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Twin Ties #2
Dual Affairs
[Former title: Twin Affairs]
All Evan Savage wanted was a quiet night at the bar, waiting for his boyfriend to finish his shift; what he gets instead is a nightmare. Things were complex enough when his biggest problem was the tangled sex life he and his brother Brennan share with twin lovers Alek and Luka. When a selfless act ending in terrible violence lands Evan in the hospital, Brennan and Evan's father returns to loom over their lives, asking questions none of the four want to answer.
The young men’s relationships to each other begin to unravel as carefully drawn boundary lines are blurred and crossed. The four must question the nature of their commitments to each other, what they each want, and what to say to those relentlessly demanding the truth. When the most dangerous thing you can do is admit to who you love, and jealousy is a luxury you can no longer afford, brutal honesty is the only remaining key to salvation...
...or damnation. (M/M+)
Word Count: 90,000
All Evan Savage wanted was a quiet night at the bar, waiting for his boyfriend to finish his shift; what he gets instead is a nightmare. Things were complex enough when his biggest problem was the tangled sex life he and his brother Brennan share with twin lovers Alek and Luka. When a selfless act ending in terrible violence lands Evan in the hospital, Brennan and Evan's father returns to loom over their lives, asking questions none of the four want to answer.
The young men’s relationships to each other begin to unravel as carefully drawn boundary lines are blurred and crossed. The four must question the nature of their commitments to each other, what they each want, and what to say to those relentlessly demanding the truth. When the most dangerous thing you can do is admit to who you love, and jealousy is a luxury you can no longer afford, brutal honesty is the only remaining key to salvation...
...or damnation. (M/M+)
Word Count: 90,000
280 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2014
10 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kelling
29 books391 followersLynn Kelling began writing in order to tell stories that aren’t afraid of the dark, don’t hold anything back and always strive to be memorable, forging lasting attachments between character and reader. Her inspiration comes from taking a closer look at behaviors and ideas lurking at the fringes of life—basically anything that people may hesitate to speak of in mixed company, but everyone wonders about anyway. Her work is driven by the taboo in order to expose the humanity within it. Lynn is an artist, designer and lover of any form of creative self-expression that comes from a place of honesty and emotion, whether it's body art or opera. She has had multiple novels published, has written over fifty works of erotic fiction of varying lengths, and always has several novels in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 22, 2019
** SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD, SO YOU'VE BEEN WARNED **
Book 2 of this series was really frustrating for me, so if this review is a bit spoilerish, please forgive, but, in my opinion, you should really know where this book/series is going before you continue throwing down the cash.
As the book begins, Evan was at the rough dive bar where Alek works and attempted to come to the rescue of a young man, only to get critically stabbed for his efforts.
Then after months of recovery, Evan's boyfriend, Alek and his brother, Brennan still have him (proverbially) covered in bubble wrap and put up on a shelf, refusing to touch him in any way, out of fear of reinjuring him.
If they would've even just tried hugging or touching him at all, it would've at least been a start, but...
However, Alek's brother, Luka, saw Evan's extreme frustration and loneliness, but when attempting to comfort Evan, the two end up having sex, which hurts both Alek and Brennan. Then out of hurt, attraction and a bit of retaliation, Alek and Brennan ended up cheating with one another on Evan and Luka. An eye for an eye, right?
Christ, one incident of cheating was bad enough, but pretty much everyone was cheating on everyone else here, which annoyed the hell out of me. I really wanted to DNF this one so hard at that point, but didn't.
Another thing that really annoyed the fuck out of me was how Evan and Brennan's dad, Charlie, was 'supposedly' so repentant about not really being there for Evan and Brennan while growing up, then Evan gets stabbed, STABBED, PEOPLE!, but it takes their "DAD" *several* months to get time off work to visit Evan to make sure that he's okay.
What. The. Ever-Lovin'. FUCK???
If my kid even got a broken bone, screw my boss if told me that I couldn't get time off to go see my kid. I'd have his job for that crap. Did this company not have an HR department where he could complain? This made zero damn sense to me and, again, pissed me off.
The rest of the story mainly gets the boys to the point where everyone can fuck anyone, with consent, whenever they want, as long as the 'fuckers' either asked permission from the 'non-fuckers' first or told the 'non-fuckers' about it immediately afterwards.
Also, the story was heavy on the sex, but *lite* on the use of lube. SERIOUSLY??? Boys do not self-moisturize like women just because you're that hot, so note to female authors: NO, spit is *not* enough and such an experience is rarely pleasurable for *either* party.
And the last thing (that I can remember right now) that got on my last queer nerve was how the book was seriously written like the older Popovic twins treated the younger twins like children. They're your boyfriends, not your kids, so cut that shit out. It's demeaning, creepy and annoying as hell, so stop.
Sorry to be so spoilerish, but I don't want anyone relying on my honest opinion to buy a book that they'll DNF due to the plot points with which I myself had serious issues.
So 3 *pulling-my-damn-hair-out* stars for this second installment in the series.
June 2, 2016
Evan again is the center of this book. Instead of being able to enjoy his new relationships with his brother Brennan and boyfriend Alek, Evan becomes the victim of a brutal beating. Months after the assault, at home recovering, he finds himself feeling abandoned by Brennan, who fears losing another loved one, and Alek, who is weighed down by guilt for not protecting him. Needing physical affection and comfort, he finds himself turning to Luka. Once their relationship crosses the line of friendship and Luka's true feelings for Evan come out, the fragile boundaries the four men have created all start to crumble. On top of all this, Evan and Brennan's father is returning home for the first time to meet the son he gave up and it appears that Evan's confidant and family friend Jimmy has been filling him in on the questionable nature of the foursome.
This book finds Evan questioning all of the relationships in his life and trying to learn to stand on his own for the first time. There are so many emotional ups and downs as all the relationships between brothers and lovers are tested. While it is clear all the men love each other, it appears that without Evan the whole thing falls apart. They are hard enough on each other but their loyalty is never in question, especially when Charlie returns to find everything has changed in Evan's life and not necessarily for the better.
Again each of the characters is very distinct. Brennan desperately wants his father's love and approval and Evan is determined to make that happen even as he feels his relationship with Charlie changing. The guilt and anger from Alek and Luka's troubled past is still hanging between them and their love for Evan and Brennan sometimes only seems to bring out the worst in them, especially as the boundaries between all of them keep shifting.
The ending brings some resolution and the couples try to set some rules for going forward with their relationships. I'm sure it won't be an easy road, but I'm looking forward to seeing them work things out on the new path they have set for book 3.
This book finds Evan questioning all of the relationships in his life and trying to learn to stand on his own for the first time. There are so many emotional ups and downs as all the relationships between brothers and lovers are tested. While it is clear all the men love each other, it appears that without Evan the whole thing falls apart. They are hard enough on each other but their loyalty is never in question, especially when Charlie returns to find everything has changed in Evan's life and not necessarily for the better.
Again each of the characters is very distinct. Brennan desperately wants his father's love and approval and Evan is determined to make that happen even as he feels his relationship with Charlie changing. The guilt and anger from Alek and Luka's troubled past is still hanging between them and their love for Evan and Brennan sometimes only seems to bring out the worst in them, especially as the boundaries between all of them keep shifting.
The ending brings some resolution and the couples try to set some rules for going forward with their relationships. I'm sure it won't be an easy road, but I'm looking forward to seeing them work things out on the new path they have set for book 3.
November 29, 2015
4.5 Stars rounded up
Another great read from Lynn Kelling who is now an auto-buy author for me.
This was even better than My Brother's Lover and that was good reading.
The Twin Ties series is erotic storytelling for those who enjoy twincest kink. You can be hard pressed to find a good story with a lot of the twincest books out there, not with this series.
Full review 18+ definitely NSFW. Best read after book #1
Another great read from Lynn Kelling who is now an auto-buy author for me.
This was even better than My Brother's Lover and that was good reading.
The Twin Ties series is erotic storytelling for those who enjoy twincest kink. You can be hard pressed to find a good story with a lot of the twincest books out there, not with this series.
Full review 18+ definitely NSFW. Best read after book #1
April 3, 2015
3.5 Stars
Twin Affairs picks up a few months after the ending of My Brother's Lover leaves off. Things are going well for Luka & Brennan and Alek and Evan. The story starts out with Evan getting beat up severely, while trying to help another young man who was being beaten.
Evan's recovery is long and during that time, sex has been off limits. This causes a fair amount of frustration for everyone, especially Evan, who insists he is ok. We start to see some conflict and jealousy surface and some feelings get hurt along the way. It's all growing pains for the four, as they figure out how best to merge their relationships.
There is definitely a lot more conflict in Twin Affairs than there was in My Brother's Lover . We do get some pretty hot sex scenes along the way. I think I liked the first book a bit better, though.
Like My Brother's Lover , I didn't find the core of this story believable by any stretch. It was mostly enjoyable, though.
Twin Affairs picks up a few months after the ending of My Brother's Lover leaves off. Things are going well for Luka & Brennan and Alek and Evan. The story starts out with Evan getting beat up severely, while trying to help another young man who was being beaten.
Evan's recovery is long and during that time, sex has been off limits. This causes a fair amount of frustration for everyone, especially Evan, who insists he is ok. We start to see some conflict and jealousy surface and some feelings get hurt along the way. It's all growing pains for the four, as they figure out how best to merge their relationships.
There is definitely a lot more conflict in Twin Affairs than there was in My Brother's Lover . We do get some pretty hot sex scenes along the way. I think I liked the first book a bit better, though.
Like My Brother's Lover , I didn't find the core of this story believable by any stretch. It was mostly enjoyable, though.
March 11, 2015
I've got quite the book hangover. In many ways, this book was so much better than book #1 and I loved that one. In the midst of all the titillation that is twincest, polyamory, the jizz and the clothes flying everywhere (and a fair amount of kink!), we have this deeply moving, very emotional story about 4 guys bucking what is considered "normal" in society and finding their way to each other. The themes - acceptance, forgiveness, courage and integrity are all interwoven. Concepts of what it means to be family and what constitutes a family are brought home. It's easy to write off Evan and Brennan as barely legal but their maturity and growth from what they've been through shines throughout the book. The author gives voice to 4 very different people. At no point did I ever confuse Evan for Brennan or Luka for Alek. Each was multi-dimensional and well drawn. I was blown away by the dialogue, the depth of the interactions with each character and was particularly gobsmacked by the changes in Evan. By the end of the book, he was the man! The scenes with Jimmy and the twins' dad - awesome. And yes, the sex was off the chain but unlike many books in this particular genre, it was integral to who they were. Not just sex for sex. Sex because they deeply loved and cared for one another. I have to say, though, some stuff went on that made my undies combust - whewww! So I understand that there will be a book 3. I can't imagine what other awesomeness Ms. Kelling has in store for us with these lovely men. Maybe we'll get more of Carter and Presley.... hope so.
May 11, 2015
Harder. Hotter. 2 lots of twins doing each other but with a nice little story happening too.
2 thumbs up to LK because she writes erotic romance books men and women can both get into IMHO.
2 thumbs up to LK because she writes erotic romance books men and women can both get into IMHO.
March 6, 2014
I sometimes feel lost and confused when reading a book where there is more than one lover in a relationship. Not so with this group. Evan, Brennan, Alek and Luka together are all a force to be reckoned with. They love hard and they love deep. I believe the author did an amazing job in keeping the personality of each character separate, but also having them move together as one. When Evan is seriously hurt in a fight, the balance goes off kilter. It’s up to the remaining three to keep the unit from toppling over the edge. With Evan in the hospital and later at home recovering, we see just how much these four men have become emotionally dependent on one another.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
April 4, 2015
3.5 stars. Angsty enough for me to feel emotional toward these boys. Absolutely delicious smut. I enjoyed reading about them. Like my friend, Jewel, said, you have to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy.
April 2, 2015
I just love these books by Lynn! They are so HOT and they stay in my head for awhile after. This book was so well written, that my only issues with it are how real the MCs felt to me and how their situations affected me.
This isn't about them. It's about you, and me, and how fucking beautiful you are. If they can't give you what you need, I will. I'll give you everything. Everything.
I absolutely fell in love with Luka right here!! (I was on the fence in the first book). He saw how upset Evan was and did something about it. Yes, this may have been cheating, but honestly if Alek and Brennan were too much in their own heads that they couldn't even cuddle Evan then they deserved this 100%. Alek being angry and jealous was understandable at this point, but did he do anything to make it better? NO! He went on to bed as if nothing happened. I didn't even feel a strong connection between Brennan and Alek. Then they are screwing like bunnies. It just seemed like revenge sex. And this is where I fell out of love with Alek. He was so nasty and jealous with Luka. I actually felt Luka's love, not Alex's.
From then on it seemed that Alek was with Brennan. They may have been with Evan together, but after? They cuddle each other. I wanted to smack them both.
Brennan was too sweet! So Lovable, but I connected with Evan first and foremost.
I also feel the sex issues between Alek and Luka were left hanging. Yes Luka would do anything for Alek, but this made me angry that Alek didn't notice how upset he was. Then no one ever mentioned again how Evan was left hanging for 2 months. It was suddenly all better? Not in my head! I am still pissed 12 hours after finishing this book and even the final scene with Alek and Evan did not redeem Alek in my eyes.
So my final thoughts. I love this series and it is so HOT I need to change my panties..again! ;)
This isn't about them. It's about you, and me, and how fucking beautiful you are. If they can't give you what you need, I will. I'll give you everything. Everything.
I absolutely fell in love with Luka right here!! (I was on the fence in the first book). He saw how upset Evan was and did something about it. Yes, this may have been cheating, but honestly if Alek and Brennan were too much in their own heads that they couldn't even cuddle Evan then they deserved this 100%. Alek being angry and jealous was understandable at this point, but did he do anything to make it better? NO! He went on to bed as if nothing happened. I didn't even feel a strong connection between Brennan and Alek. Then they are screwing like bunnies. It just seemed like revenge sex. And this is where I fell out of love with Alek. He was so nasty and jealous with Luka. I actually felt Luka's love, not Alex's.
From then on it seemed that Alek was with Brennan. They may have been with Evan together, but after? They cuddle each other. I wanted to smack them both.
Brennan was too sweet! So Lovable, but I connected with Evan first and foremost.
I also feel the sex issues between Alek and Luka were left hanging. Yes Luka would do anything for Alek, but this made me angry that Alek didn't notice how upset he was. Then no one ever mentioned again how Evan was left hanging for 2 months. It was suddenly all better? Not in my head! I am still pissed 12 hours after finishing this book and even the final scene with Alek and Evan did not redeem Alek in my eyes.
So my final thoughts. I love this series and it is so HOT I need to change my panties..again! ;)
February 22, 2014
Loved it. I understand the feelings. I'm not even bothered by them. Not filled with loathing for what they've done. What they're doing. I get it. I'm okay with it. I like it.
I love it when a book does this to me. Changes my perspective and gives me a reason to believe in something different. Something outside of "normal".
I want more...
I love it when a book does this to me. Changes my perspective and gives me a reason to believe in something different. Something outside of "normal".
I want more...
May 17, 2015
Even sexier, more subversive, and containing more Taboo sexual content than the first book! I could think of a couple of bible beaters at work who would be completely horrified. So, I loved it, of course!
Highly recommended for fans of M/M erotica who have an open mind for Taboo content.
Highly recommended for fans of M/M erotica who have an open mind for Taboo content.
January 7, 2016
Will review tomorrow well written Lynn does it again and doesn't disappoint.
January 16, 2018
Well. That was disappointing.
Evan character really annoyed me. I mean yes. The man had it tough. But his reactions or rather 'non-reactions' to everything that happens around him was really infuriating.
I was just annoyed with the all thing and skip a lot of pages toward the end so. I don't think I'll read the final book. Maybe later...
Evan character really annoyed me. I mean yes. The man had it tough. But his reactions or rather 'non-reactions' to everything that happens around him was really infuriating.
I was just annoyed with the all thing and skip a lot of pages toward the end so. I don't think I'll read the final book. Maybe later...
June 19, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
I started in on this as soon as I had finished My Brother’s Lover. It is a far more civilised way of reading a series!
So here is a re-cap on who is seeing who:
Evan and Alek are a couple
Brennan and Luka are a couple
Evan and Brennan are in love (they are identical twins in a sexual relationship)
Alek and Luka are in love (they are identical twins in a sexual relationship)
Brennan has been with Alek sexually
Book 2 starts up only a short time after book 1 finished. Charlie has still not been home to visit so the twins are pretty free to continue on with their unusual relationship. Evan is still full of doubts over every aspect of his life but Aleks love is proving very good for him.
On a night when Alek is working in the bar Evan accompanies him to give Luka and Brennan a bit of personal time. Evan gets caught up in a mindless and very violent attack on a young man and ends up in hospital with some very serious injuries.
Things change that night. Alek is inconsolable, he feels directly responsible for not being there and not being able to protect Evan. This way of thinking is so ingrained from the way he has always looked after Luka that something changes in him. Brennan is terrified of losing his virtually new twin brother and is thrust back into the nightmare of watching someone he loves lying in a hospital bed causing him to relive the pain of his mothers recent demise in a hospice. Luka, usually the one to just follow the orders of his stronger and more self assured brother, finds himself having to take on more responsibility and be the strong one for both his brother and his lover.
Attitudes don’t improve when Evan is sent home to recuperate. The fear of him being in any pain alters the way everyone treats him and for the first time the 4 men seem splintered. Evan is once again left feeling lonely and unloved, something he was accustomed to growing up and turns in on himself more and more. He is left frustrated and saddened which in turn affects the dynamics of the whole group.
Yet again there is real depth to these characters. Writing a book with 4 MC’s especially 2 sets of twins could have lent itself to more of a porn without plot scenario. This is still the story of 4 men, each with their own baggage and unique personalities but it is not dealing with just their sex lives but concentrates more on the dynamics of making this unique relationship work. There is certainly no glossing over the issues that come with what the 4 men are doing, issues are met and written about head on.
Two things happen to change everything: Luka crosses a line and Charlie, Evan and Brennans father, returns home for a visit. These two things are a catalyst for all the men and send things out of control. The one that suffers most is Evan and he is in real pain whilst trying to work out how he should go forward. When he takes a few days for himself it becomes very clear just how vital he is to the other 3 men, he is the glue that keeps them all together.
Facing up to your life choices is difficult enough for most people. To have to navigate a taboo relationship, in more ways than one, takes a lot of strength and determination. All 4 men, but especially Evan, have to reach a point where they are comfortable living with their decisions. I loved this second book in the series. There is certainly scope for another book to catch up with the boys and see how they manage with their complex relationship. I just hope Lynn Kelling feels the same way! ;-)
I started in on this as soon as I had finished My Brother’s Lover. It is a far more civilised way of reading a series!
So here is a re-cap on who is seeing who:
Evan and Alek are a couple
Brennan and Luka are a couple
Evan and Brennan are in love (they are identical twins in a sexual relationship)
Alek and Luka are in love (they are identical twins in a sexual relationship)
Brennan has been with Alek sexually
Book 2 starts up only a short time after book 1 finished. Charlie has still not been home to visit so the twins are pretty free to continue on with their unusual relationship. Evan is still full of doubts over every aspect of his life but Aleks love is proving very good for him.
On a night when Alek is working in the bar Evan accompanies him to give Luka and Brennan a bit of personal time. Evan gets caught up in a mindless and very violent attack on a young man and ends up in hospital with some very serious injuries.
Things change that night. Alek is inconsolable, he feels directly responsible for not being there and not being able to protect Evan. This way of thinking is so ingrained from the way he has always looked after Luka that something changes in him. Brennan is terrified of losing his virtually new twin brother and is thrust back into the nightmare of watching someone he loves lying in a hospital bed causing him to relive the pain of his mothers recent demise in a hospice. Luka, usually the one to just follow the orders of his stronger and more self assured brother, finds himself having to take on more responsibility and be the strong one for both his brother and his lover.
Attitudes don’t improve when Evan is sent home to recuperate. The fear of him being in any pain alters the way everyone treats him and for the first time the 4 men seem splintered. Evan is once again left feeling lonely and unloved, something he was accustomed to growing up and turns in on himself more and more. He is left frustrated and saddened which in turn affects the dynamics of the whole group.
Yet again there is real depth to these characters. Writing a book with 4 MC’s especially 2 sets of twins could have lent itself to more of a porn without plot scenario. This is still the story of 4 men, each with their own baggage and unique personalities but it is not dealing with just their sex lives but concentrates more on the dynamics of making this unique relationship work. There is certainly no glossing over the issues that come with what the 4 men are doing, issues are met and written about head on.
Two things happen to change everything: Luka crosses a line and Charlie, Evan and Brennans father, returns home for a visit. These two things are a catalyst for all the men and send things out of control. The one that suffers most is Evan and he is in real pain whilst trying to work out how he should go forward. When he takes a few days for himself it becomes very clear just how vital he is to the other 3 men, he is the glue that keeps them all together.
Facing up to your life choices is difficult enough for most people. To have to navigate a taboo relationship, in more ways than one, takes a lot of strength and determination. All 4 men, but especially Evan, have to reach a point where they are comfortable living with their decisions. I loved this second book in the series. There is certainly scope for another book to catch up with the boys and see how they manage with their complex relationship. I just hope Lynn Kelling feels the same way! ;-)
January 27, 2015
The Blogger Girls
I finished My Brother’s Lover and instantly started this sequel. I was expecting repercussions with the dad, and some major drama in the budding foursome relationship, but holy moly, this was a huge, emotionally draining, angst-fest..and I loved that. Anything that gets my emotions invested is a winner for me. This is a big winner.
Many people will have major issues with the perceived infidelity, but truthfully, it was needed to build the foundation for the guys attempts to create their own family dynamics. No one has to like it, but them, and that included their roomie’s, daddy Charlie, and Jimmy.
But, before we even get to the relationship issues, we are dealt a harsh gay bashing…and that was very hard for me to read, much harder than anything else in the book. I ended up liking Evan’s and Brennan’s dad, Charlie, by the end of the book, but he will not be winning any “father of year” awards. The fact that he couldn’t get off work to come see his beloved son in the hospital? Not cool, not acceptable.
Watching the guys struggle, and then “cheat” in order to get what they needed was hard at first. I wasn’t sure where it was leading and was quite nervous. I am happy to say that it ended well, but I do believe that Brennan got the short end of the stick…in both the daddy category and from Alek and Luka. It almost felt as if they could survive without him at times. He handled it better than I did, but it made me sad for him.
Even though this story ended on a pretty high note, one that is definitely on the fast track to a happily ever after, I was still thrilled to learn that a third book is in the works. The subject matter is not easy, but it is well written and the characters are relate-able. I’m looking forward to see where they go from here.
I finished My Brother’s Lover and instantly started this sequel. I was expecting repercussions with the dad, and some major drama in the budding foursome relationship, but holy moly, this was a huge, emotionally draining, angst-fest..and I loved that. Anything that gets my emotions invested is a winner for me. This is a big winner.
Many people will have major issues with the perceived infidelity, but truthfully, it was needed to build the foundation for the guys attempts to create their own family dynamics. No one has to like it, but them, and that included their roomie’s, daddy Charlie, and Jimmy.
But, before we even get to the relationship issues, we are dealt a harsh gay bashing…and that was very hard for me to read, much harder than anything else in the book. I ended up liking Evan’s and Brennan’s dad, Charlie, by the end of the book, but he will not be winning any “father of year” awards. The fact that he couldn’t get off work to come see his beloved son in the hospital? Not cool, not acceptable.
Watching the guys struggle, and then “cheat” in order to get what they needed was hard at first. I wasn’t sure where it was leading and was quite nervous. I am happy to say that it ended well, but I do believe that Brennan got the short end of the stick…in both the daddy category and from Alek and Luka. It almost felt as if they could survive without him at times. He handled it better than I did, but it made me sad for him.
Even though this story ended on a pretty high note, one that is definitely on the fast track to a happily ever after, I was still thrilled to learn that a third book is in the works. The subject matter is not easy, but it is well written and the characters are relate-able. I’m looking forward to see where they go from here.
May 6, 2015
I want more... Is there going to be more??!! Didn't think I could get behind the whole sibling love but wahoo I lurves it
June 2, 2015
Beautiful novel..Both first and second part..
The love between twins is Marvelous.Aleck,luka and brennan,Evan..all are great guys..
I am waiting for the third part..
The love between twins is Marvelous.Aleck,luka and brennan,Evan..all are great guys..
I am waiting for the third part..
March 8, 2017
3.5 STARS
August 20, 2015
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 stars.
This review and rating pains me to give. I enjoy the flow of Lynn Kelling's writing style. The pacing keeps me interested, captures me and doesn't let me go until I'm finishing the book. However, this time around, the subject matter was a bit difficult for me to read- and I don't mean the taboo of the tale.
Evan, sweet Evan. I connected with him on a higher level than in the previous book. Even when not in his mind (narration) I could accurately predict how he would act/react/think/emote about any given situation. His character is fully developed, resonating, and likable by the reader.
The beginning scene where Evan swoops in to save the day, and the following chapters of his recovery were more than lifelike. I could feel what he was feeling, as well as the terror by Alek, Luca, & Brennan. This set the pacing of the story, as it was compelling and riveting. Which lead to the next major event in the book, and I was sympathetic to Evan's loneliness and the reasons for his actions. I could 'feel' Evan, and I felt for Luca.
Which lead me to connecting to Luca, when in the previous book I didn't have a feel for him at all. I was a huge Alek fan from the start, but his personality seemed to changed from book #1 to book #2. & I couldn't connect with him any longer. I felt the reasons for Alek closing Evan out were valid. However, I didn't like how he failed to hear Evan- treating his lover like a child, an invalid, which lead to the next issue. Everyone was so worried about Evan, that even when he did what he did, they understood. The next morning, he was near catatonic with grief and guilt... which leads to the third event that ruined the entire book/series for me.
I understood where Ms. Kelling was going with the story way before this point, but I felt the act negated what the author was trying to convey. There were more fitting ways to get from point A to point C, when point B felt callous and spiteful- disrespectful by Alek and Brennan, but sympathetic and understandable by Luca and Evan. I understand how Point B for both couples was to erase any guilt present. But Point B for Evan was not the same as Point B for Brennan- the emotions and intentions were what harmed in my opinion.
Worried over Evan, while he is dealing with Jimmy (which was something that affected them all), Alek & Bren act like spiteful children (When Alek has been treating Evan as the child, which was the main issue in the first place). Alek had gone since before the incident, not having intimate relations with anyone, only to do so in an act of spite- it ruined him in my eyes. How people who placed Evan first were intentionally trying to hurt him- when only hours before he was catatonic with grief and guilt and pain... Alek was written as the adult, and Bren as the selfless one. Evan was upset, felt unwanted, and they laughed about what they were doing, joking how it was only fair, and it dropped them as characters in my estimation. As if Evan wouldn't feel even MORE unwanted after this. He already thought they didn't want him, now they didn't need him. (I felt this entire thread was written in an unsympathetic light, and as a reader, I'm unsure how I was supposed to LIKE these characters afterward. Unlike Evan and Luca who showed not only remorse and understanding, but actual emotion during and after their Point B) Alek and Bren wanted to get caught, and then acted surprised and upset when it happened. & even during their narration, I felt them an unreliable narrator, not believing them.
Aside for Evan, and any and all emotions he elicited in me, and the bit of Luca that I was happy to get to know, I disliked the other characters immensely. I feel horrible for stating this, but it almost had me stop reading at several points. Evan is fully developed, yet I know nothing of the other 3 characters (even during their narration), even though it is a foursome I'm to understand and love. The Alek I thought I knew and loved was gone from the pages.
Brennan, even while he is narrating, I don't trust his thoughts. His words belie his actions. Perhaps it's only me, but I find him an nonredeemable character in my eyes. He seems selfish, spiteful, and I can't trust anything he does and says, no matter how the author writes him. & the author wrote all of this this way, leading me (the reader) to feel as I do. These are the emotions and reactions Ms. Kelling yanked from me, and now I'm the one left feeling bereft because I no longer enjoy the story nor the characters I had come to love in the first installment.
I guess, at the heart of my issue, thinking and saying mean nothing when you do the opposite in reaction, and that is what ruined it for me. This emotion I'm feeling isn't because of the premise of the storyline, or the taboo nature, it's that I felt there was a more sympathetic way to convey how they went from 2 couples to a 4-some. Instead, it just became two new couples with confusing results. For me, no matter what, I will always see divided lines, repressed painful emotions, and how no one acts as human nature dictates.
Black and white, written in simple terms: my issue. & it's not about sex. At all. I've got to get that point across. It's not about sex. At all.
(all the reviews point to the character development of Alek being responsible & Bren selfless and loving) It felt as if Bren was shoving Luca at Evan while distracting Alek. Under the circumstances, as the main, responsible adult in the story, Alek should have went to Evan to work out what had happened the day before, not leaving his brother to console his boyfriend in the yard at Bren's insistence. Sex should have been the farthest thing from Alek's mind- his boyfriend is hurting, and here is his boyfriend's brother telling him to goof off and mess around instead of fixing the issue (when Alek is written to be a responsible, problem-solver). But instead of both parties actually putting their 'Evan comes first' thoughts into practice, they screw around, making fun of a painful situation. At the same time, Evan is left to go clean up the mess they all created with Jimmy, with Luca having the good sense to actually try to help (which is one of the reasons I decided he was an okay character). So after all the pain, Evan gets to walk in to find Alek and Bren being callous, mocking, vengeful, spiteful, and childish after he's went through all he's went through. But their narration says they didn't mean it that way<-- the author wrote it this way, and now I'm to feel warm and fuzzy and believe in all four loving each other unconditionally. No matter what, I felt an undercurrent of darkness to this, and that is my biggest issue.
I understand this series is more fantasy than reality. I just can't help how a book makes me feel as I read it. The author can keep telling me it works, but that doesn't mean I buy it.
3 stars.
This review and rating pains me to give. I enjoy the flow of Lynn Kelling's writing style. The pacing keeps me interested, captures me and doesn't let me go until I'm finishing the book. However, this time around, the subject matter was a bit difficult for me to read- and I don't mean the taboo of the tale.
Evan, sweet Evan. I connected with him on a higher level than in the previous book. Even when not in his mind (narration) I could accurately predict how he would act/react/think/emote about any given situation. His character is fully developed, resonating, and likable by the reader.
The beginning scene where Evan swoops in to save the day, and the following chapters of his recovery were more than lifelike. I could feel what he was feeling, as well as the terror by Alek, Luca, & Brennan. This set the pacing of the story, as it was compelling and riveting. Which lead to the next major event in the book, and I was sympathetic to Evan's loneliness and the reasons for his actions. I could 'feel' Evan, and I felt for Luca.
Which lead me to connecting to Luca, when in the previous book I didn't have a feel for him at all. I was a huge Alek fan from the start, but his personality seemed to changed from book #1 to book #2. & I couldn't connect with him any longer. I felt the reasons for Alek closing Evan out were valid. However, I didn't like how he failed to hear Evan- treating his lover like a child, an invalid, which lead to the next issue. Everyone was so worried about Evan, that even when he did what he did, they understood. The next morning, he was near catatonic with grief and guilt... which leads to the third event that ruined the entire book/series for me.
I understood where Ms. Kelling was going with the story way before this point, but I felt the act negated what the author was trying to convey. There were more fitting ways to get from point A to point C, when point B felt callous and spiteful- disrespectful by Alek and Brennan, but sympathetic and understandable by Luca and Evan. I understand how Point B for both couples was to erase any guilt present. But Point B for Evan was not the same as Point B for Brennan- the emotions and intentions were what harmed in my opinion.
Worried over Evan, while he is dealing with Jimmy (which was something that affected them all), Alek & Bren act like spiteful children (When Alek has been treating Evan as the child, which was the main issue in the first place). Alek had gone since before the incident, not having intimate relations with anyone, only to do so in an act of spite- it ruined him in my eyes. How people who placed Evan first were intentionally trying to hurt him- when only hours before he was catatonic with grief and guilt and pain... Alek was written as the adult, and Bren as the selfless one. Evan was upset, felt unwanted, and they laughed about what they were doing, joking how it was only fair, and it dropped them as characters in my estimation. As if Evan wouldn't feel even MORE unwanted after this. He already thought they didn't want him, now they didn't need him. (I felt this entire thread was written in an unsympathetic light, and as a reader, I'm unsure how I was supposed to LIKE these characters afterward. Unlike Evan and Luca who showed not only remorse and understanding, but actual emotion during and after their Point B) Alek and Bren wanted to get caught, and then acted surprised and upset when it happened. & even during their narration, I felt them an unreliable narrator, not believing them.
Aside for Evan, and any and all emotions he elicited in me, and the bit of Luca that I was happy to get to know, I disliked the other characters immensely. I feel horrible for stating this, but it almost had me stop reading at several points. Evan is fully developed, yet I know nothing of the other 3 characters (even during their narration), even though it is a foursome I'm to understand and love. The Alek I thought I knew and loved was gone from the pages.
Brennan, even while he is narrating, I don't trust his thoughts. His words belie his actions. Perhaps it's only me, but I find him an nonredeemable character in my eyes. He seems selfish, spiteful, and I can't trust anything he does and says, no matter how the author writes him. & the author wrote all of this this way, leading me (the reader) to feel as I do. These are the emotions and reactions Ms. Kelling yanked from me, and now I'm the one left feeling bereft because I no longer enjoy the story nor the characters I had come to love in the first installment.
I guess, at the heart of my issue, thinking and saying mean nothing when you do the opposite in reaction, and that is what ruined it for me. This emotion I'm feeling isn't because of the premise of the storyline, or the taboo nature, it's that I felt there was a more sympathetic way to convey how they went from 2 couples to a 4-some. Instead, it just became two new couples with confusing results. For me, no matter what, I will always see divided lines, repressed painful emotions, and how no one acts as human nature dictates.
Black and white, written in simple terms: my issue. & it's not about sex. At all. I've got to get that point across. It's not about sex. At all.
(all the reviews point to the character development of Alek being responsible & Bren selfless and loving) It felt as if Bren was shoving Luca at Evan while distracting Alek. Under the circumstances, as the main, responsible adult in the story, Alek should have went to Evan to work out what had happened the day before, not leaving his brother to console his boyfriend in the yard at Bren's insistence. Sex should have been the farthest thing from Alek's mind- his boyfriend is hurting, and here is his boyfriend's brother telling him to goof off and mess around instead of fixing the issue (when Alek is written to be a responsible, problem-solver). But instead of both parties actually putting their 'Evan comes first' thoughts into practice, they screw around, making fun of a painful situation. At the same time, Evan is left to go clean up the mess they all created with Jimmy, with Luca having the good sense to actually try to help (which is one of the reasons I decided he was an okay character). So after all the pain, Evan gets to walk in to find Alek and Bren being callous, mocking, vengeful, spiteful, and childish after he's went through all he's went through. But their narration says they didn't mean it that way<-- the author wrote it this way, and now I'm to feel warm and fuzzy and believe in all four loving each other unconditionally. No matter what, I felt an undercurrent of darkness to this, and that is my biggest issue.
I understand this series is more fantasy than reality. I just can't help how a book makes me feel as I read it. The author can keep telling me it works, but that doesn't mean I buy it.
July 20, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Ok guys, if you liked My Brother’s Lover, then you are in for one hell of a treat with this second installment. I think it can, technically, work as a standalone, because the author does a great job getting the reader up to speed. But I will say it would lose a great deal of impact if I weren’t already emotionally invested and connected to these characters. So if you haven’t read the first book, start there and then read Dual Affairs. Also, as with the first book, there are some deep taboo issues brought up in this book, not the least of which is two sets of identical twins being sexually active and in love with one another. So if that’s not your thing, give this one a pass.
This sequel blends seamlessly into the first, even with a few instances of a bit of info dump in the very beginning. It had been a while since I’d read the first book, so even though I remembered the story well, it was nice to have a bit of a reminder for where things stand. And then it jumped right into the action, with Evan trying to do the right thing. He’s severely injured, and I really liked watching the other three men react to this. They each had very different coping mechanisms, and it was plain to see how much they all cared about Evan.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Ok guys, if you liked My Brother’s Lover, then you are in for one hell of a treat with this second installment. I think it can, technically, work as a standalone, because the author does a great job getting the reader up to speed. But I will say it would lose a great deal of impact if I weren’t already emotionally invested and connected to these characters. So if you haven’t read the first book, start there and then read Dual Affairs. Also, as with the first book, there are some deep taboo issues brought up in this book, not the least of which is two sets of identical twins being sexually active and in love with one another. So if that’s not your thing, give this one a pass.
This sequel blends seamlessly into the first, even with a few instances of a bit of info dump in the very beginning. It had been a while since I’d read the first book, so even though I remembered the story well, it was nice to have a bit of a reminder for where things stand. And then it jumped right into the action, with Evan trying to do the right thing. He’s severely injured, and I really liked watching the other three men react to this. They each had very different coping mechanisms, and it was plain to see how much they all cared about Evan.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 10, 2015
Oh boy! Well Lynn Kelling had me stuck to the couch until I read this book in it's entirety - not necessarily a good thing! LOL Anyhow, as the story of Evan, Brennan, Alek and Luca continue there is so much angst for Evan - especially Evan. He is brutally beaten and his path to recovery brings up many changes in the dynamics between the two sets of twins/lovers. Brennan too as he is meeting his biological father for the first time in his life. So many ups and downs as the truth is told and emotions come storming in from all directions. Never has polyamory and twincest been so appealing! I can't believe I said that! :)
May 7, 2016
I immediately downloaded this one after finishing book one, because there were still so many loose threads. Especially Charlie. Book two totally paid off on that subject, and in a huge way. The relationship quadrangle got a few big shake-ups, but also ended up stronger for it. We learned a bit more about the dynamics of the Popovic twins (and I'm still waiting for an announcement about their prequel!).
But Evan and Brennan really do steal the show, in terms of the depth of their hurt over being separated their entire lives. Their sense of knowing something was missing and not knowing what it was was so beautifully written.
But Evan and Brennan really do steal the show, in terms of the depth of their hurt over being separated their entire lives. Their sense of knowing something was missing and not knowing what it was was so beautifully written.
May 13, 2017
Great second book for this series! The way these guys work through everything that happens to them is fantastic to read - big highs and lows. The characters really grow in this one, especially Alek (who was my favorite from the first book). Seeing him interact with each of the other three, how different each relationship is and how each relationship changes... how they all come together and work it out. It was a great ride.
March 18, 2016
I don't really know what to say, tho I feel this series is one of those where you have to read all books in the given order of things won't make sense.
And polyamory is a new word I learned here, and for those out there that don't accept it, skip reading this book, and let the open minded people read and enjoy these books without lectures on everything...
And polyamory is a new word I learned here, and for those out there that don't accept it, skip reading this book, and let the open minded people read and enjoy these books without lectures on everything...
September 16, 2014
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I wasn't expecting this book to be quite as an intense read as it actually was. Apart from some initial confusion between the characters, I quickly found myself drawn into the world and able to empathise with the four characters.
I felt that the relationship forming came across as very real and natural. It wasn't perfect, but there was real conflict there that helped make it believable, even if the relationship itself wasn't very conventional.
One of the interesting things about this book was the way other characters, when they knew about it, viewed the relationship. I felt those reactions came across as quite realistic and I could see a lot of where they were coming from... even if there were certain things I really didn't agree with.
I really liked how there was equal parts plot and character development as well as the romance. There were some really quite intense scenes and although some of the language used made me cringe, that was more because I've yet to come across words during a sex scene that don't inevitably draw that reaction.
I really liked the way the author took the time to develop the relationships between the characters, though I really only saw glimpses of Alek and Luka... and those kind of troubled me a lot of the time.
The emotions in this book came across really well and kept me fully invested in the plot and the characters. This type of book probably isn't for everyone, but I found it intensely emotional and worth reading.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I wasn't expecting this book to be quite as an intense read as it actually was. Apart from some initial confusion between the characters, I quickly found myself drawn into the world and able to empathise with the four characters.
I felt that the relationship forming came across as very real and natural. It wasn't perfect, but there was real conflict there that helped make it believable, even if the relationship itself wasn't very conventional.
One of the interesting things about this book was the way other characters, when they knew about it, viewed the relationship. I felt those reactions came across as quite realistic and I could see a lot of where they were coming from... even if there were certain things I really didn't agree with.
I really liked how there was equal parts plot and character development as well as the romance. There were some really quite intense scenes and although some of the language used made me cringe, that was more because I've yet to come across words during a sex scene that don't inevitably draw that reaction.
I really liked the way the author took the time to develop the relationships between the characters, though I really only saw glimpses of Alek and Luka... and those kind of troubled me a lot of the time.
The emotions in this book came across really well and kept me fully invested in the plot and the characters. This type of book probably isn't for everyone, but I found it intensely emotional and worth reading.
May 4, 2014
I had a slow start with this one, and I'm not sure if it was me, or the story itself. Overall, I liked it better than the first book.
There's a tragic event early in the story which brings all the guys, Alek, Luka, Evan, and Brennan, closer together, and in this book, they have each crossed over in their relationships with their boyfriends, having sex with the other's partner. Of course, they all admit that they love each other, but before they can firmly establish their relationships, Evan's and Bren's father, Charlie, comes home. Evan's friend, Jimmy, has suspected that there is incest and polyamory between the four men and has alerted Charlie to some of his suspicions. But when Charlie catches Evan and Brennan curled up together, naked and obviously recovering from a night of sex, he explosively loses his temper, hitting Brennan and calling him names.
The estrangement between Charlie and his sons seems insurmountable, but as the story unfolds, baby steps are taken and there is some healing. The primary focus of the story is the dynamics of the four-way relationship, and the affect on all the guys, but particularly on Evan.
I enjoyed the way the author handled many of the issues and complications and was happy to see that sensitive topics weren't ignored or glossed over. All in all, I liked it more than many other poly-m books I've read and am giving it 4 stars.
There's a tragic event early in the story which brings all the guys, Alek, Luka, Evan, and Brennan, closer together, and in this book, they have each crossed over in their relationships with their boyfriends, having sex with the other's partner. Of course, they all admit that they love each other, but before they can firmly establish their relationships, Evan's and Bren's father, Charlie, comes home. Evan's friend, Jimmy, has suspected that there is incest and polyamory between the four men and has alerted Charlie to some of his suspicions. But when Charlie catches Evan and Brennan curled up together, naked and obviously recovering from a night of sex, he explosively loses his temper, hitting Brennan and calling him names.
The estrangement between Charlie and his sons seems insurmountable, but as the story unfolds, baby steps are taken and there is some healing. The primary focus of the story is the dynamics of the four-way relationship, and the affect on all the guys, but particularly on Evan.
I enjoyed the way the author handled many of the issues and complications and was happy to see that sensitive topics weren't ignored or glossed over. All in all, I liked it more than many other poly-m books I've read and am giving it 4 stars.
September 30, 2017
Update:
I'm in love with the series all over again - totally worth every star!!
Original review:
If ever there were a story I wanted to see continue, it’s the story of two sets of twin brothers and their journey of taboo love – Evan and Brennan, Alek and Luka. In this book, the angst is cranked up several notches as the foursome have to deal with an injury to Evan, blurred lines between the couples, and family/friends questioning the nature of their relationship(s). My stomach is churning just remembering all of it!
See my full review at...
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 5 hearts
I'm in love with the series all over again - totally worth every star!!
Original review:
If ever there were a story I wanted to see continue, it’s the story of two sets of twin brothers and their journey of taboo love – Evan and Brennan, Alek and Luka. In this book, the angst is cranked up several notches as the foursome have to deal with an injury to Evan, blurred lines between the couples, and family/friends questioning the nature of their relationship(s). My stomach is churning just remembering all of it!
See my full review at...
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 5 hearts
September 17, 2015
I got blown away by this book in more than one way. It is ridiculously hot. There's just no other classification. I'm pretty sure it's one of the hottest m/m book I've read, but it's so much more than that. I confess I started book one because of the twins thing. It's 2 sets of twins, ppl! COME ON! But then...I don't know, their story, their lives, their drama swept me away together with the amazing sex. It's a whole package.
It's a great book, no doubt about it. And I can't wait to read book 3. Obviously, if twincest is not your thing, stay away because these twins get down (literally) and dirty any chance they get.
It's a great book, no doubt about it. And I can't wait to read book 3. Obviously, if twincest is not your thing, stay away because these twins get down (literally) and dirty any chance they get.
December 4, 2014
What I liked so much about the first book, I also liked about this one. You really get to know the main characters. The sex is really hot and I love the dynamics. The secondary characters were really interesting too. They have a lot of layers, and are not portrayed just as good or bad. In this story the two pairs of twins are really becoming a foursome. But just the first careful steps, the problems (and the good times) associated with committing yourself to a foursome will probably be shown in hopefully a next book in this series.
May 1, 2015
I liked this one a lot more than the first one. This book is a lot more unique than most twin incest books in that it did gloss over the details in favor of sex. The book delve into the problems of trying to work out a very complicated relationship between the four brother. They also didn't just jump in happy but had doubts and arguments along the way. It also dealt some with family and friends take on the relationship. Very nice complex story with lot of sex thrown in.
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