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!

this was wonderfully written, it had everything that I wanted from the description. The characters were everything that I wanted and felt like they belonged in this world overall. The authors wrote this perfectly and had a great writing style throughout. I enjoyed the cover overall and that it worked well in this story, it had a great horror element perfectly and I wanted more.

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.

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.

Just like the anthology these authors worked on, this novella is not just erotic, but full on spicy. Erotic horror is a combination of two genres I like to read, but really need to be in the mood for. Its slower erotica, slower storytelling, and heavier on the mind. So not a good summer romance ;)

Read this if you want a heavy, dark, but sizzling read!

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.

3,5
I really enjoyed this story.
The writing style is beautiful, which brings the world the story is playing in really nicely to life. The characters were also really thrilling and executed quite well which made the story really enjoyable.

But I also found parts of the story to be quite predictable and the ending with their escape in chapter 35 (I think) happend a bit too fast and easy for my liking. I think there is potential for a few more chapters missed, because it almost seems to go too easy for the two girls and Chester.