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rg9400's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I picked up this book because I saw a blogger I follow it recommend it. I had no idea that it was largely erotica. There is some supernatural body horror which was very intriguing when described, but the book doesn't delve really deep into that or spend a ton of time exploring that aspect. Instead, a lot of the horror is driven by some pretty messed up lack of consent and human violence. This is not my typical read at all, so I don't really know how to review it. I thought there were some interesting explorations of power dynamics that were more interesting than another recent read of mine (Education in Malice), but I found some of the content in this book too extreme for my tastes. I did think the character work was decent, and I think had it focused a bit more on the supernatural body horror elements, it would have been stronger.
grimdreadful's review
3.0
3 stars - a sapphic, dark, erotic/smut horror.
This is not a sub genre I read often but when I saw Rae Knowles was involved I HAD to read it. Lies That Bind at its core is a very dark romance with hints of the supernatural, that follows two women in a relationship Adele and Lorelei, who run a sham séance business and hold some dark secrets from one another. With the sudden arrival of Viola their relationship is tested in more ways than one.
This was an intense read, definitely be sure to check the content warnings before going in. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but as someone who reads primarily horror I wish there was more on Adele and her condition, I loved this part of the story and wish the plot on that went deeper. I also didn't love Chesters character being in the story, him being that young. I don't think his character truly added anything unique or note worthy so he could have been older or just excluded. That's just my personal thought and to just clarify, he wasn't in any inappropriate scenes but going from reading smutty scenes to parts of the story with him just felt a little weird and uncomfortable.
Overall, am I going to go seek out other smut novels now? probably not. Will I read more smut should Rae Knowles release more in the future? most likely. LOL
I also really appreciated that the authors included content warnings in the back for those that may need them.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Brigids Gate Press for providing a digital copy to read, as always opinions are my own.
This is not a sub genre I read often but when I saw Rae Knowles was involved I HAD to read it. Lies That Bind at its core is a very dark romance with hints of the supernatural, that follows two women in a relationship Adele and Lorelei, who run a sham séance business and hold some dark secrets from one another. With the sudden arrival of Viola their relationship is tested in more ways than one.
This was an intense read, definitely be sure to check the content warnings before going in. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but as someone who reads primarily horror I wish there was more on Adele and her condition, I loved this part of the story and wish the plot on that went deeper. I also didn't love Chesters character being in the story, him being that young. I don't think his character truly added anything unique or note worthy so he could have been older or just excluded. That's just my personal thought and to just clarify, he wasn't in any inappropriate scenes but going from reading smutty scenes to parts of the story with him just felt a little weird and uncomfortable.
Overall, am I going to go seek out other smut novels now? probably not. Will I read more smut should Rae Knowles release more in the future? most likely. LOL
I also really appreciated that the authors included content warnings in the back for those that may need them.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Brigids Gate Press for providing a digital copy to read, as always opinions are my own.
prosepander's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*****
Lies That Bind is a dark romance centered around the relationship between Lorelei and Adele, both of whom keep dangerous secrets from each other. Upon the sudden arrival of the mysterious Viola, and the unexpected reappearance of the upper-echelon socialite Rose- Adele and Lorelei’s love for each other will be tested to its limits.
*****
Lies That Bind is a dark romance centered around the relationship between Lorelei and Adele, both of whom keep dangerous secrets from each other. Upon the sudden arrival of the mysterious Viola, and the unexpected reappearance of the upper-echelon socialite Rose- Adele and Lorelei’s love for each other will be tested to its limits.
This is a story about power dynamics and the lines between consent and abuse. Both Lorelei and Adele have their own experiences throughout the novel- coming apart and together again several times throughout.
The thing I enjoyed most was the intrigue woven throughout the story. The mystery of Adele’s nature and the lengths people would go to unlock it kept me interested and engaged for most of the novel.
However, this Lies that Bind ultimately didn’t work for me. While I understand the themes pertaining to cycles of abuse, power dynamics, and the importance of consent, I feel as though the impact fell flat in the accelerated timeline of the story. As far as I’m aware, the whole thing took place over a couple of months. Additionally, the motivations for the antagonists seemed weak, and I feel as though I was left with more questions about Adele’s nature than the novel was able to satisfy, nor particularly inclined to answer.
simonlorden's review
I got to 42%, but unfortunately I was bored, and I wasn't vibing with the body horror/gore, so I decided to put it down.
theduchess93's review
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I love a messy queer relationship and Rae Knowles certainly knows how to deliver in that department. The story took a number of turns that I wasn't expecting, and the conspiracy unraveling throughout the book was complemented by the fascinatingly complex characters. Also, I'm a sucker for anything spiritualism related.
I love a messy queer relationship and Rae Knowles certainly knows how to deliver in that department. The story took a number of turns that I wasn't expecting, and the conspiracy unraveling throughout the book was complemented by the fascinatingly complex characters. Also, I'm a sucker for anything spiritualism related.
lavendaisy's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
This story was truly a wild ride and not for the faint of heart! I recommend this only if you're already really into dark fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Blood, Body horror, Self harm, and Sexual assault
Minor: Incest
theforestglenn's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Abandonment, Blood, Violence, Toxic relationship, Incest, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Grief, Gore, Classism, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Domestic abuse
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