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Without Limits #4
The Lies Of Temptation
An achingly forbidden MM age-gap romance about grief, desire, and the kind of love that finds you in the darkest moments.
I was one breath away from ending it all when my dad’s estranged best friend walked in and everything changed.
Elliot
When my mom died, the world didn’t just fall apart, it swallowed me whole. I smiled when I was supposed to. Spoke when spoken to. But inside, I was numb. No one saw how close I was to the edge.
No one... except Anthony.
He saw through my mask. He looked at me like I mattered, like I was worth fighting for. He was older, confident, and his presence shook the foundation of everything I thought I knew about myself.
A solitary touch from him burned like salvation, and a single glance made my heart ache with the need to be seen.
I didn’t mean to need him. I didn’t mean to want him more than anything. But he made me feel alive, even when it hurt.
Especially when it hurt.
Like an addict, I’d do anything for one more hit.
Anthony
Elliot was drowning, falling apart in ways no one else seemed to notice. He was a boy bleeding grief, in a house that didn't care. I told myself I was just watching out for him, that he needed someone.
But that was a lie. I needed him. I was drawn to him like a man starving, even though I knew getting close would destroy us both. He was too young, too raw, too close to the edge.
And I was no hero.
When he shattered, I was the only one there to catch him.
Now I didn’t know how to let go, even if loving him was the one line I was never supposed to cross.
I was one breath away from ending it all when my dad’s estranged best friend walked in and everything changed.
Elliot
When my mom died, the world didn’t just fall apart, it swallowed me whole. I smiled when I was supposed to. Spoke when spoken to. But inside, I was numb. No one saw how close I was to the edge.
No one... except Anthony.
He saw through my mask. He looked at me like I mattered, like I was worth fighting for. He was older, confident, and his presence shook the foundation of everything I thought I knew about myself.
A solitary touch from him burned like salvation, and a single glance made my heart ache with the need to be seen.
I didn’t mean to need him. I didn’t mean to want him more than anything. But he made me feel alive, even when it hurt.
Especially when it hurt.
Like an addict, I’d do anything for one more hit.
Anthony
Elliot was drowning, falling apart in ways no one else seemed to notice. He was a boy bleeding grief, in a house that didn't care. I told myself I was just watching out for him, that he needed someone.
But that was a lie. I needed him. I was drawn to him like a man starving, even though I knew getting close would destroy us both. He was too young, too raw, too close to the edge.
And I was no hero.
When he shattered, I was the only one there to catch him.
Now I didn’t know how to let go, even if loving him was the one line I was never supposed to cross.
- GenresM M RomanceDark
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
40 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Skyla Raines
6 books87 followersSkyla Raines is obsessed with romance and broken boys. She's an avid reader and a sucker for hard-fought happily ever afters.
When she's not bringing to life the characters in her head, she's watching her family grow and cherishes every moment with them.
When she's not bringing to life the characters in her head, she's watching her family grow and cherishes every moment with them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
This is a heavy story so please check the tw-list 🫶🏻
Not gonna lie, this one hurt quiet a lot. But, the journey was worth every second. Every raw emotion, every moment that seemed unbearable for these characters made them who they are, and that's the beauty in a story like this ❣️
Elliot has been through something no one should ever have to go through. He tries so hard, and he is such a sweet, pure soul 🤧 the way I was rooting for his happiness was no joke 🙈 he deserves it all.
Anthony is older than him, being his dad's best friend and all. By the way, the hate I felt towards a certain character needs to be studied btw, how can someone act like that 😒
This book captures the real life perfectly. Nothing is linear, the pain that comes with just existing sometimes seems unbearable. I won't forget how these men fought for their love 😭 oh and the writing? As always just so extraordinary well done ✨️
I really love this whole series so much 💘
Not gonna lie, this one hurt quiet a lot. But, the journey was worth every second. Every raw emotion, every moment that seemed unbearable for these characters made them who they are, and that's the beauty in a story like this ❣️
Elliot has been through something no one should ever have to go through. He tries so hard, and he is such a sweet, pure soul 🤧 the way I was rooting for his happiness was no joke 🙈 he deserves it all.
Anthony is older than him, being his dad's best friend and all. By the way, the hate I felt towards a certain character needs to be studied btw, how can someone act like that 😒
This book captures the real life perfectly. Nothing is linear, the pain that comes with just existing sometimes seems unbearable. I won't forget how these men fought for their love 😭 oh and the writing? As always just so extraordinary well done ✨️
I really love this whole series so much 💘
January 26, 2026
Elliot + Anthony
-dark mm romance
-forbidden romance
-dad’s best friend
-age gap tension
-hurt/comfort
-found family
this book was such a relatable story of how relationships can form after grief from two people who need to get their shit together! the way anthony just wanted to be the best version he could be for elliot cause he knew if he went after him in both of their states it wouldn't be healthy?🥺🥺 oh honey!! my baby!! & skyla wrote this in the ending notes: "recognizing yourself in pain does not mean you are weak or broken. It means you’re human. And being human is not a failure. Healing rarely arrives all at once. It comes in fragments. In small decisions. In choosing to answer one message. In letting yourself be held. In staying—again and again—even when leaving feels easier." & it was just perfect!!
-dark mm romance
-forbidden romance
-dad’s best friend
-age gap tension
-hurt/comfort
-found family
this book was such a relatable story of how relationships can form after grief from two people who need to get their shit together! the way anthony just wanted to be the best version he could be for elliot cause he knew if he went after him in both of their states it wouldn't be healthy?🥺🥺 oh honey!! my baby!! & skyla wrote this in the ending notes: "recognizing yourself in pain does not mean you are weak or broken. It means you’re human. And being human is not a failure. Healing rarely arrives all at once. It comes in fragments. In small decisions. In choosing to answer one message. In letting yourself be held. In staying—again and again—even when leaving feels easier." & it was just perfect!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*arc review *
This book was so heartbreakly good. I felt for both MCs in this book. I definitely felt for Elliot,just wanted to do nothing but hold him. I was reading aka watching two broken people trying to navigate through so much together and it hurt. It hurt ALOT.
This was hard to read sometimes, I felt very emotional while reading and made sure to take breaks in between if needed.
This was a hard earned HEA, one where I felt like I was finally letting myself breathe after seeing both of them go through so much together. Skyla wrote a story that left an impact on me.
-hurt/comfort
-dad's best friend
-fordbidden romance
-found family
-daddy/boy
This book was so heartbreakly good. I felt for both MCs in this book. I definitely felt for Elliot,just wanted to do nothing but hold him. I was reading aka watching two broken people trying to navigate through so much together and it hurt. It hurt ALOT.
This was hard to read sometimes, I felt very emotional while reading and made sure to take breaks in between if needed.
This was a hard earned HEA, one where I felt like I was finally letting myself breathe after seeing both of them go through so much together. Skyla wrote a story that left an impact on me.
-hurt/comfort
-dad's best friend
-fordbidden romance
-found family
-daddy/boy
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG… this book. THIS BOOK. 😭🖤
I don’t even know how to explain what The Lies of Temptation did to me because my words? Absolutely refusing to cooperate. This story had me in a full emotional chokehold—heart racing, chest aching, brain completely occupied by Elliot and Anthony. Skyla Raines clearly woke up and chose emotional violence, because how does one person evoke this many emotions so effortlessly? ✨
This book is an emotional rollercoaster with zero safety bars. I had to take breaks—plural—just to collect myself… and then immediately jumped right back in because apparently I enjoy suffering. I lived every heartbreak with these two broken boys, and honestly? Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it. This has officially shot straight to the top of my favourite Skyla books. 🥺💔
Elliot… my sweet, precious Elliot 😭🫂
Watching him navigate his grief was painful in the most real way. His loss, his spirals, the moments where the weight of everything just became too much—I wanted nothing more than to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from the world. And then there’s Anthony… god, this man. 😮💨 He wanted so desperately to be Elliot’s safe place, while quietly carrying years of his own unhealed trauma. Two broken souls trying to survive together—and honestly? They went through it. The way they hurt each other, affect each other, and slowly learn how to heal together had me glued to the pages.
The themes in this book are heavy, and Skyla handles them with so much care it hurts. The grief feels raw and consuming, like you’re living it right alongside them. Every time I thought, “Okay, maybe things are finally looking up,” the story said absolutely not and shattered my heart all over again. I couldn’t stop reading—I needed to know how much more emotional damage I was about to take.
Skyla does not hold back. The tension? The heartbreak? The sheer intensity of Elliot and Anthony’s connection? Breathtaking. The whole story plays out like a devastating film—emotionally relentless, gripping, and impossible to look away from. I was hooked from page one and completely ruined by the last. 🎬💥
⚠️ Trigger warnings are a MUST. This book goes deep and pulls zero punches. But if you love broken boys, emotional pain, learning how to live after loss, and finding love through healing… yeah. You need this one. 🖤✨
I don’t even know how to explain what The Lies of Temptation did to me because my words? Absolutely refusing to cooperate. This story had me in a full emotional chokehold—heart racing, chest aching, brain completely occupied by Elliot and Anthony. Skyla Raines clearly woke up and chose emotional violence, because how does one person evoke this many emotions so effortlessly? ✨
This book is an emotional rollercoaster with zero safety bars. I had to take breaks—plural—just to collect myself… and then immediately jumped right back in because apparently I enjoy suffering. I lived every heartbreak with these two broken boys, and honestly? Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it. This has officially shot straight to the top of my favourite Skyla books. 🥺💔
Elliot… my sweet, precious Elliot 😭🫂
Watching him navigate his grief was painful in the most real way. His loss, his spirals, the moments where the weight of everything just became too much—I wanted nothing more than to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from the world. And then there’s Anthony… god, this man. 😮💨 He wanted so desperately to be Elliot’s safe place, while quietly carrying years of his own unhealed trauma. Two broken souls trying to survive together—and honestly? They went through it. The way they hurt each other, affect each other, and slowly learn how to heal together had me glued to the pages.
The themes in this book are heavy, and Skyla handles them with so much care it hurts. The grief feels raw and consuming, like you’re living it right alongside them. Every time I thought, “Okay, maybe things are finally looking up,” the story said absolutely not and shattered my heart all over again. I couldn’t stop reading—I needed to know how much more emotional damage I was about to take.
Skyla does not hold back. The tension? The heartbreak? The sheer intensity of Elliot and Anthony’s connection? Breathtaking. The whole story plays out like a devastating film—emotionally relentless, gripping, and impossible to look away from. I was hooked from page one and completely ruined by the last. 🎬💥
⚠️ Trigger warnings are a MUST. This book goes deep and pulls zero punches. But if you love broken boys, emotional pain, learning how to live after loss, and finding love through healing… yeah. You need this one. 🖤✨
January 31, 2026
READ THIS REVIEW PLS PLS PLS ‼️
This review is emotional chaos and word vomit all mixed together, but I promise I’m being honest from the deepest place in my chest!
This book is not for the faint of heart. We were warned. Skyla told us it would be heavy, and she did not lie. I sobbed. Like real, chest-hurting, can’t-breathe kind of crying. I was chatting my besties while reading and I just want to say thank you for emotionally babysitting me through this breakdown, and I’m also sorry for the screaming.
Elliott and Anthony
These boys are broken in different ways, but they’re both drowning in pain. Elliott’s grief is consuming, and relentless. Losing his mom didn’t just take a person from him, it took his entire sense of safety. His father fell into depression, their home fell apart, and Elliott was left to grow up inside loss. That kind of grief doesn’t disappear. It sits in your chest. It shapes who you become. It teaches you how to survive instead of how to live.
Then Anthony enters their lives. His dad’s best friend. And that’s where everything changes.
Anthony carries his own pain, his own damage, his own guilt and brokenness. And when these two collide, it isn’t just romance, it’s two wounded souls trying to learn how to breathe again. Their connection isn’t perfect, and it’s not clean, but it’s real. It’s messy. It’s desperate. It’s human.
What destroyed me the most wasn’t just the love story. It was the grief. The way grief lingers. The way it controls choices. The way it creates walls. The way it convinces you that you don’t deserve happiness. The way acceptance feels like betrayal to the people you lost. The way healing feels like guilt before it feels like peace.
This book doesn’t romanticize pain. It shows it. It sits in it. It lets it exist. And then slowly, painfully, it shows what acceptance looks like. Not moving on. Not forgetting. But learning how to carry the loss without letting it consume your entire identity.
Elliott learning to accept love again. Anthony learning to accept himself. Both of them learning that pain doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of softness. That grief doesn’t mean you’re unlovable. That broken people still deserve to be held gently.
This story hurt me. It healed me. It cracked something open in my chest and left it there.
Skyla didn’t write a romance. She wrote a story about grief, survival, acceptance, and the slow, terrifying process of letting yourself love after loss.
And I will never forget Elliott and Anthony. Ever.
If you’re reading this and thinking about picking it up… just know this: It will hurt. It will break you. But it will also hold you.
This review is emotional chaos and word vomit all mixed together, but I promise I’m being honest from the deepest place in my chest!
This book is not for the faint of heart. We were warned. Skyla told us it would be heavy, and she did not lie. I sobbed. Like real, chest-hurting, can’t-breathe kind of crying. I was chatting my besties while reading and I just want to say thank you for emotionally babysitting me through this breakdown, and I’m also sorry for the screaming.
Elliott and Anthony
These boys are broken in different ways, but they’re both drowning in pain. Elliott’s grief is consuming, and relentless. Losing his mom didn’t just take a person from him, it took his entire sense of safety. His father fell into depression, their home fell apart, and Elliott was left to grow up inside loss. That kind of grief doesn’t disappear. It sits in your chest. It shapes who you become. It teaches you how to survive instead of how to live.
Then Anthony enters their lives. His dad’s best friend. And that’s where everything changes.
Anthony carries his own pain, his own damage, his own guilt and brokenness. And when these two collide, it isn’t just romance, it’s two wounded souls trying to learn how to breathe again. Their connection isn’t perfect, and it’s not clean, but it’s real. It’s messy. It’s desperate. It’s human.
What destroyed me the most wasn’t just the love story. It was the grief. The way grief lingers. The way it controls choices. The way it creates walls. The way it convinces you that you don’t deserve happiness. The way acceptance feels like betrayal to the people you lost. The way healing feels like guilt before it feels like peace.
This book doesn’t romanticize pain. It shows it. It sits in it. It lets it exist. And then slowly, painfully, it shows what acceptance looks like. Not moving on. Not forgetting. But learning how to carry the loss without letting it consume your entire identity.
Elliott learning to accept love again. Anthony learning to accept himself. Both of them learning that pain doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of softness. That grief doesn’t mean you’re unlovable. That broken people still deserve to be held gently.
This story hurt me. It healed me. It cracked something open in my chest and left it there.
Skyla didn’t write a romance. She wrote a story about grief, survival, acceptance, and the slow, terrifying process of letting yourself love after loss.
And I will never forget Elliott and Anthony. Ever.
If you’re reading this and thinking about picking it up… just know this: It will hurt. It will break you. But it will also hold you.
February 1, 2026
The Lies of Temptation by Skyla Raines is the fourth book in the Without Limits series. This is a series of MM standalone books. The Lies of Temptation is a dark MM, forbidden romance with an age gap, dad’s best friend, hurt/comfort and found family. This book is emotionally heavy with the death of a parent so please check your trigger warnings before jumping in.
Elliot is the ultimate broken boy. After the death of his mother, he is a completely lost soul. He was already living in a world where he felt invisible and emotionally neglected. Now the one person whom he could actually rely on is gone and he’s drowning.
Anthony Ruiz is Elliot’s father’s best friend. He’s been distant from the family until he gets the news that the only person who ever really saw him and loved him (as a friend) without conditions has passed away. It’s a shock. But what’s more is the state he finds Elliot in. He wants to help him, to be there, to be whatever Elliot needs him to be but Anthony has some unhealed traumas. He’s terrified he’s only going to break Elliot more than he’s already been broken. Everything starts to fall apart when his feelings for Elliot develop into more than friendship and he can only seem to run, even when Elliot begs him to stay.
The Lies of Temptation was a dark and emotional book. These two really go through it together and separately. Elliot’s emotionally spiral throughout the entire novel was so heartbreaking but worse was the frustration felt with Anthony. I struggled with him in a few parts as he repeated past behaviors over and over. What I continue to love about Skyla’s writing is her ability to write real people. People that are imperfect and make very human mistakes. These characters were no different. Both of them have amazing character development and by about 85% in, the fog finally seems to lift for both of them. Overall, I loved the story and the HEA was hard fought and much deserved.
I gave this book 4.5 stars.
Elliot is the ultimate broken boy. After the death of his mother, he is a completely lost soul. He was already living in a world where he felt invisible and emotionally neglected. Now the one person whom he could actually rely on is gone and he’s drowning.
Anthony Ruiz is Elliot’s father’s best friend. He’s been distant from the family until he gets the news that the only person who ever really saw him and loved him (as a friend) without conditions has passed away. It’s a shock. But what’s more is the state he finds Elliot in. He wants to help him, to be there, to be whatever Elliot needs him to be but Anthony has some unhealed traumas. He’s terrified he’s only going to break Elliot more than he’s already been broken. Everything starts to fall apart when his feelings for Elliot develop into more than friendship and he can only seem to run, even when Elliot begs him to stay.
The Lies of Temptation was a dark and emotional book. These two really go through it together and separately. Elliot’s emotionally spiral throughout the entire novel was so heartbreaking but worse was the frustration felt with Anthony. I struggled with him in a few parts as he repeated past behaviors over and over. What I continue to love about Skyla’s writing is her ability to write real people. People that are imperfect and make very human mistakes. These characters were no different. Both of them have amazing character development and by about 85% in, the fog finally seems to lift for both of them. Overall, I loved the story and the HEA was hard fought and much deserved.
I gave this book 4.5 stars.
February 1, 2026
I honestly don’t know how to write this review. I’m pretty sure I cried nearly every chapter. The usual words feel too weak and inadequate to properly describe what this book did to me.
**Please mind your triggers as this deals in some extremely heavy topics**
The Lies of Temptation is grief bleeding onto paper. It’s raw and ugly and incredibly painful. And at times, hard to read. Elliot’s grief was a living, breathing thing that clawed at my skin and burrowed into my bones. It settled there, refusing to move. It hurt. Watching it consume him hurt.
Anthony’s was a bit more subtle. I had to really look, but once I locked on it was hard to ignore. He didn’t make the best decisions, but it was easy to see the unresolved trauma fueling those decisions. Understanding that makes him extremely relatable.
This isn’t an easy read. It’s heavy enough to drown you if you’re not careful. But it’s such a necessary one. Grief is not the same for everyone. Healing from it is not a straight line. We see that in these two. Their grief shaped every decision and thought. It attacked them mentally, emotionally, and physically. It left scars that will never fully heal.
Elliot and Anthony were two beautiful and flawed characters who took me on a journey I’m still recovering from. Like me, you will probably leave this book wrecked but hopeful.
I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
**Please mind your triggers as this deals in some extremely heavy topics**
The Lies of Temptation is grief bleeding onto paper. It’s raw and ugly and incredibly painful. And at times, hard to read. Elliot’s grief was a living, breathing thing that clawed at my skin and burrowed into my bones. It settled there, refusing to move. It hurt. Watching it consume him hurt.
Anthony’s was a bit more subtle. I had to really look, but once I locked on it was hard to ignore. He didn’t make the best decisions, but it was easy to see the unresolved trauma fueling those decisions. Understanding that makes him extremely relatable.
This isn’t an easy read. It’s heavy enough to drown you if you’re not careful. But it’s such a necessary one. Grief is not the same for everyone. Healing from it is not a straight line. We see that in these two. Their grief shaped every decision and thought. It attacked them mentally, emotionally, and physically. It left scars that will never fully heal.
Elliot and Anthony were two beautiful and flawed characters who took me on a journey I’m still recovering from. Like me, you will probably leave this book wrecked but hopeful.
I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
January 27, 2026
This was definitely a journey. Both Elliot and Anthony had a lot they needed to work through and sadly the catalyst to their healing was shared grief over someone they loved. Elliot was understandably drowning in emotions, so much so there were times he thought he’d never see the surface. Anthony tried his best to support Elliot through this however he had his own issues that needed to be dealt with that prevented him from being the person he wanted to be for Elliot. There were hard truths, difficult times and moments of doubt between them but through it they became stronger individually so they could be better together. I enjoyed see Elliot gain tools to help him through his struggles and Anthony taking his own path to healing was nice to see. I appreciated how supportive they were of one another and I loved who they became over time. This was really good read.
💜ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
💜ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
January 31, 2026
my heart
Wow. That was just wow. What an emotional journey that was. I’m so incredibly glad I got to see these two get their HEA. They fought for it. Really fought for it. But through that fight love was always there. Love is what kept them fighting, love was what helped them survive and love was their happiness. The writing for this was simply beautiful. The way grief and loneliness was written what’s simply remarkable. It wasn’t harsh, but it touched you in a way that made you feel. This book has huge triggers so please mind them for your health and safety. I adored the found family. My only complaint is I wish we had more time with them together that wasn’t a struggle, wasn’t something that hurt.
In the know:
Check out tiggers before reading. This deals with hard grief and the pain that comes with it.
Dual POV
No cheating or sharing
No om/ow drama
Relation before spice
Loved that the side characters were diverse.
Wow. That was just wow. What an emotional journey that was. I’m so incredibly glad I got to see these two get their HEA. They fought for it. Really fought for it. But through that fight love was always there. Love is what kept them fighting, love was what helped them survive and love was their happiness. The writing for this was simply beautiful. The way grief and loneliness was written what’s simply remarkable. It wasn’t harsh, but it touched you in a way that made you feel. This book has huge triggers so please mind them for your health and safety. I adored the found family. My only complaint is I wish we had more time with them together that wasn’t a struggle, wasn’t something that hurt.
In the know:
Check out tiggers before reading. This deals with hard grief and the pain that comes with it.
Dual POV
No cheating or sharing
No om/ow drama
Relation before spice
Loved that the side characters were diverse.
January 27, 2026
Where to even start on this book full of hurt, pain, grief and growth.
There just isnt enough words to describe the beauty within this story.
The pain hurt, the grief felt, the love present, the growth and acceptance and finally to stop running, from it all.
Elliot and Anthony's chemistry was palpable and the tension 🥵. Their story was angsty, forbidden and essentially full of care. Thank you @skyla_raines for letting me part of your beta team. I absolutely adored these men 💜
There just isnt enough words to describe the beauty within this story.
The pain hurt, the grief felt, the love present, the growth and acceptance and finally to stop running, from it all.
Elliot and Anthony's chemistry was palpable and the tension 🥵. Their story was angsty, forbidden and essentially full of care. Thank you @skyla_raines for letting me part of your beta team. I absolutely adored these men 💜
January 31, 2026
Maybe it’s just me but I was sooo confused and lost. The story did not make sense to me. The whole time I wondered if I am missing something
So Anthony who was best friend with the dad has been away for 18 years then comes back when tragedy struck. He sees Elliot as a man and wants to protect him which is okay but that’s when the confusion starts.
Elliot (21) who is gay and wants Anthony right away. Does Elliot have any sexual experiences before Anthony?? He thought that maybe he was Ace. So is he a virgin? None of it is mentioned, even the first time he and Anthony had sex.
And then we have Anthony (not sure his age) who used to love Elliot mother. I’m not sure if he is straight or bi, but then at 25% he starts to have sexual fantasies about Elliot. At 25%??! Like why? How?😏 and again, has he been with a guy before? None of it is mentioned
At 31% and out of nowhere, Elliot calls Anthony “daddy”. And of course the “daddy” continues until end of the book. For me, it felt all of a sudden and cringy.
The interaction between Anthony and the older guy at the bar with the wisdom and life advice was so weird and confusing.
we have the continuous cycle. Anthony want to protect Elliot —> Elliot wants Anthony —> Anthony gives in —> Anthony feels like he is going to hurt Elliot and ruins him so he backs up —> Elliot feels hurt —> Anthony wants to comfort and protect him. Then cycle begins again and again.
At 50%, Anthony is in love with him. How? I don’t know.
Who the heck is Thomas that Anthony calls everytime to get advice???
Don’t get me started on Elliot’s father, David. And especially when he found out about the relationship between Elliot and Anthony. And btw how did he found out about that?? Cause he was away and then suddenly he came to the house and accused Anthony? I am soo confused
I know my review is all over the place, but that’s exactly how I felt reading the book. I kept wondering if I am missing something, if I skipped scenes cause it did not make sense. I’m literally still confused.
So Anthony who was best friend with the dad has been away for 18 years then comes back when tragedy struck. He sees Elliot as a man and wants to protect him which is okay but that’s when the confusion starts.
Elliot (21) who is gay and wants Anthony right away. Does Elliot have any sexual experiences before Anthony?? He thought that maybe he was Ace. So is he a virgin? None of it is mentioned, even the first time he and Anthony had sex.
And then we have Anthony (not sure his age) who used to love Elliot mother. I’m not sure if he is straight or bi, but then at 25% he starts to have sexual fantasies about Elliot. At 25%??! Like why? How?😏 and again, has he been with a guy before? None of it is mentioned
At 31% and out of nowhere, Elliot calls Anthony “daddy”. And of course the “daddy” continues until end of the book. For me, it felt all of a sudden and cringy.
The interaction between Anthony and the older guy at the bar with the wisdom and life advice was so weird and confusing.
we have the continuous cycle. Anthony want to protect Elliot —> Elliot wants Anthony —> Anthony gives in —> Anthony feels like he is going to hurt Elliot and ruins him so he backs up —> Elliot feels hurt —> Anthony wants to comfort and protect him. Then cycle begins again and again.
At 50%, Anthony is in love with him. How? I don’t know.
Who the heck is Thomas that Anthony calls everytime to get advice???
Don’t get me started on Elliot’s father, David. And especially when he found out about the relationship between Elliot and Anthony. And btw how did he found out about that?? Cause he was away and then suddenly he came to the house and accused Anthony? I am soo confused
I know my review is all over the place, but that’s exactly how I felt reading the book. I kept wondering if I am missing something, if I skipped scenes cause it did not make sense. I’m literally still confused.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever felt that moment when you finish a book and suddenly have no idea what to do with your life?
This book did that to me. And not because it wasn’t good.
Oh no. No, no!
You know what? I’m not afraid to say it — even though it’s only January 26, I can confidently state that this is one of the best books of the year!
Because Skyla, you did it again! You simply cannot write a book without breaking (okay, who am I kidding — shattering) my heart into pieces, only to put it back together with the greatest love and care.
Because this book… this book is EVERYTHING.
Elliot and Anthony were not perfect. Not even close. They made mistakes.
Many times.
And yet… to me, they were perfect.
Do you know why?
Because despite everything they went through, they learned how to love properly.
And that was the most beautiful thing about this book.
I could have been angry with Anthony for making decisions more than once that he shouldn’t have — but I understood why he did.
And El… my God, that boy 🥺 I would have wrapped him up in a blanket, pulled him close, and never let him go, because he so, so deserved to finally be chosen and loved for who he is — not because someone had to.
And Mia, Dix, Jett, and Drax are living proof that real family isn’t necessarily defined by blood.
They were El’s true family. Because they were there, they supported him, and they loved him.
As for El’s father… ugh… that man doesn’t even deserve to be called a father. Or a friend.
This story reminded me why I fell in love with reading.
Because books don’t just allow us to escape into other worlds — they also show us the pain a person can endure over and over again, and yet how strong they can be. How they learn to move forward, and how they learn to live with that pain, when they are surrounded by the right kind of support.
Thank you, Skyla, for the ARC — once again, you wrote an incredible book 🖤
This book did that to me. And not because it wasn’t good.
Oh no. No, no!
You know what? I’m not afraid to say it — even though it’s only January 26, I can confidently state that this is one of the best books of the year!
Because Skyla, you did it again! You simply cannot write a book without breaking (okay, who am I kidding — shattering) my heart into pieces, only to put it back together with the greatest love and care.
Because this book… this book is EVERYTHING.
Elliot and Anthony were not perfect. Not even close. They made mistakes.
Many times.
And yet… to me, they were perfect.
Do you know why?
Because despite everything they went through, they learned how to love properly.
And that was the most beautiful thing about this book.
I could have been angry with Anthony for making decisions more than once that he shouldn’t have — but I understood why he did.
And El… my God, that boy 🥺 I would have wrapped him up in a blanket, pulled him close, and never let him go, because he so, so deserved to finally be chosen and loved for who he is — not because someone had to.
And Mia, Dix, Jett, and Drax are living proof that real family isn’t necessarily defined by blood.
They were El’s true family. Because they were there, they supported him, and they loved him.
As for El’s father… ugh… that man doesn’t even deserve to be called a father. Or a friend.
This story reminded me why I fell in love with reading.
Because books don’t just allow us to escape into other worlds — they also show us the pain a person can endure over and over again, and yet how strong they can be. How they learn to move forward, and how they learn to live with that pain, when they are surrounded by the right kind of support.
Thank you, Skyla, for the ARC — once again, you wrote an incredible book 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Every silence felt like proof. Like I’d finally loved someone enough to drive them away.”.
4.5⭐️ 3🌶
ARC Review
Where to start with this one? The Lies Of Temptation was an extremely intense and emotionally devastating story. The journey this story takes you on dives headfirst into the trauma and grief that Elliot is experiencing from the loss of his mom, the isolation and abandonment from his dad, and his re-introduction to Anthony, his dad's former best friend. Their relationship revolves around figuring out how to survive and stay afloat amongst tragedy, while also slowly building an unspoken, yearning connection for one another.
Elliot wants to be seen but is terrified of being too much. All he wants is someone to stay.
Anthony is terrified of ruining Elliot. His own past trauma holds him back as he weighs the scales of want vs need, his own and Elliot's.
The dual first person POV delves pretty hard into the emotional intensity that both of them are going through, and its the unspoken things from their inner monologues that gripped me as a reader. Honestly I was feeling pretty devastated for about more than half of this book. The emotional complexity between these two was so raw and tragic, yet they navigated themselves to each other through it all.
I will note the way Skyla wrote this, it was like reading a really sad love poem. Beautiful, descriptive, but complex and intense. I don't think this style will suit every reader. I felt like there was a fairly limited amount of dialogue between the characters, and you had to focus on their inner thoughts and how they from each of their POV they processed, acted, and reacted toward one another. There are a lot of unspoken things and quiet moments they go through to get to their HEA and it definitely felt overwhelming at moments to get to. Definitely a beautiful read if you're willing to take the time.
Check your TW before you read. Its heavy but worth it.
4.5⭐️ 3🌶
ARC Review
Where to start with this one? The Lies Of Temptation was an extremely intense and emotionally devastating story. The journey this story takes you on dives headfirst into the trauma and grief that Elliot is experiencing from the loss of his mom, the isolation and abandonment from his dad, and his re-introduction to Anthony, his dad's former best friend. Their relationship revolves around figuring out how to survive and stay afloat amongst tragedy, while also slowly building an unspoken, yearning connection for one another.
Elliot wants to be seen but is terrified of being too much. All he wants is someone to stay.
Anthony is terrified of ruining Elliot. His own past trauma holds him back as he weighs the scales of want vs need, his own and Elliot's.
The dual first person POV delves pretty hard into the emotional intensity that both of them are going through, and its the unspoken things from their inner monologues that gripped me as a reader. Honestly I was feeling pretty devastated for about more than half of this book. The emotional complexity between these two was so raw and tragic, yet they navigated themselves to each other through it all.
I will note the way Skyla wrote this, it was like reading a really sad love poem. Beautiful, descriptive, but complex and intense. I don't think this style will suit every reader. I felt like there was a fairly limited amount of dialogue between the characters, and you had to focus on their inner thoughts and how they from each of their POV they processed, acted, and reacted toward one another. There are a lot of unspoken things and quiet moments they go through to get to their HEA and it definitely felt overwhelming at moments to get to. Definitely a beautiful read if you're willing to take the time.
Check your TW before you read. Its heavy but worth it.
January 29, 2026
This is a beautiful heart-squeezing, emotional read!
📚Book = Standalone, (Bk4)
💕Burn = Slow burn tension,
🔥Heat/spice = 3/10,
😬Angst = High,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Dark Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Dads, best friend✨Age Gap✨Hurt / Comfort✨Grief, longing and self destruction✨Forbidden✨Daddy / Boy✨Found family✨HEA…just remember that bit❤️✨
‼️Please, check TW’s before reading‼️
This was a fantastic story, and one that definitely tugged at my heart, I just wanted to reach inside the book and hug Elliot! It’s absolutely not a light and fluffy book, it’s full of grit, emotion and raw grief and how you can learn to love again. It’s so true how different people wear their grief and how you deal or come to terms with it, not one is right or wrong, its just the way you are as an individual, and quiet a few I saw in myself. 😢 Grief is such a fickle thing, it’s unpredictable and comes in waves you can’t always control, some are hidden, some are not, but all are valid!
Elliot and Anthony really did need each other after such grief, it was just a very hard won battle! I‘m just glad they made it in the end after their tough rollercoaster ride, full of push and pull. Elliot was beautiful, sweet and pure, who lost everything in one sweep! Anthony, I have to say some of his actions gated a-bit, especially with his running, but demons have a way of hanging one, and he really did try his best and he was the only one to see Elliots pain he hid behind his mask. Ahhh but once they truly come together, Anthony certainly took care of his baby boy in every way! 🥰
One of the characters…..I really loathed!! I mean how could you be so cruel? You’ll get it, and I‘m sure will feel the same way!!! 😡
I can honestly say this is an emotional book, it’s raw and real, but so very much worth the pain and tears. Skyla really did a fantastic job with this book. Xx
📚Book = Standalone, (Bk4)
💕Burn = Slow burn tension,
🔥Heat/spice = 3/10,
😬Angst = High,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Dark Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Dads, best friend✨Age Gap✨Hurt / Comfort✨Grief, longing and self destruction✨Forbidden✨Daddy / Boy✨Found family✨HEA…just remember that bit❤️✨
‼️Please, check TW’s before reading‼️
This was a fantastic story, and one that definitely tugged at my heart, I just wanted to reach inside the book and hug Elliot! It’s absolutely not a light and fluffy book, it’s full of grit, emotion and raw grief and how you can learn to love again. It’s so true how different people wear their grief and how you deal or come to terms with it, not one is right or wrong, its just the way you are as an individual, and quiet a few I saw in myself. 😢 Grief is such a fickle thing, it’s unpredictable and comes in waves you can’t always control, some are hidden, some are not, but all are valid!
Elliot and Anthony really did need each other after such grief, it was just a very hard won battle! I‘m just glad they made it in the end after their tough rollercoaster ride, full of push and pull. Elliot was beautiful, sweet and pure, who lost everything in one sweep! Anthony, I have to say some of his actions gated a-bit, especially with his running, but demons have a way of hanging one, and he really did try his best and he was the only one to see Elliots pain he hid behind his mask. Ahhh but once they truly come together, Anthony certainly took care of his baby boy in every way! 🥰
One of the characters…..I really loathed!! I mean how could you be so cruel? You’ll get it, and I‘m sure will feel the same way!!! 😡
I can honestly say this is an emotional book, it’s raw and real, but so very much worth the pain and tears. Skyla really did a fantastic job with this book. Xx
January 29, 2026
“He wasn’t mine to want. But he was the only thing I wanted.”
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’m not very good at reviews yet.
I don’t often read trigger warnings, because I am able to read anything, tbh.
Reading doesn’t affect my real life; it’s an escape no matter what is written.
BUT if you have triggers, please read the warnings. This book was a tough read.
By "tough read," I mean we are experiencing Elliot's grief over losing his mom and emotional trauma from his dad. Yes, I said experiencing it because Skyla has a way with words.
His story is so intense, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him the biggest freaking hug.
Anthony definitely deserved a big hug as well; he was going through his own things while also trying to help Elliot. Not quite understanding exactly what Elliot was going through but wanting to make him happy.
The emotions this book will drag out of you...
I felt like I was feeling their emotions; I really felt for Elliot. He is so special.
I loved seeing them become who they were always supposed to be; they both really took the time to work on themselves as people, and I absolutely loved that. It was all right on page and in the book.
You don’t get that in books very often; it’s often fast-forwarded past all of it.
It might have been a bumpy road but their HEA was WELL deserved and BEAUTIFUL. 🥰
“He’s my dad’s best friend. He’d known me since I was a kid. Yet all I could think about was what it would feel like to put my hands on him. To be held. Touched. Ruined. “🤤
“I lived for those smiles. I craved them. Because when Elliot smiled, it was like watching winter crack open into spring. Hesitant. Unwilling. But full of impossible promise.” 🥹
😈 I was blessed with an ARC for this book; this is my very honest review. 🩵
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’m not very good at reviews yet.
I don’t often read trigger warnings, because I am able to read anything, tbh.
Reading doesn’t affect my real life; it’s an escape no matter what is written.
BUT if you have triggers, please read the warnings. This book was a tough read.
By "tough read," I mean we are experiencing Elliot's grief over losing his mom and emotional trauma from his dad. Yes, I said experiencing it because Skyla has a way with words.
His story is so intense, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him the biggest freaking hug.
Anthony definitely deserved a big hug as well; he was going through his own things while also trying to help Elliot. Not quite understanding exactly what Elliot was going through but wanting to make him happy.
The emotions this book will drag out of you...
I felt like I was feeling their emotions; I really felt for Elliot. He is so special.
I loved seeing them become who they were always supposed to be; they both really took the time to work on themselves as people, and I absolutely loved that. It was all right on page and in the book.
You don’t get that in books very often; it’s often fast-forwarded past all of it.
It might have been a bumpy road but their HEA was WELL deserved and BEAUTIFUL. 🥰
“He’s my dad’s best friend. He’d known me since I was a kid. Yet all I could think about was what it would feel like to put my hands on him. To be held. Touched. Ruined. “🤤
“I lived for those smiles. I craved them. Because when Elliot smiled, it was like watching winter crack open into spring. Hesitant. Unwilling. But full of impossible promise.” 🥹
😈 I was blessed with an ARC for this book; this is my very honest review. 🩵
January 30, 2026
This was a heart wrenching experience. Full review will follow. I have to order my thoughts and feelings.
Here it is:
That was a heart-wrenching and quite difficult experience!
Elliot lost his mother and he got lost in his grief, with no support from his dad, who abandoned him.
He’s so lost he wanted to disappear, just like that.
Anthony, a long-lost, former, friend of Elliot’s father, returned to their home and tried to save Elliot and his dad.
The grief was overwhelming, and Anthony could only be present, his eyes on Elliot, to keep him safe.
Anthony’s present works somewhat soothing, Elliot wants to touch this new reality.
Elliot is tired, exhausted by his grief, he’s fading, he feels as if he’s disappearing, bit by bit. The darkness is too much to carry.
He wanted it all to hand over to Anthony, the only one who saw him.
If only Elliot knew how much Anthony wanted to take care of him, not only that but he’s obsessed with Elliot. Only, Anthony is as broken as Elliot is. You’ll find out while reading.
“I don’t know how to let someone in without expecting them to leave.”
“Then don’t ask. Just don’t shut the door.”
There are so many unspoken words, so many silent moments, it was oppressive af!
Gosh, there were times when I got so angry and wanted to quit because it was so frustrating. Not with Elliot, never with Elliot! I wanted to squeeze him, tell him how wonderful he is, how strong. My heart broke for him, more than once. He had so much weight to carry.
The author asked in the foreword for a little grace for both Elliot and Anthony, I agree!
It’s a harsh story, about grief, drowning, surviving, suffering, nothing is sugar-coated, nothing!
“You made it,”
“No. We did.”
And they did!!
Here it is:
That was a heart-wrenching and quite difficult experience!
Elliot lost his mother and he got lost in his grief, with no support from his dad, who abandoned him.
He’s so lost he wanted to disappear, just like that.
Anthony, a long-lost, former, friend of Elliot’s father, returned to their home and tried to save Elliot and his dad.
The grief was overwhelming, and Anthony could only be present, his eyes on Elliot, to keep him safe.
Anthony’s present works somewhat soothing, Elliot wants to touch this new reality.
Elliot is tired, exhausted by his grief, he’s fading, he feels as if he’s disappearing, bit by bit. The darkness is too much to carry.
He wanted it all to hand over to Anthony, the only one who saw him.
If only Elliot knew how much Anthony wanted to take care of him, not only that but he’s obsessed with Elliot. Only, Anthony is as broken as Elliot is. You’ll find out while reading.
“I don’t know how to let someone in without expecting them to leave.”
“Then don’t ask. Just don’t shut the door.”
There are so many unspoken words, so many silent moments, it was oppressive af!
Gosh, there were times when I got so angry and wanted to quit because it was so frustrating. Not with Elliot, never with Elliot! I wanted to squeeze him, tell him how wonderful he is, how strong. My heart broke for him, more than once. He had so much weight to carry.
The author asked in the foreword for a little grace for both Elliot and Anthony, I agree!
It’s a harsh story, about grief, drowning, surviving, suffering, nothing is sugar-coated, nothing!
“You made it,”
“No. We did.”
And they did!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ARC for my honest opinion. The lies of Temptation by Skyla Raines was a real and heart wrenching read. I could not put this story down. It had me feeling some things that I could relate too. I always ran when my feelings and emotions got too much to handle alone. Elliot and Anthony's story is one that is so raw and real that is had me in tears and made me address some of my own thoughts and feelings. This book absolute wrecked me in a good way. Elliot felt like his entire world was ripped away from him and he was abandoned by everyone. He thought he had Anthony to hold on too while he was trying to heal from everything he has ever known from collapsing. Anthony wanted to be there for Elliot because he was not there for Natalie his mom and created a co-dependent bond that was ruining them both. Anthony was hot and cold because his own trauma he was not facing and that made everything hurt that much worse. They learn together how to heal. Sometimes space is the best thing to heal and boundaries are necessary. Self-abandonment is not something that should be done to help others succeed or heal themselves. They learn that love is not enough and working on themselves to be better for themselves is the best kind of love they can have. That makes them stronger and brings them closer together. This series has been amazing to read. I highly recommend reading and recommend having tissues with you especially if you are working on yourself. Skyla, I love your writing and how real and raw it is. Kudos and much love.
January 29, 2026
Heartbreaking but beautiful
First off this story is very heavy so check your triggers and have your tissues ready. It speaks to the truth of grief and how everyone handles it differently. It shows how grief comes in waves and how it can completely consume.
I knew this story would hurt but I did not expect how much it brought back up remembering my own battles with grief.
Poor sweet Elliot lost everything in one fell swoop. This one moment in time irrevocably changed who he was and his path going forward. No one saw what he was dealing with until Anthony.
Unfortunately Anthony had his own demons he needed to deal with and it caused him to run when things got to real.
These two have plenty of want and attraction. However, there are so many reasons for them not to work. The biggest being that they both need to heal.
I absolutely loath one of the characters and you will too. What he did to Elliot was awful and nothing gave him the right to be so cruel.
This story does have a very very hard earned HEA so remember that when everything seems so bleak. Elliot finds comfort in his friends and Anthony though the road is definitely paved in blood, sweat, tears, and grief.
Thank you Skyla for writing something so real and raw. For showing how grief is not a straight line. It also sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It can completely consume or make you someone you no longer recognize. You did a fantastic job and I'm honored to have read it.
First off this story is very heavy so check your triggers and have your tissues ready. It speaks to the truth of grief and how everyone handles it differently. It shows how grief comes in waves and how it can completely consume.
I knew this story would hurt but I did not expect how much it brought back up remembering my own battles with grief.
Poor sweet Elliot lost everything in one fell swoop. This one moment in time irrevocably changed who he was and his path going forward. No one saw what he was dealing with until Anthony.
Unfortunately Anthony had his own demons he needed to deal with and it caused him to run when things got to real.
These two have plenty of want and attraction. However, there are so many reasons for them not to work. The biggest being that they both need to heal.
I absolutely loath one of the characters and you will too. What he did to Elliot was awful and nothing gave him the right to be so cruel.
This story does have a very very hard earned HEA so remember that when everything seems so bleak. Elliot finds comfort in his friends and Anthony though the road is definitely paved in blood, sweat, tears, and grief.
Thank you Skyla for writing something so real and raw. For showing how grief is not a straight line. It also sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It can completely consume or make you someone you no longer recognize. You did a fantastic job and I'm honored to have read it.
January 28, 2026
The Lies of Temptation - Skyla Raines
5/5
* SPOILERS *
Skyla never disappoints with her amazing writing and man, I think this one in this series might be my favorite one. This one is so emotional and I was here for every moment. From the first chapter, it sucked me right in.
I felt for Elliot on so many levels that I had to really focus on why someone so pure could be handled the way he had been. I wanted to hug him so hard. It was like when something bad happened and things are going good, it just blows up in his face. I hated those moments so hard.
I love me a good dad’s best friend and this one was done so well. This was a forced proximity in how they get so close to one another.
There is a lot of push and pull with Anthony and Elliot. We also get to see the growth with these two but first, you have to feel what these two go through before they get their happily ever after.
But man, when they get together, Anthony really takes care of his baby boy intimately, emotionally and just all around. I love these two so much and hope we get to see them again in the future because ugh, so good.
Read this book and look over the triggers. Mt heart hurts so good by the end of the book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
5/5
* SPOILERS *
Skyla never disappoints with her amazing writing and man, I think this one in this series might be my favorite one. This one is so emotional and I was here for every moment. From the first chapter, it sucked me right in.
I felt for Elliot on so many levels that I had to really focus on why someone so pure could be handled the way he had been. I wanted to hug him so hard. It was like when something bad happened and things are going good, it just blows up in his face. I hated those moments so hard.
I love me a good dad’s best friend and this one was done so well. This was a forced proximity in how they get so close to one another.
There is a lot of push and pull with Anthony and Elliot. We also get to see the growth with these two but first, you have to feel what these two go through before they get their happily ever after.
But man, when they get together, Anthony really takes care of his baby boy intimately, emotionally and just all around. I love these two so much and hope we get to see them again in the future because ugh, so good.
Read this book and look over the triggers. Mt heart hurts so good by the end of the book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 31, 2026
I really wanted to like this, and maybe I would have, but I just can’t enjoy the way it’s written. I love purple prose as much as the next person, but there’s got to be a limit. Every single page of the book is just simile after metaphor after simile. The writing is so flowery that it feels like wading through mud to get to the actual the content, the actual story. It’s so wrapped up in metaphors that half the time it loses meaning.
It also felt like there were missing scenes sometimes, especially in the beginning.
And the conversations are just so painfully repetitive; every single time they talk it’s Elliot want Anthony, Anthony almost giving in, then some variation of “I don’t want to hurt you, I don’t want to break you, I’m not trying to fix you, you don’t want this, you don’t know what you want” literally every single time. It’s a pattern I’ve noticed with this author.
Literally nothing about these two characters suggests they should be together. Anthony made Elliot dependent on him and then abandoned him when he was suicidal. Elliot is completely incapable of acting like the adult he is. They were so bad for each other that I couldn’t even root for them. I was mostly just relieved when I got to the end of it.
It also felt like there were missing scenes sometimes, especially in the beginning.
And the conversations are just so painfully repetitive; every single time they talk it’s Elliot want Anthony, Anthony almost giving in, then some variation of “I don’t want to hurt you, I don’t want to break you, I’m not trying to fix you, you don’t want this, you don’t know what you want” literally every single time. It’s a pattern I’ve noticed with this author.
Literally nothing about these two characters suggests they should be together. Anthony made Elliot dependent on him and then abandoned him when he was suicidal. Elliot is completely incapable of acting like the adult he is. They were so bad for each other that I couldn’t even root for them. I was mostly just relieved when I got to the end of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is real, pure, and raw.
It shows that grief is not a straight line, but a winding path of falling and getting back up again.
A path filled with setbacks, moments of feeling incredibly small, and the hope of one day reclaiming that lost piece of yourself.
Love is letting go, or choosing to fight for one another.🖤
It is realizing that you must first heal yourself before allowing someone else in. When feelings are overwhelming but your mind says no. When you want to be better for the other person. A savior, while you are the one who still needs saving.
Skyla writes almost poetically about a deeply difficult subject.
You can feel the emotions between the lines. You want to cry along with these boys.
You want to hold Elliot and whisper, it will be okay. 💔
You want to tell Anthony, you are enough.🖤
This is a slow burn, and this book is not about spice.
It is about healing, finding connection, and learning when to let go.
What a beautiful read 💜
I’m a sucker for age gap/forbiddin romance novels. But this one is so much more.
If you feel like you want to hear your heart break, a lot, or you want to cry and scream before it get’s better…
This one’s for you 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is a heavy, emotional read centered on Elliot and Anthony. They are two people carrying trauma where they barely know how to show up for themselves let alone each other.
This author doesn’t just tell you about grief, tension, sadness, and depression…you feel it. Every chapter carries the weight of what these characters have been through, and the writing pulls you straight into their pain and the slow, messy process of healing.
Elliot and Anthony aren’t magically fixed by love. They have to confront their own wounds first, learning how to survive individually before they can truly be there for each other.
This is not a light read. There is trauma, grief, and emotional heaviness throughout, and I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. The emotions are intense because the writing is so immersive and you will feel everything the characters feel.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written MM romance that doesn’t shy away from pain, but instead explores how love and healing can coexist alongside it, this one is worth the emotional investment.
This author doesn’t just tell you about grief, tension, sadness, and depression…you feel it. Every chapter carries the weight of what these characters have been through, and the writing pulls you straight into their pain and the slow, messy process of healing.
Elliot and Anthony aren’t magically fixed by love. They have to confront their own wounds first, learning how to survive individually before they can truly be there for each other.
This is not a light read. There is trauma, grief, and emotional heaviness throughout, and I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. The emotions are intense because the writing is so immersive and you will feel everything the characters feel.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written MM romance that doesn’t shy away from pain, but instead explores how love and healing can coexist alongside it, this one is worth the emotional investment.
January 30, 2026
4⭐️
3🌶️
You Guys, This Book Was Really Really Good. The Raw Emotion And The Topics Were Very Hard Ones To Cover So Please Check Trigger Warnings Because The Topics Weren’t Easy But How Skyla Handled Them Were Really Good. Elliot And Anthony Were Something Else But I Loved Them So Much. Elliot, Oh This Man, He Is So Broken But My God I Loved Him And I Hurt Fir Him Especially In The Beginning. I Cried So Much In The Beginning Cause It Got Me So Hard. And Anthony, Oh This Man Was Exactly What Elliot Needed So Caring Ans Calm, Pissed Me Off A Couple Times But I Loved Him Sl Much. More Men Like This Thank You. The Dad, No Words Other Then FUCK HIM!!!!!! IYKYK. The Found Family Was So Sweet Y’all I Loved It. Highly Recommend This Book Y’all For All MM Angst Lovers Because This Book Was So Amazing. I Cannot Wait To See What Skyla Puts Out Next Because I Know Her Books Are Gonna Be Amazing 💕🫶
3🌶️
You Guys, This Book Was Really Really Good. The Raw Emotion And The Topics Were Very Hard Ones To Cover So Please Check Trigger Warnings Because The Topics Weren’t Easy But How Skyla Handled Them Were Really Good. Elliot And Anthony Were Something Else But I Loved Them So Much. Elliot, Oh This Man, He Is So Broken But My God I Loved Him And I Hurt Fir Him Especially In The Beginning. I Cried So Much In The Beginning Cause It Got Me So Hard. And Anthony, Oh This Man Was Exactly What Elliot Needed So Caring Ans Calm, Pissed Me Off A Couple Times But I Loved Him Sl Much. More Men Like This Thank You. The Dad, No Words Other Then FUCK HIM!!!!!! IYKYK. The Found Family Was So Sweet Y’all I Loved It. Highly Recommend This Book Y’all For All MM Angst Lovers Because This Book Was So Amazing. I Cannot Wait To See What Skyla Puts Out Next Because I Know Her Books Are Gonna Be Amazing 💕🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lies of Temptation is dark, emotional, and painfully intimate in the way only grief-soaked, forbidden romances can be.
Elliot’s pain is raw and consuming, and Skyla Raines does not soften it. His connection with Anthony is slow-burning, aching, and laced with guilt, need, and the kind of emotional dependency that feels both healing and destructive. Anthony isn’t a savior, he’s flawed, conflicted, and very aware that loving Elliot could ruin them both, which makes every moment between them hit harder.
This story lives in the quiet spaces: lingering looks, unspoken desperation, and the dangerous comfort of being seen when you’re at your lowest. It’s heavy, haunting, and emotionally wrecking in the best way.
As always PLEASE read the trigger warnings. This one digs deep and doesn’t let go easily.
Happy Reading 💔📖
Elliot’s pain is raw and consuming, and Skyla Raines does not soften it. His connection with Anthony is slow-burning, aching, and laced with guilt, need, and the kind of emotional dependency that feels both healing and destructive. Anthony isn’t a savior, he’s flawed, conflicted, and very aware that loving Elliot could ruin them both, which makes every moment between them hit harder.
This story lives in the quiet spaces: lingering looks, unspoken desperation, and the dangerous comfort of being seen when you’re at your lowest. It’s heavy, haunting, and emotionally wrecking in the best way.
As always PLEASE read the trigger warnings. This one digs deep and doesn’t let go easily.
Happy Reading 💔📖
January 30, 2026
In the afterword Skyla writes,"If parts of this book felt uncomfortably familiar, I want you to know this: recognizing yourself in pain does not mean you're weak or broken. It means you're human." I felt that. I related to Elliot and his grief because of my grief journey with my dad. There's two quotes that instantly broke me. "That's the worst part. Reliving it. Knowing they're not coming back and still hoping anyway." "That's the thing no one told you about grief. It wasn't just sadness. It was disorientation. It was waking up in a life that no longer fit. It was trying to remember who you were before your world fell apart-and realizing you weren't that person anymore." Once again, a beautifully written story. I cried and laughed, Ch.28 the truck scene. A hard earned HEA but a happy one nonetheless. Thank you Skyla. I think a part of me healed while reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lies of Temptation is book four in the Without Limits Series.
This is a very powerful and emotional read. This is not for the faint hearted. You see Elliot go through a lot of pain and emotional trauma throughout this story. Anthony tries his best to help him through his pain, but he doesn't always make the best choices. There are a lot of dark moments that Elliot has to go through to make it to the other side of his story. This truly is a book of healing from grief and pain. There are those in Elliot's life who want to help him, but he does need to make the choice for himself if he wants to learn to cope with all of his trauma. This was truly a heart retching story, but so worth all of the pain and tears.
This is a very powerful and emotional read. This is not for the faint hearted. You see Elliot go through a lot of pain and emotional trauma throughout this story. Anthony tries his best to help him through his pain, but he doesn't always make the best choices. There are a lot of dark moments that Elliot has to go through to make it to the other side of his story. This truly is a book of healing from grief and pain. There are those in Elliot's life who want to help him, but he does need to make the choice for himself if he wants to learn to cope with all of his trauma. This was truly a heart retching story, but so worth all of the pain and tears.
January 30, 2026
I don’t even know how to start a review for this book. First and only, please read the trigger warnings! My emotions were all over the place and I went through half a box of tissues. The way the pain and hurt came through was amazing through Skyla’s writing. I loved Anthony but there were times that I wanted to smack him! And sweet Elliot, I have no words for him but wow he is one strong man. This was a book that I could not put down. I read way too late into the night (3am) and I did not start another book for a whole day, talk about book hangover! Skyla was done a wonderful job with this book and I am on the edge of my set waiting for her next book!
I received an e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 29, 2026
This is the first book I've read of Skyla. I have to say that I will definitely be reading more of her work. If you enjoy MM romance and want to be gutted to the core, then this one is for you. I heard that you needed your tissues ready when you begin reading, but I usually don't cry over things most people do, so I didn't. I wish I would have.
Skylar brings Elliot and Anthony’s emotional path off the pages and it played as a movie in my mind. When this one becomes a movie I will be first in line to buy a ticket. Mark my words. It could be a blockbuster hit! (Did I just show my age?😂)
This one hits hard! It is extremely emotional, with some themes that may trigger people. Please read the trigger warnings. But it definitely worth the read!
Skylar brings Elliot and Anthony’s emotional path off the pages and it played as a movie in my mind. When this one becomes a movie I will be first in line to buy a ticket. Mark my words. It could be a blockbuster hit! (Did I just show my age?😂)
This one hits hard! It is extremely emotional, with some themes that may trigger people. Please read the trigger warnings. But it definitely worth the read!
January 29, 2026
This story broke me in so many pieces. My heart broke for Elliot and Anthony. Elliot was in so much heartbreak that I just wanted to hug him and be there for him. The intensity of that feeling was so strong that I just could imagine being there for him. Anthony was one that had his pain too but of both of them he was the bit more stronger one. The love that comes from living a loss so big and going through so many emotions was what made this story so beautiful that even going through that loss, that pain you still are a survivor and that you still have so much to give and find a beautiful love and find happiness in the smallest and biggest thing. Love reading their story and the support they came to have of friends and all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
wow what a emotional read
this story doesn't just grip you it drags you right into the world of Elliott and Anthony.
its a very powerful read of grief and how it destroys a person from within
some topics are hard hitting, self harm, suicide attempt, depression
not only does your heart bleed for Elliott and all hes going through but for Anthony as well as he battles with his own inner demons and who he thinks he needs to be for Elliott
the struggles are real and you follow their journey through healing and acceptance and their love from their misfit found family
the writing was beautifully done and every hard topic was done with love and care.
this story doesn't just grip you it drags you right into the world of Elliott and Anthony.
its a very powerful read of grief and how it destroys a person from within
some topics are hard hitting, self harm, suicide attempt, depression
not only does your heart bleed for Elliott and all hes going through but for Anthony as well as he battles with his own inner demons and who he thinks he needs to be for Elliott
the struggles are real and you follow their journey through healing and acceptance and their love from their misfit found family
the writing was beautifully done and every hard topic was done with love and care.
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