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Brothers LaFon #1
Crucial Lessons
Novelette: 16,000+ words / 56 pages
Genre(s): Gay, Erotica, D/s
Alexander LaFon lives a nightmare, but he deals with it. Deals with the fact that his mother abandoned him as an infant, deals with the fact that his father is never home, and deals with the fact that his older brother, Jeremiah, tortures him.
He dreams of escaping his mobile-home prison and finding a normal life. Of breaking free of his agony, finding a woman to love, becoming a teacher.
But some horrors you can never outrun. There's nowhere to hide. Some nightmares chase you in your sleep and steal your freedom like a brutal thief. Some brothers never give up and never answer why.
Note: This book contains graphic violence, non-consensual sex, child abuse, and animal cruelty.
Genre(s): Gay, Erotica, D/s
Alexander LaFon lives a nightmare, but he deals with it. Deals with the fact that his mother abandoned him as an infant, deals with the fact that his father is never home, and deals with the fact that his older brother, Jeremiah, tortures him.
He dreams of escaping his mobile-home prison and finding a normal life. Of breaking free of his agony, finding a woman to love, becoming a teacher.
But some horrors you can never outrun. There's nowhere to hide. Some nightmares chase you in your sleep and steal your freedom like a brutal thief. Some brothers never give up and never answer why.
Note: This book contains graphic violence, non-consensual sex, child abuse, and animal cruelty.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
6 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Lance Tonlet
7 books410 followersJoseph is a born and raised Southern Californian with a twenty-year stint of living in the Midwest. He loves the laid-back lifestyle of San Diego and considers himself lucky to live where people dream of vacationing.
A lifelong reader of m/m fiction, he began his writing career one night sitting at his MacBook and has never looked back. He writes to bring the characters he dreams about to life.
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A lifelong reader of m/m fiction, he began his writing career one night sitting at his MacBook and has never looked back. He writes to bring the characters he dreams about to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 31, 2018
Oh well! that ends my 2018.
This book is disturbingly good!
Miah is a psycho.
Alex is Alex.
Stay away from this, because Kittens! Kittens! poor Kittens.
See you next year! I hope yours ends with a bang read like mine.
Happy new year!!
This book is disturbingly good!
Miah is a psycho.
Alex is Alex.
Stay away from this, because Kittens! Kittens! poor Kittens.
See you next year! I hope yours ends with a bang read like mine.
Happy new year!!
February 22, 2015
Okay, I've been itching for so long to get this review out, and now I've bugged (and bugged and bugged) the author for his permission...
Where to start? Where the mother-in-all hell to start?
It’s got to be Miah.
I have a list of qualifiers and describers as long as a novel that I can use to describe Miah LaFon: sexual sadist, brutal, aggressive, obsessive, controlling, psychopath... He’s unlovable, untouchable, a cold bastard in so —so- many ways, but the best thing about him? He wouldn’t give a shit about what I think. I wouldn’t even register on his level of indifference. And that’s what I absolutely LOVE about his character.
I go balls in when I find a character like this. The need’s there to pull him from the pages, tie him down in a padded cell, break him enough to see how he ticks... and it disturbs the hell out of me that Miah fascinates me like this: there’s nothing, and I mean NOTHING redeemable about him. But... but...
I keep thinking about the Three Days Grace song with Miah, the lyrics from Pain:
This life is filled with hurt
When happiness doesn't work
Trust me and take my hand
When the lights go out you will understand.
Pain without love,
Pain I can’t get enough
Pain I like it rough
And poor Alex...
He’s got all of Miah’s focus, his need to brutalise, to control, to give it rough.
What I love about this is how it addresses the question: Can a masochist, who enjoys pain, really be a challenge for a sadist? A sadist draws something from pain, but if it’s enjoyed, it possibly dilutes the impact for the sadist. And you see Miah realise that once Alex does what he does. Miah gets nothing (rightly so) for pouring his frustrations into a very brief BDSM lifestyle, and it shows a very definite difference between good Doms and someone who shouldn’t be anywhere near the lifestyle whatsoever.
Alex isn’t a masochist; he doesn’t get anything from the physical and psychological torture that he’s put through. He bleeds just to be held in the aftermath.
And through this, it shows abuse in such honest ways, how the victim is torn to pieces with what happens, but sometimes, just sometimes, there’s a craving to be back in it. Most victims hate that part of themselves, and you see it in Alex, how he tries so hard to get on with his life, but he knows Miah, a deep part of him loves his brother so much, and what happens at the end...
Oh boy. This is so dark. This gets a five for me because of its honesty, because it romanticises nothing, because it’s pure psychological torture and shows balls with going down this path.
It won’t be to everyone’s taste, so please... read the content warnings, watch the trailer on Joseph Lance Tonlet’s Goodreads’ Author page. There are multiple triggers here. I will be honest and say one of mine came up: It’s the first time I’ve picked up a read that deals with brothers in this way, but like I said, this isn’t about to go where readers think. It’s a psychological thriller, with the psychological pressure applied to Alex in all of Miah’s controlling ways.
It’s clever; it’s gritty, it’s dark; and I’m really gutted it wasn’t one of mine...
(ARC received, honest review given. Full disclosure: I know Mr, Tonlet, but that has no bearing on how much I frickin' loved this story.).
Where to start? Where the mother-in-all hell to start?
It’s got to be Miah.
I have a list of qualifiers and describers as long as a novel that I can use to describe Miah LaFon: sexual sadist, brutal, aggressive, obsessive, controlling, psychopath... He’s unlovable, untouchable, a cold bastard in so —so- many ways, but the best thing about him? He wouldn’t give a shit about what I think. I wouldn’t even register on his level of indifference. And that’s what I absolutely LOVE about his character.
I go balls in when I find a character like this. The need’s there to pull him from the pages, tie him down in a padded cell, break him enough to see how he ticks... and it disturbs the hell out of me that Miah fascinates me like this: there’s nothing, and I mean NOTHING redeemable about him. But... but...
I keep thinking about the Three Days Grace song with Miah, the lyrics from Pain:
This life is filled with hurt
When happiness doesn't work
Trust me and take my hand
When the lights go out you will understand.
Pain without love,
Pain I can’t get enough
Pain I like it rough
And poor Alex...
He’s got all of Miah’s focus, his need to brutalise, to control, to give it rough.
What I love about this is how it addresses the question: Can a masochist, who enjoys pain, really be a challenge for a sadist? A sadist draws something from pain, but if it’s enjoyed, it possibly dilutes the impact for the sadist. And you see Miah realise that once Alex does what he does. Miah gets nothing (rightly so) for pouring his frustrations into a very brief BDSM lifestyle, and it shows a very definite difference between good Doms and someone who shouldn’t be anywhere near the lifestyle whatsoever.
Alex isn’t a masochist; he doesn’t get anything from the physical and psychological torture that he’s put through. He bleeds just to be held in the aftermath.
And through this, it shows abuse in such honest ways, how the victim is torn to pieces with what happens, but sometimes, just sometimes, there’s a craving to be back in it. Most victims hate that part of themselves, and you see it in Alex, how he tries so hard to get on with his life, but he knows Miah, a deep part of him loves his brother so much, and what happens at the end...
Oh boy. This is so dark. This gets a five for me because of its honesty, because it romanticises nothing, because it’s pure psychological torture and shows balls with going down this path.
It won’t be to everyone’s taste, so please... read the content warnings, watch the trailer on Joseph Lance Tonlet’s Goodreads’ Author page. There are multiple triggers here. I will be honest and say one of mine came up: It’s the first time I’ve picked up a read that deals with brothers in this way, but like I said, this isn’t about to go where readers think. It’s a psychological thriller, with the psychological pressure applied to Alex in all of Miah’s controlling ways.
It’s clever; it’s gritty, it’s dark; and I’m really gutted it wasn’t one of mine...
(ARC received, honest review given. Full disclosure: I know Mr, Tonlet, but that has no bearing on how much I frickin' loved this story.).
October 17, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars ****
It’s no secret that I have a penchant for taboo reads
and as any other read, they don’t always work.
The good news is that Crucial Lessons is a mesh of all elements I look for in a taboo read.
But then, this is Joseph Lance Tonlet, an author that always impresses me. There is something in his writing that fascinates me. It takes me out of my comfort zone, it leaves me squirming and uncomfortable, just the way I like it.
This story is incredibly wrong, in fact, this is sick and disturbing, two important elements in a dark and twisted taboo read. Still, these 2 things alone don’t guarantee a hit. I believe Tonlet is successful at writing wicked things because he has what it takes to cross over the shock value mark: Talent. That magic spell in the writing voice, so strong and hypnotic that you stand no chance but to dive in and prey you wont go to hell.
What a shame that book 2 never happened because Jeremiah LaFon is one of the mostfucked up interesting sadist characters I ever came across. *shivers*
A super short read and yet it couldn't be more intense.
Reed the warnings as this is NOT for all. Note: This book contains graphic violence, non-consensual sex, child abuse, and animal cruelty.
BANNED BY AMAZON KINDLE.
I bought it from: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
It’s no secret that I have a penchant for taboo reads
and as any other read, they don’t always work.
The good news is that Crucial Lessons is a mesh of all elements I look for in a taboo read.
But then, this is Joseph Lance Tonlet, an author that always impresses me. There is something in his writing that fascinates me. It takes me out of my comfort zone, it leaves me squirming and uncomfortable, just the way I like it.
This story is incredibly wrong, in fact, this is sick and disturbing, two important elements in a dark and twisted taboo read. Still, these 2 things alone don’t guarantee a hit. I believe Tonlet is successful at writing wicked things because he has what it takes to cross over the shock value mark: Talent. That magic spell in the writing voice, so strong and hypnotic that you stand no chance but to dive in and prey you wont go to hell.
What a shame that book 2 never happened because Jeremiah LaFon is one of the most
A super short read and yet it couldn't be more intense.
Reed the warnings as this is NOT for all. Note: This book contains graphic violence, non-consensual sex, child abuse, and animal cruelty.
BANNED BY AMAZON KINDLE.
I bought it from: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
July 13, 2015
OH.MY.FUCKING.GAWD!!!
Did I just read that? Yep!
Did I like it...and even enjoy it?? Yes and Hell Yes!
Miah & Alexander have so quickly wormed their way into my life. I NEED more of this twisted f*ckeduppedness that JLT can give us.
My question is...how long do we have to wait for the next one?!
This book was rec'd to me because I was in the mood for 'twisted'..it sure as shit delivered! Thanks to those who mentioned this one.
*** Note to Fellow Readers: Please pay attention to ALL the warnings & tags.
This is NOT a book that you should grab up all willy nilly and 'try' to read it because you wanna push your boundaries. Only read it because you KNOW you like your books with some F*cked up characters & situations!
Did I just read that? Yep!
Did I like it...and even enjoy it?? Yes and Hell Yes!
Miah & Alexander have so quickly wormed their way into my life. I NEED more of this twisted f*ckeduppedness that JLT can give us.
My question is...how long do we have to wait for the next one?!
This book was rec'd to me because I was in the mood for 'twisted'..it sure as shit delivered! Thanks to those who mentioned this one.
*** Note to Fellow Readers: Please pay attention to ALL the warnings & tags.
This is NOT a book that you should grab up all willy nilly and 'try' to read it because you wanna push your boundaries. Only read it because you KNOW you like your books with some F*cked up characters & situations!
June 21, 2017
What a beautifully twisted tale! This story had me on the edge of my seat, gut churning the entire time. This is not a romance, but it is a dark and disturbing story of physical and psychological torture. If you've made it through and "enjoyed" stories like The Flesh Cartel #1: Capture and Antidote you'll probably like this one too, but take the warnings seriously if you are thinking of picking this up.
Opening and closing with the men as 30 year old adults, the majority of the story takes place when they are in their late teens, with one horrifying look at the boys when they were as young as 10. Miah is a psycophath and his younger (by only 9 months) brother Alex is the unfortunate focus of his abuse. In fact it's an obsession. Miah wants complete control of Alex. He wants to own every inch of him.
Miah has instilled a fear for his life in Alex, so he takes the abuse when it comes, but he yearns for the quieter times when Miah's attention is on him. As much as he hates what Miah does, he still wants those scraps of tenderness that occasionally come, as few as they may be and knowing they will result in even more suffering. Alex finds out that he does have limits one day and that is the last the brothers see of each other for 10 years, though Alex has never been out of Miah's thoughts.
Joseph Lance Tonlet did a great job in portraying the unapologetic brutality of Miah and his laser focus on Alex. His stated reason for why he tortures Alex seems, however, to be in direct conflict with some of his actions, especially in light of how he unsuccessfully tried to satisfy his needs since the men were separated. The ending chapter proves the lengths Miah will go to in order to get Alex back, but we know little about what Alex has been through in the last 10 years and I am not willing to believe he is the same person he used to be. I'm hoping he'll be able to give Miah a run for his money in the next part. I can't wait to peel back some more layers on these two.
BR with Bev -- I'll schedule us for Part Two as well!
Opening and closing with the men as 30 year old adults, the majority of the story takes place when they are in their late teens, with one horrifying look at the boys when they were as young as 10. Miah is a psycophath and his younger (by only 9 months) brother Alex is the unfortunate focus of his abuse. In fact it's an obsession. Miah wants complete control of Alex. He wants to own every inch of him.
Miah has instilled a fear for his life in Alex, so he takes the abuse when it comes, but he yearns for the quieter times when Miah's attention is on him. As much as he hates what Miah does, he still wants those scraps of tenderness that occasionally come, as few as they may be and knowing they will result in even more suffering. Alex finds out that he does have limits one day and that is the last the brothers see of each other for 10 years, though Alex has never been out of Miah's thoughts.
Joseph Lance Tonlet did a great job in portraying the unapologetic brutality of Miah and his laser focus on Alex. His stated reason for why he tortures Alex seems, however, to be in direct conflict with some of his actions, especially in light of how he unsuccessfully tried to satisfy his needs since the men were separated. The ending chapter proves the lengths Miah will go to in order to get Alex back, but we know little about what Alex has been through in the last 10 years and I am not willing to believe he is the same person he used to be. I'm hoping he'll be able to give Miah a run for his money in the next part. I can't wait to peel back some more layers on these two.
BR with Bev -- I'll schedule us for Part Two as well!
February 23, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.
I truly don’t know where to start with this review. I was blown away with the storytelling abilities of Mr. Tonlet in Grif's Toy, and though this story is so very different from that one, the underlying skill is what still strikes me the most.
I guess it can’t be said enough that this story is not for the faint of heart; that the warnings are there for a purpose and should be heeded seriously. With that out of the way, this is the extremely twisted tale of two brothers, one who is an extremely disturbed and sadistic bastard, and one who is…not.
This story starts in current day giving you a sense of how things are being played out now, but it quickly goes back to the horrors of their childhood. Jeremiah (Miah) lords over Alex, often in very cruel ways. The lessons he chooses to force Alex’s compliance are nothing short of chilling. My heart was in my throat through much of this, and I just wanted to wrap Alex up and steal him away from Miah, while at the same time, hoping Miah gets what is coming to him in spades.
Disturbed, sadistic and manipulative bastard. That is Miah on the outside. On the inside, he is very complex, and the whole time, you just want to understand, though I don’t think we ever truly will, what the heck is going on in his brain. The level of psychological, let alone physical, trauma he inflicts on Alex is a bit mind blowing. Does he care, even a little? Clearly he must on some strange level to have basically made Alex his life’s work.
Alex is so sweet and conflicted and just trying to survive. My heart broke for him so many times until he finally makes his break. How he managed to make a life for himself is beyond me, though, as I said earlier, Miah has not given up, even all these years later. The level of Miah’s control seems to have no boundaries, nothing holding him back from doing whatever it takes to bring back Alex and restore things to the level they were throughout their young lives. Just when you think Miah can’t stoop any lower…
This is one of the most powerful short stories I have ever read. You will zip through this on the edge of your seat, cry and scream at the words being told and yet long for more at the end. The words just flow and you won’t want to skip a single one. If you like these kind of deeply dark psychological mindfucks, I highly recommend and strongly urge you to pick this story up. It does not disappoint on any level. I cannot wait to see where Mr. Tonlet is going to take us in the next segment, but I have no doubt it will be another amazing ride.
April 25, 2015
Beautifully fucked up.
The kind of book that made me question my moral compass, because holy hell I should not be so damn intrigued by Jeremiah LaFon. He’s a sadistic psychopath with absolutely no fucks to give about anyone else’s opinion. It’s a seriously well done character study into the mind of Miah and his brother Alex. Alex gave the story its balance and a character to root for and empathize with. Growing up as the victimized brother to Miah’s brand of attention would do some hardcore damage to anyone’s mind.
For a short story, there was a great amount of history given and it made me “get” the dicked up family dynamics. I think it’s because the author did a great job of showing and minimal telling. It made Miah’s character that much more frightening. A few well-placed thoughts and actions of his gave a world of story in one or two paragraphs.
There were a couple of moments that were really tough for me to read. Wait, who am I kidding, there were a lot of moments. But, what I’m getting at it is you need to pay attention to the tags for the story. My breaking point could have been with the animals, if there had been any additional that would have been it for me like it would be for many. I bring this up because you should know that it wasn’t gratuitous or overly graphic. Disturbing? Absolutely. But, it had a point and spoke to Miah’s mind in a way that gives huge impact to the reader and to Alex.
The nighttime conversations between Miah and Alex were just as disturbing as the beatings Alex took. For me, the quitest moments can bring the greatest unease. They can lull the victim (and reader!) into a false sense of security and make us step back from the edge a bit and drop our guard. That’s pretty much the worst plan to have but damn I wanted that moment for Alex so badly even though it was doing him no favors in the long run. No matter what, Miah is his brother and Alex loves his brother.
I cheered for Alex when he was finally able to make his break, but also wasn’t naïve enough to believe that would be it. The escape was a tease and the end broke my heart and intrigued the hell out of me. While the story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se, it does open the door to a whole new chapter for this extremely disturbed relationship. I’ll be right there ready to read it too. Of course I’ll have to have something on deck that is so sickeningly sweet I’ll get a cavity just reading it, for brain cleansing purposes, but it’s totally worth every word.
The kind of book that made me question my moral compass, because holy hell I should not be so damn intrigued by Jeremiah LaFon. He’s a sadistic psychopath with absolutely no fucks to give about anyone else’s opinion. It’s a seriously well done character study into the mind of Miah and his brother Alex. Alex gave the story its balance and a character to root for and empathize with. Growing up as the victimized brother to Miah’s brand of attention would do some hardcore damage to anyone’s mind.
For a short story, there was a great amount of history given and it made me “get” the dicked up family dynamics. I think it’s because the author did a great job of showing and minimal telling. It made Miah’s character that much more frightening. A few well-placed thoughts and actions of his gave a world of story in one or two paragraphs.
There were a couple of moments that were really tough for me to read. Wait, who am I kidding, there were a lot of moments. But, what I’m getting at it is you need to pay attention to the tags for the story. My breaking point could have been with the animals, if there had been any additional that would have been it for me like it would be for many. I bring this up because you should know that it wasn’t gratuitous or overly graphic. Disturbing? Absolutely. But, it had a point and spoke to Miah’s mind in a way that gives huge impact to the reader and to Alex.
The nighttime conversations between Miah and Alex were just as disturbing as the beatings Alex took. For me, the quitest moments can bring the greatest unease. They can lull the victim (and reader!) into a false sense of security and make us step back from the edge a bit and drop our guard. That’s pretty much the worst plan to have but damn I wanted that moment for Alex so badly even though it was doing him no favors in the long run. No matter what, Miah is his brother and Alex loves his brother.
I cheered for Alex when he was finally able to make his break, but also wasn’t naïve enough to believe that would be it. The escape was a tease and the end broke my heart and intrigued the hell out of me. While the story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se, it does open the door to a whole new chapter for this extremely disturbed relationship. I’ll be right there ready to read it too. Of course I’ll have to have something on deck that is so sickeningly sweet I’ll get a cavity just reading it, for brain cleansing purposes, but it’s totally worth every word.
November 21, 2018
This is the first time I’ve given 5 stars to a standalone short story. And I recommend it to no one.
In good conscience, I can't suggest you go into the kind of emotional turmoil that I’ve just been through. I learned that I have what's at least a soft limit, and this one slammed up against it with a couple of instances of . I had to do some breathing techniques and remind myself it was fiction and hope against hope that it would be worth it.
It was.
I’m not sure what else to say. The experience of reading this was brutal, but it wouldn’t have been unless it was masterfully written. I fucking hated it. If the characters and story hadn’t been so intensely real and excruciating, it would have been easy to brush off. But NOPE, not so fast.
In atypical chronology, I have to go throw up and then get drunk. And then avoid my beloved depravity for at least 49.5 hours.
The bottom line is, if all of the above has you wanting to read it (like it would me), this one is for you and you alone.
In good conscience, I can't suggest you go into the kind of emotional turmoil that I’ve just been through. I learned that I have what's at least a soft limit, and this one slammed up against it with a couple of instances of . I had to do some breathing techniques and remind myself it was fiction and hope against hope that it would be worth it.
It was.
I’m not sure what else to say. The experience of reading this was brutal, but it wouldn’t have been unless it was masterfully written. I fucking hated it. If the characters and story hadn’t been so intensely real and excruciating, it would have been easy to brush off. But NOPE, not so fast.
In atypical chronology, I have to go throw up and then get drunk. And then avoid my beloved depravity for at least 49.5 hours.
The bottom line is, if all of the above has you wanting to read it (like it would me), this one is for you and you alone.
March 3, 2015
~ ~ ~
--I wrote the following review nearly a month ago. Per the author’s request I held my review until the book's release. As I prepare to post it now, I realize that my reservations on continuing with the series have mellowed. I’m more anxious to get to book 2 than I would have thought. This review reads a bit different from my norm, simply because when I wrote my initial thoughts I was a mess. Head fuck describes this all the way around. But I'll refrain from using that term too much, because I'd like to get this review on Amazon.
Review:
I know you like dark stuff, but do you like to read really dark stuff? I've been given an ARC for something that has pushed all my limits. The warnings include, but aren’t limited to: animal abuse, forced submission, incest. Take these seriously.
It was only 56 pages and to be honest it was brilliantly written, but I'm stuck on writing a review. Author Jack L. Pyke and Vicki (SilkeeeeeeReads) recommended this new-to-me author. Maybe I was expecting more of a mind bender, which it is, but it took the path of true torture to achieve that twistedness.
Half of the mind twist results in one brother hiding from the other.
Then he’s found.
That’s where this short leaves off.
The other half of the mind twist is on me. How could I possibly want to read more? But I do. I really do need to know: How Alex survives. If the author can convince me that Alex could have “true” feelings for Miah. And whether or not Miah can have any redeemable qualities. I don’t think so. None. So why would I want Alex to get what he needs from Miah? See, head, uh, bender.
There's a thread of deepest primal power and submission that connects even your stongest denial to the story. The head screw that Miah puts Alex through is visceral. You will feel it. Hate it. And if you're like me try to find meaning by dissecting it. That is an element that I love.
There is one puzzling plot issue for me. Why didn’t Alex run away much earlier? I find myself trying to ignore that and move on, but it’s nagging at me.
I don’t know how far I’ll go with this. I’m being honest. It’s tough stuff and it’ll have everything to do with my mindset. Again, the writing is near flawless, but the subject matter may prove too traumatizing, for me. I'm learning that I do have limits.
--So, that was a month ago. And those nagging thoughts haven’t stopped. Like a drill to my brain, Lance Tonlet’s writing-twisted as it is-has transfixed my morose curiosity. If I can convince the author to let me get my hands on book two, I’ll devour it. No promises on likeability, but I guess sometimes one wants to be pushed further than they think they can go.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
--I wrote the following review nearly a month ago. Per the author’s request I held my review until the book's release. As I prepare to post it now, I realize that my reservations on continuing with the series have mellowed. I’m more anxious to get to book 2 than I would have thought. This review reads a bit different from my norm, simply because when I wrote my initial thoughts I was a mess. Head fuck describes this all the way around. But I'll refrain from using that term too much, because I'd like to get this review on Amazon.
Review:
I know you like dark stuff, but do you like to read really dark stuff? I've been given an ARC for something that has pushed all my limits. The warnings include, but aren’t limited to: animal abuse, forced submission, incest. Take these seriously.
It was only 56 pages and to be honest it was brilliantly written, but I'm stuck on writing a review. Author Jack L. Pyke and Vicki (SilkeeeeeeReads) recommended this new-to-me author. Maybe I was expecting more of a mind bender, which it is, but it took the path of true torture to achieve that twistedness.
“I. Don't. Like. You. That's why," hissed Miah.”
Half of the mind twist results in one brother hiding from the other.
Then he’s found.
That’s where this short leaves off.
The other half of the mind twist is on me. How could I possibly want to read more? But I do. I really do need to know: How Alex survives. If the author can convince me that Alex could have “true” feelings for Miah. And whether or not Miah can have any redeemable qualities. I don’t think so. None. So why would I want Alex to get what he needs from Miah? See, head, uh, bender.
There's a thread of deepest primal power and submission that connects even your stongest denial to the story. The head screw that Miah puts Alex through is visceral. You will feel it. Hate it. And if you're like me try to find meaning by dissecting it. That is an element that I love.
There is one puzzling plot issue for me. Why didn’t Alex run away much earlier? I find myself trying to ignore that and move on, but it’s nagging at me.
I don’t know how far I’ll go with this. I’m being honest. It’s tough stuff and it’ll have everything to do with my mindset. Again, the writing is near flawless, but the subject matter may prove too traumatizing, for me. I'm learning that I do have limits.
--So, that was a month ago. And those nagging thoughts haven’t stopped. Like a drill to my brain, Lance Tonlet’s writing-twisted as it is-has transfixed my morose curiosity. If I can convince the author to let me get my hands on book two, I’ll devour it. No promises on likeability, but I guess sometimes one wants to be pushed further than they think they can go.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
April 12, 2015
“I. Don't. Like. You. That's why," hissed Miah.
Damn, this was a brilliant first part of a story, an immensely powerful mindfuck! I don’t even have the words to express how much this book fucked with my head.
I was caught up in Miah’s narration right from the beginning, the psychotic bastard kind of fascinated me. His character is complex and perfectly elaborated. Miah is a sadist, lives are nothing to him… plus he’s a sexual sadist, who gets aroused from inflicting pain and humiliation on unwilling and non-consenting victims. He doesn’t do safe, sane and consensual. Miah, the manipulative bastard, needs the unwillingness, the fear, the agony, the power... his mind fuckery is all about power. He’s a psychopath, a control-freak, his brutality is beyond words, he is cold as ice and he seems to be untouchable. And his focus is always on his younger brother Alex.
Alex… OMG Alex… the pain, the raw exhaustion, the agony, what he went through and how he survived all these years is simply beyond me. I struggled along with him and was so happy when he finally managed to escape his brother’s tortures. At the end of the story, though… everything he had to endure seems to rush back and now I fear the worst. My only comfort is that we don’t know anything about Alex’s life in the last ten years, and I sooo hope he’s not the same innocent, vulnerable and defenseless person he once was. Kick Miah’s balls, Alex! Show him WHO holds the power!
God, if his little brother ever learned the actual power he held over him, it’d all be over. Which was the reason they were out here: for another reminder, for another bit of insurance, for another round of psychological fuckery.
All in all, the story isn't for the faint of heart, it’s a dark, disturbing, gritty story that pushed my boundaries… it was a painful, exhausting read. Joseph’s writing is superb, and Miah’s characterization is stunning.
I have
Btw… Jack Pyke, Bey Deckard and Kol Anderson have a short but powerful appearance. They don’t last long though… :)))
Note: Please don’t read the story without paying attention to all the warnings & tags!
September 18, 2022
The author's warnings are there for a reason. This is NOT a sweet and fluffy romance read...so if that’s what you’re after, step away from that one-click button and your kindle, do NOT pass go, do NOT collect £200. 5 dark and very disturbing stars from me.
Well Mr Tonlet, what can I say?? It was everything that I was expecting..and more, so much more. Like some of the darkest things I’ve read...maybe on steroids, hehe. I’m not going into the dynamics of the story; it’s covered fairly well in the blurb at the top, but there are a whole load of adjectives I can and WILL use, just to describe ONE of the brothers, Jeremiah or Miah, who is a complete and utter psychopath..so if you are wavering about reading this one, these should make your mind up for you...cold, calculating, detached, depraved, perverted, horrific, degenerate, twisted, sick and thoroughly immoral, which by my definition is transgressing accepted moral rules....I think you get the picture.
A ‘person’ like Miah, well they should lock him up and throw away the key for good shouldn't they BUT is Alex really any better?? Someone who sort of accepts that being tortured, beaten and sexually abused...all in the name of brotherly love is normal...or as near to normal as these two can get?? Yes, there’s certainly an element of Stockholm syndrome about it, but Alex keeps coming back for more, he ought to be able to escape before his brother finally kills him...so you have to wonder if he’s actually more into the mental and physical abuse that’s being heaped on him than he lets on cos it shows his brother loves him, which I know sounds weird but could it be true??
Anyhoo, back to that ending in 'real time' (just like 24!!). Talk about a cliffy!! Alex MUST have something on Miah surely cos he would know that Miah would do anything, yes ANYTHING to get him back even after all this time, he’s so desperate to regain possession of his brother. Will that little freak Rod help Alex to bring about his brother’s downfall (and hopefully death) or will there be yet another twist in the tail?? I can’t wait to find out. Thanks JLT!!
Thanks to Deb for another good buddy read. We can certainly pick them!!
Well Mr Tonlet, what can I say?? It was everything that I was expecting..and more, so much more. Like some of the darkest things I’ve read...maybe on steroids, hehe. I’m not going into the dynamics of the story; it’s covered fairly well in the blurb at the top, but there are a whole load of adjectives I can and WILL use, just to describe ONE of the brothers, Jeremiah or Miah, who is a complete and utter psychopath..so if you are wavering about reading this one, these should make your mind up for you...cold, calculating, detached, depraved, perverted, horrific, degenerate, twisted, sick and thoroughly immoral, which by my definition is transgressing accepted moral rules....I think you get the picture.
A ‘person’ like Miah, well they should lock him up and throw away the key for good shouldn't they BUT is Alex really any better?? Someone who sort of accepts that being tortured, beaten and sexually abused...all in the name of brotherly love is normal...or as near to normal as these two can get?? Yes, there’s certainly an element of Stockholm syndrome about it, but Alex keeps coming back for more, he ought to be able to escape before his brother finally kills him...so you have to wonder if he’s actually more into the mental and physical abuse that’s being heaped on him than he lets on cos it shows his brother loves him, which I know sounds weird but could it be true??
Anyhoo, back to that ending in 'real time' (just like 24!!). Talk about a cliffy!! Alex MUST have something on Miah surely cos he would know that Miah would do anything, yes ANYTHING to get him back even after all this time, he’s so desperate to regain possession of his brother. Will that little freak Rod help Alex to bring about his brother’s downfall (and hopefully death) or will there be yet another twist in the tail?? I can’t wait to find out. Thanks JLT!!
Thanks to Deb for another good buddy read. We can certainly pick them!!
August 24, 2015
This book was banned from Amazon for content. But you can still get it at Barnes and Noble Brothers LaFon, Part One: Crucial Lessons
Or visit https://josephlancetonlet.wordpress.c...
It’d been the first crack that had actually split his younger brother’s skin, and Miah frequently returned to the fledgling laceration with near hallowed reminiscence.
There are no words to describe the fierce protectiveness a mother feels for her son's penis. We apply petroleum jelly to his circumcision wound with as much care as we would the Mona Lisa. We spend our lives making sure he's careful and covered and comfortable.
This book takes those feelings and slashes them with rusty razor blades.
Brothers La Fon will make you question everything you thought you knew about your comfort zone, your kinks, your limits.
It's a twisted and sick mindfuck and you'll love every freakin' minute of it.
You may even find yourself with a crush on a psychopath.
JLT's Website: http://www.josephlancetonlet.com/Brot...
Nook: Brothers LaFon, Part One: Crucial Lessons
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/josephltonl...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H5NU...
Or visit https://josephlancetonlet.wordpress.c...
It’d been the first crack that had actually split his younger brother’s skin, and Miah frequently returned to the fledgling laceration with near hallowed reminiscence.
There are no words to describe the fierce protectiveness a mother feels for her son's penis. We apply petroleum jelly to his circumcision wound with as much care as we would the Mona Lisa. We spend our lives making sure he's careful and covered and comfortable.
This book takes those feelings and slashes them with rusty razor blades.
Brothers La Fon will make you question everything you thought you knew about your comfort zone, your kinks, your limits.
It's a twisted and sick mindfuck and you'll love every freakin' minute of it.
You may even find yourself with a crush on a psychopath.
JLT's Website: http://www.josephlancetonlet.com/Brot...
Nook: Brothers LaFon, Part One: Crucial Lessons
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/josephltonl...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H5NU...
March 5, 2015
I really don't know how to start this review,......wow....counts to ten and breathes would be good.....Joseph is definitely in the Dark Reads group and can now join the corner I've put Jack L Pyke,Lynn Kelling and Kol Anderson in....He has good company.....This is quite a brutal story and I really don't know how to say any of this......I read this one in paperback even though I had the kindle version and I'm not sure if that made it better..Felt good holding an actual book.....Now about this book....Miah, well He is just pure evil....Such a cruel and twisted man wether at the age of 18/19 or 31...His twisted sick love for his brother Alexander/Alex was off the scales and I have no doubt that he does love him but why does he want to hurt him...yeah because HE.DOESN'T.LIKE.HIM......He is a sadist that is obvious but Alex is not a masochist and some of the things that Miah does to him is just brutal....How Alex survived the years he did before he ran I do not know but when he ran...I cheered for him but as this is the first book we knew that he wouldn't be gone too long.....Ten years later and Miah finally has Alex back....and a way to keep him too....This is a must read but you have to read the warnings as this book will not be for everyone....there is def non-con....animals treated beyond cruelly and well it goes on...The incest doesn't bother me...been there read that before..but this book is definitely on my top list of good books.....I eagerly await book two and think I like that they are being written in smaller books like The Flesh Cartel....long enough to get a good read but short enough that it doesn't screw with your mind.......Now I think I'll go find a nice calm peaceful book to read before the next chapter comes out....well done Joseph....You've captured this readers heart for good xx
July 28, 2016
Fucking Hell was my first comment.
When you can read behind the tags/labels you will find a incredible good written story.
It will hold you by the throat
Against all knowledge I was waiting for some regret. There has to be some....
Nope, none, nada (of course).
Be aware their are people who are not sane in the head. It's reality.
And the way it was written down in this story my God.....Awesomeness ....... Obeisance JLT !
When you can read behind the tags/labels you will find a incredible good written story.
It will hold you by the throat
Against all knowledge I was waiting for some regret. There has to be some....
Nope, none, nada (of course).
Be aware their are people who are not sane in the head. It's reality.
And the way it was written down in this story my God.....Awesomeness ....... Obeisance JLT !
February 22, 2015
This will get a good, proper review from me soon. However, in the meantime... yeah, what Jack said.
March 11, 2015
Wow, that was all kinds of messed up! And I loved every minute of it. Except the animal cruelty. I think I may have just found my first hard limit.
I hope we don't have to wait too long for book #2. I'm dying to see where things go with Miah and Alex :)
I hope we don't have to wait too long for book #2. I'm dying to see where things go with Miah and Alex :)
May 19, 2017
This was fucked up so I really liked it, but I should have waited for the series to be complete! It was too short :(
March 11, 2015
This is my first book from JLT. I had no idea if he was a good writer or not. After finishing this, I have to say, he's got the skills. I read the warnings before starting this book. I like dark so I moved forward.
This novella is about two brothers. Miah is a true psychopath/sociopath. He's willing to go to inhuman lengths without batting and eye. His greatest pleasure is physically and psychologically torturing his little brother Alex. Alex lives in hell made by a brother he cannot reason with no matter how much he begs or cries. The ultimate kicker is despite how much pain and degradation Alex endures at the hands of Miah, he still loves his brother.
For about a day after reading, I was speechless except for rambling curses.
The dark in it is about as dark as a story can get without becoming horror. The bad things are so wrong; yet, I still felt drawn to what was happening. There are no boundaries in this novella. I had no idea where it would go next, and I cannot wait for the next installment to discover the brothers' fates.
If you don't like truly dark reads, this is not for you. I suggest you take the warnings seriously.
4.5 scars
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
This novella is about two brothers. Miah is a true psychopath/sociopath. He's willing to go to inhuman lengths without batting and eye. His greatest pleasure is physically and psychologically torturing his little brother Alex. Alex lives in hell made by a brother he cannot reason with no matter how much he begs or cries. The ultimate kicker is despite how much pain and degradation Alex endures at the hands of Miah, he still loves his brother.
For about a day after reading, I was speechless except for rambling curses.
The dark in it is about as dark as a story can get without becoming horror. The bad things are so wrong; yet, I still felt drawn to what was happening. There are no boundaries in this novella. I had no idea where it would go next, and I cannot wait for the next installment to discover the brothers' fates.
If you don't like truly dark reads, this is not for you. I suggest you take the warnings seriously.
4.5 scars
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
February 28, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
This is a short introduction to brother’s Alexander and Jeremiah LaFon that packs a punch as we learn just how disturbed their relationship is as they grow up.
If you look up the word sadist in the dictionary its description is nowhere near strong enough to describe Jeremiah who seems evil to the core.
The story is told in flashbacks as Jeremiah, or Miah as we come to know him, tortures and abuses his younger brother in a bid to keep him close and compliant.
The abuse is varied but always intense and when they reach their teenage years it becomes sexual.
When Miah steps over a line Alexander runs and manages to stay hidden for many years. During that time Miah is consumed with finding him, along with his sadism he has a healthy dose of obsession with his younger brother, and as we find out will go to any lengths required to obtain what he believes is rightfully his.
The interesting side to this is that although Alexander is terrified he is also turned on. Miah should be the person everyone despises but I have a feeling he will become a villain we love and I can’t wait to see what Joseph gives us in the next instalment.
4.5 Stars
This is a short introduction to brother’s Alexander and Jeremiah LaFon that packs a punch as we learn just how disturbed their relationship is as they grow up.
If you look up the word sadist in the dictionary its description is nowhere near strong enough to describe Jeremiah who seems evil to the core.
The story is told in flashbacks as Jeremiah, or Miah as we come to know him, tortures and abuses his younger brother in a bid to keep him close and compliant.
The abuse is varied but always intense and when they reach their teenage years it becomes sexual.
When Miah steps over a line Alexander runs and manages to stay hidden for many years. During that time Miah is consumed with finding him, along with his sadism he has a healthy dose of obsession with his younger brother, and as we find out will go to any lengths required to obtain what he believes is rightfully his.
The interesting side to this is that although Alexander is terrified he is also turned on. Miah should be the person everyone despises but I have a feeling he will become a villain we love and I can’t wait to see what Joseph gives us in the next instalment.
December 17, 2023
I knew that Crucial Lessons is a dark book featuring incest content going in. But holy smokes, I was still shook by the intensity and depravity of this story. 🤯
This was awful and awesome. 5/5 for me, cuz I'm messed up. 🖤🖤🖤
Tags: D/s, incest, torture, animal abuse.
This was awful and awesome. 5/5 for me, cuz I'm messed up. 🖤🖤🖤
Tags: D/s, incest, torture, animal abuse.
March 9, 2015
What a dark, twisted piece of debauchery. Loved it. Definitely NOT for everyone.
February 24, 2016
Great story, really well developed characters and everything flows perfectly. Can't wait to see what happens to the brothers in the next book.
February 28, 2015
Joseph, you have written quite a challenge for me to process and finish, all 55ish pages of it. I say that as a compliment, because despite the subject matter which is difficult for me (I warned you I was wimpy), the way you have written these two people is fantastic. I see Miah's name on the page, at the beginning of the chapter and I grimace and I want to yell at Alex to run and get away from him, shake some sense into him. As a reader, to have such a strong reaction to a fictional character, means it was written WELL...I have given this story 5 stars, not necessarily because I enjoyed reading it, because it was difficult for me, but because you made me think and look past the overt actions of the MC's and think about what other elements where at play for them. Could something "beautiful" exist in the dark, savage atrocity that was Alex's existence and Miah's behavior.
Miah...he's is sick beyond my wildest imagination, but the psychological dynamic between these two brothers is definitely something I have pondered, thought about, wondered about since I finished reading and I still can't wrap my head around it. In its most disturbed and complicated and warped form, this story is about Love, through brutal control and possession. Although Miah says how much he dislikes Alex I think that there's a lot more to it for him. This is a classic case of "thou doth protest too much". He is sinister, mean, degrading and brutal and what he does is nonconsensual but the route of where his intentions are coming from, I believe stem from Love.
Alex... clearly loves Miah, despite the brutality and cruelty and just wants Miah to accept him for him. Because he loves him. End of. He's frightened and terrified of Miah, yet submits to Miah over and over, knowing each time could mean his own demise, but does so, I believe, because he just wants Miah to love him back.
The sadistic and masochistic dynamic in play to accomplish this feat, does leave me questioning my crazy notion that there is love behind all the ruthless, inhumane cruel behavior, and that maybe Miah really does just despise Alex and wants nothing more than the feeling he gets over controlling, dominating and scaring the crap out of someone. But I genuinely believe there is more at play. That level of brutality and intense desire to control and possess stems from passion which stems from a strong emotion, such as love.
Miah...he's is sick beyond my wildest imagination, but the psychological dynamic between these two brothers is definitely something I have pondered, thought about, wondered about since I finished reading and I still can't wrap my head around it. In its most disturbed and complicated and warped form, this story is about Love, through brutal control and possession. Although Miah says how much he dislikes Alex I think that there's a lot more to it for him. This is a classic case of "thou doth protest too much". He is sinister, mean, degrading and brutal and what he does is nonconsensual but the route of where his intentions are coming from, I believe stem from Love.
Alex... clearly loves Miah, despite the brutality and cruelty and just wants Miah to accept him for him. Because he loves him. End of. He's frightened and terrified of Miah, yet submits to Miah over and over, knowing each time could mean his own demise, but does so, I believe, because he just wants Miah to love him back.
The sadistic and masochistic dynamic in play to accomplish this feat, does leave me questioning my crazy notion that there is love behind all the ruthless, inhumane cruel behavior, and that maybe Miah really does just despise Alex and wants nothing more than the feeling he gets over controlling, dominating and scaring the crap out of someone. But I genuinely believe there is more at play. That level of brutality and intense desire to control and possess stems from passion which stems from a strong emotion, such as love.
May 4, 2015
Yea gods. It was even better on rereading it.
This is one of those books where I feel like when I say that I enjoyed every twisted minute of it, I'll wind up on some watch-list somewhere. *grins*
Wonderfully written with scenes of abusive sadism lovingly wrought... A powerful dynamic where love can be ugly and hate beautiful.
I especially loved the reveal, so to speak, at the end. Nice touch.
Can't wait for the next one.
This is one of those books where I feel like when I say that I enjoyed every twisted minute of it, I'll wind up on some watch-list somewhere. *grins*
Wonderfully written with scenes of abusive sadism lovingly wrought... A powerful dynamic where love can be ugly and hate beautiful.
I especially loved the reveal, so to speak, at the end. Nice touch.
Can't wait for the next one.
June 17, 2024
It was just unrelentlessly dark. A true psychopath, and not just the romanticized ones we usually encounter in mm.
Kitten death.
Kitten death.
March 2, 2015
Reviewed for 
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 5 hearts
Well damn, I’m not often close to speechless, but this one did it. Shock and awe were present in equal parts as the story unfolded. It took a while for the words to come…
Giving a 5 heart rating for a story that isn’t remotely romantic, sweet or heartfelt is definitely something that gave me pause; however, there’s no question it’s worthy of 5 of something (and more). I’m just not sure what the appropriate symbol would be to represent the darkness in this story and the mastermind that brought it to life so brilliantly.
Have you ever watched a scary movie and been so fatally attracted that you couldn’t pull away despite knowing it was going to scare the bejeebers out of you and maybe give you nightmares? That was me reading this book. There were times that I literally had to pause, look away, and take a deep fortifying breath in order to forge ahead into the looming darkness and face the evil lurking there. There were a couple of other times that I flinched – literally flinched as my system absorbed the shock of what I’d just read.
And yet, despite all the darkness (or perhaps because of it), the characters and the nature of their relationship held an overwhelming fascination as potent as any amazing love story I’ve ever read. Jeremiah, or Miah as his brother referred to him, is the type of person that would have mental health professionals salivating to get a chance at pinning him under a microscope and trying to solve him like a puzzle: what could have happened in his life to make him into a living monster; how could he carry out his tortuous actions without any apparent feelings; and why his brother – was it hate that drove his actions or a twisted kind of love that required complete and utter control?
If you are like me, someone who enjoys dark, dangerous and twisted as much as you like sweet and romantic, then my advice to you is proceed with caution, pay attention to every tag and warning describing this story, strap yourself securely into your seat, and prepare to be jolted out of your comfort zone. This story couldn’t be more different than the author’s debut novel – Grif’s Toy – but every bit as gripping and memorable. I think it speaks volumes about Joseph Lance Tonlet’s amazing range of talent for storytelling. I’m waiting anxiously for the second LaFon Brothers book as well as the sequel to Grif’s Toy. Patience isn’t my best virtue, so I hope my wait won’t be too long!
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 5 heartsWell damn, I’m not often close to speechless, but this one did it. Shock and awe were present in equal parts as the story unfolded. It took a while for the words to come…
Giving a 5 heart rating for a story that isn’t remotely romantic, sweet or heartfelt is definitely something that gave me pause; however, there’s no question it’s worthy of 5 of something (and more). I’m just not sure what the appropriate symbol would be to represent the darkness in this story and the mastermind that brought it to life so brilliantly.
Have you ever watched a scary movie and been so fatally attracted that you couldn’t pull away despite knowing it was going to scare the bejeebers out of you and maybe give you nightmares? That was me reading this book. There were times that I literally had to pause, look away, and take a deep fortifying breath in order to forge ahead into the looming darkness and face the evil lurking there. There were a couple of other times that I flinched – literally flinched as my system absorbed the shock of what I’d just read.
And yet, despite all the darkness (or perhaps because of it), the characters and the nature of their relationship held an overwhelming fascination as potent as any amazing love story I’ve ever read. Jeremiah, or Miah as his brother referred to him, is the type of person that would have mental health professionals salivating to get a chance at pinning him under a microscope and trying to solve him like a puzzle: what could have happened in his life to make him into a living monster; how could he carry out his tortuous actions without any apparent feelings; and why his brother – was it hate that drove his actions or a twisted kind of love that required complete and utter control?
If you are like me, someone who enjoys dark, dangerous and twisted as much as you like sweet and romantic, then my advice to you is proceed with caution, pay attention to every tag and warning describing this story, strap yourself securely into your seat, and prepare to be jolted out of your comfort zone. This story couldn’t be more different than the author’s debut novel – Grif’s Toy – but every bit as gripping and memorable. I think it speaks volumes about Joseph Lance Tonlet’s amazing range of talent for storytelling. I’m waiting anxiously for the second LaFon Brothers book as well as the sequel to Grif’s Toy. Patience isn’t my best virtue, so I hope my wait won’t be too long!
March 10, 2015
Where do I start...this has warnings, it is about as dark and twisted as they come, there is animal torture that horrified me, and I actually found this the hardest to get through. Then there is serious sadistic abuse, physical, sexual and perhaps worst of all emotional by one dominating, psychopathic older brother, Jeremiah/Miah, to his younger brother, Alex, who is forced to submit and endure. I say psychopath and mean it. See the classification of this condition and watch all the attributes appear through this story.
The way Miah persists, pursues the object of his urges and singleminded desire/need over time. The lengths he will go to to achieve his aim, of regaining control is without compassion, empathy or emotion as he shows with young Jack. Yes, Miah is one to be avoided.
I was into this story, wanting Alex to bite back, maybe for justice to occur but often in real life this happens late in the day, or maybe never.
Now my grouse and why I'm dropping a star, I buy a book, novel, novella, or novelette and this comes as novellette and at £1.99 for 56 pages isn't cheap. I expect in this a story, complete, and this isn't but could be my fault as I missed the Part one...and here I am with a blasted serial again. I, as do most readers want a whole complete story. Whatever the length, it's the quality that counts. I hate serials. Feel cheated and hate wanting to know what happens next but can't find out...until...whenever.
I'm prepared to pay up to £5-6 for an e-book read if good and decent length. I want my writers to gain some reward for their hard work and what I hope is a creative good read for me, but like most I'm on a budget and I do feel used when I buy in serials of around 50 pages at £2 a time, so for a 350 page novel you end paying £12-£14 for something that comes in fits and starts and that by the time we get to the end I have forgotten the start or the year I started it. Alternative is to wait years and hope it is compiled into one book. This was my grouse about The Flesh Cartel and other serials too.
So reader beware, potentially a dark five star read but as it is delivered in stages it's only 4 stars from me and as much as I want to know what happens next I may not hang around to see!
The way Miah persists, pursues the object of his urges and singleminded desire/need over time. The lengths he will go to to achieve his aim, of regaining control is without compassion, empathy or emotion as he shows with young Jack. Yes, Miah is one to be avoided.
I was into this story, wanting Alex to bite back, maybe for justice to occur but often in real life this happens late in the day, or maybe never.
Now my grouse and why I'm dropping a star, I buy a book, novel, novella, or novelette and this comes as novellette and at £1.99 for 56 pages isn't cheap. I expect in this a story, complete, and this isn't but could be my fault as I missed the Part one...and here I am with a blasted serial again. I, as do most readers want a whole complete story. Whatever the length, it's the quality that counts. I hate serials. Feel cheated and hate wanting to know what happens next but can't find out...until...whenever.
I'm prepared to pay up to £5-6 for an e-book read if good and decent length. I want my writers to gain some reward for their hard work and what I hope is a creative good read for me, but like most I'm on a budget and I do feel used when I buy in serials of around 50 pages at £2 a time, so for a 350 page novel you end paying £12-£14 for something that comes in fits and starts and that by the time we get to the end I have forgotten the start or the year I started it. Alternative is to wait years and hope it is compiled into one book. This was my grouse about The Flesh Cartel and other serials too.
So reader beware, potentially a dark five star read but as it is delivered in stages it's only 4 stars from me and as much as I want to know what happens next I may not hang around to see!
April 8, 2015
OK where to start… this is a short, intense, dark, unapologetic story. The author himself has made the following tags: GAY, EROTICA, FORCED SUBMISSION, THRILLER, NON-CON, INCEST, KIDNAPPING, CHILD ABUSE, ANIMAL CRUELTY. If any one or more of these are triggers for you, please step away now. This is not the book for you.
That being said, this book is a crazy, wild, disturbing ride. It’s a short story of about 80 pages. The plot moves along quickly as we first are introduced to Jeremiah (Miah) LaFon as an adult, and get a taste of his twisted, devious nature. We then step back into Miah and Alexander’s (Alex) childhood; this is where we face the fact that these boys don’t really have a normal sense of childhood. No spoilers here, but it’s seriously darkly intense. #mindfuckery at its best.
These boys, brothers, have a very twisted and unseemly relationship. On the surface, it’s hard to understand, but they are family; they are brothers and they have that in-born connection that goes beyond friendship or love. Alex is a smart, gentle kid. It’s amazing that he was able to break away from his brother to make a normal life for himself. And yet he’s like a fly caught in a devious web spun by his brother. Miah set the trap and Alex came wandering in. It’s weird, but it works. The author really has crafted some dark twisted magic with this story.
This is the first of a 2-part series; Book 2 is in the works. If you’re still with me at this point, please go back and double-check the tags. If you’re sure, then I suggest you grab this one, clear your schedule and plan to devour it in one sitting. Once you get started, you won’t be able to put it down. It’s like nothing you’ve ever read.
See full write-up at: https://rainbowgoldreviews.wordpress....
That being said, this book is a crazy, wild, disturbing ride. It’s a short story of about 80 pages. The plot moves along quickly as we first are introduced to Jeremiah (Miah) LaFon as an adult, and get a taste of his twisted, devious nature. We then step back into Miah and Alexander’s (Alex) childhood; this is where we face the fact that these boys don’t really have a normal sense of childhood. No spoilers here, but it’s seriously darkly intense. #mindfuckery at its best.
These boys, brothers, have a very twisted and unseemly relationship. On the surface, it’s hard to understand, but they are family; they are brothers and they have that in-born connection that goes beyond friendship or love. Alex is a smart, gentle kid. It’s amazing that he was able to break away from his brother to make a normal life for himself. And yet he’s like a fly caught in a devious web spun by his brother. Miah set the trap and Alex came wandering in. It’s weird, but it works. The author really has crafted some dark twisted magic with this story.
This is the first of a 2-part series; Book 2 is in the works. If you’re still with me at this point, please go back and double-check the tags. If you’re sure, then I suggest you grab this one, clear your schedule and plan to devour it in one sitting. Once you get started, you won’t be able to put it down. It’s like nothing you’ve ever read.
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May 14, 2017
This is labeled book one so I am ready to continue following these brothers. Now, this isn’t a typical taboo for you book. No, not in the slightest. We aren’t dealing with love at all. Not on either side. Why? Because Jeremiah (Miah) isn’t sane. See, I studied psychology and forensic psychology in school and I spent the entire time reading this book, profiling Jeremiah. He’s a cocktail I tell ya. He has Narcissistic Personality Disorder that caries the traits of psychopathic and Machiavellian-ism, toss in some sociopathy and obsession and there you have Jeremiah.
Alexander, his younger brother by just a year, is the victim. This isn’t a consensual relationship as you can imagine. From the very beginning, Jeremiah has run this manic show and Alexander has been defenseless to stop him.
Now you can read this book one of two ways. With an open mind or without. Alexander may anger you a bit as to why he doesn’t defend himself but you’d be wrong and your anger would be misplaced. Jeremiah is far from stupid. Jeremiah is cunning, he’s methodical, he is strategic. Add that to all the diagnosis above and it would take a lot to take him down.
Alexander runs but Jeremiah’s make up doesn’t let him go and he makes it his life’s mission to find him. His obsession IS Alexander. Everyone else in the world is but filler to him, biding his time until he has his other half. No, Jeremiah can’t love he also can’t understand why he’s this way and therefore he can’t explain it to Alexander.
It’s quite a fascinating read if you can love the psychology of it. Give it a go!
Alexander, his younger brother by just a year, is the victim. This isn’t a consensual relationship as you can imagine. From the very beginning, Jeremiah has run this manic show and Alexander has been defenseless to stop him.
Now you can read this book one of two ways. With an open mind or without. Alexander may anger you a bit as to why he doesn’t defend himself but you’d be wrong and your anger would be misplaced. Jeremiah is far from stupid. Jeremiah is cunning, he’s methodical, he is strategic. Add that to all the diagnosis above and it would take a lot to take him down.
Alexander runs but Jeremiah’s make up doesn’t let him go and he makes it his life’s mission to find him. His obsession IS Alexander. Everyone else in the world is but filler to him, biding his time until he has his other half. No, Jeremiah can’t love he also can’t understand why he’s this way and therefore he can’t explain it to Alexander.
It’s quite a fascinating read if you can love the psychology of it. Give it a go!
November 13, 2015
It's taken me a few hours to unscramble my thoughts and emotions after reading this latest offering from the wonderfully original Joseph Lance Tonlet. I read the entire lament of Alex and Miah in one go and don't think I took a breath or blinked once. It was a phenemonel introduction to The Brothers LaFon and I'm already under Miah's wicked spell. His impressive skills at inflicting grave evil on his younger brother had me quivering in my boots and like any good horror story I wanted to stop looking but just had to keep going. JLT has skills with words unlike anyone I've encountered recently and his ability to draw you in to his created world is awesome. There is so much intensity to the story it makes for compelling reading. The angst, fear and utter desperation from Alex is almost addictive where Miah's sociopathic attitude reviles yet intrigues at the same time. I know I really shouldn't love this book as much due to the deliciously deviant theme but it's truly bloody brilliant! Cannot wait for the next instalment.
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