Innocent Promise

The Promise Trilogy #0.5

by Harper Ray

Mercy

One night was all it took, one look and I was hooked. He played all the right strings, toying with me like I was his d*mn puppet.

I thought he was a normal guy who had swept me off my feet...but the reality was much more. The steaks were high, but I couldn't turn away.

After all, one quick bite and my life was over...for good.

Cian

She was intoxicating.

I came for a distraction but found myself with more than I bargained for. She wasn't my kind. I shouldn't have had an unhealthy attraction to her, but I did.

And because of that, I was not only risking her life, but my own.

The Vampire Legacy depended on me. After all, I was royalty, and no one, not even a measly human, f*cked with vampire royalty.

Little Red had no idea what she was up against...

Genres: Paranormal

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2020

About the author

Harper Ray is a Texas woman who loves everything about the book world. She is an author of dark, paranormal, and contemporary romances. Along with reading, writing is her passion and she loves giving readers a chance to escape from their own world, into a new one. Her imagination is the creative tool that helps her come up with several intriguing story lines that she hopes to share with the world. Her fans call her the "page turner author" because with each story she sucks you in, instantly hooking you from page one.

When she's not busy typing away at her computer, she's in school full-time earning her degree, spending time with family and friends, and building a future with her boyfriend and their pup.

Reviews

[Marnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise Vampire Trilogy prequel

Harper Ray’s prequel promises to be an awesome lead into her new Vampire trilogy, and for me, it has been some time since I’ve indulged in my obsession with these preternatural beings. I have to admit, I love anything written by this author, so I’m looking forward to this set of books being released next year.

This was Cian and Mercy’s backstory, written in Ms Ray’s super-hot style and I loved getting to know these two individuals. Cian gave us the rundown on his family’s legacy, and if there is one thing that I love, it’s a conflicted hero, and he promises to be exactly that!!!! He is one gorgeously created character.

Mercy was sceptical of Cian’s smooth and charming words speaking to her of ultimate beauty, but that doesn’t mean that she wasn’t immune to his hypnotic glamour. What an introduction, and what a bombshell he dropped on her at the end.

Welcome to The Promise Trilogy that will be with us in February 2021 🌹

[Kelly Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first have to say I haven’t read a vampire story in many many years and I can honestly say that this prequel had me hooked from page one!
Cian comes from a dark world and Mercy lives a very common life. Cian knows his job is to find his mate and settle into life as a ruler of his kingdom. Mercy has no idea that vampires are even real until he reveals himself to her. This prequel is super hot and is only the very beginning. I can’t wait to read more of these two!!

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cain is vampire prince who is running from responsible. He has to carry on the legacy and found his mate. He run into Mercy ( Red) thinking she would be a good distraction for him. It turns out a little bit more than that.

Mercy is hang out for a fun night with her friend when a stranger decide to hit on her. She not usually the one getting flirting with. The first thing she notice was how hot he was. She was so attraction to him. She didn’t realize she was risk her life to be with him.

This is a quick read but is worth your time. You get a lot passion through the book. It is well written. Can’t wait to read the for the others book in the series to come out.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fast read. It gives us a small insight to how Mercy and Cian meet. We get to see how quickly their connection is and the chemistry that is off the charts. The story may be a quick read but it doesn’t leave you feeling like you are missing anything. What it does do is whet your appetite for the bigger picture. It has so ready for the rest of their story. It was extremely well written and developed. I absolutely can’t wait to see what is going to happen next with these two. Definitely a must read.

[Chelsea Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocent Promise is a short but spicy dual POV prequel to The Promise Trilogy. The main characters, Mercy and Cian (Key-Ann), are introduced and don’t waste any time getting to know each other! After a steamy night together, she learns a dark secret about him and debates her involvement in his life. The final chapter picks up where the first chapter left off and I cannot wait to learn more! I am highly anticipating the release of this trilogy!
Star Rating: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tags: #spicyromamce #paranormal #instalove #bloodplay #fatedmates #vampires #dualpov
Trigger Warnings: none

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short introduction to a new series. Readers are introduced to Mercy and Cian. Cian Knight is a vampire and on the look out for his mate. It is time for him to become King of the Sanguine Kingdom. He was unexpectedly drawn to Mercy. Not for her blood though. He wanted her. Mercy also wanted him so much that she went home with him. This short story tells readers how they met. I can tell this will be an exciting tale. I can't wait to dive right in.

[Lorelei Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I accomplished by reading this novella is adding more books into my “highly anticipated news releases” list for 2024!! This is a super short, spicy prequel novella to a new series (The Promise Trilogy) that will be released later this year. Mercy meets Cain at a bar, and he sweeps her off of her feet… and then she discovers his secret. This prequel novella is set as more of a flashback, as we get short glimpses of the present at the beginning and the end. This novella sucked me right in and consumed me. Definitely check it out for yourself!

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocent Promise by Harper Ray is a dark vampire romance. The story is a short prequel to the Promise Trilogy that will be releasing in February 2021. The book was just a teaser that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the series to be released so I can get Mercy and Cian's story.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you say short, straight to the point, and smut? Then this is the book for you. It is a Pre-Sequel to her new series and I'm already hooked! I want to read the rest of the story like now. But I have to wait!! Ugh I can not, but I will!!! The smut in this book was straight to the point and I loved it. It was like a 30 minute read and it gets you hooked right away!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm not necessarily a fan if vampire novels, because they all seem to be the same, but this one hooked me from the start. I was expecting dark and got sultry heat instead. I look forward to the full trilogy after having this tidbit. Well done Harper!

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short and spicy, it definitely packed a punch.
It was a wonderful prequel to start the series, hopefully a little taster of what's to come.
I can't wait to read the series

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read this. I do remember loving it and have been anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced read had me gripped looking forward to the next book x

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prequel!! Cant wait for the trilogy to come out!!

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was first published in the Immortal Lust: A Vampire Anthology. The story is a short prequel to the Promise Trilogy that will be releasing in February 2021. The book was just a teaser that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the trilogy to be released. I loved getting to know Mercy and Cian. Highly recommend to anyone who loves instant attraction, vampires, mates, and romantic drama.

I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a deliciously quick and steamy 🧛🏻‍♂️ prequel novella that gives the backstory about how the main characters meet.

Can't wait for book one!

[Yaasmiyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a short story this was surprisingly very good. Packed with a concrete backstory that teases you just enough to make you wait for the next one, I read through this in one sitting. Aside from the fact that it's not that many pages, it was still captivating enough to get that from me. This story starts in the present where Mercy sees Cian after two years from when they first met, then moves into the past on that day. 

Mercy is out with her best friend, Chloe, when she sees Cian. There's an instant attraction that she can't explain, but she doesn't hesitate when he approaches her and starts up a simple game of flirtation. This escalates to his place, and after some spiciness, she discovers that he's a vampire.

I really enjoyed the writing in the story, and how even paced it was. Nothing felt rushed, and even the conversation between the characters felt smooth. Harper Ray did a great job staying consistent, and even scenarios where there wasn't conversation, the thought process of the characters felt real. I liked that she didn't have the typical vampire that burst into flames when they come across sunlight, but that they just don't like it. 

I can't wait for Mercy and Cian's continuation so I hope I don't have to wait long!!

[Robyn Luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super short story following Mercy and Cian. Mercy is out at a bar with her best friend Chloe when Cian first lays eyes on her. He is drawn to and infatuated with her and sits at her table and strikes up a conversation.

Neither has yet to introduce themselves so they give each other nicknames. Cian nicknames Mercy “little red”… as she is red headed. So she nicknames him “linebacker” due to his size and build. Cian is a vampire. He comes from a family of vampires. He thought his attraction to Mercy was purely blood thirsty… but the closer he sat to her and the longer their banter went on… he realized his longing for her was way passed blood thirst… he wanted her completely.

As the story unfolds Cian takes Mercy back to his place. Neither could explain the level of “wanting” they had to the other. One thing is for certain… they definitely find out this night!

Don’t fool yourselves… you know you want to read it! Don’t walk… RUN! You won’t regret it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the purpose of a prequel novella is to peak interest in an upcoming series, this one fulfilled the job and then some!!
Mercy meets Cian and they have one super spicy night together that packs a whole lot of punch!
For such a short novella, it has so much from start to finish, it sucks you in immediately and leaves you panting with excitement for the rest of the story. To say I want the first full book is a gross understatement. I need the rest of their story like I need air to breathe!!
I’m so invested in the couple and to have the spice level and plot twists that it does, is no less than I would expect from Harper Ray. The plot and characters are always on point and she is always a must read author for me!!
Did I mention that I need the next book? Like, I really, really need the next book!!! Hook, line and sinker - I’m all in!!

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Need this Series NOW!!!



This short novella packs a huge punch and is full of promises to come. It has depth in it’s characters, the storyline is well developed, especially considering the size of the read and it has left me begging for more. The heat is also set on high! I loved Cian and his Little Red and need more! Harper Ray!!! How can you do this to me???? I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and this is a lot from me, considering I don’t usually go for vampires, but this one is drool worthy!

[Elise Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

i need more now

Five star all the way around.

As this is the prequel, it is short and sweet. I was hooked instantly. It does leave you in a cliffhanger but what prequel doesn’t.

I want to see exactly what Cian and Mercy’s story is going to be about. I am in love with this couple before they are evening a thing.

I highly recommend. I cannot wait to read book 1.


Tropes:
New world
Bl ø ø d play
Fated mates
MMC vampire
Instant chemistry
Magical powers - not all are stated yet

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What’s the matter, Little Red? Are you scared?”
I LOVED this little prequel! Mercy and Cian are HOT that’s for sure. The prequel takes less than n hour to read and it has everything you want! Great character introductions, spice, pretty believable interactions, you can see part of the plot coming together. I am so excited for the next book! Read this!
***There are trigger warnings so check before you read!

[Roisin Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocent Promise
Harper Ray

Rating 4⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This is the prequel to The Promise Trilogy. It is a nice short read but leaves you excited for the next book.

I always loved a good Vampire book, but have found that they have became very much the same thing recently. This story however was a refreshing read that had me hooked from beginning to end.

I will however prepare that this does end on a cliffhanger and book 1 of the series is not out yet. So be prepared for that.

[Pebbles Lacasse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires and innocence

This book is fun and interesting. If you love vampires with a kind heart and a high sex drive, this is a good book for you. The main female character was way too trusting, in my eyes. I don’t know of many women that will meet a man who scares them and immediately go home with him. But it is a mythological story about vampires, and they’re Known to be convincing. Be warned, this story ends with an abrupt cliffhanger. Be prepared to desire book two!

[Cass Exley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was first published in the Immortal Lust: A Vampire Anthology. The story is a short prequel to the Promise Trilogy. The book was just a teaser that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the trilogy to be released. I loved getting to know Mercy and Cian. Highly recommend to anyone who loves instant attraction, vampires, mates, and romantic drama.

[Myriah Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
18+

LOVED.
I’m not a huge novella girl because I love long books. BUT, as a prequel I thought this was perfect. It absolutely kept me interested from the start, and had me itching to know the rest of Cian and Mercy’s at the end! I really enjoyed this, and I can’t wait to read more!!

[Danielle Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocent Promise by Harper Ray
The Promise Trilogy Prequel
🩸
Cian the prince goes to blow off some steam and runs into Mercy or Little Red at a bar. One look at her and he knew he had to have her. He puts on the charm and Mercy goes back to his house.. but an unexpected turn of events happen…
🩸
Quick read, vampires, dare I say insta love?? & a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more…

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocent Promise by Harper Ray is a dark vampire romance. The story is a short prequel to the Promise Trilogy. The book is just a quick little teaser that had me hooked after page one and literally left me wanting more. I can't wait for Mercy and Cains story it’s going to be amazing I already know it.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocent Promise is a prequel novella to The Promise Trology.

Let’s just say that this was a quick read but it was a nice spicy one. We get an intro into the two main characters, Cian, a vampire and Mercy, a human.

It gives you just enough information to rope you in and get you invested for the new series. I can’t wait to read it!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story, introducing Mercy to the world of vampires, through Cian.

This was in interesting little prequel! There's a time jump at the end, leaving many questions about what's happened since they met, and what will happen next.

I liked the small glimpse of these two characters, and am excited to read the full story!