A really well written, collaborative story of lesbian erotica and horror. A match made in heaven!!! I thought the two authors writing styles complimented each other as it wasn't at all disjointed. The characters were really endearing!

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

Unfortunately this was the same as the other book I tried to read by this authors.
I read a part of the book, but couldn't get through it unfortunately. After a while I have decided to put the book down and start another one. Can't give much of a review about the book because of that.

WARNING, read content warnings everyone. If you don't like adult content then this book is not for you.

However I love adult content and a messy queer relationship.

Thoroughly love the setting and just the whole concept for this book.
Also the cover is gorgeous and I shall be buying a physical copy for my shelf!!

Thanks NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for this arc

2/5 stars

This was a wild sexy ride from start to finish. The first half was more engaging to me, the second half got too dark and just kind of weird. I did go into it knowing the content warnings, but I guess I wasn't expecting the depth of emotional manipulation and non consensual acts. I really hate Viola lol. I did read this in a day, but it was mostly bc I wanted to see Adele and Lorelei be happy and I also knew if I put it down I wouldn't pick it back up again to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion. This novel was a WILD ride from start to finish! I was so invested I could barely put it down. Although the characters weren't the best people, I found myself rooting for Lorelei and Adele. Sapphic horror is a new genre for me, I found myself really enjoying the historical aspects of this novel as well. This novel did have graphic violence and sex scenes aplenty, so fair warning to those who don't enjoy either of those things. I will definitely be reading more by Rae Knowles in the future!

Lorelei Keyes and Adele Hughes are content, if not entirely happy, running a sham seance business in the English tourist town of Matlock Bath. Lorelei’s business savvy and Adele’s gift for mimicry provide for their basic needs, but the customers are not the only ones deceived. With the arrival of a mysterious visitor, Viola, the couple finds their long-held secrets under threat of exposure and their quiet life upended.

This was a very lovely sapphic historical fantasy/romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sorry, but this was weird and no plot just sex. At least the sex scenes were good! I would have liked it to have a little more plot though

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.

This books is a sapphic with dark and sensual contents. This book was intense so kindly check some trigger warnings before diving into this which I love. I don’t like horror so I am not disappointed that there wasn’t much of a content on Adele and her condition. Though the beginning was hard to walk through, the story quickens as the mystery begins to unfold. This is the second book from the author and yes, I want more!

This book was absolutely fantastic. “Lies that Bind” is a magical, sapphic, neohorror romance that captivated me from the first page. Adele, Viola, and Lorelei are terribly toxic but I couldn’t help be completely spell bound by this trio. Tremendously terrifying and magical. 5 ⭐️

I'm a little late on this review because I've been struggling to focus on and finish books but I only had a few days left on this eARC, and I was already halfway through so I buckled down and made myself finish it. And I'm so glad I did! This is a messy, dark, kinky erotic romance, involving lots of sapphic sex. The plot is a little thin but I don't read messy queer erotica for the plot so I wasn't much bothered. The main relationship had so much delicious angst and miscommunication (but in a "I see why you're not saying anything but oh my god" not a "PLEASE just open your mouth" sort of way), combined with a third woman swooping in to add her own schemes and wiles to the mix. Everything becomes tangled. The sex scenes are well-written in my (ace) opinion, and the chemistry between the characters feels charged and real.

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.

4.5 ⭐

There's a lot I wanted to say about this book but I don't know how 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 their 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 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 reading the trigger warnings because I almost did not finish this book because of certain parts. <b>BUT</b> 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, <i>it is worth reading</i>

It is a fantastic read if you are into <b>Erotica + Horror + Lesbian romance</b>. I have to say but I think I found my new favorite genre and authors. I never expected that I will 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 have to close the book and pinch the bridge of my nose while hoping that the two characters <s>would get their act together because I am so done with them</s>.

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 thr eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily

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.

While I thought the concept of this book was interesting, unfortunately, it wasn't for me. If you want a quick sapphic, spicy read this might be for you.

3.5 stars

Sapphic, spicy, and scary? Sign me up! I loved the prose and how openly spicy this book is. However, as other reviewers have stated, the spicy quickly became the forefront of the novel, leaving the plot on the backburner. I did thoroughly enjoy this novel, including the erotic horror aspect but this could have been so much more. That being said, I will be reading more books by both authors!

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.

I have to join the section of reviewers who found this a bit too dark for their tastes. I'm deeply grateful for the introductory content warnings, and I thought I heeded them well, but some of the content went beyond what I read for pleasure. The book itself remained fascinating, but I think it was the jealousy and recurring miscommunication that really made some sections a slog.

This book goes there, and I love it. The content warnings are there so before you get started read them. Or don't - that's the fun part sometimes. I love the character development, and story. There's is nothing I love more than a great mystery and this book is one that gives one. I highly suggest it.