Twin Effect

by Ann Somerville

Dylan Gallaher is a biomechanical engineer specialising in artificial limbs - something in which he has a personal interest after losing his right hand in a motorbike accident years ago. He has a great career, a new job, and wonderful opportunities. But he's also lonely and feeling disconnected from his loved ones in a new town.

That's why when Max Symonds crashes into his life, Dylan welcomes the distraction. Max is fun loving, artistic and devoted to his twin brother, Toby. He thinks Dylan is attractive, and Dylan finds it hard to resist his persistent advances.

But Max is unaware of the dark secret behind his relationship with his brother, and Dylan must help them accommodate a strange new reality, while trying not to lose his heart in the process.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal

ebook

First published April 6, 2013

About the author

Ann Somerville grew up in one of Australia’s prettiest small cities. In 1989, she left Australia with a BA and a burning ambition to see more of the world and its people, and to discover this ‘culture’ thing people kept telling her about. In 2006, she returned home to Southeast Queensland with two more degrees (this time in science and IT), an English husband and a staggering case of homesickness, vowing never to leave Australia again.

Her long, plot-driven fiction featuring gay and bisexual characters has been published by Samhain Publishing and elsewhere.

Reviews

[A.B. Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this until the end. All of a sudden, the major problem was solved off screen. The twins had somehow worked out how to communicate. Then all of a sudden Troy loved Dylan.

While both these things might have worked eventually, I would have preferred to see this linking coming because of Dylan.

This is one of those books where I would have loved to rewrite the ending. I would have had Dyland and Mike have full on sex (with Troy's permission) and through that, Troy learning more about Dylan and developing stronger affection and eventually love for him.

But that ability to communicate might never need to actually happen. Dylan could be the conduit and they could accept that.

But that wasn't the book the author wrote, and it was the too easy ending after such a great build up that prevented me from giving it the full 5 stars.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting read. And it makes you think. While I would of liked more I think the author leaving it not as clear do we could make our own reasons was a good idea. Though I’d like to know what they thought as well lol.

[Dumbledore11214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow ok, overall I really enjoyed this story - I usually really enjoy this author's writing , so few times when I was not enamored of her stories it was because I was not happy with a plot turn or characterization. Her writing always works for me. I loved the characters here - Dylan and Max and Toby, so I was bound to like the story a lot. The theme of loosing a part of oneself, grieving , adjusting to change is one of the main themes in this story, or at least I thought so. I also thought that it was an interesting parallel with how Dylan and Max and Toby deal with such adjustments. I am hiding this review because even though I do not think that I am putting any specific spoilers in it, I want to say that there is a strong paranormal element in this story - it is not just a contemporary novella. For me it worked very well but if you do not like paranormal beware.

I also thought that the ending was while a little wierd at the same time was deeply satisfying and something which I wished would happen in some stories with a similar trope ( very broad statement that is- the story does not copy anything , but of course there are some broad familiar tropes) .

However ending is one area where I feel I can say that I was not completely happy - in a sense that I wanted it to be longer. I mean as I said it was satisfying but during the whole story there was no romance - only a beginning of one. I mean sure the guys are attracted to each other, but most of the book space is spent on them trying to deal with a serious issue . It was integral and necessary to the story, but I wanted to spend more time with them being happy . And besides short ending the story did not exactly offer me that I felt.

[Lorraine]

I am not quite sure what to make of this book, it is the first book by this author that I have read, and I was intrigued by the concept of the book. Dylan is new to the area, and feeling sorry for himself after his son and his son's Mother have emigrated to Australia. He is also still dealing with having a prosthetic hand and injuries to his spine after being involved in a motorbike accident.
One night, he takes himself to the pub where he meets Max, who has a twin Toby. But to Dylan's confusion, Toby denies having a twin explaining that Max is dead. Dylan is totally confused and it takes a few weeks to resolve the situation.
The author's obvious attention to detail and research about the various situations described was really good, but the ending was just a bit too rushed for me. It was no wonder that Dylan wasn't sure the situation had resolved itself, as I, as the reader was left a bit confused. Another 1000 words or so, to explain a little more would have been good, but I will look up other books by this author.

[Ilona Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unusual theme to this story and at first I wasn't sure about it at all, especially when the dark secret came out (not putting what it is because I won't spoil it for others) but suffice to say I really liked the solution the author came up with. I liked that the theme of grief and loss was so well handled within the story and will be reading more from this author sooner or later as she writes in a style that I find easy to lose myself in.

[Miche D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot twists, there were so many times I was sure I knew where it was going, only to be proved completely and utterly wrong. Also the good solid writing and character development that I've come to expect from this author was just as relevant as in her previous books.

[Dreamer80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 to 5 stars.
This story was really good and I like to read about the power of pain: how it can really control your life and especially your mind..making you doing things you don't even know about.
Well done, Ann.

[Eisheth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was kind of.... strange. Interesting concept, and it was well written (as Somerville always is,) but it just left something to be desired for me.

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. As usual good from this author, great characters. Love the premise, twins but not.