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Twisted Ties
Not yet published
Expected 22 Jun 26Secrets. Lies. Betrayal.
After a hundred years away, Killian was called back to his hometown by a death in the family.
Orphaned by war, he’d been given a new life, a new home, and a new name. He became Killian del a son, a brother…or so he thought. Long years of abuse at the hands of his adopted father ended with Killian being dragged away in chains, marked for execution. Escaping only at the whim of an ambitious young royal who offered him a second chance at life in exchange for a binding vow.
Killian must finally find the courage to face his past and the one he left behind.
Reunited, the two elves, Killian and Kade—brothers in name but not by blood—must learn how their time apart has changed them and tested their bond. Having to navigate the taboos of their relationship and come to terms with what Kade really means to him, Killian risks losing him forever.
Caught between duty to his king and the one he loves, can Killian find it in himself to take that step forward? Or will he be forced to love in secret forever?
A MM fantasy romance with a high-stakes power struggle, deception, deceit, and forbidden love.
After a hundred years away, Killian was called back to his hometown by a death in the family.
Orphaned by war, he’d been given a new life, a new home, and a new name. He became Killian del a son, a brother…or so he thought. Long years of abuse at the hands of his adopted father ended with Killian being dragged away in chains, marked for execution. Escaping only at the whim of an ambitious young royal who offered him a second chance at life in exchange for a binding vow.
Killian must finally find the courage to face his past and the one he left behind.
Reunited, the two elves, Killian and Kade—brothers in name but not by blood—must learn how their time apart has changed them and tested their bond. Having to navigate the taboos of their relationship and come to terms with what Kade really means to him, Killian risks losing him forever.
Caught between duty to his king and the one he loves, can Killian find it in himself to take that step forward? Or will he be forced to love in secret forever?
A MM fantasy romance with a high-stakes power struggle, deception, deceit, and forbidden love.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ - 5/5
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝙏𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙨 by Layla Lore is a taboo M/M fantasy romance. This story follows adopted brothers Killian and Kade del Torau and explores themes that readers may find sensitive, such as violence and grief.
Before we get into my review, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I loved this book so freaking much and I seriously can't wait to see what you have planned for future works!
I am speechless... like genuinely a mess right now. Before picking up this book, I hadn't really read M/M fantasy, so for this book to be my first was honestly perfect. The first night I picked it up, I found myself staying up until 7 a.m. reading one chapter after another. I seriously couldn't get enough; from the storylines to the characters, I was immediately pulled into the world of Netyere.
Killian is loyal and protective to a fault. After being sentenced to execution for killing his adoptive father and then saved by a young royal, Killian takes a vow and is given a second chance. A hundred years later, after being away from his homeland, he returns upon a death in the family—but not without uncertainties. Killian knows that facing his past isn't the only thing he must do; he must also face the elf he can never have, whom he wouldn't hesitate to put his life on the line to protect. As time goes on, the choice between his duty and the man he loves is challenged, and Killian must decide where his loyalties truly lie.
Brothers by name, not blood, Kade and Killian share a deep bond and a strong connection. For as long as Kade has been alive, Killian has been his protector, his other half, and his whole world. When Killian is dragged away and sentenced to execution for killing his abusive father, Kade doesn't expect to ever see him again. So a hundred years later, when Killian shows up for his mother's funeral, it's the last thing he expected. Now that Kade has Killian back, he's unwilling to just let him disappear again. As time passes and the story unfolds, lies, secrets, and betrayals threaten to destroy everything.
Killian and Kade's story was so beautifully tragic. While they had very few spicy scenes, the tension between them made the wait absolutely worth it. Throughout the book, I found myself laughing at the crazy banter between Hokda and Killian, sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation trying to figure out who was scheming, and crying genuine tears by the end. Additionally, Killian's willingness to put everyone he cares about before himself was heartbreaking at times, but it was ultimately something I admired about him. His loyalty was truly unwavering.
Overall, I probably won't ever shut up about this book. I loved the complicated and intense relationship between Kade and Killian, I adored so many of the characters (even the ones with flaws), and I was extremely intrigued by the storyline. If you haven't already, I definitely recommend adding this book to your TBR, fantasy lover or not. This story pulls you in, eats you up, and spits you out wanting more—I know this now from firsthand experience. You can bet my ass that I will be getting a paperback copy as soon as I'm able!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝙏𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙨 by Layla Lore is a taboo M/M fantasy romance. This story follows adopted brothers Killian and Kade del Torau and explores themes that readers may find sensitive, such as violence and grief.
Before we get into my review, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I loved this book so freaking much and I seriously can't wait to see what you have planned for future works!
I am speechless... like genuinely a mess right now. Before picking up this book, I hadn't really read M/M fantasy, so for this book to be my first was honestly perfect. The first night I picked it up, I found myself staying up until 7 a.m. reading one chapter after another. I seriously couldn't get enough; from the storylines to the characters, I was immediately pulled into the world of Netyere.
Killian is loyal and protective to a fault. After being sentenced to execution for killing his adoptive father and then saved by a young royal, Killian takes a vow and is given a second chance. A hundred years later, after being away from his homeland, he returns upon a death in the family—but not without uncertainties. Killian knows that facing his past isn't the only thing he must do; he must also face the elf he can never have, whom he wouldn't hesitate to put his life on the line to protect. As time goes on, the choice between his duty and the man he loves is challenged, and Killian must decide where his loyalties truly lie.
Brothers by name, not blood, Kade and Killian share a deep bond and a strong connection. For as long as Kade has been alive, Killian has been his protector, his other half, and his whole world. When Killian is dragged away and sentenced to execution for killing his abusive father, Kade doesn't expect to ever see him again. So a hundred years later, when Killian shows up for his mother's funeral, it's the last thing he expected. Now that Kade has Killian back, he's unwilling to just let him disappear again. As time passes and the story unfolds, lies, secrets, and betrayals threaten to destroy everything.
Killian and Kade's story was so beautifully tragic. While they had very few spicy scenes, the tension between them made the wait absolutely worth it. Throughout the book, I found myself laughing at the crazy banter between Hokda and Killian, sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation trying to figure out who was scheming, and crying genuine tears by the end. Additionally, Killian's willingness to put everyone he cares about before himself was heartbreaking at times, but it was ultimately something I admired about him. His loyalty was truly unwavering.
Overall, I probably won't ever shut up about this book. I loved the complicated and intense relationship between Kade and Killian, I adored so many of the characters (even the ones with flaws), and I was extremely intrigued by the storyline. If you haven't already, I definitely recommend adding this book to your TBR, fantasy lover or not. This story pulls you in, eats you up, and spits you out wanting more—I know this now from firsthand experience. You can bet my ass that I will be getting a paperback copy as soon as I'm able!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW 4.5 stars✨
okay first off, thank you so much to Layla Lore for allowing me to have an eARC and get this early. i am truly appreciative of the trust put in me to leave an honest review of her work.
i started this book last night after work and had to force myself to put it down to sleep. it kept reeling me in and each time i finished a chapter i kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until i couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. i really enjoyed this book and the characters in it.
killian was such an interesting character, loyal to a fault, and always making sure the ones he cared for and about were protected. even if it meant hurting himself in the process. whether that be physically or emotionally.
but despite all this, he never once wavered. he took everything head on, even when he knew there could be consequences. i loved that about him, and i loved his character growth. the way he finally was able to admit his feelings about things he tried to keep hidden.
kade was a wild card to me. but not in the way you may think. he spoke his mind more freely than killian, although he did know when to keep his feelings and thoughts quiet, albeit it was not easy for him to do. he placed his trust in people he was wary of, because he saw the good in them, or he wanted to. he may have trusted blindly at times, but he did not believe it would cause harm to anyone. i loved that he was so steadfast in the way he felt when it came to the relationship between him and killian. his character and personality is honestly is one that i enjoy seeing in books.
i am excited for this book to be released to the world, so everyone can see killian and kade in all their glory, and also their mistakes. because those are what make them, who they are as well.
okay first off, thank you so much to Layla Lore for allowing me to have an eARC and get this early. i am truly appreciative of the trust put in me to leave an honest review of her work.
i started this book last night after work and had to force myself to put it down to sleep. it kept reeling me in and each time i finished a chapter i kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until i couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. i really enjoyed this book and the characters in it.
killian was such an interesting character, loyal to a fault, and always making sure the ones he cared for and about were protected. even if it meant hurting himself in the process. whether that be physically or emotionally.
but despite all this, he never once wavered. he took everything head on, even when he knew there could be consequences. i loved that about him, and i loved his character growth. the way he finally was able to admit his feelings about things he tried to keep hidden.
kade was a wild card to me. but not in the way you may think. he spoke his mind more freely than killian, although he did know when to keep his feelings and thoughts quiet, albeit it was not easy for him to do. he placed his trust in people he was wary of, because he saw the good in them, or he wanted to. he may have trusted blindly at times, but he did not believe it would cause harm to anyone. i loved that he was so steadfast in the way he felt when it came to the relationship between him and killian. his character and personality is honestly is one that i enjoy seeing in books.
i am excited for this book to be released to the world, so everyone can see killian and kade in all their glory, and also their mistakes. because those are what make them, who they are as well.
Review of advance copy
ARC reader - thanks to the author Layla Lore, and BookSirens for the chance to read!
I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book!
It was fun and engaging, and had such a great variety of characters.
I especially liked Fyar and Hokda, as two great side characters.
The plot was a moving feast, with lots of variety of location and activity, with some clues and hints about the storyline and what was to come given away but not too quickly. The initial set-uo was intriguing, and I had to keep my wits about me to know what was happening - not being spoon-fed all the details is good for us!
The relationship development was on point - it somehow took both a little longer than I expected and yet a little less time than I expected to come to fruition, so, well played, Layla.
Could've been some more spice, but it did work with the storyline as is (that's just my personal preference); the spice that's there is really nicely done, it felt authentic and not cookie-cutter.
Overall, this probably could've been longer, with a little more info added - I would like to see more of Killian's work with the guards, and more of his time with Fyar, as well as more of Kade's healing - what was there was really fun, and we would've had some more depth (and a longer book which I certainly wouldn't be complaining about!).
I'm hoping there's going to be a book 2!
Slightly spoilery:
Kudos for having the guts to have the main character sleep with someone else on the same night he sleeps with his actual love interest for the first time! Bold, but it worked.
I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book!
It was fun and engaging, and had such a great variety of characters.
I especially liked Fyar and Hokda, as two great side characters.
The plot was a moving feast, with lots of variety of location and activity, with some clues and hints about the storyline and what was to come given away but not too quickly. The initial set-uo was intriguing, and I had to keep my wits about me to know what was happening - not being spoon-fed all the details is good for us!
The relationship development was on point - it somehow took both a little longer than I expected and yet a little less time than I expected to come to fruition, so, well played, Layla.
Could've been some more spice, but it did work with the storyline as is (that's just my personal preference); the spice that's there is really nicely done, it felt authentic and not cookie-cutter.
Overall, this probably could've been longer, with a little more info added - I would like to see more of Killian's work with the guards, and more of his time with Fyar, as well as more of Kade's healing - what was there was really fun, and we would've had some more depth (and a longer book which I certainly wouldn't be complaining about!).
I'm hoping there's going to be a book 2!
Slightly spoilery:
Kudos for having the guts to have the main character sleep with someone else on the same night he sleeps with his actual love interest for the first time! Bold, but it worked.
Review of advance copy
I really thoroughly enjoyed this book! While there were a few minor typos and grammar issues along the way, the story itself was incredibly entertaining.
The dynamic is simple but engaging: the king has family drama, his guard has family drama, and the guard’s brother has his own share of family drama. (And don't worry, the guard and his brother aren't blood related, so there's no weirdness there!) While the overarching plot wasn't always clear and I wasn't entirely sure what the end goal was, I ultimately just viewed it as a journey of two people discovering love while navigating a web of family secrets.
A few of the twists were a bit predictable, and there were a couple of plot threads I thought would lead somewhere that ended up being left undeveloped. However, it still made me cry, gasp, and laugh. It gave me everything I wanted in a story without being overly complicated or hard to follow. Plus, I absolutely love books with epilogues, so the sweet little after story was the perfect finishing touch.
If you get the chance, absolutely read this book! I loved it. :)
The dynamic is simple but engaging: the king has family drama, his guard has family drama, and the guard’s brother has his own share of family drama. (And don't worry, the guard and his brother aren't blood related, so there's no weirdness there!) While the overarching plot wasn't always clear and I wasn't entirely sure what the end goal was, I ultimately just viewed it as a journey of two people discovering love while navigating a web of family secrets.
A few of the twists were a bit predictable, and there were a couple of plot threads I thought would lead somewhere that ended up being left undeveloped. However, it still made me cry, gasp, and laugh. It gave me everything I wanted in a story without being overly complicated or hard to follow. Plus, I absolutely love books with epilogues, so the sweet little after story was the perfect finishing touch.
If you get the chance, absolutely read this book! I loved it. :)
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews