Lies that Bind by Rae Knowles

Lies that Bind Reviews

• 
  Bon

  Happiest of release days to April and Rae! Thank you to Brigids Gate Press and Rae Knowles herself for a copy to review. Lies That Bind was a deliciously dark and sexy collaboration, blending elements of Sapphic lust and period romance with heavy doses of Hellraiser-esque erotic gore.
  
  Lorelei and Adele masquerade as mere business partners, running a charlatan séance parlor for the wealthy and gullible; in reality they're lovers and business is not doing well, and Adele is a runaway from an American society family. Lorelei conceals carnal preferences she fears would scare off Adele, who hides secrets of her own, and a power beyond that displayed during her séance charades. Soon, a mysterious woman named Viola appears, equal parts alluring and dangerous, and she has plans for them.
  
  There are elements of found family, the Occult, and the old adage, that to appreciate something, you must first lose it.
  
  I love that this story examines so many dichotomies: consensual dominance and outright abuse, physical pleasure and emotional contentment, even the contrasting privileges of the wealthy and the not, such as choices in marriage. It also explores weaponized lust, as Viola soon becomes a blade with which both Lorelei and Adele trade emotional blows. And lust of a different kind, for power, drives the story to a wicked and wholly satisfying conclusion.
  
  Knowles and Yates' sharp, seductive prose proves how terrible deeds can unlock one's power just as well as heroic acts.
  
  Readers should pay attention to the TWs; if this were fanfic, I'd label parts Dead Dove, so take care of yourselves.
• 
  Yves V.H. [Slow reading]

  4.5 ⭐
  
  There's a lot I wanted to say about this book but I don't know how to express them well so I'll do my best 😊💙
  
  This is not my first book written by April Yates though this is my first book with Rae Knowles; they co-written this book. And when I thought April's style of writing was already dark and heavy it became even more intense now that there were two of them in this one. I want to say that I was in awe with this book both the story and the style of writing. Though there were bits that were a bit difficult for me to comprehend since the style reminds me of reading classical novels (very poetic). If you are into that, definitely read this one! It really compliments the story itself too and helps you really feel that you are in the same period as them.
  
  About the story, it was a mixture of heartbroken, nuisance, pity, and disturbing. I really recommend you read the trigger warnings because I almost did not finish this book because of certain parts. BUT the story is very intriguing that I know I have to finish it to understand the whole point of it and I'm glad I did because I got my closure ���👌🏻 When I say it is worth reading, it is worth reading
  
  It is a fantastic read if you are into Erotica + Horror + Lesbian romance. I have to say but I think I found my new favorite genre and authors. I never expected that I would enjoy a story like this because it felt challenging to read but here I am wanting more.
  
  The characters themselves are intriguing as well. Viola, if I could only enter the book and rip her apart myself I would (that's how annoyed I was with her). And not to mention the decisions the two main characters were making that there was a point that I had to close the book and pinch the bridge of my nose while hoping that the two characters would get their act together because I am so done with them.
  
  Overall, this is a great book though I understand why this will not be everyone's cup of tea but if you are willing to try out new things, start with this one!
  
  💎 Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and authors for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily
• 
  Rae Knowles

  I don't ordinarily come into this space as the author, but felt it was important to do so for this particular work in order to highlight the content warnings. The disclaimer below outlines sensitive topics within this book, and I cannot overstate the importance of heeding the CWs. These are very heavy triggers, and the depictions are graphic throughout the entirety of the novel.
  
  ***This book is not for everyone. Your mental health matters.***
  
  Disclaimer:
  
  This is a work of fiction written by adults and intended for an adult audience. It is not intended to demonstrate appropriate relationship dynamics or healthy ways of engaging in BDSM. If you are sensitive to any of the following content warnings, consider skipping this one:
  
  Intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, self-harm, drugging, references to incest & sexual assault, explicit sexual content including: light breath play, knife play, bondage, degradation, dubious consent & non-consent
  
  If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, help is available.
  U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
  U.K. Domestic Violence Helpline 01772 201601
  
• 
  Josh

  I went into Lies That Bind well aware that there is such a thing as “erotic horror,” but without much of a sense as to what that might entail. If anything, I imagined a gothic setting for a series of naughty vignettes, and it was hard for me to imagine more disturbing horror tropes set beside (or commingled with) scenes meant to elicit arousal. They struck me as somehow too different in their narrative purposes to really gel.
  
  To all of these concerns, April Yates and Rae Knowles simply scoff and say, “Watch this.”
  
  One strategy that makes Lies That Bind work is that the horror elements (occult societies, body horror, the horror of family, etc.) take a while to announce themselves. And yet, the eroticism of the narrative is itseself always skirting the edges of horror, so it’s not as jarring as one might expect when it finally arrives.
  
  One would do very well to heed the content warnings here, because the sex within this book is not just rough, it is often explicitly violent and abusive, and for every orgasm, there are myriad split lips, broken ribs, and injuries of a much, much more disturbing nature.
  
  I’ll be honest and say that I would not have stuck with the book had it simply been a string of these simultaneously sexy and disturbing scenes, and Lies That Bind not only threads the erotic elements into a compelling narrative, but make it essential to its unfolding.
  
  We are introduced to Lorelei and Adele, who are living something close to an idyllic life in England. Yes, they don’t have much money, and they are forced to perform hokey medium acts to pay the rent, but they’re doing okay. Their larger issue is a lack of communication, a fact that the novel’s antagonist, Viola, leaps upon.
  
  Viola genuinely steals the show here, a fact that troubles me to no end, because she. is. awful. Striding into our protagonists’ lives, she destroys everything, and soon, we are engaged in a trans-Atlantic cruise to New York, during which she continues to cause more and more trouble. Along the way, we realize that we are involved in some sort of dark mystery, that Adele possesses mysterious occult powers, and that hardly anyone is who they appear to be.
  
  It’s quite a feat to pull off, and yet, it all seems to work. For all of the nastiness along the way, we’re still rooting for our star-crossed lovers, and we’re still hissing every time Violet comes on stage, and finally, all of the novel’s elements fall into place in a shockingly satisfying denouement.
  
  A little ways into Lies That Bind, I asked myself, “Who is this book for?” Who wants their S&M this dark and mixed with bloody horror, and by the end, I had to sheepishly admit that maybe, just maybe, I was part of that imagined audience. and now I must enter quiet reflection.
• 
  Isabella

  Summary: Running a sham seance business is all fun and games until Viola shows up, pulling Lorelei and Adele into a transatlantic voyage filled with treacherous seas and even more treacherous secrets. As power dynamics and dark pasts come to light, the couple must navigate the stormy waters of their relationship and decipher Viola's true intentions.
  
  
  Pros:
  🌟 Four stars for this great book that dives into the genre of erotic sapphic horror – a niche subgenre that's like a thrilling rollercoaster ride with a touch of spice.
  
  😱 Dark and graphic, this tale isn't for the faint of heart. It's more chilling than a ghost story told by candlelight, and I'm here for it!
  
  🌶️ Lots of spice! The book turns up the heat with scenes that are as sizzling as a cauldron of enchanted chili peppers.
  
  Cons:
  🧛‍♀️ While the spice is abundant, the plot and characterization take a back seat, almost like they're secondary to the saucy elements. It's like a horror movie where the monsters are more memorable than the plot twists.
  
  😬 If graphic depictions of sex and violence make you uneasy, this might be a book best enjoyed with a strong cup of tea.
  
  
  📚 In conclusion, "Lies That Bind" is a journey into the dark and spicy side of sapphic horror. Rae Knowles and April Yates, you've crafted a tale that's more captivating than a haunted seance. Bravo! 🔮📚
  
  Disclaimer: A mystical thank you to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for this eARC. All opinions are as uniquely mine as a ghost's fingerprint on a crystal ball. 👻📚
• 
  Kay West

  A sapphic erotic horror that uses sex as a weapon and as salvation.
  
  This book keeps you on the edge of a knife as our main characters Lorelai and Adele's toxic relationship pushes them deeper into a paranormal conspiracy of debauchery, fear and despair. In an alternative England, lovers, Lorelai and Adele run a sham seance/snake oil store. One day a mysterious woman, Viola, comes into their lives and starts to drive a wedge through their already unsteady relationship with the goal of having Adele return to America. There are many twists and turns about how the characters in this story are connected overlayed by a slowly building paranormal/body horror that demands the reader look closely when all we want to do is look away.
  
  At the beginning of this book I found myself looking to the character of Adele as our ingénue, naively making decisions without malice; but Rae Knowles and April Yates have instead played with our assumptions of her stereotype and Adele has a lot more agency than I first gave her credit for. I love that no character in this book is 'good'. Everyone is flawed to some degree, either through purposeful malice or passive indifference. While sex is used as a weapon, it also becomes the salvation of our main characters.
  
  Erotic horror is my new favourite sub-genre, and if you're wondering what places this book into that subgenre, tighten up your strap on, here we go:
  💦 Multiple Os within the first 20%
  💦Explicit open door sex
  💦Non-consent and CNC
  💦Blood play
  💦Physical abuse
  💦(more, review TWs before reading if needed)
  
  The first book I read by Rae Knowles was Merciless Waters, which I reviewed as having 'incandescent female rage'. This book is all about supporting women's wrongs. All of our main characters are strong, capable and full of agency (even when they choose not to use it) and they use these traits selfishly, to deceive, and with malevolence. I don't think I breathed for the last 20% of this book (in the best way), and I wish there was more of that urgency/pacing reflected in the early parts of the story.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley, Brigids Gate Press and Rae Knowles for providing a early reviewer copy.
  
  This book is best read on the deck of a ship heading from England to America with your back pressed against the door of the cabin your ex-lover is sharing with her new partner. Try to ignore the screams coming from within.
• 
  Sapphire Lazuli

  To call this book erotic horror is simply underselling the premise. Lies That Bind is an intricate and endlessly clever discussion about the stark differences between submission and subservience. Divulging every way that is done would make this review endless, as Lies That Bind draws reference from a multitude of sources. Of note to myself are the inverses of Lady Macbeth found throughout the middle chapters, and the fantastic way in which the two main characters, Adele and Lorelei's sexual journey is a direct reflection of the book's plot. This book is so raw and human. There is almost nothing within here that should be familiar to me, and yet I found myself able to relate to every single beat of the book because each character is written to be real and honest. And that is what Lies That Bind is about at its core, honesty, communication, and love. Through the raunchy sex, to the grotesque horror, to the outwardly toxic relationships, this book asks you not only to watch the home break, but to ask why it broke; and only then do we have a conversation about how to rebuild.
  Wonderful as well is the level of care put into content warnings as well as references to resources for those within unsafe situations. Knowles and Yates know well that this book may not be safe for everyone, but both go out of their way to make it clear that this book does care for everyone.
  
• 
  Julie

  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.
  
• 
  Theresa Derwin

  A Superb, Dark and Sensual Journey
  
  Lies That Bind
  Author: Rae Knowles and April Yates
  Publisher: Brigid’s Gate Press
  Release date: 20 Feb 2024
  
  Given that BDSM is used within the novel and there are a number of content warnings for the reader, I wanted to share this warning first;
  “It is not intended to demonstrate appropriate relationship dynamics or healthy ways of engaging in BDSM.”
  Now that that is out of the way, I can talk about the book itself. More on the above quote, later.
  It’s the Nineteenth Century and Madam Adaline – Adele – is a ‘spiritualist’ who conducts sham séances, whilst her partner Lorelei assists with their glorified con. Adele’s ‘uncanny ability to mimic the voices of others’ helps with their ruse. But she is also cursed, since her youth, with an ‘affliction’, skin falling away from the bones in her legs. And she is desperate for a cure.
  She wants to balance the dark and light within her.
  Adele and Lorelei are together, but of course they have to keep this a secret from general society. At times terse, other times full of passion, their relationship is fraught with danger and the myriad of lies they tell each other. This is what puts them at risk more than anything.
  Unfortunately for the couple, Viola, a rich, powerful and beautiful woman, can expose their bond, and the price she asks to keep all of their secrets, is for them to join her on a transatlantic crossing to America. She assured Adele that she knows of an occult expert who can cure her.
  Viola is the Rasputin within their once happy home; meddling, teasing, manipulating both of the women like her puppets. In making deals with her, and in their own crossing to America, they find so much more than they bargained for.
  Viola is toxicity personified; determined to wreak havoc and as we read, hints are scattered through the book about the perils they face.
  Fans of the Nineteenth Century Spiritualist movement, will recognise names of places and people from its history, such as the infamous town of Lily Dale. Plus other more recognisable characters.
  The bright spot between the women is the inclusion of the abandoned boy Chester on their voyage – a sort of adoptee child they feed and care for as best they can. A bit of an Artful Dodger, but more affectionate to his found family. Now they have brought him along on the voyage to America.
  Chester seems to be the only one who sees the truth of the people who control the two women. He’s instantly wary of Viola, for starters.
  Then there are the mysterious Lord Harrington Jr and Lady Rose Harrington, whose pasts are also intertwined with Adele and Lorelei.
  Whilst Lorelei, Adele and Viola are just a few of the women who prefer the company of other women, we get a feel for the way in which potential suitors judge sapphic pairings.
  “You don’t know what you’re missing,” proclaims one such man, convinced of his own superiority in the bedroom.
  The reality a lot of these women faced during this period of history is highlighted in the book. For Adele, her only hope at financial independence is to marry a man and let him bed her, despite her sexuality and abhorrence of men.
  As for the kink elements here, firstly, as already mentioned, this is a highly fictionalised and dysfunctional example of the D/s dynamic. It wouldn’t be far off to say that both Lorelei and Adele are victims of coercive control and domestic abuse. So much is explored in this novel, and it delves right into the darkness.
  Despite the grim nature of the story, it’s also sweet in parts, funny, sexy and horrific. The settings and descriptions of the period are lush and feel authentic.
  I have a post grad in Nineteenth Century studies, and this book pings all my happy places;
  At it’s heart, it’s also a love story – one that just so happens to include blood and violence. And in the finale, a healthy expression of D/s play.
  Blending the mood of a Victorian sensation novel with the intrigue of Daphne du Maurier and the erotic-horror fusion of Clive Barker, ‘Lies that Bind’ is a delightfully, decadent queer masterpiece.
• 
  Monidipa

  So, I got my hands on "Lies that Bind" through an ARC read from Netgalley, and boy, was it a wild ride! This book is like a rollercoaster of emotions, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.
  
  Lorelei and Adele make quite the dynamic duo, running their sham seance business in Matlock Bath. But when Viola enters the scene, things take a dramatic turn, and suddenly, secrets are flying left and right faster than a seagull chasing a chip.
  
  The transatlantic crossing to New York adds even more spice to the mix, with turbulent seas and even more turbulent happenings aboard the ship. And let me tell you, Adele's gifts go way beyond mimicry, while Lorelei's past is darker than a moonless night.
  
  Now, don't get me wrong, the book had me hooked from the start with its gripping storyline and complex characters. But I gotta admit, some of the graphic depictions of sex and violence had me squirming in my seat a bit. It's like walking a tightrope between kink and abuse, and the authors don't hold back in exploring every nuance.
  
  I must say that this indeed was a thrilling read for me you should read it because it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just make sure you're ready for a bumpy ride! And hey, remember, opinions are my own, straight from the heart.
• 
  lea

  Before I delve into this review, I would like to thank NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
  
  Synopsis: Lies That Bind follows the story of lovers Lorelei and Adele as they lead a seemingly simple life in England where they run a fake seance business to make ends meet. But when the mysterious and seductive Viola arrives, both their long-kept secrets and their relationship are threatened. Viola coerces them onto a voyage to New York, where deeper secrets surface amidst the chaos of the journey. With power dynamics and personal truths laid bare, the couple faces the challenge of discerning Viola's true intentions before it's too late.
  
  As a lover of the erotic horror subgenre, it’s not often that a story will have me wincing at graphic descriptions of body horror and/or violent acts – but this story was so incredibly detailed I had to put it down a few times to take a breather.
  
  What I liked: It took me a bit to get the rhythm of the writing style, but once I did, I was hooked. The writing is beautiful, exciting, and descriptive - having me on the edge of my seat for nearly the entirety of the book. The story focuses heavily on the importance of consent within BDSM and the complexities of it – showing examples of healthy BDSM dynamics and abusive ones as well. As a survivor of SA, I appreciate that the writers made it clear that Adele’s bodily reactions do not equate to her consent.
  
  What I disliked: The ending seemed a bit lacking. It felt that the comedown from the climax of the story was a bit rushed. So much so that it almost felt like it was leaving it open for a sequel… only this is a standalone. I would love to learn more about the cult, Adele’s family, and more of Lorelei’s life outside of her trauma.
  
  Ultimately, I enjoyed this book but I’m not sure if I would recommend it simply on the basis of how triggering it can be. This story is not for the faint of heart but if you enjoy the discomfort the horror genre can bring and want to explore darker relationships and kink, you should check this book out! Regardless, please heed the trigger warnings listed at the back of the book.
• 
  Astrid Elyse

  First and foremost, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
  
  Lies that Bind is the all-consuming story of two complex (yet so real) women who have unknowingly fallen into the depths of a web of dark manipulation that will put them through hell and back to untangle. Adele Hughes, the youngest child from a powerful and influential family, fleeing a future she cannot bear to see realized. Lorelai Keyes, a bright and fierce woman, surviving on sheer wit and business smarts alone. Running a small business in a tourist-town in England, Lorelai and Adele are not without their issues-- struggling to stay afloat and fight the ever-growing threat of poverty, their only real relief is found in each other. But everything they know changes with the arrival of a mysterious yet enchanting woman, whose arrival is only the start of much darker things to come.
  
  Throughout their trials and suffering, Lorelai and Adele have only one constant-- their love for one another. Rae Knowles and April Yates left me on the edge of my seat, fully enraptured in the story, as I desperately wondered if that would be enough to see the couple safely through the end of their journey.
  
  Though it's marked as horror, this novel can also be described as a vividly weaved dialogue and exploration of humanity, and all that it encompasses. Rae Knowles and April Yates take to this novel and explore themes of poverty, classism, homophobia (even when it's disguised as acceptance), inter-relationship communication, relationships, and love. Despite the fact that this book incorporates elements of fantasy with its horror, this book is more human and real than I can describe. It depicts not perfect characters, but real human people who make mistakes, who act rashly, and who forgive one another. Lorelai and Adele's relationship is made obvious to the reader as a toxic, dying thing, and it will take a catalyst to force these two women to find themselves, and each other, again. While at the beginning their relationship has its rough spots and issues, Lorelai and Adele are able to love and accept one another, unconditionally, by the end of it.
  
  Personally, I was floored by the angst in this book and the worry over the well-being of the characters. With the way they're written, so humanely and not a bit fictitious (or perfect, without flaws, as characters tend to be), these characters are so easy to relate to. I think another reviewer made the comment that the authors created characters so human that readers can relate to
  them in situations they've never experienced themselves. This struck true for me. For many situations I myself have never been in, I was able to understand the complex, double-edged feelings of the characters. For me, that's a really rare experience.
  
  For the first couple of chapters, I was a little discouraged and worried I wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I initially thought, but Rae Knowles and April Yates do not disappoint in their delivery of this book. I was completely ensconced by the storyline. I barely put it down. The sex, the plot, the angst, the larger commentary --all of it-- was delivered with expertise.
  
  Make no mistake: read the content warnings before beginning. The authors created an informative and elaborate commentary on the difference between brutality and kink, but they did so graphically. If you're sensitive to topics of sexual violence (including dub-con and rape), self-harm, or abuse, please be cautious when reading.
  
  I'd also like to give a personal heads-up for the loose presence of the miscommunication trope.
  
  Anyways, happy reading to all!
  
• 
  Molly

  Ahhhhhhhh this was so good!!!!! Definitely mind the trigger warnings, it was hard to read at times, especially as the book progressed but I absolutely loved it overall. I didn’t have a problem with the intensity of the sex, but the gore/self-harm aspects of it did get to me. I liked the supernatural elements, it reminded me so much of Penny Dreadful but I did have to skim whenever stuff happened to Adele’s body. 🥴
  
  Miscommunication in relationships is usually frustrating, but when it comes to sex and characters not being able to admit what they want to/from each other…that’s the good shit. And the dramatic irony of both characters wanting the same thing but thinking they can’t ask. 👌🏼 It’s such good angst because you want them to talk to each other about what they’re hiding (a lot!) but of course they won’t.
  
  The manipulations of Viola and everything they went through were frustrating to say the least, (more like horrifying, especially once you finally get the full reveal of Lorelei’s backstory) but it made the resolution and Adele and Lorelei finding their way back to each other so so satisfying. 🥹
  
  Also, Chester is such an adorable kid and I loved his and Lorelei’s relationship so much. Their scene near the end made me cry. 😭
  
  Thank you to Brigids Gate Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Sarah

  Oh the adventures of Lorelei and Adele! Great and interesting characters that kept me invested in the story. Parts of this were very intense and hard to read at times but it was so satisfying. Some cool twists and the horror elements were cool. Definitely a fun read I would love to spend more time with these characters again sometime and see what other shenanigans they’ve gotten themselves into!
• 
  Sydney

  Spicy is an understatement for this book. As long as the reader pays attention to the content warnings, they are in for a thrilling ride with “Lie That Bind.” While it is at first difficult to adjust to the rhythm and style of writing, the book quickly picks up and the mystery begins to unfold. Readers looking for a lighthearted read should not look here - rather those drawn by the dark underbelly of life and the complicated realities of desire.
• 
  Lillie Grace

  When going into Lies That Bind I knew some of what to expect and was thrilled to see two very talented authors collaborating. From Rae Knowles I had already read Merciless Waters and deeply enjoyed it Queer Female Rage meets Pirates story, and from April Yates I had picked up City of Snares a Sapphic horror meets old Hollywood that dug into what fame is. Knowing I had enjoyed both of those I knew I would most likely enjoy Lies that Bind, what I was not expecting though was to read a novel that was both an amazing exploration of complex love between women, and the horror of being trapped by your own nature in such a graphically disturbing, and yet deeply pleasurable manner.
  
  Lies that Bind is the story of Adele Hughes and Lorelei Keyes, a couple running a sham seance business, both with deep secrets of their own. Their quiet life of four years is completely upended by the arrival of Viola. who seems to know exactly how to tempt and hurt both women in deeply personal ways. To say really anything more about the plot would be to spoil it.
  
  What I will state is that both Adele and Lorelei are deeply relatable and interesting leads, often with dual POV one POV is clearly more intriguing and draws you in more, that was not the case here with me both dreading the POV jump as it meant moving away from one section of the story and being desperate for it to get back to the other half of it. On the flip side Viola very quickly establishes herself as someone you hate while she drivings the plot forward with her endless machinations.
  
  With this novel I would pick it up if you enjoy any of the below:
  - Sapphic Stories
  - Horror
  - Body Horror
  - Fantasy Horror
  - Slow Burn
  - Deeply moving Prose
  - Dark Romance
  - Gothic settings
  - Horror and Romance mix
  
  My final note is to read the trigger warnings, this is not a novel to jump into without checking them as it is quite dark and many scenes go to places you may not wish to read. Check the warnings and know that it really means them.
  
  I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.
• 
  Riven

  First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to Rae Knowles, April Yates, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "Lies That Bind." This gripping tale of secrets, deception, and the complexities of power kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
  
  "Lies That Bind" transports readers to the English tourist town of Matlock Bath, where Lorelei Keyes and Adele Hughes run a sham seance business to make ends meet. However, their carefully constructed facade is threatened with the arrival of a mysterious visitor named Viola. As secrets unravel and hidden desires surface, Lorelei and Adele find themselves embarking on a transatlantic journey to New York, where their lives will be forever changed.
  
  This book is a strong splay of literature, blending elements of eroticism and horror with masterful storytelling. I found myself eagerly anticipating each moment I could pick up the book, as the narrative unfolded with suspense and intrigue. "Lies That Bind" exceeded my expectations, offering a gripping and unforgettable reading experience.
  
  Describing "Lies That Bind" as erotic horror is apt, as it navigates the delicate balance between desire and vile darkness.
  
  Content warnings are crucial for this book, as the depictions of sex are explicit and often violent.
  
  However, amidst the intensity of the narrative, there is a deeper plot that captivates and engages. I appreciated that there was more to the story than just the sexual content, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience.
  
  In conclusion, "Lies That Bind" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that delves into the darkest corners of desire and power. With its blend of eroticism, body horror, occult societies, and intricate storytelling, it earns a solid four-star rating from me. This is a book that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
• 
  SSA

  I didn’t like this book. I didn’t like how passive Adele was in the story. She let everyone and anyone verbally abuse. I also didn’t like Lorelei, she was emotionally abusive to Adele throughout the whole story and barely did anything to show she had changed by the end . Both Adele and Lorelei were extremely naive and easily manipulated. It was so frustrating to read because most of their issues could have been resolved by communication. “But had she taken more care to notice my needs, I would not have been lured in by temptation.” I mean you can have an honest frank conversation about your needs and fantasies instead of cheating???
  
  They both had a tendency to jump to conclusions and make assumptions for no reason. I also thought the aftermath of Adele’s experience with Viola was underwhelming and there was very little discussion or reflection. From the synopsis, the book was going to explore ‘the line between kink and abuse’ but I don’t think there was any unpacking of these ideas in the narrative and there was no meaningful conclusions made by the end. I thought Viola was abusive to Adele but I also believed Lorelei was abusive to Adele and I don’t think there was enough evidence to make me believe she had redeemed herself. She was still verbally and emotionally abusive to Adele near the ending of the book.
  
  I also thought the sex in the story was excessive and unnecessary at times. It felt like there was more thought given to those scenes than to the non sexual scenes. There was barely any emotions outside of lust and since Adele and Lorelei’s relationship was established from the start, there was a lot of telling and not showing about their emotional intimacy and why I had to root for them. It also felt really long and the last confrontation with Viola felt rushed and anticlimactic.
  
• 
  Chrissy Swarbrooke

  Thank you Netgalley, Rae Knowles, April Yates and Brigids Gate Press for the eArc of Lies that Bind.
  
  First of all, I wanted to bring attention to this cover art by Daniella Batsheva. Even though we shouldn't judge a book by its cover ( I haven't ) Daniella has a beautiful talent and it was one of the reasons why I read Merciless Waters by Rae Knowles and feel that she also need to be acknowledged !
  
  Having read Merciless Waters by Rae Knowles, I was very intrigued by Lies That Bind. Please read the trigger warnings before reading. They are very valid! Having no triggers at all, firstly I was surprised in how in depth this book really is and can be read on several levels. For me, it tackles the very real, messy and miscommunication that goes on intimate relationships. The dynamics between Loreli and Adele is a prime example of this, it's almost painfully relatable how opposites attract, work well in some respects until asking for what they want/need. I loved them both because they are just so human in their faults and flaws.
  
  Voila, who steps in between this couple, sets off to play on against the other. Yes, I hated her as only you can with a true villain. She weedles her way into their lives, takes what they need and uses it. The level of manipulation, unconsented sex, BDSM and knife play was very indepth ( Hence the trigger warnings ) but I felt that Rae wrote about these with extreme. respect, shocking as they may be to some readers.
  
  I read Lies that Bind over 2 seatings as the pacing of the book is medium, slowly unravelling. the last quarter of the book is graphic and becomes faster paced as the direction of the book become very clear. I would love to see Rae develop her books into audio versions as with the right narrator would wonderful
  
  5 stars
  
• 
  Emma Lee

  This book was so VERY much not for me. It is primarily erotica with loose connecting threads, which is not what I was looking for, or what I expected from the description. More critically, it is VERY dark in its themes and storytelling (including gratuitous depictions of abusive relationships, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence) which I was also not expecting from the description. These elements were made more clear with content warnings after I started the book, however I went into it with the wrong expectations. And even with the content warnings, based on the premise of the book I expected these elements to appear as a tragic backstory, rather than forming the active basis of the plot.
  
  This story follows Lorelei and Adele, whos failure to communicate in their relationship pushes them to seek fulfillment elsewhere. In the process they get drawn into a dark web of violence, cult worship, and abuse. (I'd like to note that the cult worship is never very well explained and takes place primarily over about 5 pages of the climax). The plot elements that surround the erotic elements of this book are very thin, with the spiritualism element appearing very briefly and tangentially.
  
  If you're looking for sapphic DARK erotica this may be the book for you, but please note the content warnings going in, and be aware that they feature heavily in many scenes that are described in great detail.
  
  eARC provided by NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Remi

  Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
  
  It's a shame I didn't like this book because the cover is sooo beautiful. This book is not marketed correctly at all. It's basically just sex scenes with a little but of plot, which is not what I wanted nor expected. Now that I'm on Goodreads, I see the author's comment, which i think is very helpful, but I would have benefited from the same or a smilar thing being put on Netgalley (or just in the description of the book). The themes were VERY dark and this is not mentioned anywhere in the descriptions that I saw. A large part of the book is graphic descriptions of sexual assault and abuse.
  
  While these were mentioned in the beginning as content warnings, more detail should have gone into specifying that those things are not just part of a backstory and that they are 99% of the book. I thought (based on the short description on Netgalley) that they would be part of a tragic backstory. Furthermore, I have to say, I found a hard time seeing how most of the sex scenes were important to the plot, especially the ones that so explicitly detailed rape. Personally, I think a lot of those scenes should either be cut and more added to the actual plot OR this book should be remarketed. Please add more SPECIFIC content warnings and let people know what they are getting into!! As a final note, the sex being the main point made it so that you didn't know that much about the plot or the characters beyond it.
• 
  Mikayla Randolph

  Wow, this book takes you on one wild ride!
  This was my first foray into erotic horror, and it simply wasn't the best fit for my tastes so I did not factor that into my review. Different strokes for different folks and that simply wouldn't be fair. That being said, this book is graphic and I strongly urge anyone who is considering it to read the content earnings first.
  
  I was eager to read this because I'd see such glowing reviews about the authors' writing and I could see why. I was immediately drawn in by the atmosphere, the air of mystery, and the dynamic of the leads Adele and Lorelei. Once Viola shows up, the tension only grows and for every question that's answered another pops up. The characters traveling to America by boat was great, added a fun element and fueding characters trapped together always adds a fun twist.
  
  Where I struggled with this was the character logic. I know it's a common trope for characters to miscommunicate or not be direct enough, but it pulled me out of the story. I also felt underwhelmed by the conclusion. It felt as though it was constantly building to something, and when all the reveals were made, and the finale came, the character logic for the secondary characters undermined it for me.
  
  Overall, it's an interesting read that keeps you entertained and intrigued. If you want a Sapphic love story with a dark twist, this may be a good fit.
  
  Oh, and Chester was great. He made every scene he was in sparkle.
• 
  Emily Fritz

  Where do I start with this book?! It’s part gothic romance, part horror, and part love story. And that’s not to mention the kink!
  
  Lorelei and Adele seem relatively happy in their relationship and living life on their own terms. They make ends meet by spiritual cons. Cracks are appearing in their relationship, however. Lorelei has a past that she is keeping hidden just as Adele is keeping her wants hidden for Lorelei. Into the growing chasm between the two women steps Viola. Neither is sure where Viola comes from or the hold she quickly develops over each woman. Will a transatlantic journey filled with spice and power struggles end everything the two women have worked for?
  
  I was a bit worried early in the book because it seemed to be going towards the “bring out your gays” troupe, but that assumption was completely wrong. There is examination of the main characters relationship in the time period when their story is set and based on their backgrounds, but this only leads to the bond between the two women strengthening.
  
  This book features a lot of sapphic spice and kink. Those scenes are written in a straightforward manner with no apologies for their intensity. Sex is not only explored as part of the love between the main characters, but also how it can be used as a form of power/control.
  
  I recommend this book and it’s not for the faint of heart. Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
• 
  Haylee Slusser

  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.
  
  ******
  
  Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Chloe Spencer

  Sinister, sexy, and toxic in the best of ways, Lies that Bind is a gripping erotic horror story that will have you reveling in lust and recoiling in disgust. I'm always anxious about stories by multiple authors, but the dual POVs of Adele and Lorelai are masterfully interwoven, with each voice distinctive and strong, never overpowering the other.
  
  Delicately paced and infused with suspense, the twists and turns that I encountered in this narrative left me kicking and screaming. I still have some heart palpitations while writing this. You might think that this is a bit of a slow burn when you jump into it, and let me reiterate: you are NOT ready. You’re simply not ready for the malevolent chaos that follows. And I'm happy to say that despite the emotional distress I’ve experienced, my only regret is not reading it sooner! A masterful piece by Yates and Knowles.
  
  Please be mindful of content warnings! They are at the beginning of the book, as well as noted here on Goodreads. If you're reading this on a Kindle, Kindle might autoskip past the first few pages where the CWs are listed. They're not kidding around; this book may be sensual, but the themes are extremely dark. Take care of yourselves when reading!
• 
  Alannah Cossey

  I'm extremely grateful for receiving an ARC version of this book, all opinions are entirely unbiased and my own.
  
  I actually finished this book a while ago and I just needed to sit with it before writing any review. Have you ever read something so compelling it sticks with you? This book gets between your teeth. It's spicier than a chilli pepper in the summer heat, but the spice is SO well crafted. The sex is sensual, carnal and down right disturbing. This is certainly adult horror that is shocking but it's never a joke and it's never something to gawp at. It's messy, gritty and twisted. Underneath the spice and the shock, there is humanity; two protagonists who are flawed, who'll make you incredibly frustrated but you cannot help but love them. Their journey was a whirlwind of darkness and discovery. There were times where I completely melted, and others where I felt locked in despair with no way out. This is hot, sapphic horror at its finest and I'll never forget it.
• 
  Jo

  This book was interesting. But I was left with more questions than answers. It felt detail heavy, but also very much lacking in details. I don’t even understand. I’m familiar with erotic horror, and dark themes. I felt like the description and the content warnings were quite clear, even though I prefer to read content warnings after so I don’t spoil anything.
  I was a little bummed that with all the build up the climax was like 5% of the book in the last 15%.
  I wanted to know more about the family, the cult, the occult. Most of that was told in vague, almost as if they were trivial details.
  What time period was this? They have hot showers and baths drawn by tap. But travel by luxury ship and carriage. So 1900ish?
  Why did it have to be Adele? Was her mother too old? If they were just going to force Adele in the end, why did they even bother to let her escape? Seems like placating her with Rose and/or Viola from the beginning could’ve served the purpose. Obviously that would have defeated the point of the story.
  It was hard to believe that Lorelei and Adele even truly loved each other. They sucked at communication, they both cheated the first chance they got.
  In the end it was almost hard to like anyone in this book. I was lowkey rooting for Adele to get a backbone or at least mimic one. Lorelei was the most consistent character throughout.
  Maybe I’ll sit with this book for a while and see if my feelings change either way writing a book and keeping us wondering throughout most of it was a pretty damn good job!
• 
  Jess

  Lies that Bind is a sapphic erotic horror with the most toxic of characters I have ever read. This has a bit of a supernatural horror as well, but the horror truly lies within human behavior and power imbalances. This is such sinister story about people simply doing bad things because they want to, they get off on it, and because they can. Erotic horror is one of my favorite genres, and I loved the blend of maniacal actions mixed with spice, and while the progression of the story was a bit slower than what I usually gravitate towards, I loved how it all comes together within the last 40 pages.