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Sibling Rivals
Meeting the family shouldn't be this complicated.
As the designated slacker of the family, Peter Stevens was accustomed to being eclipsed by his "perfect" older brother, Mark. But when Mark came out to their parents one Christmas vacation, it was his turn to be the black sheep.
Even more surreal was Peter's brief encounter with his brother's boyfriend, Colin. The unmistakable sparks between them shook the foundations of his confirmed heterosexuality. Years later, when they meet again as graduate student and professor, that bone-deep attraction is still there.
Thanks to the emotional scars Mark left behind, Colin has had his fill of Stevens men. Having Peter at his university shouldn't be a problem though, as he knows the younger man is straight. But when Colin realizes the electricity sizzles both ways, he can't resist indulging in a passionate affair.
Yet some old flames stubbornly refuse to die. This time, Peter refuses to step aside-and when an emergency brings the family together again, Colin must decide if it's worth the risk to trust another Stevens brother with his heart.
This book contains an adorable professor who gets invited home for a very complicated holiday, a perfect relationship with "Mr. Right," and a dangerous crush on "Mr. Wrong."
As the designated slacker of the family, Peter Stevens was accustomed to being eclipsed by his "perfect" older brother, Mark. But when Mark came out to their parents one Christmas vacation, it was his turn to be the black sheep.
Even more surreal was Peter's brief encounter with his brother's boyfriend, Colin. The unmistakable sparks between them shook the foundations of his confirmed heterosexuality. Years later, when they meet again as graduate student and professor, that bone-deep attraction is still there.
Thanks to the emotional scars Mark left behind, Colin has had his fill of Stevens men. Having Peter at his university shouldn't be a problem though, as he knows the younger man is straight. But when Colin realizes the electricity sizzles both ways, he can't resist indulging in a passionate affair.
Yet some old flames stubbornly refuse to die. This time, Peter refuses to step aside-and when an emergency brings the family together again, Colin must decide if it's worth the risk to trust another Stevens brother with his heart.
This book contains an adorable professor who gets invited home for a very complicated holiday, a perfect relationship with "Mr. Right," and a dangerous crush on "Mr. Wrong."
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Summer Devon
62 books226 followersSummer Devon is the pen name writer Kate Rothwell often uses. Whether the characters are male or female, human or dragon, her books are always romance.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Want to read
August 29, 2013i just got a book boner.
WANT
WANT
October 3, 2013
A knotty love story and a lurvely one.
Peter is rough, ready and bi.
Colin is an English gentleman and gay.
And they have been friends ever since Peter's brother Mark dumped Colin.
And then friendship becomes attraction and attraction becomes love. BUT it is not all plain sailing.
A family crisis occurs and Peter and Mark make the journey home with Colin in tow. And as they travel home long held sibling rivalries ignite. Mark is jealous and wants Colin back. Colin is anxious, Peter is adamant and Peter's father is astounded.
But Peter is just Peter. What does he care?
Peter knows he is bi. So what?
Colin is his brother's ex. So what?
No angst, no stress, no drama full speed ahead regardless. He loves Colin and that's that! Meanwhile Colin is doing enough hand wringing for ten or for two, for the two brothers he is somehow caught between, although he knows he loves Peter.
But, 'Let brotherly love continue.' This is more than just a story about romantic love it is a story about brotherly love, about long held rivalries, about parents who unwittingly made sure those rivalries remained entrenched, and about grief and loss and how these might in their own way provide a bridge and a place to start anew.
I enjoyed this story. It has a humorous and snarky tone and there were places that I laughed out loud but it is also sad in places, dealing with grief, loss and family tensions.
It is refreshing to see all of these different tensions held together and right at the centre find a character who just goes for what he wants without a care in the world and damn the consequences.
Peter acts first and doesn't much worry about later. He only worries about Colin. He knows his brother is his rival but that doesn't worry him because he knows Colin is his. Peter is just so rough and ready but also smart and snarky, and does he get his man? Does he do it?
Oh yes he does!
Odd but quirky characters, sadness and comedy held together, a good story and an engaging one. A lovely read.
Want to read
August 29, 2013Now this has the potential to be a HOT MESS...good thing I love hot messes!!
October 6, 2013
This one started out well for me, and I had high hopes but then it started to drag. I was hoping it would pick up again but sadly for me it didn't, and I ended up not really caring what happened.
Neither Mark, Colin or Peter engaged my heart or even my interest. Mark was pratt and Colin and Peter were both rather bland and forgettable.
Overall despite an engaging start this turned into a typical M/M read.
Maybe a little more than a 2 star but not by much.
Neither Mark, Colin or Peter engaged my heart or even my interest. Mark was pratt and Colin and Peter were both rather bland and forgettable.
Overall despite an engaging start this turned into a typical M/M read.
Maybe a little more than a 2 star but not by much.
January 12, 2014
This is an interesting story that explores a sibling relationship in the context of two men and their relationship with the same man. Colin and Mark have a relationship which ends, however Mark's younger brother, the 'straight' Peter, continues corresponding with Colin over a number of years. Eventually Colin offers Peter a place to stay when he moves to Boston.
Mark and Peter are very different and have grown up in a family where initially, Mark was the prefect 'good' son (I struggled with this as I never really warmed to Mark. Eventually Mark's sexuality had made him an outcast with his mother. Mark is moody and sullen, the opposite of the outgoing and honest Peter.
Peter starts to realise he has an attraction to Colin and doesn't hesitate to act on this. He is honest and funny and the perfect partner for the older, more serious Colin. Peter's sexual exploration is very natural.
When Mark and Peter's mother becomes ill and they need to return home, Mark decides it's time to make a play to win Colin back. It takes separation and a lot of introspection, for all men to come to terms with what they really want.
3.5 stars
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Mark and Peter are very different and have grown up in a family where initially, Mark was the prefect 'good' son (I struggled with this as I never really warmed to Mark. Eventually Mark's sexuality had made him an outcast with his mother. Mark is moody and sullen, the opposite of the outgoing and honest Peter.
Peter starts to realise he has an attraction to Colin and doesn't hesitate to act on this. He is honest and funny and the perfect partner for the older, more serious Colin. Peter's sexual exploration is very natural.
When Mark and Peter's mother becomes ill and they need to return home, Mark decides it's time to make a play to win Colin back. It takes separation and a lot of introspection, for all men to come to terms with what they really want.
3.5 stars
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
April 20, 2016
Ok now I'm going to assume that this is a GR thing because this is the 3rd try at this review as the window keeps disappearing on me. So my full review will be over on Booklikes as soon as I quite being annoyed at the fact that I was almost done when I lost the first review, thanks GR.
October 5, 2013
2.5 ROUNDED UP TO 3 STARS FOR ME
READING TO ME IS FEELING I NEED TO FEEL THE EMOTIONS BURNING UP THE PAGES OR IN MY CASE BURING MY HANDS ON MY EREADER... I DIDN'T FEEL THAT WITH THIS BOOK
THE STORY LINE~ GOOD CONCEPT BUT I COULDN'T GET ATTACHED TO EITHER OF THESE GUYS CAUSE IT WAS ALL JUST SORT OF.... FLUFFY
I'VE ROUNDED UP TO 3 BECAUSE THE 1ST TIME PETER (PEETAH IN ENGLISH) WAS WITH A MAN WAS FREAKING HOTT! HE TOOK IT ON LIKE.A.CHAMP
THE FACE SCENE~WOWZA
HIS COMPARISONS BETWEEN A WOMAN AND MAN~PRICELESS AND MADE ME GIGGLE
ALL IN ALL, IF YOU LIKE FLUFF, COMING OUT ROMANCES AND RIVALRY BTWN BROTHERS READ THE BOOK
MARE~SLITSREAD
READING TO ME IS FEELING I NEED TO FEEL THE EMOTIONS BURNING UP THE PAGES OR IN MY CASE BURING MY HANDS ON MY EREADER... I DIDN'T FEEL THAT WITH THIS BOOK
THE STORY LINE~ GOOD CONCEPT BUT I COULDN'T GET ATTACHED TO EITHER OF THESE GUYS CAUSE IT WAS ALL JUST SORT OF.... FLUFFY
I'VE ROUNDED UP TO 3 BECAUSE THE 1ST TIME PETER (PEETAH IN ENGLISH) WAS WITH A MAN WAS FREAKING HOTT! HE TOOK IT ON LIKE.A.CHAMP
THE FACE SCENE~WOWZA
HIS COMPARISONS BETWEEN A WOMAN AND MAN~PRICELESS AND MADE ME GIGGLE
ALL IN ALL, IF YOU LIKE FLUFF, COMING OUT ROMANCES AND RIVALRY BTWN BROTHERS READ THE BOOK
MARE~SLITSREAD
December 10, 2013
2.5 STARS
It may deserve more. There really wasn't something wrong with this book.
But I'm giving it 2 stars because it was totally forgettable. At the beginning it had potential. But as it progressed it was just blah, surprisingly it didn't get boring, just completely normal and I couldn't get attached to the characters, I could care less about what happened to them.
Completely bland and forgettable pretty much sums it up.
It may deserve more. There really wasn't something wrong with this book.
But I'm giving it 2 stars because it was totally forgettable. At the beginning it had potential. But as it progressed it was just blah, surprisingly it didn't get boring, just completely normal and I couldn't get attached to the characters, I could care less about what happened to them.
Completely bland and forgettable pretty much sums it up.
January 3, 2016
The book was good, but rather forgettable (I was about 25% through this book when I realized that I had read it before!) Liked the plot, liked the character of Peter, quick read.
March 30, 2018
I generally like Summer Devon books, but this one didn't do it for me. I think the problem was that there were too many people running around being assholes to each other for too much of the book. Whether it was Mark being as asshole to Collin or Mark and Peter's parents being assholes to, well, basically everyone, the whole thing was pretty depressing. I rather wanted the characters to say, "To hell with this, I'm going to find people who aren't going to be assholes to me, and you can read about my interactions with them." I mean, I understand why that's easier to propose than actually do, but sitting there reading about more homophobia was not my cup of tea.
March 5, 2016
2 stars - I think I have an issue with titles.
The general rating of this book isn't very high but I decided to give it a shot because the summary of the plot make it sound like something I would enjoy a whole lot.
The beginning of the book was pretty good. I liked the first chapter, no bullshit, straight to the point, Peter was a nice character, I liked how he and Collin immediately hit it off even if Peter was still a kid and there shouldn't supposedly be more to it. I'm not sure about how I felt about the instant sexual attraction that Peter felt for Colin; he was already 19, not really a kid, but somehow I was imagining him as one - the little kid with a crush on his brother's boyfriend, so it was a bit weird at the beginning. Also very cliché and with so much potential.
Considering the title of this book and the summary, the story should have been about the rivalry between Peter and Mark, but during the whole book this vaunted rivalry amounted to close to nothing. I was expecting Mark to be around more, to discover more about him, start liking him. The point of it should have been liking both Mark and Peter, not being sure which of the two was the best choice, have them on an equal ground with Colin for a while before ultimately make him choose. I was expecting that. We didn't get it.
Mark had no possibilities from the very start of this book, he was there only to... I don't even know, be the asshole brother? He started as a flat character and stayed a flat character throughout the book, even when he supposedly changed, because we never got to know his real feelings about his changing.
Colin never really thought about going back with him. On one side I'm glad he didn't, because I didn't like Mark in the slightest, on the other side I feel like something didn't go right in the book, because wasn't I supposed to have feelings for Mark too? Then again, someone could argue that the rivalry that the book speaks of wasn't about Colin, that it was simply in their family dynamic, and we did get it there, but since both brothers wanted Colin it felt like it wasn't enough. There's no rivalry when the two parts aren't equals. And that's my major complaint about this book and the reason why I can't give it 3 stars.
The feelings between Peter and Collin developed in a very unclear manner. There was sexual tension between them from the very beginning, so the fact that they indulged in each other was pretty normal, but after that it felt more like they got accustomed to each other, rather than love each other. But okay, I could accept that, the book was short and love comes with time, it was okay.
Mark and Peter's family part was good. I have no complaints there, so really it wasn't bad, it could have just be so much more and compared to the expectation I had it fell a bit short, that's it.
The general rating of this book isn't very high but I decided to give it a shot because the summary of the plot make it sound like something I would enjoy a whole lot.
The beginning of the book was pretty good. I liked the first chapter, no bullshit, straight to the point, Peter was a nice character, I liked how he and Collin immediately hit it off even if Peter was still a kid and there shouldn't supposedly be more to it. I'm not sure about how I felt about the instant sexual attraction that Peter felt for Colin; he was already 19, not really a kid, but somehow I was imagining him as one - the little kid with a crush on his brother's boyfriend, so it was a bit weird at the beginning. Also very cliché and with so much potential.
Considering the title of this book and the summary, the story should have been about the rivalry between Peter and Mark, but during the whole book this vaunted rivalry amounted to close to nothing. I was expecting Mark to be around more, to discover more about him, start liking him. The point of it should have been liking both Mark and Peter, not being sure which of the two was the best choice, have them on an equal ground with Colin for a while before ultimately make him choose. I was expecting that. We didn't get it.
Mark had no possibilities from the very start of this book, he was there only to... I don't even know, be the asshole brother? He started as a flat character and stayed a flat character throughout the book, even when he supposedly changed, because we never got to know his real feelings about his changing.
Colin never really thought about going back with him. On one side I'm glad he didn't, because I didn't like Mark in the slightest, on the other side I feel like something didn't go right in the book, because wasn't I supposed to have feelings for Mark too? Then again, someone could argue that the rivalry that the book speaks of wasn't about Colin, that it was simply in their family dynamic, and we did get it there, but since both brothers wanted Colin it felt like it wasn't enough. There's no rivalry when the two parts aren't equals. And that's my major complaint about this book and the reason why I can't give it 3 stars.
The feelings between Peter and Collin developed in a very unclear manner. There was sexual tension between them from the very beginning, so the fact that they indulged in each other was pretty normal, but after that it felt more like they got accustomed to each other, rather than love each other. But okay, I could accept that, the book was short and love comes with time, it was okay.
Mark and Peter's family part was good. I have no complaints there, so really it wasn't bad, it could have just be so much more and compared to the expectation I had it fell a bit short, that's it.
April 9, 2017
When people talk about a story being ‘organic’ I think this is what they mean. 'Real' is another word. There wouldn’t be a story without conflict and a little bit of drama, however, so I present: I’m not gay but my brother is. Wait, that sounds wrong. I’m not gay, but my brother’s boyfriend is. That’s not it either… Falling in love with one brother after getting over the last one? Two brothers fall in love with the same man?
Peter is used to being overshadowed by his "perfect" brother, and accepts the role as slacker until one Christmas when Mark brings home Colin, his boyfriend. Suddenly Peter's not the black sheep anymore. Years later, Colin and Peter meet again, and though sparks flew once, Colin wants nothing to do with either of the Stevens boys. Especially the one that is straight. I’m not sniggering, nope.
It was well written to boot, did I mention how real— oh. Well, the steamy bits worked really well, they didn’t feel forced in or tacked on at all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, it's as delicious as it sounds.
Peter is used to being overshadowed by his "perfect" brother, and accepts the role as slacker until one Christmas when Mark brings home Colin, his boyfriend. Suddenly Peter's not the black sheep anymore. Years later, Colin and Peter meet again, and though sparks flew once, Colin wants nothing to do with either of the Stevens boys. Especially the one that is straight. I’m not sniggering, nope.
It was well written to boot, did I mention how real— oh. Well, the steamy bits worked really well, they didn’t feel forced in or tacked on at all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, it's as delicious as it sounds.
July 11, 2015
Story ... 4
Love the premise of this book ... man falling for his brother's friend/ex. I think that the specific timeline of events that allowed Peter and Colin to get together worked well. The overall story was cute, had interesting characters and an unexpected villain, and complex kind of redemption when all was said and done.
I liked that there were some original scenes idea, and that the quick tempers didn't drag on. The conflict scenes had some really good dialogue. I think Peter's sexuality and Colin's efforts to resist temptation were both handled very well.
Other stuff ... 2
As much as I liked the plot points in the timeline, implied or otherwise, the beginning was both rushed and too long. To fit everything in the pages allotted, there was more telling than showing. It improved some as the book went along, but still happened enough to water down what was going on. It also allowed for time jumps to move things along, but made for some sudden scene endings/transitions, often combined within the same paragraph.
Overall, the story was enjoyable and I'm glad I read it. Readers looking for more detail might have a few hiccups, but pleasure readers will probably love this book.
Love the premise of this book ... man falling for his brother's friend/ex. I think that the specific timeline of events that allowed Peter and Colin to get together worked well. The overall story was cute, had interesting characters and an unexpected villain, and complex kind of redemption when all was said and done.
I liked that there were some original scenes idea, and that the quick tempers didn't drag on. The conflict scenes had some really good dialogue. I think Peter's sexuality and Colin's efforts to resist temptation were both handled very well.
Other stuff ... 2
As much as I liked the plot points in the timeline, implied or otherwise, the beginning was both rushed and too long. To fit everything in the pages allotted, there was more telling than showing. It improved some as the book went along, but still happened enough to water down what was going on. It also allowed for time jumps to move things along, but made for some sudden scene endings/transitions, often combined within the same paragraph.
Overall, the story was enjoyable and I'm glad I read it. Readers looking for more detail might have a few hiccups, but pleasure readers will probably love this book.
October 3, 2013
Is it realistic for siblings to both be gay? I always think about that.
Mark the older brother, Colin's first Stephen's brother, never redeems himself. He remains a jerk through the whole story. Peter, the keeper, is terrific from the start. His cheerful approach to life, his ability to rise above his own slacker attitude to try to make something of himself is worthy of Colin. I liked that he recognises his attraction to Colin almost immediately and stays in contact.
There are some great funny moments here, some quite poignant ones and some quite frustrating ones. When the two brothers are together, their competitive natures make them unpalatable, and Colin can't be blamed for wanting to be away from them. Far away.
I haven't even touched on Colin. His British-ness, his desire for monogamy, and his amazing work ethic are all easy to mock, and people might see him as weak and easily manipulated, but don't be fooled. He is strong and intractable, and extremely compassionate.
My kindle copy ended at about 90%, so be warned about that.
Quick read, but I really enjoyed this quite thoughtful and sexy book.
Mark the older brother, Colin's first Stephen's brother, never redeems himself. He remains a jerk through the whole story. Peter, the keeper, is terrific from the start. His cheerful approach to life, his ability to rise above his own slacker attitude to try to make something of himself is worthy of Colin. I liked that he recognises his attraction to Colin almost immediately and stays in contact.
There are some great funny moments here, some quite poignant ones and some quite frustrating ones. When the two brothers are together, their competitive natures make them unpalatable, and Colin can't be blamed for wanting to be away from them. Far away.
I haven't even touched on Colin. His British-ness, his desire for monogamy, and his amazing work ethic are all easy to mock, and people might see him as weak and easily manipulated, but don't be fooled. He is strong and intractable, and extremely compassionate.
My kindle copy ended at about 90%, so be warned about that.
Quick read, but I really enjoyed this quite thoughtful and sexy book.
May 27, 2016
I see where the title came from since there ends up being a lit going on. After an intro to Mark and Collin that follows a breakup very fast, there's few.. cough cough.. FEW not like SEVERAL that seemed implied to me.. years that pass.
Before moving onto the time jump... [The unmistakable sparks between them shook the foundations of his confirmed heterosexuality] WTF? There was NO spark.. Peter tried to make Collin feel better but that was it.
Time forward.. 2 years is a short time to get over someone.. especially since Collin was pushing Mark hard to get back together. A bigger gap would have felt better to me. Although Peter and Collin are very different, I liked the two of them together. IT felt like they brought out the best in each other.
Tragedy...The way Mark, peter and collin react.. Mark who cant seem to make up his mind what he really wants.. but the other two were confusing. Collin feels like a tag toy and leaves but then cant decide if he made the right choice, it's over with Peter, then no I overreacted etc. Peter appears to blow Collin off and then tells himself this is what he wants.
Basically it was an ok read. 2.5
Before moving onto the time jump... [The unmistakable sparks between them shook the foundations of his confirmed heterosexuality] WTF? There was NO spark.. Peter tried to make Collin feel better but that was it.
Time forward.. 2 years is a short time to get over someone.. especially since Collin was pushing Mark hard to get back together. A bigger gap would have felt better to me. Although Peter and Collin are very different, I liked the two of them together. IT felt like they brought out the best in each other.
Tragedy...The way Mark, peter and collin react.. Mark who cant seem to make up his mind what he really wants.. but the other two were confusing. Collin feels like a tag toy and leaves but then cant decide if he made the right choice, it's over with Peter, then no I overreacted etc. Peter appears to blow Collin off and then tells himself this is what he wants.
Basically it was an ok read. 2.5
February 1, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and while it may not exactly deserve such a high rating stylistically or even technically, the characters were likable and engaging, the romance was sweet, and there was a minimum of wangsty idiocy that I respect.
Read
July 29, 2013I had a hard time with this one. I'm afraid it is going to be a low rating...
Review coming 9/27 to The Armchair Reader.
Review coming 9/27 to The Armchair Reader.
kindled
October 2, 2013nom nom
cover = yummy
cover = yummy
May 12, 2017
This isn't a book that I will probably remember a month from now but it was an enjoyable light read. When I read the blurb I figured this would be a angst filled read but much of the book centered on Collin and Peter's relationship. With Peter's laid back personality and Collin going with the flow they made a fairly entertaining light relationship. With the book being fairly short there wasn't time to dwell on the various roadblock and reasons they shouldn't be together.
June 12, 2017
I liked this book. I did not love it. I wish it could have been longer story. Also toward the end of the book it states that Peter needs to grow up and I disagreed with that a little bit. I liked his personality. He was fun and outgoing. He was attending PT school which is not easy to get into. At that point I kind of lost interest, but kept reading to finish the book.
August 8, 2017
Maybe it was a typo or auto-correct of grammar/spelling, but I would like to point out that "taking a piss" is most definitely NOT an English saying. It is "taking the piss", which means having a joke at someone's expense. Anyway, moving on, I failed to see the connection with the MC's in this one. I liked the idea, but Colin and Peter just failed to connect in my opinion
March 16, 2018
I think the best word I have for this is "uneven." It's not that it was bad, or badly written; it just really needed more editing to become good. The bones of it are there, but it fails on the execution.
January 8, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable except for poor layout of script. Double indented paragraphs, occasionally justified margins then standard left margins. It was a constant switching of paragraph layouts. Still enjoyable with the distractions.
November 14, 2017
Collin & Peter
It was quite nice but loaded in angst at some point and although I liked the characters, the building of feelings was not evident to me and I missed some chemistry.
It was quite nice but loaded in angst at some point and although I liked the characters, the building of feelings was not evident to me and I missed some chemistry.
November 19, 2025
it was a good one time read with happy go lucky moments with a bit of expected ending.
October 7, 2013
Sibling Rivals by Summer devon
Favorite Quote: “How did it feel to hold the man he’d loved? Rather suffocating was the answer.
Colin never suspected that when he followed his boyfriend Mark home for the holidays, he would end up alone on Christmas. When Mark Stevens decides to come out of the closet, Mark’s parents kick him and Colin out of their home and that ends their relationship. Colin stays in contact with Peter, Mark’s younger brother, though and ends up offering Peter a place to stay when he begins graduate school.
Peter Stevens has always been a ladies man but even he can’t deny the intense attraction he felt towards Colin when they met two years ago. When he gets a chance to stay with Colin while in school, Peter decides this is the perfect time to test that attraction and see if Colin feels the same.
Colin is attracted to Peter but has misgivings towards starting a relationship with him, especially when Mark comes back into the picture wanting another chance. When tragedy hits, Colin finds himself wondering if the Stevens brothers are worth the risk.
Sibling Rivals is an uncomplicated romantic male/male contemporary by Summer Devon. Sibling rivalry, a faint love triangle, humor, and minimal emotional angst makes for a fast read. Two brothers vie for the love and attention of a college professor who has already been burned by one of them. Mark Stevens, the “good” brother dated Colin in college but couldn’t handle the fallout after he revealed his sexual orientation to his parents. Peter Stevens, the “incorrigible” brother, feels a sexual connection to Colin when they meet but waits until he is out of his parents house to do anything about it.
While one part of me enjoyed the somewhat simplistic straightforward romance, another part of me felt the story’s simplicity is what caused the story to fail in development; both in character and storyline. Told in alternating POVs (Colin and Peter) we are told how the romance evolves and how they are feeling but I never felt any real heat or the passion from any of them. It was if they were just going through the motions. Colin tells Mark he’s not interested anymore but it was polite and non confrontational. As if he was ordering tea. Colin and Peter hook up and while the sexual antics are hot, the chemistry between them screams convenience. Even Mark and Peter’s rivalry doesn’t seem real because we don’t really see actual scenes from the past that support it. Mild teasing but nothing that reflects the accusations Mark makes against Peter. Once again we are told but not shown.
Peter was the most emotional and the best fleshed out of the three. A funny playful young man who acts younger than what he truly is. He’s honest yet there is a lack of cohesiveness. He has an innocence to him that is appealing yet doesn’t seem to mesh well with Colin’s seriousness. Colin is English and seems to be built with the English stereotypical “stiff upper lip.” He’s calm, cool, and collected. I was never able to connect with Mark because he seems more of an annoying plot device than an actual person. He has faint excuses (to Peter) as to why he left Colin originally but explains nothing to Colin. Merely tells him over and over that he misses him and wants him back. He blames Peter because Colin isn’t reciprocating his feelings and we never really learn if he ever gets over the rejection.
The main conflict rears its head and forces both Colin and Peter to look deep inside and do some soul searching. While Colin does, I really don’t see the same from Peter. We do see him mature emotionally when faced with the intractableness of mortality, but I never saw where he had any deep emotional epiphany concerning his relationship with Colin or his own sexuality. Peter’s sexuality is as fluid as water and I found it odd that he never had one single moment of angst or conflict concerning it.
Regardless of my issues with the storyline and characters, Sibling Rivals is a fast read whose bits of humor and heat will make a afternoon fly by fast.
Rating: C-
Favorite Quote: “How did it feel to hold the man he’d loved? Rather suffocating was the answer.
Colin never suspected that when he followed his boyfriend Mark home for the holidays, he would end up alone on Christmas. When Mark Stevens decides to come out of the closet, Mark’s parents kick him and Colin out of their home and that ends their relationship. Colin stays in contact with Peter, Mark’s younger brother, though and ends up offering Peter a place to stay when he begins graduate school.
Peter Stevens has always been a ladies man but even he can’t deny the intense attraction he felt towards Colin when they met two years ago. When he gets a chance to stay with Colin while in school, Peter decides this is the perfect time to test that attraction and see if Colin feels the same.
Colin is attracted to Peter but has misgivings towards starting a relationship with him, especially when Mark comes back into the picture wanting another chance. When tragedy hits, Colin finds himself wondering if the Stevens brothers are worth the risk.
Sibling Rivals is an uncomplicated romantic male/male contemporary by Summer Devon. Sibling rivalry, a faint love triangle, humor, and minimal emotional angst makes for a fast read. Two brothers vie for the love and attention of a college professor who has already been burned by one of them. Mark Stevens, the “good” brother dated Colin in college but couldn’t handle the fallout after he revealed his sexual orientation to his parents. Peter Stevens, the “incorrigible” brother, feels a sexual connection to Colin when they meet but waits until he is out of his parents house to do anything about it.
While one part of me enjoyed the somewhat simplistic straightforward romance, another part of me felt the story’s simplicity is what caused the story to fail in development; both in character and storyline. Told in alternating POVs (Colin and Peter) we are told how the romance evolves and how they are feeling but I never felt any real heat or the passion from any of them. It was if they were just going through the motions. Colin tells Mark he’s not interested anymore but it was polite and non confrontational. As if he was ordering tea. Colin and Peter hook up and while the sexual antics are hot, the chemistry between them screams convenience. Even Mark and Peter’s rivalry doesn’t seem real because we don’t really see actual scenes from the past that support it. Mild teasing but nothing that reflects the accusations Mark makes against Peter. Once again we are told but not shown.
Peter was the most emotional and the best fleshed out of the three. A funny playful young man who acts younger than what he truly is. He’s honest yet there is a lack of cohesiveness. He has an innocence to him that is appealing yet doesn’t seem to mesh well with Colin’s seriousness. Colin is English and seems to be built with the English stereotypical “stiff upper lip.” He’s calm, cool, and collected. I was never able to connect with Mark because he seems more of an annoying plot device than an actual person. He has faint excuses (to Peter) as to why he left Colin originally but explains nothing to Colin. Merely tells him over and over that he misses him and wants him back. He blames Peter because Colin isn’t reciprocating his feelings and we never really learn if he ever gets over the rejection.
The main conflict rears its head and forces both Colin and Peter to look deep inside and do some soul searching. While Colin does, I really don’t see the same from Peter. We do see him mature emotionally when faced with the intractableness of mortality, but I never saw where he had any deep emotional epiphany concerning his relationship with Colin or his own sexuality. Peter’s sexuality is as fluid as water and I found it odd that he never had one single moment of angst or conflict concerning it.
Regardless of my issues with the storyline and characters, Sibling Rivals is a fast read whose bits of humor and heat will make a afternoon fly by fast.
Rating: C-
February 6, 2014
One Christmas Peter Stevens is sitting in his parent's home being lectured about his bad behaviors. This is nothing new to Peter. He is used to being the black sheep of the family.
Relief follows quickly when Peter's "perfect" older brother Mark shows up with his friend Colin in tow.
Without any warning or preamble Mark blurts out that he is gay and that Colin is his boyfriend. The Stevens boy's parents react in anger and outrage due to their religious beliefs and demand Mark and Colin get out of their home. Peter comes to their defense and begs his parents to at least let them stay the night. They reluctantly agree. Mark shuns both Peter and Colin in anger causing Colin to spend the night in Peter's room. Peter and Colin get to know each other and they begin a friendship.
Despite Mark and Colin breaking up, Peter and Colin keep in touch over the next few years. When Peter moves to a new city and needs a place to stay Colin immediately opens his home to him. Once living together both guys realize there are far more feelings than friendship between them. But with the history they share and the bad memories of Mark and the Stevens parents a relationship seems a difficult goal to reach.
This was an enjoyable love story that looks at second chances and how sometimes the best things in life are worth fighting for. Both Peter and Colin were great characters and I was rooting for them the entire time. They had a great connection and their love scenes were both sweet and hot. I wasn't initially sure about the love triangle with brothers in it but Mark was so unlikable that I didn't feel bad for him at all. The whole dynamic was presented well. If you're a fan of male/male romance stories i think you will enjoy this story.
Relief follows quickly when Peter's "perfect" older brother Mark shows up with his friend Colin in tow.
Without any warning or preamble Mark blurts out that he is gay and that Colin is his boyfriend. The Stevens boy's parents react in anger and outrage due to their religious beliefs and demand Mark and Colin get out of their home. Peter comes to their defense and begs his parents to at least let them stay the night. They reluctantly agree. Mark shuns both Peter and Colin in anger causing Colin to spend the night in Peter's room. Peter and Colin get to know each other and they begin a friendship.
Despite Mark and Colin breaking up, Peter and Colin keep in touch over the next few years. When Peter moves to a new city and needs a place to stay Colin immediately opens his home to him. Once living together both guys realize there are far more feelings than friendship between them. But with the history they share and the bad memories of Mark and the Stevens parents a relationship seems a difficult goal to reach.
This was an enjoyable love story that looks at second chances and how sometimes the best things in life are worth fighting for. Both Peter and Colin were great characters and I was rooting for them the entire time. They had a great connection and their love scenes were both sweet and hot. I wasn't initially sure about the love triangle with brothers in it but Mark was so unlikable that I didn't feel bad for him at all. The whole dynamic was presented well. If you're a fan of male/male romance stories i think you will enjoy this story.
December 15, 2016
The synopsis sounds like it tells a complete story, it just wasn't the story told by this novella. There were no sparks between Peter and Colin when they met for the first time. The second time there was attraction on Colin's part, with Peters interest coming out of left field when the author decided to make their relationship physical. Peter isn't a confirmed heterosexual as we are told right from the start that he sometimes felt a strong attraction for another guy but had never acted upon it. And from the synopsis: "Yet some old flames stubbornly refuse to die. This time, Peter refuses to step aside." What does this even mean? Colin had zero interest in Mark by the time Peter and him meet again and Peter had never stepped aside before.
Beyond that, the prose is often awkward and at times I didn't even know what the author meant. Colin's dialogue was tone deaf. The author really doesn't get the rhythm of British English and instead just threw in a bunch of cliched idioms. Peter did get some real cute material though.
The story concept had real potential but the execution didn't work for me. Peter was likable enough, Mark was despicable and Colin was just boring in his generic Britishness. I have no idea what either brother saw in Colin and by the end of the book I kind of despised him. I Did not buy at all that Peter and Colin were meant to be together.
Beyond that, the prose is often awkward and at times I didn't even know what the author meant. Colin's dialogue was tone deaf. The author really doesn't get the rhythm of British English and instead just threw in a bunch of cliched idioms. Peter did get some real cute material though.
The story concept had real potential but the execution didn't work for me. Peter was likable enough, Mark was despicable and Colin was just boring in his generic Britishness. I have no idea what either brother saw in Colin and by the end of the book I kind of despised him. I Did not buy at all that Peter and Colin were meant to be together.
February 14, 2015
synopsis:
peter has always been the brother who didn't live up to his potential. then his brother comes home from college with his boyfriend, and suddenly he isn't the golden child anymore. peter has always been sure of his heterosexuality until he meets colin. when peter's brother screws up his relationship with colin, peter resolves that he will be the responsible one. when he graduates, he moves out of his house and asks to room with colin while he finds a place to live. colin is wary about being involved with a brother of someone who hurt him badly, but feels as though he can't just leave him on his own, and even though he is attracted to him, he won't act on the attraction because peter is straight. once colin finds out that peter is gay, things heat up. that is, until peter's brother shows up claiming he made a mistake.
what i liked: the premise.
what i didn't like: pretty much everything. the story wasn't really well written and i didn't like all the "tragedies" that kept being thrown into the mix. it just felt as though there was too much going on for such a short story. neither colin or peter were really well formed character-wise.
peter has always been the brother who didn't live up to his potential. then his brother comes home from college with his boyfriend, and suddenly he isn't the golden child anymore. peter has always been sure of his heterosexuality until he meets colin. when peter's brother screws up his relationship with colin, peter resolves that he will be the responsible one. when he graduates, he moves out of his house and asks to room with colin while he finds a place to live. colin is wary about being involved with a brother of someone who hurt him badly, but feels as though he can't just leave him on his own, and even though he is attracted to him, he won't act on the attraction because peter is straight. once colin finds out that peter is gay, things heat up. that is, until peter's brother shows up claiming he made a mistake.
what i liked: the premise.
what i didn't like: pretty much everything. the story wasn't really well written and i didn't like all the "tragedies" that kept being thrown into the mix. it just felt as though there was too much going on for such a short story. neither colin or peter were really well formed character-wise.
October 27, 2013
This was a quick read about two brothers who grew up in a conservative household in competition for the same man. I liked that the author focused on the problems the sons had with their parents when their mother became ill. The older brother, Mark, came out as gay early on in the book and then the younger sibling, Peter, who had been straight, came out as "gay for you" for the older sibling's ex-boyfriend Colin. I wish the story had focused on Mark and Colin rather than Peter and Colin because Mark seemed to have a more interesting backstory. I would have rather read about him dealing with his parents' disapproval of his homosexuality and how that impacted his life and relationships in the years that followed but, instead, the author chose to focus on Peter who didn't seem to have much to say or do here.
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