onto a cold case that puts her too close and the killer has his/her eyes set on eliminating her too. In an effort to also find their missing leader, Eli and his team decide to assist. The death of the same woman that Sylvie is chasing is his teams only lead to him. What neither expects is falling for each other. Will Eli’s secrets tear them apart or will Sylvie’s independence put them at risk.
Sylvie and Eli’s story is an amazingly creative storyline. Both are stubborn in their own way. Sylvie is an independent woman who is used to be on her own. Eli is protective stubborn. These two combined lead to trouble but it could cost them both their lives. Sylvie stumbles onto a cold case that puts her too close and the killer has his/her eyes set on eliminating her too. In an effort to also find their missing leader, Eli and his team decide to assist. The death of the same woman that Sylvie is chasing is his teams only lead to him. What neither expects is falling for each other. Will Eli’s secrets tear them apart or will Sylvie’s independence put them at risk.
August 3, 2026
I picked this up at random while scrolling through an audiobook catalogue and wow! It completely took me by surprise. I got sucked in from the get go and couldn’t put it down.
The book wasn’t very long, and I’m prepared to ignore the short timeline and fast pacing of the relationship simply because the story was so great. We also got way more than insta-lust, where Sylvie and Eli actually got to know each other and spent so much time together in close proximity. Once they got together it moved to love quicker than what is considered normal probably 😅 but again, the story was so good that I can overlook that.
I would have preferred for the ending to not be wrapped up so quickly, mainly some more insight in why Sylvie was targeted to such an extent. But I also thought this was a complete standalone, but looks like there will be somewhat of an overarching plot in the series, even if the main characters change. And the ending left much more to explore.
The book wasn’t very long, and I’m prepared to ignore the short timeline and fast pacing of the relationship simply because the story was so great. We also got way more than insta-lust, where Sylvie and Eli actually got to know each other and spent so much time together in close proximity. Once they got together it moved to love quicker than what is considered normal probably 😅 but again, the story was so good that I can overlook that.
I would have preferred for the ending to not be wrapped up so quickly, mainly some more insight in why Sylvie was targeted to such an extent. But I also thought this was a complete standalone, but looks like there will be somewhat of an overarching plot in the series, even if the main characters change. And the ending left much more to explore.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is such an exciting book to a new series. I admired Sylvie as I could never do what she did. I thought it was wonderful that she researched closed cases about women and then did podcasts. The latest research led her to a woman who had been blown up in her car and to Sinclair Security. Thankfully when Sylvia’s van (which was her home) was blown up Sinclair Security put her up in a safe house in their building and assigned Eli to help her. At first Eli was more concerned about finding their team’s ex head and not wanting to be saddled with an outsider. I loved how the two started talking and getting to know each other. I was on the edge of my seat so many times with the scary situations that the two got themselves into. It was great watching the whole team get behind Sylvie. This is such an exciting book that I strongly encourage you to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fractured Promise is the explosive start of the new Where Promises Lie series and if it's anything to go by, it's going to be one heck of a ride before the new team at Sinclair Security solve the mystery surrounding their former boss! The first team member to find his HEA along with answers is Eli, a very likeable MMC with a tragic past. His and Sylvie's story is an edge-of-your-seat, action-filled adventure with plenty of heat and chemistry, which had me running the full gamut of emotions. Their road to happiness is a bumpy one with no shortage of potholes, but also a good number of helping hands in the form of family found and it's a bonus to catch up with the Sinclairs again as well. I was fortunate to have received an early copy and as always am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly. Can't wait for the next one!
August 3, 2026
Notes mostly for myself, see book synopsis for a plot intro.
A seriously not good book, which is a reminder to me to not pick up the next in this series when it comes out. Especially since in the other series by this author it took 9 books, yes 9, for the author to unspool and reveal the central mystery.
The substance of this book was lightweight enough that I simply can’t expect the next ones to be better. Everything in this is just skin deep, from the characters to the security firm to the instalove, etc. And for the podcaster to do what she did on her own after having the smarts to protect herself at the beginning, well, the one bit that was decent about the book (a woman podcaster who was smart and tenacious) went down the drain.
Save yourself and go read a different book by a different author.
A seriously not good book, which is a reminder to me to not pick up the next in this series when it comes out. Especially since in the other series by this author it took 9 books, yes 9, for the author to unspool and reveal the central mystery.
The substance of this book was lightweight enough that I simply can’t expect the next ones to be better. Everything in this is just skin deep, from the characters to the security firm to the instalove, etc. And for the podcaster to do what she did on her own after having the smarts to protect herself at the beginning, well, the one bit that was decent about the book (a woman podcaster who was smart and tenacious) went down the drain.
Save yourself and go read a different book by a different author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sylvie Calloway is a podcaster trying to bring justice to murdered and missing women. Her upcoming season is focusing on a woman named Emily Shaw. Little does she know her life is about to be turned upside down in more ways than she could imagine. Someone tries to kill her and the only clue she has leads her to Sinclair Security and Eli Bishop.
Cooper Sinclair tells Eli to work with her as she is the only lead they have to Emily Shaw. Eli keeps a lot of information from Sylvie about why they agree to help her find Emily and the people trying to kill her.
I love the way Ivy brings back characters from her previous series so seamlessly. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
Cooper Sinclair tells Eli to work with her as she is the only lead they have to Emily Shaw. Eli keeps a lot of information from Sylvie about why they agree to help her find Emily and the people trying to kill her.
I love the way Ivy brings back characters from her previous series so seamlessly. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Teammates or Family
Well I was captured by Chapter 1 and didn’t stop until the book was finished! The new series by Ivy Layne includes the Sinclairs from previous books but you wouldn’t need to have read any of the previous books to follow along in this one. Murder, mystery, danger, intrigue and honesty are all things that face Eli and Sylvie in this book. Sylvie is a podcaster who steps into the wrong unsolved murder while Eli is the tough guy that’s supposed to save the day. Well let’s just say that plans don’t always go as expected and Fate laughs when we think that we’re in control. Oh my is there so much left to happen after this book has finished and I for one can’t wait to see what happens next.
Well I was captured by Chapter 1 and didn’t stop until the book was finished! The new series by Ivy Layne includes the Sinclairs from previous books but you wouldn’t need to have read any of the previous books to follow along in this one. Murder, mystery, danger, intrigue and honesty are all things that face Eli and Sylvie in this book. Sylvie is a podcaster who steps into the wrong unsolved murder while Eli is the tough guy that’s supposed to save the day. Well let’s just say that plans don’t always go as expected and Fate laughs when we think that we’re in control. Oh my is there so much left to happen after this book has finished and I for one can’t wait to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.
Eli is a loner who feels adrift due to his mentor selling his team (his family) then disappearing. He sees Sylvie as a "Know-it-all wannabe celebrity" and doesn't want to deal with her but is forced to when their cases cross. I like although he is a little rude at times he was still respectful. I enjoyed reading him coming to accept not only his attraction to her but also knowing when he's wrong.
Sylvie is a really strong female character, she is thrown in too deep when a case she is researching for her crime pod cast ends up a lot bigger than she thought. Despite Having to work with Eli whose bossy and constantly tries to cut her out (She feels he has a stick up his....) She is able to keep herself involved and not let him leave her behind. She's not reckless which is good. I found myself just as frustrated as she was with the secrecy and it went on too long, I felt that he should have let her know everything a lot sooner.
The story progressed really well I didn't feel like it was too slow or too rushed, Eli & Sylvie grew to respect each other quite naturally the character growth flowing well. Ivy described the places and characters really well and I was able to lose myself in to the story and didn't notice the time going by. I did have a lot of questions which I can't wait to learn more about in the next book in this series. There are cameos of the Sinclair's and other characters from Ivy's books for this series which is good for people who have read her other books to touch base with favourites but also a great way to introduce the characters to new readers.
The main plot itself in this book is ongoing but the danger to Sylvie is resolved.
I received an ARC version of this book and this is my honest opinion on it.
Eli is a loner who feels adrift due to his mentor selling his team (his family) then disappearing. He sees Sylvie as a "Know-it-all wannabe celebrity" and doesn't want to deal with her but is forced to when their cases cross. I like although he is a little rude at times he was still respectful. I enjoyed reading him coming to accept not only his attraction to her but also knowing when he's wrong.
Sylvie is a really strong female character, she is thrown in too deep when a case she is researching for her crime pod cast ends up a lot bigger than she thought. Despite Having to work with Eli whose bossy and constantly tries to cut her out (She feels he has a stick up his....) She is able to keep herself involved and not let him leave her behind. She's not reckless which is good. I found myself just as frustrated as she was with the secrecy and it went on too long, I felt that he should have let her know everything a lot sooner.
The story progressed really well I didn't feel like it was too slow or too rushed, Eli & Sylvie grew to respect each other quite naturally the character growth flowing well. Ivy described the places and characters really well and I was able to lose myself in to the story and didn't notice the time going by. I did have a lot of questions which I can't wait to learn more about in the next book in this series. There are cameos of the Sinclair's and other characters from Ivy's books for this series which is good for people who have read her other books to touch base with favourites but also a great way to introduce the characters to new readers.
The main plot itself in this book is ongoing but the danger to Sylvie is resolved.
I received an ARC version of this book and this is my honest opinion on it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fractured Promise, book 1 of the new Where Promises Lie series is written by Ivy Layne. We are back with Sinclair Security and it feels like coming home! I loved Eli and Sylvie! She is a very talented true crime podcaster who falls into some very dangerous territory. When Eli is forced to work with her she just trips him up at every turn by being “not your usual podcaster” and it’s hilarious to watch. Will they be able to find the answers before time runs out and blows their whole investigation? (Blows…hee hee) can she trust Eli or will the secrets keep them apart? Great start for this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great start to a new series. There was instant chemistry between Eli and Sylvie, but they were caught up in a mystery that ended up giving them more questions than answers at every turn. I like all of the characters that work with Eli and look forward to getting to know them better in the next books. It appears that the same mystery is going to run through the first 2 books and I am excited to see where it goes and how this all plays out. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for my honest opinion.
July 22, 2026
I liked the concept of Sylvie being a true crime podcaster. That tells you there, you should not mess with her, she is strong and willing to fight for others' vindication. Yet when she finds herself in danger runs to Sinclair Security, knowing this attack isn’t something to handle herself. When she and Eli start finding clues that really put her in danger, they also are finding an attraction to each other that won’t go away. An awesome story for the first in this brand new series by Ivy Layne.
August 8, 2026
3 stars
This is a start of a new series. But it feels like a continuation of characters from other series, which I don’t remember, so I was at a loss for some of the interactions.
Also, there’s a cliff hanger. This book is not settled for overall plot action. Only the relationship between the main characters.
I liked FMC in the beginning. She had pluck. But like most independent female characters in current books, she’s pig headed and stupid to the point of almost getting herself killed.
MMC is a cardboard cutout.
This is a start of a new series. But it feels like a continuation of characters from other series, which I don’t remember, so I was at a loss for some of the interactions.
Also, there’s a cliff hanger. This book is not settled for overall plot action. Only the relationship between the main characters.
I liked FMC in the beginning. She had pluck. But like most independent female characters in current books, she’s pig headed and stupid to the point of almost getting herself killed.
MMC is a cardboard cutout.
September 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. She’s a cold case podcaster - she is investigating a story and becomes the next target - he’s a former special forces agent and becomes her bodyguard. I loved the found family, I loved the entire plot. I am giving this a 4.5/5 with only a few critiques - 1. The audio is dual versus duet and it kind of annoyed me but this didn’t affect my rating because production is EXPENSIVE. 2. There were a lot of spice. 3. I want more cold case info.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the second!
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the second!
July 26, 2026
Jaw hit the floor
Well Ivy has done it again. A new series and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.
Loved that this story involved a True Crime Podcaster. It felt relatable because I follow several. I loved Eli & Sylvie too. The baggage they both carried and that they had to open up to each other about it is what relationships need to grow. How trust is built and how it's broken.
I'm also glad to have Cooper & Alice Sinclair back in the story. I loved that series too.
Well Ivy has done it again. A new series and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.
Loved that this story involved a True Crime Podcaster. It felt relatable because I follow several. I loved Eli & Sylvie too. The baggage they both carried and that they had to open up to each other about it is what relationships need to grow. How trust is built and how it's broken.
I'm also glad to have Cooper & Alice Sinclair back in the story. I loved that series too.
July 30, 2026
Loved this!
What an excellent way to start a new series!! I loved this story of Eli and Sylvie! I loved the mystery and the passion. What happened to Silas and Emily and why? Who is Ghost Trace? Who hired the assassin? Gah! Eli and Sylvie are perfect for each other. I love this new team added to Sawyer Security. I can't wait to read all their stories. I can't wait to read Wren's story next. I loved this book and highly recommend!
What an excellent way to start a new series!! I loved this story of Eli and Sylvie! I loved the mystery and the passion. What happened to Silas and Emily and why? Who is Ghost Trace? Who hired the assassin? Gah! Eli and Sylvie are perfect for each other. I love this new team added to Sawyer Security. I can't wait to read all their stories. I can't wait to read Wren's story next. I loved this book and highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book in Ivy Wayne's new series. The book drew me in from the beginning. The characters were well thought out and very strong. The mystery elements in the storyline keep you engaged from start to finish. Another excellent book by Ivy Layne!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved Eli and Sylvie's story and getting to hang with the crew at the newly expanded Sinclair Security when Creed Global was sold to Cooper by Silas.
The mysteries and danger start to swirl when too many questions are asked and explosions are life threatening.
Fantastic book with each page giving different emotional pulls.
Totally hooked on this new series!
The mysteries and danger start to swirl when too many questions are asked and explosions are life threatening.
Fantastic book with each page giving different emotional pulls.
Totally hooked on this new series!
July 22, 2026
Good start to a new series. I liked the characters and the story moved along well. While it includes a couple Sinclair Security characters, there are new characters introduced that I started to like right away. While this story is concluded, it was a great start to a new mystery, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC Version of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC Version of this book and this is my honest review.
July 25, 2026
Good start to series
You don't need to have read her other series to enjoy this one. I've read the billionaire series, Sinclair Security series, and part of the spin off from those but it's been a good while since I read them.
This book felt like it belonged in the Riley Edwards' Z Corp world. I wish the 2nd was coming out sooner!
You don't need to have read her other series to enjoy this one. I've read the billionaire series, Sinclair Security series, and part of the spin off from those but it's been a good while since I read them.
This book felt like it belonged in the Riley Edwards' Z Corp world. I wish the 2nd was coming out sooner!
July 29, 2026
Awesome
Intense and exciting from the beginning to end!! This book will keep you wondering as you read, never able to figure out what's coming next but getting you so engrossed that you can't stop reading!! I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just couldn't put the book down!! Loved it!! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Intense and exciting from the beginning to end!! This book will keep you wondering as you read, never able to figure out what's coming next but getting you so engrossed that you can't stop reading!! I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just couldn't put the book down!! Loved it!! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!
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