"Till the Villain left the oaths of ease to walk in perilous paths, and drive just the man into barren climes."

So many of you asked for my thoughts on Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller, and here it is!

This is only my second dark romance read, and while it had similarities to others I’ve read, it felt refreshingly unique. The story was compelling, and I found myself having strong reactions while reading—gasping in surprise, blushing, and laughing out loud at times. It really tugged at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t expect.

That being said, I do feel the book leans heavily into the sexual encounters, perhaps more than the plot itself, but there is an underlying story with deep meaning. Promises and Pomegranates explores themes of agency and how women, in particular, often have their power stripped away. It also delves into the complexity of desire, offering a safe exploration of giving in to darker urges while still acknowledging the importance of embracing one’s own power and desires.

"To give her the gift of choice." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

     "Persephone eating the seed, tying her to the Underworld indefinitely.
     My version is a little different, a little skewed and bloody and downright agonizing at times come up, but the result remains the same.
     She's here to stay, and the darkness inside me start to feel a little less heavy." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

While the book draws some inspiration from the story of Hades and Persephone, it is not a direct retelling. Instead, it uses those mythological themes and character archetypes to draw parallels, particularly in the dynamics between the characters and certain plot points. This subtle connection adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the story, without being a copy of the ancient myth.

One thing that surprised me was the age gap, which I wasn’t expecting. I went into the book with little information beyond checking the content warnings, as I usually do, and I was taken aback by how it played into the dynamics of the story. There was also a twist that I didn’t fully see coming, even though it was alluded to earlier. Once revealed, it added a powerful layer to the plot.

"It feels like an admission, though I'm not exactly sure of what. A promise of sorts, the kind whispered against skin and spoken to your soul. It breaches mine, uncertain as it brushes the surface, and I lean in, ghosting my lips over his when I speak." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

The story follows a mafia princess, Elena, and Kal, the hitman who works for her father, the mafia king. Their evolving relationship kept me hooked, and I appreciated how the epilogue tied everything together. It wrapped up their story nicely while leaving room for future installments, which I’m excited to explore.

My edition of the book came with annotions from Sav R. Miller herself, which I found a nice touch. I also added my own annotations, marking moments that really resonated with me or made me reflect on the characters’ journeys. This added a personal connection to the book and enhanced my experience.

The book also features representation of misophonia through Kal, who is deeply affected by certain sounds. His struggles with this condition add another layer to his character, making him more complex and relatable. It’s a detail that showcases his vulnerability, adding depth to his often tough exterior. 

"But when that's all you know, when someone manipulates you during your formative years, it's a touch cycle to break away from." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

"It's terrifying, trying to find courage to take a leap of faith, but you can't spend eternity hiding. Eventually, you have to take the opportunities that are thrust upon you and trust that the universe knows what's it doing." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

Beyond that, Promises and Pomegranates tackles the severe dysfunction within families, particularly the toxic and manipulative dynamics at play. It explores the emotional and physical abuse that can occur within these environments, and the toll it takes on those involved. 

The book paints a stark picture of how someone can be conditioned to both recognize the signs of abuse and still struggle to break free from it. It also examines how those who manipulate others—often show signs of emotional damage and how that damage manifests in their abusive actions.

It’s an eye-opening look at the cycle of manipulation and abuse, and how healing and growth can happen even after surviving such trauma.

In addition to that, the book explores the complexity of villains and morally gray characters. It’s not about turning the hitman into a “good guy,” but rather about both characters coming together, being vulnerable, and accepting each other’s flaws and strengths—celebrating them in a way that felt genuine. Promises and Pomegranates does have true villains characters. 

Overall, I’m really happy I tried this book. I found the themes and emotional depth of the story engaging. Dark romance, for me, offers a unique way to explore difficult themes in an accessible manner, and I’m curious to see how future books in this genre handle similar issues.