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Beneath His Robes
As old desires resurface, the line between sacrifice and obsession blurs, threatening to draw them both into a place they cannot escape...
I took a vow to God, to my faith, to my people. As a priest, I am bound by duty, but there’s something I can never escape—Ronan.
I chose this life—a life of celibacy and sacrifice. I convinced myself it was what I wanted. To move on and let go of the past I could never have. To let go of him. His every word pulls me back where I can’t forget and awakens my own hidden desires.
I thought I had buried him—buried us—but the truth is, I never stopped loving him.
I should have never come back. But how could I stay away when the man I still love haunts my dreams? When I left, I thought I could move on, but the truth is—I never did.
Despite the bodies I put beneath me, it was Elias I heard screaming my name. It was always him. I came back seeking closure, but when I saw him again, standing there in his priest’s robes, cold and distant, I realized he wasn’t the sweet boy I had left behind.
I can’t stop myself from demanding everything I want and need from him. I can’t stop begging for more. I would worship every part of his body and soul. If he would just let me in…I would be his god.
One bound by duty and the other caged with regret, Elias and Ronan are forced to confront the past they’ve both tried to bury...or will succumb to the fire of their love that's spread too far to extinguish?
I took a vow to God, to my faith, to my people. As a priest, I am bound by duty, but there’s something I can never escape—Ronan.
I chose this life—a life of celibacy and sacrifice. I convinced myself it was what I wanted. To move on and let go of the past I could never have. To let go of him. His every word pulls me back where I can’t forget and awakens my own hidden desires.
I thought I had buried him—buried us—but the truth is, I never stopped loving him.
I should have never come back. But how could I stay away when the man I still love haunts my dreams? When I left, I thought I could move on, but the truth is—I never did.
Despite the bodies I put beneath me, it was Elias I heard screaming my name. It was always him. I came back seeking closure, but when I saw him again, standing there in his priest’s robes, cold and distant, I realized he wasn’t the sweet boy I had left behind.
I can’t stop myself from demanding everything I want and need from him. I can’t stop begging for more. I would worship every part of his body and soul. If he would just let me in…I would be his god.
One bound by duty and the other caged with regret, Elias and Ronan are forced to confront the past they’ve both tried to bury...or will succumb to the fire of their love that's spread too far to extinguish?
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Published November 18, 2025
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About the author
S.K. Pryntz
19 books718 followersWhat do you get when you have a horror lover with daddy issues?
A whorror author! I am all things gore and (w)horror!
My list of publications is the Reflections series, the connective Asylum Devils series, Bodies duet, Bloody Valentine from the St. Valentine series, and Mara of the Wellard asylum series.
I have a lot of works in progress and can't wait to share them with you all!
A whorror author! I am all things gore and (w)horror!
My list of publications is the Reflections series, the connective Asylum Devils series, Bodies duet, Bloody Valentine from the St. Valentine series, and Mara of the Wellard asylum series.
I have a lot of works in progress and can't wait to share them with you all!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
April 28, 2025
5/5 ✨️ | 4/5 🖤 | 5/5 😭 | 2/5 🌶
There are books that make you smile.
There are books that break you.
And then there are books like Beneath His Robes—ones that rebuild you, piece by shattered piece, only to leave you standing in the ruins of something so beautiful, you’d choose the pain all over again just to feel it.
This story is not just about forbidden love. It’s about two broken souls—Elias and Ronan—who were never meant to survive separately. It's about trauma so deep it leaves scars on your spirit, and love so powerful it fights through the darkest hell to find the light.
S.K. Pryntz doesn’t just tell a story; she bleeds emotion onto every page. I lived their heartache. I felt their hope. I mourned with them through every unimaginable loss—Ronan’s shattered innocence, his mother’s death, the violence and betrayal that nearly destroyed them both. And then, just when survival seemed possible, Elias was ripped away too—leaving Ronan in a world so empty and cold that no healing could ever reach him.
I cried for every choice they had to make—between loyalty and freedom, between shame and truth, between surviving and truly living. And in the end, Ronan made the most heart-wrenching choice of all: to pull the trigger not out of weakness, but out of a desperate, defiant love.
Because life without Elias wasn’t life at all.
Because even broken souls deserve to find their peace together.
Their journey isn't clean or easy. It’s raw, painful, messy, and breathtakingly beautiful. Watching Elias wrestle with his faith, and Ronan fight through unspeakable grief, shattered me. And yet, through it all, their love remained—their true heaven, even when everything else was stripped away.
This book isn't just a love story. It’s a story about surviving unimaginable grief. About choosing love after death, after devastation.
It’s a story about how even when death steals everything, when trauma leaves you hollow, when the world demands your surrender—love can still be the last, bravest thing you have left to give.
I didn’t just read this book. I felt it. Every whispered confession, every desperate kiss, every broken promise, every final goodbye.
Beneath His Robes tore me apart—and somehow, in its wreckage, it left behind a love story I will never, ever forget.
There are books that make you smile.
There are books that break you.
And then there are books like Beneath His Robes—ones that rebuild you, piece by shattered piece, only to leave you standing in the ruins of something so beautiful, you’d choose the pain all over again just to feel it.
This story is not just about forbidden love. It’s about two broken souls—Elias and Ronan—who were never meant to survive separately. It's about trauma so deep it leaves scars on your spirit, and love so powerful it fights through the darkest hell to find the light.
S.K. Pryntz doesn’t just tell a story; she bleeds emotion onto every page. I lived their heartache. I felt their hope. I mourned with them through every unimaginable loss—Ronan’s shattered innocence, his mother’s death, the violence and betrayal that nearly destroyed them both. And then, just when survival seemed possible, Elias was ripped away too—leaving Ronan in a world so empty and cold that no healing could ever reach him.
I cried for every choice they had to make—between loyalty and freedom, between shame and truth, between surviving and truly living. And in the end, Ronan made the most heart-wrenching choice of all: to pull the trigger not out of weakness, but out of a desperate, defiant love.
Because life without Elias wasn’t life at all.
Because even broken souls deserve to find their peace together.
Their journey isn't clean or easy. It’s raw, painful, messy, and breathtakingly beautiful. Watching Elias wrestle with his faith, and Ronan fight through unspeakable grief, shattered me. And yet, through it all, their love remained—their true heaven, even when everything else was stripped away.
This book isn't just a love story. It’s a story about surviving unimaginable grief. About choosing love after death, after devastation.
It’s a story about how even when death steals everything, when trauma leaves you hollow, when the world demands your surrender—love can still be the last, bravest thing you have left to give.
I didn’t just read this book. I felt it. Every whispered confession, every desperate kiss, every broken promise, every final goodbye.
Beneath His Robes tore me apart—and somehow, in its wreckage, it left behind a love story I will never, ever forget.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
Well that was depressing and an absolute load of rubbish.
I’m a sucker for MM. The premise of it appealed to me, got to love a priest and a bad boy. I love the naughtiness of the trope. However, it wasn’t well written in this book.
The push and pull between Elias and Ronan was a bit ridiculous. I want him. I don’t want him. I want him. I don’t want him. I want him. I don’t want him. Neither of them could actually make up their minds.
Then there’s this bizarre plot thread about Ronan’s step dad, Jack. I just didn’t get it. The reason for them separating as kids and how it was executed was a bit weird. Elias’ relationship with his family, also weird. Things happened that weren’t fully explained. I know it’s fiction and the author is allowed artistic license, but death row and the death penalty is fairly well documented and it sure as hell, is nothing like how it is depicted in this book.
I read the trigger warnings and none of them would have put me off reading. I really don’t mind tragedy in a book. It’s just tragic that the book was so bad. I have no triggers, other than badly written books.
I’m a sucker for MM. The premise of it appealed to me, got to love a priest and a bad boy. I love the naughtiness of the trope. However, it wasn’t well written in this book.
The push and pull between Elias and Ronan was a bit ridiculous. I want him. I don’t want him. I want him. I don’t want him. I want him. I don’t want him. Neither of them could actually make up their minds.
Then there’s this bizarre plot thread about Ronan’s step dad, Jack. I just didn’t get it. The reason for them separating as kids and how it was executed was a bit weird. Elias’ relationship with his family, also weird. Things happened that weren’t fully explained. I know it’s fiction and the author is allowed artistic license, but death row and the death penalty is fairly well documented and it sure as hell, is nothing like how it is depicted in this book.
I read the trigger warnings and none of them would have put me off reading. I really don’t mind tragedy in a book. It’s just tragic that the book was so bad. I have no triggers, other than badly written books.
July 29, 2025
I love MM books but there was just something missing for me with this one. I can’t put my finger on it right away but for some reason I just wasn’t convinced. This was tragic and still I couldn’t really connect with it. I’m a huge crier but I didn’t even cry once even though it was freaking depressing. Maybe I’m crazy?
July 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
… look… i don’t even know what to say, this is a sad sad sad story. the writing was throwing me off just a bit - the last 80% was amazing - i don’t even know what i just read??
(no this rating isn’t due to how sad the story was or the trigger warnings - just based off enjoyment)
… look… i don’t even know what to say, this is a sad sad sad story. the writing was throwing me off just a bit - the last 80% was amazing - i don’t even know what i just read??
(no this rating isn’t due to how sad the story was or the trigger warnings - just based off enjoyment)
April 16, 2025
•ARC review•
Release date: April 28th
We got blessed with a confessional scene right off the bat. Hell yes. Elias and Ronan were quite the angsty pair; Elias now a man of God set on repressing himself and Ronan the complete opposite. They fell in love when they were teenagers, life and its dangers came in the way. Years later, they reunite. Will Elias succumb to his desires or forsake his duty? Ronan is determined to make a sinner out of his priest.
What a beautifully dark and sentimental romantic tragedy. The tropes and themes were definitely heavy, so check them out before committing. As I said, it’s a romantic TRAGEDY, it goes without saying that there’s no HEA (well, it’s debatable). It’s full of anguish, yearning, repression, harmful intentions from other parties. To be completely honest, it was a bit repetitive (either it be the inner monologues or the actual dialogues), especially for the first two parts of the book. When shit started to go down towards the third part, I was sold. The ending really drew me in. Originally, I was going to give it a 3.75*, but with how everything wrapped up, I’m giving it a 4*.
Thank you to SK Pryntz for the arc.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
⛪️MM traumace
✝️Romantic Tragedy
⛪️Small town
✝️Priest & Prost!tut3
⛪️Angsty
✝️Rosary scene
⛪️Confessional scene
April 15, 2025
Read your trigger warnings!
I cannot even begin to express the emotions that I experienced reading this book. The pushing and pulling between Elias and Ronan had me in a chokehold. I’m not one who really cries often when I read books, but this one had me sobbing multiple times. I wanted to save them both…from themselves. Sometimes the only thing that gets in the way of love, is you.
There were moments that the sexual tension was so thick, it was almost suffocating. Other moments it felt like they’d come to blows. The amount of hardships laid in both of their paths were gut wrenching. I can’t even fathom having to walk in their shoes…to be so close yet so far away from each other.
There’s so much I could say about this book, but giving it away would be a complete crime. SK’s writing in this book had my heart in a vice grip the entire time. In the end, I was almost at peace with knowing what was happening, because when you know where you belong, nothing can keep you from listening to the call of home.
It will be a long time before I get over the heartbreak from this book. 😭😭 it was just so good.
I cannot even begin to express the emotions that I experienced reading this book. The pushing and pulling between Elias and Ronan had me in a chokehold. I’m not one who really cries often when I read books, but this one had me sobbing multiple times. I wanted to save them both…from themselves. Sometimes the only thing that gets in the way of love, is you.
There were moments that the sexual tension was so thick, it was almost suffocating. Other moments it felt like they’d come to blows. The amount of hardships laid in both of their paths were gut wrenching. I can’t even fathom having to walk in their shoes…to be so close yet so far away from each other.
There’s so much I could say about this book, but giving it away would be a complete crime. SK’s writing in this book had my heart in a vice grip the entire time. In the end, I was almost at peace with knowing what was happening, because when you know where you belong, nothing can keep you from listening to the call of home.
It will be a long time before I get over the heartbreak from this book. 😭😭 it was just so good.
April 19, 2025
General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ Beneath his Robes by S.K. Pryntz(@sk_pryntzauthor), it is a MM taboo romantic tragedy. ✨✨✨
Dedication:
For those of you living in a world that feels like you’re in slow motion and everything around you is too fast. Me too. You are never alone. I see you. You matter🖤
I was destined to bow before my Savior…but it was Ronan who drew me to my knees in worship.
Tropes:
✝️ MM
💋 Priest x Prositute
✝️ Second Chance
💋 Past trauma
✝️ Small Town
💋 Traumance
✝️ Angsty
💋 D33p thr0at a r0sary
✝️ Caged (Ch@stity)
💋 Temperature play
✝️ Sounding
💋 No touch O’s
✝️ Trigger Heavy
💋 No HEA
I must confess, I’m still shocked. I finished this book last night and somehow missed the fact that this is a tragedy with NO HEA.
We are introduced to Elias and Ronan, who were childhood best friends until a threat from Ronan’s stepfather changed everything. Both cope with their loss in a similar way—at least initially. Fortunately for Elias, the spiral stops after a life-changing incident leads him to find God. When they meet again after 10 years, the tension between them is unbearable, and the past remains unforgettable.
This is a story full of emotions, desire, hurt, and self-doubt, but it also contains numerous triggers. So, make sure to read the trigger warnings thoroughly and be prepared: this is a tragedy, and it does not have a happily ever after.
Quotes:
"I don’t know how to stop," he admitted shakily. "I don’t know how to make it go away, Elias. You ...You’re all I fucking think about. You can’t live in my mind. You are poisoning me. I need you to get out of my fucking head, and no matter how hard I try, I cant. So if fucking your sister will force you to do it for me … then so be it.”
“You shouldn’t have taken off my cage if you didn’t want a beast to emerge from it,” I replied in a soft low, growl.
#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #forbidden #mmromance #lgbtq #review #currentlyreading #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ Beneath his Robes by S.K. Pryntz(@sk_pryntzauthor), it is a MM taboo romantic tragedy. ✨✨✨
Dedication:
For those of you living in a world that feels like you’re in slow motion and everything around you is too fast. Me too. You are never alone. I see you. You matter🖤
I was destined to bow before my Savior…but it was Ronan who drew me to my knees in worship.
Tropes:
✝️ MM
💋 Priest x Prositute
✝️ Second Chance
💋 Past trauma
✝️ Small Town
💋 Traumance
✝️ Angsty
💋 D33p thr0at a r0sary
✝️ Caged (Ch@stity)
💋 Temperature play
✝️ Sounding
💋 No touch O’s
✝️ Trigger Heavy
💋 No HEA
I must confess, I’m still shocked. I finished this book last night and somehow missed the fact that this is a tragedy with NO HEA.
We are introduced to Elias and Ronan, who were childhood best friends until a threat from Ronan’s stepfather changed everything. Both cope with their loss in a similar way—at least initially. Fortunately for Elias, the spiral stops after a life-changing incident leads him to find God. When they meet again after 10 years, the tension between them is unbearable, and the past remains unforgettable.
This is a story full of emotions, desire, hurt, and self-doubt, but it also contains numerous triggers. So, make sure to read the trigger warnings thoroughly and be prepared: this is a tragedy, and it does not have a happily ever after.
Quotes:
"I don’t know how to stop," he admitted shakily. "I don’t know how to make it go away, Elias. You ...You’re all I fucking think about. You can’t live in my mind. You are poisoning me. I need you to get out of my fucking head, and no matter how hard I try, I cant. So if fucking your sister will force you to do it for me … then so be it.”
“You shouldn’t have taken off my cage if you didn’t want a beast to emerge from it,” I replied in a soft low, growl.
#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #forbidden #mmromance #lgbtq #review #currentlyreading #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
May 3, 2025
Beneath His Robes
By: SK Pryntz
** I received a ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
This is probably one of the hardest reviews for me to write.
Because I did not like anything about this book. SK Pryntz is a great writer. This fell a bit short
Elias is a priest. We get snippets of his back story but no good details to build a good picture of who he is.
Ronan was the kid always written about: drug addict mom, abusive stepfather lives in a trailer park, seeking love from whomever and wherever he can get it. Now he’s a stripper, prostitute and 110% In love with Elias.
- [ ] The fact the Elias became a priest to atone for everything in his life, including for loving Ronan, we get a chapter of him doing everything but the right thing and oops he killed someone. Now he’s a priest.
Roman leaves homes after being kicked out by aforementioned step dad, when he’s outed for being gay and loving Elias. He flees to Vegas and stays.
The majority of the book is filler chapters about this. He comes back teases Elias in a confessional and we get chapter upon chapter of their pining for each other, but they don’t do anything about it. Until about 75% into the book.
The premise of the story was a good one. It just didn’t plot up the way it could have.
Their love created so much angst it just didn’t get interesting. The plot flopped
The violence is extremely gruesome. Please pay attention to the content warnings. Your mental health is important.
The ending was very disappointing in the execution of it (no pun intended)
By: SK Pryntz
** I received a ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
This is probably one of the hardest reviews for me to write.
Because I did not like anything about this book. SK Pryntz is a great writer. This fell a bit short
Elias is a priest. We get snippets of his back story but no good details to build a good picture of who he is.
Ronan was the kid always written about: drug addict mom, abusive stepfather lives in a trailer park, seeking love from whomever and wherever he can get it. Now he’s a stripper, prostitute and 110% In love with Elias.
- [ ] The fact the Elias became a priest to atone for everything in his life, including for loving Ronan, we get a chapter of him doing everything but the right thing and oops he killed someone. Now he’s a priest.
Roman leaves homes after being kicked out by aforementioned step dad, when he’s outed for being gay and loving Elias. He flees to Vegas and stays.
The majority of the book is filler chapters about this. He comes back teases Elias in a confessional and we get chapter upon chapter of their pining for each other, but they don’t do anything about it. Until about 75% into the book.
The premise of the story was a good one. It just didn’t plot up the way it could have.
Their love created so much angst it just didn’t get interesting. The plot flopped
The violence is extremely gruesome. Please pay attention to the content warnings. Your mental health is important.
The ending was very disappointing in the execution of it (no pun intended)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
It had promise but no. Don’t bother
This book was all over the place. The story had potential but it fell way short. From the kind of adolescent writing to terrible flow. The repetitive inner dialogue was way too much. I can deal with no HEA but this was just poorly written.
This book was all over the place. The story had potential but it fell way short. From the kind of adolescent writing to terrible flow. The repetitive inner dialogue was way too much. I can deal with no HEA but this was just poorly written.
November 24, 2025
Genre: MM Romantic Tragedy
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
For years Elias Cross devoted his life to God, but everything changed when his childhood friend, Ronan Saint Clare, came back into his life. They were no longer the boys they used to be, yet time and distance couldn’t erase what was in their hearts. However, surrendering to their feelings could lead to consequences neither of them was ready to face.
My heart ached for Ronan and everything he endured. Elias, on the other hand, was harder for me to sympathize with, even though I rooted for both of them as a couple.
This book had many elements that could have made me love the story. However, the execution fell short due to several issues in repetition, continuity, consistency, and logic that distracted me and diminished the story’s impact. Nevertheless, I liked the idea behind the story and how it ended.
Beneath His Robes is a story of accepting one’s true self. It would appeal to readers who enjoy taboo, dark MM romance.
🍆🙏🍆. . . (F)BR with Twinsie Twinsie . . . 🍆🙏🍆
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
For years Elias Cross devoted his life to God, but everything changed when his childhood friend, Ronan Saint Clare, came back into his life. They were no longer the boys they used to be, yet time and distance couldn’t erase what was in their hearts. However, surrendering to their feelings could lead to consequences neither of them was ready to face.
My heart ached for Ronan and everything he endured. Elias, on the other hand, was harder for me to sympathize with, even though I rooted for both of them as a couple.
Like a moth drawn to a flame, he was a pain I couldn’t escape.
This book had many elements that could have made me love the story. However, the execution fell short due to several issues in repetition, continuity, consistency, and logic that distracted me and diminished the story’s impact. Nevertheless, I liked the idea behind the story and how it ended.
Beneath His Robes is a story of accepting one’s true self. It would appeal to readers who enjoy taboo, dark MM romance.
🍆🙏🍆. . . (F)BR with Twinsie Twinsie . . . 🍆🙏🍆
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
April 23, 2025
Arc review;
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This is the story about Ronan and Elias who have been friends since their childhood and started developing feelings for each other later on.
Due to dangerous circumstances, they couldn't be together and Ronan decided to leave for Vegas where he became a dancer/pr0stitute, leaving Elias a broken mess.
10 years later Ronan decides to come back to town because he has never been able to really move on, only now Elias has become a priest and dedicated his life to the church.
Is their love stronger than the love Elias has for his God or is Ronan too late?
I think this is one of the best stories I've ever read! The tension, the angst, the back and forth, the spice and the heartbreak, together they're the perfect ingredients to create a masterpiece.
This story makes you go through all the emotions.
It doesn't end with a HEA but at some point I still thought "maybe they'll make it together" which might have been my subconscious rooting for them.
Chapter 22 was brutal, chapter 37 broke my heart, chapter 38 ripped it out, chapter 39 stomped it to pieces and chapter 43 finished me 💔
This is the most brutal, heartwrenching but also most beautiful love story I've ever read.
I don't think I'll ever recover from this.
Please make sure to check the TW cause this is definitely not for everybody.
It's for those that want to feel all the emotions while reading a book. For those that love a spicy yet taboo romance. For those that want to find their light to their darkness.
"This was always us. Ronan St.Clare and Elias Cross. Darkness and light, rough and soft Everything that I lacked he had, and I was here to fill in any gaps he presented"
Thank you to SK. Pryntz for gifting me this arc 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This is the story about Ronan and Elias who have been friends since their childhood and started developing feelings for each other later on.
Due to dangerous circumstances, they couldn't be together and Ronan decided to leave for Vegas where he became a dancer/pr0stitute, leaving Elias a broken mess.
10 years later Ronan decides to come back to town because he has never been able to really move on, only now Elias has become a priest and dedicated his life to the church.
Is their love stronger than the love Elias has for his God or is Ronan too late?
I think this is one of the best stories I've ever read! The tension, the angst, the back and forth, the spice and the heartbreak, together they're the perfect ingredients to create a masterpiece.
This story makes you go through all the emotions.
It doesn't end with a HEA but at some point I still thought "maybe they'll make it together" which might have been my subconscious rooting for them.
Chapter 22 was brutal, chapter 37 broke my heart, chapter 38 ripped it out, chapter 39 stomped it to pieces and chapter 43 finished me 💔
This is the most brutal, heartwrenching but also most beautiful love story I've ever read.
I don't think I'll ever recover from this.
Please make sure to check the TW cause this is definitely not for everybody.
It's for those that want to feel all the emotions while reading a book. For those that love a spicy yet taboo romance. For those that want to find their light to their darkness.
"This was always us. Ronan St.Clare and Elias Cross. Darkness and light, rough and soft Everything that I lacked he had, and I was here to fill in any gaps he presented"
Thank you to SK. Pryntz for gifting me this arc 🖤
December 14, 2025
Big fuck you to this book. im done with this shit. Dark MM where both MCs suffered. one got graped, the other got nailed into a cross and died. then the first one who survived the grape decided to delete himself bc the other one was gone. Like fuck no HEAs and fuck anyone who writes that shit. I'm out.
April 30, 2025
THE EMOTIONS THAT THIS BOOK PUT ME THROUGH!!
It was my first MM and their story was perfectly written. The way the author brought each character’s uniqueness and struggles has me on a chokehold. I cannot tell you how sad and heartbreaking this is.
It was my first MM and their story was perfectly written. The way the author brought each character’s uniqueness and struggles has me on a chokehold. I cannot tell you how sad and heartbreaking this is.
December 19, 2025
“You said you chose me…but in the end…you still left me.”
😭😭😭😭unfucking well, SK can pay for my therapy bill
😭😭😭😭unfucking well, SK can pay for my therapy bill
June 5, 2025
2.5 stars – had potential but didn’t quite land for me
I found this book through an MM Facebook group after someone said it was even more gut-wrenching than Under Your Scars—and as someone who loves tragic love stories, I had to check it out.
This story definitely had potential. The premise was compelling, and I went in expecting an emotional, heartbreaking ride. But unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me overall. The pacing dragged, there was very little actual dialogue between the characters, and the chapters felt too long with a lot of inner monologues and filler. At times, it felt like the book was trying a little too hard to be angsty instead of letting the emotion unfold naturally.
There were some gruesome scenes that might be tough for some readers (so definitely check trigger warnings). And while unrelated, the scene between Ronan and Elias’ sister felt totally unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth—it added nothing meaningful to the story and just made things messier.
On top of that, the story felt all over the place. There wasn’t a clear, solid backstory to ground the characters, and because of that, it was hard to stay invested.
It had all the ingredients for an emotional tragedy, but it just didn’t come together in a way that worked for me.
I found this book through an MM Facebook group after someone said it was even more gut-wrenching than Under Your Scars—and as someone who loves tragic love stories, I had to check it out.
This story definitely had potential. The premise was compelling, and I went in expecting an emotional, heartbreaking ride. But unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me overall. The pacing dragged, there was very little actual dialogue between the characters, and the chapters felt too long with a lot of inner monologues and filler. At times, it felt like the book was trying a little too hard to be angsty instead of letting the emotion unfold naturally.
There were some gruesome scenes that might be tough for some readers (so definitely check trigger warnings). And while unrelated, the scene between Ronan and Elias’ sister felt totally unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth—it added nothing meaningful to the story and just made things messier.
On top of that, the story felt all over the place. There wasn’t a clear, solid backstory to ground the characters, and because of that, it was hard to stay invested.
It had all the ingredients for an emotional tragedy, but it just didn’t come together in a way that worked for me.
April 20, 2025
I received an ARC Copy of this novel. As a mental health therapist, I cannot recommend this book, especially not in a romance category. There is no way to give the warning this needs without spoilers, sooo know that I went in thinking I have no triggers. The first 2/3rds I enjoyed. Very similar to Priest and Saint by Sierra Simone, which I loved. And even the sexual assault of one of the main male characters and the overdose of an important side character were, while heartbreaking, plot lines that within dark romance I wouldn't normally warn people about beyond the content warnings in the book. I was rooting for them, loved watching them find each other again... loved watching them help each other find peace and healing within themselves.
However, the brutal murder of one MMC and the subsequent use of death by suicide by other MMC to cope with that loss is dangerous. Grief and trauma and coping with homophobia and religious trauma will wreck through people and often lead to ideation... many use literature as an escape or a way to heal. By having the novel end with the literal gun shot of the MMC this author could encourage someone reading this that is already spiraling that the only answer is death. As a therapist, that isn't a message I want to support or encourage.
if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, please contact your local emergency resources. In the United States, please call 988 or 911 to find help. It can get better... please know you matter and we want you here.
However, the brutal murder of one MMC and the subsequent use of death by suicide by other MMC to cope with that loss is dangerous. Grief and trauma and coping with homophobia and religious trauma will wreck through people and often lead to ideation... many use literature as an escape or a way to heal. By having the novel end with the literal gun shot of the MMC this author could encourage someone reading this that is already spiraling that the only answer is death. As a therapist, that isn't a message I want to support or encourage.
if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, please contact your local emergency resources. In the United States, please call 988 or 911 to find help. It can get better... please know you matter and we want you here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
Leading us into the story we start off in a confessional, with our MMCs. After not hearing from each other for 10 years, the priest Elias is taken aback when he recognises the voice on the other side. Ronan couldn't live on without seeking him out, it just so happened to be in a church 🫣
We are led through, their fight against the odds, the back and forth of right and wrong, darkness and light…where does the path take us? Do they succumb to the pull? Will God keep a hold of his righteous one? Will love prevail?
Soooo, I’m not giving you anymore than this, as much as I want to, I simply can not spoil this storyline. There are however parts you may find difficult to read, emotional and devastating. It was so well written, the angst is real, the biting your nails is not good, the tugging on your heart strings is hard and to top it all off that ending, it’s not icing, it’s not chef’s kiss, it quite simply decimated me.
As with a lot of the books I read please read the trigger warning ‼️
*********************************************************************
Audiobook - Vincent Graves & Gypsy Kay
I’d be lying if I said you don’t need tissues to hand whilst listening to this audiobook. Vincent’s voice just adds to the emotions, you will totally feel every word he speaks, it infiltrates your very soul and breaks down all your barriers 😬 This is just a warning, enter at your own risk but honestly, it is well worth a listen to.
We are led through, their fight against the odds, the back and forth of right and wrong, darkness and light…where does the path take us? Do they succumb to the pull? Will God keep a hold of his righteous one? Will love prevail?
Soooo, I’m not giving you anymore than this, as much as I want to, I simply can not spoil this storyline. There are however parts you may find difficult to read, emotional and devastating. It was so well written, the angst is real, the biting your nails is not good, the tugging on your heart strings is hard and to top it all off that ending, it’s not icing, it’s not chef’s kiss, it quite simply decimated me.
As with a lot of the books I read please read the trigger warning ‼️
*********************************************************************
Audiobook - Vincent Graves & Gypsy Kay
I’d be lying if I said you don’t need tissues to hand whilst listening to this audiobook. Vincent’s voice just adds to the emotions, you will totally feel every word he speaks, it infiltrates your very soul and breaks down all your barriers 😬 This is just a warning, enter at your own risk but honestly, it is well worth a listen to.
December 27, 2025
3.5★
Seeking closure, Ronan Saint Clare finds the man who once knew his soul, but Elias has become a distant priest shaped by sacrifice and still fighting his demons. Knowing what could be, Ronan is willing to risk it all to pierce through Elias’ walls.
Narrated in dual POV, time and distance cannot erase the connection between Elias and Ronan. However, Elias is bound by promises he cannot break, while Ronan is a constant reminder of a love that is forbidden. With a dynamic that crackles with unresolved desire and heartbreak, their interactions are weighted with the possibility of what could be, yet certain actions threaten their happiness.
Though there were times when Elias’ choices made me twitchy, and while I also understood his fears, I felt Ronan deserved more. Overall, I liked the concept of the characters trying overcoming their past but too many plot inconsistent devices occurred that lessened the impact.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Seeking closure, Ronan Saint Clare finds the man who once knew his soul, but Elias has become a distant priest shaped by sacrifice and still fighting his demons. Knowing what could be, Ronan is willing to risk it all to pierce through Elias’ walls.
“This was always us. Ronan Saint Clare and Elias Cross. Darkness and light. Rough and soft.”
Narrated in dual POV, time and distance cannot erase the connection between Elias and Ronan. However, Elias is bound by promises he cannot break, while Ronan is a constant reminder of a love that is forbidden. With a dynamic that crackles with unresolved desire and heartbreak, their interactions are weighted with the possibility of what could be, yet certain actions threaten their happiness.
“…we were both broken in our ways, but we didn’t have to fix each other. We just had to hold on together.”
Though there were times when Elias’ choices made me twitchy, and while I also understood his fears, I felt Ronan deserved more. Overall, I liked the concept of the characters trying overcoming their past but too many plot inconsistent devices occurred that lessened the impact.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 10, 2025
Beneath His Robes 📚
SK Pryntz'in "Beneath His Robes" okuması, tam bir duygusal rollercoaster'dı. 🎢
Bu dark MM romance, gençliklerinde birbirlerine aşık olan ancak yolları ayrılan Elias ve Ronan'ın hikayesini anlatıyor.
10 yıl sonra, Elias'ın artık rahip olmasıyla, yani yasak bir aşkla yeniden bir araya gelmeleri, hayatlarını altüst ediyor.
Ronan'ın geçmişten getirdiği travmalar bir yana, Elias'ın trajedisi beni benden aldı.🥹
Bu hikayenin acı verici olacağını biliyordum ama sonuna asla hazır değildim. 💔
Karakterlerin arasındaki çekim ve kendi içlerindeki savaşlar o kadar güçlü yazılmış ki, son 4 bölümü gözlerim dolu dolu okudum.😭
Neden? Neden yazdın bu kitabı diye sordum yazara bana verdiği cevap
“I think it’s because I wanted to show a raw, realistic picture of the world and the cruelty that lives within it. 🖤” oldu yani;
“Ben bunu yazdım çünkü dünyanın gerçek yüzünü, acımasızlığını ve içinde barındırdığı kötülükleri göstermek istedim.” 🖤
Evet maalesef acımasız bir dğnyada yaşıyoruz. Ama bu satırları okumak beni derinden yaraladı. Kalp kırıklıklarına bir yenisi eklendi. Ömür boyu Elias ve Ronan'ın bu tarjik hikayeleri benimle birlikte yaşayacak...
@sk_pryntzauthor
#BeneathHisRobes #SKPryntz #BookReview #BookRecommendations #DarkRomance #ForbiddenLove #MMRomance #Bookstagram #BookLover #AngstyBooks #EmotionalRead #Bookworm #MustRead #HeartbreakGuaranteed
3h
SK Pryntz'in "Beneath His Robes" okuması, tam bir duygusal rollercoaster'dı. 🎢
Bu dark MM romance, gençliklerinde birbirlerine aşık olan ancak yolları ayrılan Elias ve Ronan'ın hikayesini anlatıyor.
10 yıl sonra, Elias'ın artık rahip olmasıyla, yani yasak bir aşkla yeniden bir araya gelmeleri, hayatlarını altüst ediyor.
Ronan'ın geçmişten getirdiği travmalar bir yana, Elias'ın trajedisi beni benden aldı.🥹
Bu hikayenin acı verici olacağını biliyordum ama sonuna asla hazır değildim. 💔
Karakterlerin arasındaki çekim ve kendi içlerindeki savaşlar o kadar güçlü yazılmış ki, son 4 bölümü gözlerim dolu dolu okudum.😭
Neden? Neden yazdın bu kitabı diye sordum yazara bana verdiği cevap
“I think it’s because I wanted to show a raw, realistic picture of the world and the cruelty that lives within it. 🖤” oldu yani;
“Ben bunu yazdım çünkü dünyanın gerçek yüzünü, acımasızlığını ve içinde barındırdığı kötülükleri göstermek istedim.” 🖤
Evet maalesef acımasız bir dğnyada yaşıyoruz. Ama bu satırları okumak beni derinden yaraladı. Kalp kırıklıklarına bir yenisi eklendi. Ömür boyu Elias ve Ronan'ın bu tarjik hikayeleri benimle birlikte yaşayacak...
@sk_pryntzauthor
#BeneathHisRobes #SKPryntz #BookReview #BookRecommendations #DarkRomance #ForbiddenLove #MMRomance #Bookstagram #BookLover #AngstyBooks #EmotionalRead #Bookworm #MustRead #HeartbreakGuaranteed
3h
April 21, 2025
I have still not emotionally recovered from this book! This is an MM romantic tragedy..emphasis on the tragedy! This book contains heavy triggers so make sure to check them before reading!
This book was phenomenal, even though I sobbed, gasped and even felt like throwing up a few times!
This follows Elias, a priest, and Ronan who is a prostitut3/dancer. This is an emotional, heavy and tragic story but so beautiful as well. The spice was immaculate, if you love a little taboo this is a must read!
You don’t get to run. Not anymore. You can’t leave me again. I chose…you
This is a beautiful childhood friends to lovers, discovery of finding themselves, and overcoming years of trauma. Elias became a priest after a tragic accident involving drug abuse, until his ex-best friend comes back into the picture and has him questioning everything. The push and pull, the tension you feel it all in this book. I cannot stress this enough these is some heavy subject matter in this book, if you’re looking to get a beautiful love story with a hea this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a beautiful love story with all the tragedy then read this immediately!
Thank you so much to SK Pryntz for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review. I’m going to need a month’s supply of tissues and a therapist now.
This book was phenomenal, even though I sobbed, gasped and even felt like throwing up a few times!
This follows Elias, a priest, and Ronan who is a prostitut3/dancer. This is an emotional, heavy and tragic story but so beautiful as well. The spice was immaculate, if you love a little taboo this is a must read!
You don’t get to run. Not anymore. You can’t leave me again. I chose…you
This is a beautiful childhood friends to lovers, discovery of finding themselves, and overcoming years of trauma. Elias became a priest after a tragic accident involving drug abuse, until his ex-best friend comes back into the picture and has him questioning everything. The push and pull, the tension you feel it all in this book. I cannot stress this enough these is some heavy subject matter in this book, if you’re looking to get a beautiful love story with a hea this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a beautiful love story with all the tragedy then read this immediately!
Thank you so much to SK Pryntz for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review. I’m going to need a month’s supply of tissues and a therapist now.
April 12, 2025
Brace yourself as SK was not as gentle with the readers when she gave us a priest and his childhood bestie. I totally get the comfort of having a story told .. reader gallops through the book and witnesses and practically shares the joys and pains of the characters.. secure in knowing that they will get the happily ever after in the end.
Well this one is going to hurt. This one is gonna sting and stab and basically mutilate your sensitive soul. She is gonna drag your heart through some brutal times and unforgiving people. This is a sad story but it was absolutely phenomenal. I may be the unpopular opinion when it comes to stories that set out to break ya but SK has a way of grabbing you and making her characters come to life. Writing true emotionally connections between reader and fictional characters is a talent not many can do WELL and SK is someone of a master at it.
This book has shot up to the top of books I love by SK and has permanently made its mark on me for must reads of 2025.
Grab tissue grab a friend.. shit you might want to schedule a session with license clinician so that you are at best prepared for one of those most best told sad stories of 2025.
All the stars!!
Well this one is going to hurt. This one is gonna sting and stab and basically mutilate your sensitive soul. She is gonna drag your heart through some brutal times and unforgiving people. This is a sad story but it was absolutely phenomenal. I may be the unpopular opinion when it comes to stories that set out to break ya but SK has a way of grabbing you and making her characters come to life. Writing true emotionally connections between reader and fictional characters is a talent not many can do WELL and SK is someone of a master at it.
This book has shot up to the top of books I love by SK and has permanently made its mark on me for must reads of 2025.
Grab tissue grab a friend.. shit you might want to schedule a session with license clinician so that you are at best prepared for one of those most best told sad stories of 2025.
All the stars!!
April 29, 2025
This may not be fair that I'm writing this so close on the heels of reading another tragic love story, however I feel perfectly broken. Though this is my second tragic romance, this IS my first MM book, and I am so glad that I went with SK on this one because ohhh my goodness. You want to talk about the feels? The tension? The spice. The spine tingling acts of revenge, and then one characters grasp for redemption at the end. One sentence for some reason stuck out to me, maybe because it is so simple, but sometimes, it's the little things that push a person over the edge. "I have even lost my plant." And I promise, I turned my head and looked at the pot that my beloved aloe vera that I'd had since the birth of my daughter fourteen years ago that I'd JUST lost and about cried my contacts clear out of my face. SK, keep bringing us stories like this, and we'll keep coming. To Ronan and Elias, thank you.
November 19, 2025
I don't know how to feel about this. The emotions, all the emotions. The story was so good. The audio was so good. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Could definitely feel what they were trying to convey. The angst, the longing, the rawness. Definitely check TWs. I finished listening to this and had to stare at the wall. I knew it was going to be sad but also wasn't ready for all that. Definitely worth the read/listen.
April 6, 2025
Please read the trigger warnings... Also this book does not end in a HEA. The angst and chemistry of this book was intense. I appreciate this story and the darkness of it, but my heart can't help but wish it had ended differently for Elias and Ronan. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2025
I truly don’t know what to say. This book was a rollercoaster. My heart was happy, then completely wrecked. Then mended, to be DESTROYED. This is probably one of the saddest books I have ever read. Elias didn’t deserve it. Ronan. My love. Gosh. My heart is completely shattered. What a beautifully written masterpiece this was. This might be your top work SK. Cheers to you, because I am broken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ
I started this one because it made me think about 'Saint' by Sierra Simone, but it turned out to be much more impactful, and it had its own sentimental magic. I loved it so much.
I love gay priest books with all my heart!!!! PLEASE, GIVE ME MORE, RECOMMEND ME MORE!!!
I started this one because it made me think about 'Saint' by Sierra Simone, but it turned out to be much more impactful, and it had its own sentimental magic. I loved it so much.
I love gay priest books with all my heart!!!! PLEASE, GIVE ME MORE, RECOMMEND ME MORE!!!
May 1, 2025
This book brought out so many emotions within me! It was written so well and with some really good spice.
The spice however was not enough for anything close to an HEA so be prepared. The story is truly a romantic tragedy and a fabulous one at that!
I will forever hold the characters of Elias and Ronan near and dear to my broken heart. They both deserved so much good in life but as many of us know, the universe often has a sick sense of humor and gives us the life we may not need or want.
The spice however was not enough for anything close to an HEA so be prepared. The story is truly a romantic tragedy and a fabulous one at that!
I will forever hold the characters of Elias and Ronan near and dear to my broken heart. They both deserved so much good in life but as many of us know, the universe often has a sick sense of humor and gives us the life we may not need or want.
August 2, 2025
1. Chapter 32 🥵🥵
2. This book WRECKED me and I’m NOT ok
2. This book WRECKED me and I’m NOT ok
April 22, 2025
Elias is fighting his temptations and trying to resist what his heart wants. Ronin, on the other hand, wants Elias to give in to temptation and flirt with what goes against his priestly vows.
Filled with angst and internal turmoil I loved the way the story unfolded and the glimpses into the past. However, the ending drew me out of the story a bit. I would have no issues with the ending or the brutality of it if it matched the rest of the story. I won’t spoil it but the story takes a very sharp left turn and it seems like the ending was added purely for shock value. With that being said it was a dark ending to a tortured love story. Do I still recommend this? Yes!
It is not a happy ending and the author is very clear on that. Trigger warnings should be read before reading.
Filled with angst and internal turmoil I loved the way the story unfolded and the glimpses into the past. However, the ending drew me out of the story a bit. I would have no issues with the ending or the brutality of it if it matched the rest of the story. I won’t spoil it but the story takes a very sharp left turn and it seems like the ending was added purely for shock value. With that being said it was a dark ending to a tortured love story. Do I still recommend this? Yes!
It is not a happy ending and the author is very clear on that. Trigger warnings should be read before reading.
November 19, 2025
I WAS NOT PREPARED! This book ripped my freaking heart out. I mean full on ugly crying, throwing my phone down, and walked away! SK Pryntz I said some not nice things to you at the end of that book. 😂 This book is dark and heavy, please please check all triggers and warnings. It is not for the faint of heart. I knew this book did not have a HEA, but I was sick to my stomach. Now with that said, this book was good! This author has a way of writing that will suck you in, make you fall in love with the characters and stories, but gut you and rip your heart out. And I keep coming back for more.
Ronan and Elias struggled with doing what their heart wanted and what their beliefs were. The two had a connection since they were younger boys. They lived in a world where it wasn’t easy for them to love one another openly. Elias turned to faith and became a man of God. He thought getting closer to God and putting Ronan out of his mind would make it all go away, but when Ronan shows back up in his life, all the emotions come flooding back. He is now torn to his tie to the church and the way his heart is tied to Ronan.
I was so mad at Elias for not making the decision his heart and his body wanted, but also understood. I just wanted the two to be able to love each other openly and be together if that is what they wanted. The two had been through enough, they deserved their HEA.
This is one of those books that you won’t ever be able to forget. It’s so raw and emotional that it’s embedded into your heart and mind. SK does a wonderful job of writing about sensitive subjects of the cruelness that this world if part of. I may not know the same struggles Ronan and Elias faced, but as I read them, I felt them. I cried for them. My heart broke for them. You can’t help but relate to these characters and all the struggles they faced.
Again, PLEASE PLEASE check all warnings! Your mental health matters. 🖤
*********
Updated Review 11/18
I thought my heart was ripped out the first time when I read this book, but apparently I’m a sucker for pain because listening to it DESTROYED ME!
I WAS NOT PREPARED! SK Pryntz I still said some not nice things to you at the end of that book. 😂 This book is dark and heavy, please please check all triggers and warnings. It is not for the faint of heart. This author has a way of writing that will suck you in, make you fall in love with the characters and stories, but gut you and rip your heart out. And I keep coming back for more.
ⓝⓐⓡⓡⓐⓣⓞⓡ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
Vincent and Gypsy NAILED this audiobook! I listened to this book non stop without a break, I was hooked. They captured these characters perfectly. I felt their pain, their love, and the devastation of it all. Both of them did such an amazing job, I can’t praise them enough!
Ronan and Elias struggled with doing what their heart wanted and what their beliefs were. The two had a connection since they were younger boys. They lived in a world where it wasn’t easy for them to love one another openly. Elias turned to faith and became a man of God. He thought getting closer to God and putting Ronan out of his mind would make it all go away, but when Ronan shows back up in his life, all the emotions come flooding back. He is now torn to his tie to the church and the way his heart is tied to Ronan.
I was so mad at Elias for not making the decision his heart and his body wanted, but also understood. I just wanted the two to be able to love each other openly and be together if that is what they wanted. The two had been through enough, they deserved their HEA.
This is one of those books that you won’t ever be able to forget. It’s so raw and emotional that it’s embedded into your heart and mind. SK does a wonderful job of writing about sensitive subjects of the cruelness that this world if part of. I may not know the same struggles Ronan and Elias faced, but as I read them, I felt them. I cried for them. My heart broke for them. You can’t help but relate to these characters and all the struggles they faced.
Again, PLEASE PLEASE check all warnings! Your mental health matters. 🖤
*********
Updated Review 11/18
I thought my heart was ripped out the first time when I read this book, but apparently I’m a sucker for pain because listening to it DESTROYED ME!
I WAS NOT PREPARED! SK Pryntz I still said some not nice things to you at the end of that book. 😂 This book is dark and heavy, please please check all triggers and warnings. It is not for the faint of heart. This author has a way of writing that will suck you in, make you fall in love with the characters and stories, but gut you and rip your heart out. And I keep coming back for more.
ⓝⓐⓡⓡⓐⓣⓞⓡ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
Vincent and Gypsy NAILED this audiobook! I listened to this book non stop without a break, I was hooked. They captured these characters perfectly. I felt their pain, their love, and the devastation of it all. Both of them did such an amazing job, I can’t praise them enough!
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