Twisted Promises Review
Twisted Promises is the third book in the Messina Crime Family series, but can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a reverse grumpy-sunshine, frenemies to lovers with secret identities, he falls first, and a forbidden mafia romance between Iseult and Gio.
Iseult is one of my favorite FMCs ever! I really empathized with her on so many levels: how she felt like she’s so broken she no longer recognized herself, how she struggled with opening up to anyone, how she believed she was better off alone than in a relationship. I completely understood why she felt as though she couldn’t open up to anyone after so many people left her once she did. It made sense why she fought against accepting her feelings for Gio when she’s used to pretending she doesn’t need anyone, life is just easier that way. When you do open up to someone, it’s the most difficult thing to do, because despite any trust you have, it feels as though willingly making yourself vulnerable to them makes you weak. Her anxiety and how she dealt with it was so relatable, I loved watching her learn to trust again with Gio, giving him her whole heart, knowing he wanted her just as much, and he’d never leave her, regardless of how broken she believed she was. I love that she felt like she could be completely vulnerable with him and could trust that he’d never leave her, and how she felt at home with him. She could be her full self, and that’s how love is supposed to be.
Gio will forever be one of my favorite MMCs! He’s an alpha hero with a dirty mouth, and he loves to deliver on that quality. I freaking love how unhinged he is (in the best way), like he’s made up his mind that Iseult is his, and he’ll prove to her that they belong together no matter what. Even after he’s gone through his own trauma and built up so many walls, he doesn’t stop himself from getting attached to her, wanting to be by her side through the good and the bad. He never judges her for what happened to her in her past, and for a badass mafia man, he is so soft for his woman. He sees her at her worst and still finds her beautiful, and only sees her as someone who is beautiful and strong for surviving what she has. He loves her so much that if anything happened to her, or if anyone made her uneasy, he was there in an instant, ready to fight whoever he needed to and help her through anything, even if she didn’t ask him to. To him, loving her is the same as having everything in the world, and everyone deserves to be loved by someone the way Gio loves Iseult.
This is easily one of my favorite books of 2024, and I can’t wait to read more by Lilian Harris in the future💕
Since you're here looking up 'Twisted Promises' by Lilian Harris, you're probably wondering what makes this book so special, beyond just a quick review. Let me tell you, it's an experience! This book truly shines by expertly weaving together some of my absolute favorite tropes, making it feel fresh and incredibly impactful. First off, the reverse grumpy-sunshine dynamic? Chef's kiss! We're used to the brooding hero and the bubbly heroine, but here, Iseult carries the weight of her past, making her naturally guarded and 'grumpy,' while Gio, despite his mafia ties, is pure sunshine and relentless devotion when it comes to her. It’s such a refreshing take, showing how his warmth slowly, patiently, melts away her protective walls. Then there’s the frenemies-to-lovers aspect. The initial friction and undeniable pull between Iseult and Gio are palpable. It’s not just a switch from hate to love; it’s a slow burn of understanding and acceptance, built on witty banter and deep-seated longing that makes their eventual bond incredibly satisfying. And let's not forget the irresistible he falls first trope. Gio's immediate and unwavering conviction that Iseult is his is just swoon-worthy. He never wavers, never doubts, even when Iseult is fighting her feelings tooth and nail. This steadfastness is a huge part of why their love story feels so secure and heartwarming, despite the dangerous world they inhabit. The element of secret identities also adds a delicious layer of intrigue and complexity, keeping you on your toes and wondering how their hidden lives will inevitably collide. Of course, it’s a forbidden mafia romance, which means high stakes, intense passion, and a constant undercurrent of danger that elevates every emotional beat. This isn't just a love story; it’s a battle for survival and happiness against formidable odds. While it’s the third book in the Messina Crime Family series, it reads perfectly as a standalone, so don't feel like you need to catch up to dive right into Iseult and Gio's world. Even the visual elements of this book, like the cover with its striking skull, snake, blue roses, and flames, hint at the dark beauty and intense themes within. The skull represents the danger and mortality inherent in their mafia world, the snake often symbolizes transformation or temptation, while the blue roses can signify mystery or the unattainable – fitting for a forbidden love. The flames? Pure passion and destruction. These elements aren't just for show; they perfectly encapsulate the journey Iseult and Gio undertake – a fierce, dangerous, yet ultimately beautiful and transformative love. If you're looking for a book that delivers on all these powerful tropes with unforgettable characters, 'Twisted Promises' is absolutely worth picking up!