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Everyone knows you don't date your best friend's son. Right?

Scott

I would never do something like that…

But when my best friend asks me if his son could stay for a few weeks until he got on his feet, the plan wasn’t to fall for him.

I know I should stay away from Elliot. He's half my age and I’m not even sure he’s gay.

But no matter how hard I try, all I can think about is making Elliot mine.

Elliot

I've known Scott all my life. He's been there for me and my dad countless times.

So why do I suddenly have such a huge crush on him?

Seeing him after my years away in college has changed everything. I can't stop looking at him. I can't stop thinking about him. His whole vibe screams Daddy and I'm officially confused.

Am I falling in love with my dad's best friend?

Forbidden has little to no angst, and lots of fluff! There is no cheating, and definitely a HEA! This a short and sweet read with no angst.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2020

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201 people want to read

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Skyler Snow

63 books1,290 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,885 reviews99 followers
December 17, 2021
It was an good book. Even with the Daddy crap(which I hate). That didn’t start till late in the book so I mostly ignored it. If you’re into the Daddy kink it’s a four star book. If not, it’s still a pretty good read.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2020
A super light story with very mild Daddy boy dynamic and some light spanking.
I’m not sure about the title. Elliot is 24 so what’s forbidden here, starting a relationship with the son of a lifetime friend who you didn’t see in ages... It didn’t felt forbidden.
While the content is attractive and nicely thought out, an artistic guy living temporarily with his father’s friend, I couldn’t fully connect.
The characters were kind, there was no angst, more a sweet romantic story.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,065 reviews516 followers
July 16, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars


I am such a huge fan of May/December stories, and if there’s even a hint of a Daddy/boy dynamic, I’ll jump on it. This is why I chose Forbidden. I’m going to say I had some mixed feelings about it. I liked both men. Elliot is adorable…blushing whenever he thinks about Scott, talks about Scott, is around Scott, and kissing Scott. Elliot has some friends and they all work together. That was great, but I admit to kind of disliking Elliot’s friend, Tom. He was very pushy…asking WAY too many personal questions. I’m sure this particular attitude will be explained further, and it looks like he’ll be getting his own story soon. Other than that, I found Elliot to be cute and sweet and just a generally great guy.

Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for Anna.
2,011 reviews357 followers
April 20, 2021
This book is a hot ass mess. It started off really promising and there was a lot of details and character development, but it went downhill very quickly as soon as things got physical.

So Elliot moves to LA and he stays with his dad's best friend until he can save up enough money for his own apartment. that dynamic in and of itself was a little bit weird to me, especially because Scott, the best friend, hadn't seen his best friend, Jack Elliot's dad, in years. in whatever I understand online friendships are valid and a thing and super freaking rad, but this just felt so distant to me. So anyway he moves in and Elliot thinks he's straight. He isn't in a relationship with anyone and isn't interested in anyone but he even says the words I'm straight. Scott on the other hand is gay but he is closeted. His best friend doesn't know he's gay even though apparently there's an unspoken thing between them they just don't talk about it. Again super fucking weird. So when Elliot drunkenly kisses Scott one night all the sudden they're like in a relationship. And a kinky relationship at that. There's like a couple days that go by before they actually talk about the kiss but as soon as they have that one simple conversation about hey I am actually attracted to you, they're in this daddy/boy dynamic with kinky sex but they never talked about any of it. It felt like we were missing multiple chapters. As if they kissed and now everything's great and we're just supposed to buy that.

Then comes the fact that Elliot is super close with his dad. Like "I'm going to text you the license plate of the taxi driver" close. And "you didn't call me in 2 days you just texted what's up" close. Like there's no way that a father and son whose relationship is that close and strong would just not talk to each other for months as the book makes it seem like. And also had Elliot not picked up the phone when his dad called or something his dad would have called Scott. I just, this felt super rushed and underdeveloped and it had the potential to be a decent book but the way that it is is just a hot mess.

Then we could talk about the sexual aspect. So not only does Elliot not realize that he's into dudes until he starts live with Scott but he's a virgin. And I am the first person to call out virgin shaming and I totally think that sexuality can be fluid, but it felt unresponsible to skip a conversation about safe words, and limits with someone so inexperienced especially because of the power dynamic between Elliot and Scott with their age difference. Scott is into some kinky shit, spanking and rough play not to mention that daddy thing, and all of that needed to be discussed because you cannot go into a BDSM relationship like that without having open and honest conversations. To portray that in a romance book is unresponsible.

So anyway the first third of this book is fine whatever, but it goes downhill very quickly and my dumbass is probably still going to read the second one because I'm kind of curious if they're going to fix any other mistakes but my expectations are low.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sara.
81 reviews
didnt-finish
August 26, 2020
I don’t get covers like this. One character is described as a big, 48-year-old lumberjack with black hair and beard. The other is slender, borderline thin, with curly hair. So who’s the blond jock on the cover?
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,681 reviews52 followers
July 15, 2020
Forbidden is the first book in the Strictly of Limits serie by Skyler Snow and Rheland Richmond. This was my first book by these athors and I really liked. This is an age gap, fathers best friend story with very light Daddy kink. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews17 followers
July 15, 2020
This was a nice story. Elliot has felt unsettled for awhile and staying with Scott helps him to feel grounded after he made the plunge to move to LA but it’s more than that. They hadn’t seen each other in years, so there is always that getting to know someone again phase and now they are getting know each other as adults without Elliot’s dad around. I loved the care that Scott had for Elliot and how well they clicked. I really look forward to the next book to see what happens when Elliot’s dad comes for a visit.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
963 reviews8 followers
July 7, 2020
When love comes to LA

Move to LA ✔️
Get a job you love✔️
Move in with your dad's best friend and long time family friend✔️
Find your Daddy✔️✔️✔️

After moving to LA at 24 Elliot is ready to start his life that may just start with his wondering eyes that he can't tear away from Scott his dad's best friend who he's staying with.

This book has many good aspects the may/December romance and the daddy/boy relationship. I enjoyed watching the characters navigate their feelings on their sexuality. One who is gay but not out and proud and another who doesn't think he is gay. I would have liked to see more development of their daddy boy relationship. Developing that relationship is part of the fun of reading a daddy boy book. But once it did get into their roles I really enjoyed it as Elliot and Scott got to explore.

I'm interested to see what will happen with the dad when he stops by LA.
185 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2020
Good start, but a little rushed

I love the "my dad's best friend" trope, so I knew I'd like this story. I enjoyed watching Elliot and Scott fall in love, but some of it was a little rushed. They have a slightly unconventional relationship. It would be normal to see a show progression towards that, but the author skips the first few weeks for their romantic relationship, which makes it feel a bit rushed.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Enirehtak  Melas.
744 reviews34 followers
July 7, 2020
The story is told in dual point of views, apart from one instance near the end of the book. It features a Daddy/Boy dynamic but it's pretty light compared to other ones that I have read. I much prefer the light ones, to be honest, and with the kink factor not being that heavy was a plus for me.

Moving on to the main characters and the premise of their story, Elliot is in his early 20's, and he is moving to a new city for his new job as a Digital Artist. He ends up moving in with his father's friend Scott, who is 48. During his new living arrangements, Elliot starts to have feelings for Scott that he never experienced with another man before. Whereas Scott, who is gay but both Elliot and his father are not fully aware of his sexuality, has been struggling with his own attraction to Elliot as well.

Now, Scott is a "Daddy" (not be mistaken with the parental sort of Daddy") and Elliot is not well versed in that dynamic in a relationship. So exploring his sexuality and this new Daddy/Boy relationship is a lot. Personally, I think there could have been a bit more dialogue about what that dynamic would entail because it felt like Elliot and Scott just jumped right into without much educational input for Elliot. Just to establish healthy boundaries, I think this could have warranted for that. So, for me I had to take off one star for that.

I also did not care for that bit of revelation from Elliot's father and for the sake of not spoiling the book, I won't go further into detail with what that revelation exactly is. I just felt that is was unnecessary, although I hope that was just him being confused, otherwise that is incredibly awkward considering everything.

*SPOILER*

For the most part I did enjoy this book, and I am interested in the next installment. I do hope "Fragile" , which I believe to be the title of the next book in the series, will feature Elliot's father finding his own happiness.

*I was given an ARC of the title, but I have provided a fully honest review of the book*
Profile Image for Mikki James - Peters .
196 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2020
Elliot just got a new job in LA - a recent college grad, now on his own and moving across the country leaves him a little apprehensive. However, his dad, Jack has a best friend, Scott who has agreed to let Elliot stay with him for a few weeks to get used to the area. As a 24-year-old Elliot hasn't had a lot of experience with relationships. Most of his collegiate career was spent working on his degree and doing what he does best- art. Scott is 48 and has travled much during his life, not really intent on settling down until a couple years ago. Now he owns his own gym and is a personal trainer. He also happens to be gay, but hasn't come out to all his friends - including Jack. What Scott doesn't expect though is Elliot to hit everyone of his buttons and it seem that the attraction between them may not be one-sided. Can Jack pursue a relationship with his best friend's son? Is Elliot ready and willing to date a man? I guess only time will tell...

This was a short novella that had some light Daddy/boy elements. This novel is met to be a light and easy read. It is sweet and includes the best friend's son trope. The only thing I would have liked to see is more communication between Scott and Elliot. Scott is a Daddy and when they do engage in something more they never have a conversation about Elliot being a boy, it just kind of happens. For someone that hasn't been in this scene before I think a conversation is warranted and this leaves something to be desired. Otherwise I think that the chemistry was very hot between the two men and it makes me eager to read the next novel. I'm very intrigued to know who is going to set Jack's heart beating!

I received an advanced copy of this novel for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
July 16, 2020
Forbidden, the first book in the Strictly Off Limits series, is an enjoyable read by Skyler Snow and Rheland Richmond.

If you enjoy age gap romances, you will love this father's best friend story. Elliott is off to stay with his father's friend, Scott, as his new job is nearby. Cue the fun, as the attraction is instant. I like that their attraction is new, despite having known one another for years. Elliott has grown up, allowing Scott to see him as the man he now is, and Elliott is suddenly seeing Scott from new eyes.

Their story is full of intense want. And of course, the forbidden aspect is always there. They don't jump right into bed, instead developing this new part of their friendship first and working out their feelings.

This story includes some Daddy play, but nothing heavy. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but I just went with it, since Scott screams Daddy. Their story also includes some pleasurable sexual exploration, as Scott teaches the young Elliott some things.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is able to get into the mindset of both men. The characters are both charming, their chemistry is strong, and they make for a fabulous couple. The tension between the two jumps off the pages, and the reader will fall in love with this couple.

If you are looking for a serious forbidden element however, this book isn't for you. The forbidden aspect is certainly present, but it's a surprisingly low angst read.

Forbidden is a fabulous May to December romance. The authors excel in developing this forbidden romance into a riveting tale. It's perfect when you're in the mood for something light and fluffy. As for now, I am excited to see what comes next in this series.
514 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2020
Forbidden is a low-angst May/December “romance” with some Daddy kink. This is book one in the Strictly Off-Limits series, but ironically, the story does not convey any true feeling that the relationship between 48-year-old Scott and Elliot, the 24-year-old son of Scott’s best friend, is actually prohibited. Sure, there’s recurring concern expressed by Scott and internal warning off of his feelings for Elliot, ostensibly because it would be a betrayal of his best friend’s trust. That concern doesn’t really hold up though once Elliot shows the slightest interest. Jack, Elliot’s Dad/Scott’s best friend, apparently is not all that forbidding, and the relationship really doesn’t seem forbidden at all.

Notwithstanding the disconnect between the plot and the title, it is an easy, quick, fun read with likeable MCs and some interesting supporting cast, albeit absent much in the way of character development or opportunity for emotional attachment between the reader and MCs. The plot makes abrupt transitions at times - for example, the Daddy/boy aspect of the relationship doesn’t progress so much as a metaphorical switch flips and it goes from one type of relationship to the other within the span of a page. It seems like there was a squandered opportunity here because the pacing was rushed; maybe the development will happen as part of the next book, which is focused on Jack.

Not all books have to be deep, slow-moving, angst filled stories, and this one isn’t that at all. It would be unfair to judge it on that standard because it’s like comparing apples to oranges. The comments here are an attempt to let the reader know what they’re getting, because with the right expectations, this might be 5-stars in your book (pun intended). Indeed, if you are looking for a fun read with some hot, lightly kinky sex, you’ll enjoy this. But if you’re looking for a deeper read with slower development and non-linear plot, you won’t find that here.

This review is provided based on receipt of an ARC, but is voluntarily provided and reflects my honest views and opinions on the book.
Profile Image for Reed.
1,203 reviews21 followers
July 5, 2020
This story held my attention from the start. Elliot seems to be a somewhat immature guy who has just graduated and is starting a new job away from his home. His dad who is protective sets it up for Elliot to stay with his friend Scott until he starts his job and is able to get his own place. Scott for all his experience appears somewhat reserved and secretive about his preferences. The attraction between these two, after not seeing each other for years, is instant. The getting them both to admit those feelings is entertaining. Drinking seems to help bring out what neither can say. This is a daddy story. It is entertaining and the sex between them is hot. The only problem I had with the book is with Elliot’s dad Jack being so willing to accept the relationship. I feel it is human nature to have a little harder time with it if you are protective like Jack is. I enjoyed how opposite these two are. Scott a exercise lover and Elliot not so much. Elliot a artist…..Scott not so much. I am anxious to read the next book in the series about Jack, Elliott’s dad. I was given a free copy from Gay Romance Review and this is a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,697 reviews28 followers
July 15, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Scott and Elliot. When Scott's friend Jack asks if his son Elliot can stay with him when he moves to LA for a new job, Scott is looking forward to seeing Elliot again, but he was not expecting Elliot to be so handsome. Scott is gay, but he is not very open with it, he never mentions it and has never had a relationship. Scott is finding it hard to ignore his feelings for Elliot and wishes he could claim him as his own, but there is a big age difference and he is not even sure if Elliot is gay. Elliot never thought he was attracted to men, but he finds he likes being around Scott and having Scott care for him. When Elliot had too much to drink one night, he kissed Scott and now he has to face him and talk about what he wants. I enjoyed this book. I liked Scott and thought he was like a big teddy bear. Scott cared for Elliot and loved taking care of him. I think Elliot felt loved and cherished by Scott. I think they were great together. I love how Scott wanted to do things Elliot was interested in with his art. They were sweet together. I want to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,883 reviews46 followers
January 15, 2023
When Scott's best friend asks him if his son can stay for a few weeks until he is on his feet he was happy to see Elliot and catch up with him. He knows he needs to stay on his best behaviour as Elliot is half his age and straight but all he can think of is making him his. Elliot has known Scott for all of his life and he has been there for both him and his Dad countless times. But when he goes to stay he finds he has a massive crush on him, can't stop looking at him, and he screams Daddy at him. I he falling in love with his Dad's best friend?

I loved the longing on both sides before alcohol got the better of them and the first step was taken. Their angst at telling Elliot's Dad about their relationship was sweet and I loved that they focused on friendship and communication before moving to a full physical relationship. They were so happy and I was thrilled that the reveal of their relationship was not as tragic as it could have been - a testament to the relationship that both had with Elliot's Dad. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is a story containing MM mature content into a light BSDM-like DDLB relationship which a sweet HEA.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,524 reviews46 followers
July 12, 2020
Forbidden is a sweet and easy to live romance full of a lot of tropes including age-gap, dad's best friend/best friend's son, Daddy/boy, virgin.
Scott is perfect Daddy material, so caring and in need of someone to shower with affection. He's got a lumberjack look but his work as a personal trainer means he can easily keep up with a younger guy. Enter Elliot, his friend's son who will be staying with him as he settles into life in LA and his new job. Neither can deny their attraction but Elliott has never felt this way towards a man before. He has a great group of friends, especially Tom who he can talk through things with.
I love that they take time before anything happens and a relationship develops,easing into anything physical. Again Scott showing care as it's all new for Elliott and they savour the experiences together. We are also left with a tantalising glimpse of the next book! Definitely a recommended read, I really enjoyed the story overall and there are a lot of possibilities left for other characters in the future.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Tammy Jones.
803 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2020
This book was very sweet. Elliot is a 24 year old graphic artist that is moving to the city and needs a place to stay while he gets himself situated. Scott has known Elliot forever because he is best friends with Elliot's father. Scott is 48 years old and owns/operates his own gym. Elliot is drawn to Scott....he wants to sketch him, kiss him, lick him, and many other naughty thoughts but that is just wrong....right?? Scott wants to take care of Elliot in all ways, and also wouldn't mind spanking him a time or two, but Elliot should be off limits...MUST be off limits....but he's almost obsessed with thoughts of having him anyway. Could this attraction ever go anywhere? Do they both want what the other has to offer? This book was a slow burn that ended up HOT! Looking forward to the follow up book.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,068 reviews65 followers
August 8, 2020
3.5 stars. A great name for the book as Scott struggled with his feeling for Elliott his freinds son. A new sexual awakening story as scenes has freeked out Elliott. Freindship with Tom was there to help Elliott especially Tom. This ending is a HFN with things a little up in the air with regards to Jake and continues with the next book in the series.
• Daddy and Boy
• light angst
• fast attractions
• straight to finding a new sexual awareness,
• secreted gay, and inner thoughts of each character POV.
An okay book overall, I didnt connect with the charactors. A smooth storyline without much drama, I loved the angst in this and the sexy scenes. I felt the book could have been better if it was longer with missing pieces included for Elliott and Scott relationship.
Elliot 24 yrs was staying at his fathers freind, Scotts 48 yrs place finding his feet in NY city.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
July 10, 2020
This book started off slow for me, although it seemed the first time Scott sees Elliot after years is a bit of an earth-shaking moment for him. Elliot has moved across the country and is living with his dad's best friend so he can start a new job and get his feet under him. While Scott's attraction to the younger man is instant, Elliot slowly starts to realize his for Scott and the story gets interesting. While I did enjoy the story for the most part, I thought there was a huge lack of communication between them, especially from Scott, being the older and more experienced of the two. And while it was fine in the beginning, it started to irk me by the end. A good premise, but ultimately the follow through left me wanting.
Profile Image for Iman (hiatus).
726 reviews260 followers
October 3, 2021
2.5 stars

I’ve read lots of forbidden romance before, but this one is just not for me.

I really like the idea of the whole book. Age gap, best friend’s son—all kinky and risky (yeah, you get it) but I don’t enjoy it.

I just don’t get it. On one page, Elliot sees Scott as a normal person, and on the next chapter, all of a sudden, he’s obsessed with him. Like where’s the story’s development?

And there were a LOT of repetitive sentence/description that annoys me.

I’ve had mixed feelings too, and I hate it😩

SPOILER. SPOILER. SPOILER.

The sneak peak of the next book made me hate this book even more. Elliot’s dad had a “long-dead crush” on Scott? Wtf. That made me question a lot of things.
Profile Image for Bianca.
964 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2020
Oh my god that was a sweet one. What do you do when you realise you have feelings for your best friend son? You try to resist. But when you see the said son also has feelings for you and your friends encourage you? Well you give it a shot and hope for the best.
They are do adorable together and the way they explore their connection and start to trust in each other is heart warming.
It was sweet and funny and exciting to see their story unfold and their journey to happiness. The way his dad reacted was unique and I really can't wait to read his story.
Profile Image for Aimee .
1,173 reviews12 followers
July 9, 2020
I love a good daddy/boy story and Elliot and Scott were hot together!! However, I felt the story was missing pieces and it was a little rushed. Elliot was just starting to explore his sexuality and there were no talks about it and Scott seemed a bit rough with him the first time. The story was sweet and I can see how the title played into it because Elliot was Scott’s best friend’s son but there wasn’t angst and it all turned out okay. I liked seeing the first chapter to Jake’s story at the end and I’m looking forward to seeing him get his HEA as well.
379 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2020
This book was really sweet. Elliot and Scott were really amusing in their tiptoeing around the whole attracted to each other thing. I loved the dynamic that flowed between the two of them. I think that the "Daddy" thing was thrown in weirdly since there was no talking about it and all of a sudden Elliot was calling Scott "Daddy," though I do love that dynamic of their relationship. The scenes have a great slow build in their intensity. This book definitely lived up to my expectations of a Skyler Snow/Rheland Richmond book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
July 13, 2020
Elliot just graduated from college and got a job in California. He is staying with Scott, who is Elliot’s dad’s best friend. Elliot is an artsy, shy young man. Scott is kind of closeted, he is out but does not broadcast it. They both start crushing on each other without the other realizing they like each other. One-night Elliot kisses Scott. This was a light Daddy/boy kink story. It was good, kept me interested.

I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,236 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2020
Scott and Elliott

I really enjoyed this story however I was a bit confused with both Scott and Elliott throughout the first half of the book. Obviously this was their love story but both Scott and Elliott struggled and without a lot of background for either man I cringed with some of their misunderstandings with each other. The story did play out well though and they got a happily ever after or at least a happily for now as their relationship was pretty new at the close of their story. It will be interesting to see how the next story plays out in the series.
Profile Image for Rachel Magadan.
159 reviews
July 3, 2020
Dads best friend!

I really liked this, but under like it could be longer. Right when things get going it just kinda ends. You get to see part Elliots dads reaction in the sneak leak of the next book. So it looks like we will get how that works out in the next book just it’s Jacks POV, which I’m excited for his story. Over all it was a sweet sort read, only complaint is I wish it was longer and we got a little more of Elliot and Scott together.
Profile Image for AL.
1,718 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2020
This story has so much going for it! We meet two bvry interesting, very different guys with a heck of an age gap between them and plenty of history. The personalities the authors created were really well construed and the feelings between them held the tension tight! I can’t help but feel the story would be so much richer and complete, had it been longer and delved deeper, but it was a very pleasant and engaging read nevertheless!
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