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Separation
Matthew Langford is told on his twenty-first birthday that he has a twin. After the initial shock, he quickly realizes this is why he always felt part of him was missing. His search takes him 200 miles to Devon, UK, where he meets fraternal twin, Tremaine Wheal.
The pair discover many things in common, and quickly become as close as if they’d never been separated. But when they share a moment in a nightclub, each realizes there is more between them than having shared a womb. Panic sets in and they part. Once again their separation brings loneliness and pain.
Eventually, unable to stay away from each other, they tentatively move forward together as lovers. But secrets don’t stay secret for long, and discovery and questions threaten their happiness.
This is a taboo story featuring twins.
The pair discover many things in common, and quickly become as close as if they’d never been separated. But when they share a moment in a nightclub, each realizes there is more between them than having shared a womb. Panic sets in and they part. Once again their separation brings loneliness and pain.
Eventually, unable to stay away from each other, they tentatively move forward together as lovers. But secrets don’t stay secret for long, and discovery and questions threaten their happiness.
This is a taboo story featuring twins.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2017
8 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Louise Lyons
31 books64 followersI currently live in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, having moved from my home town of Grimsby in 2010. I come from a family of writers, although my Mum, Nana and Auntie have all written poetry. For me, it has always been fiction that drew me.Louise Lyons introductory photograph
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 24, 2018
3.75 stars
With this book I got exactly what I expected from the blurb. A sweet romance between twin brothers who only meet when they're 21.
Matthew is 21 when his parents tell him he has a fraternal twin brother. It was part of the terms of the adoption to wait until Matt turned 21 before telling him. Matt has always known he was adopted, but once he finds out he has a twin he knows that's where the incomplete feeling comes from.
Matt immediately reached out to the adoption agency and finds out his brother wants to find him too. When he finds out his brother, Tremaine, lives 4 hours away, he immediately jump into his car and drives out to his house.
When the two meet it's a bit awkward at first, but after their first meeting they seem to hit it off. They form a special bond so quickly they're both a bit overwhelmed by it.
When the two go out and end up dancing together at a club, they get turned on by each other. And that freaks them out big time! But when they don't talk to each other for several weeks, they know they can't avoid each other forever since they both feel as if a part of them is missing....
This was pretty sweet. There isn't all that much relationship angst although they stop talking to each other for a little while. But once they reach out to each other again, things go rather smoothly. I guess it's unavoidable that their main issue was their environment and how they would hide their relationship from the people around them. But I wouldn't say that part was overly dramatic.
There were a couple of things that felt a bit unrealistic, like they named their childhood pet the same and they both had an ex named Chris. Of course the Chris thing could be, but then they both named their pets Quincey, which is not much of a common name. And since they were fraternal and not identical I thought it went a bit too far with the twins-share-a-mind thing.
Still, this was a lovely twincest story.
------------------------------
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
With this book I got exactly what I expected from the blurb. A sweet romance between twin brothers who only meet when they're 21.
Matthew is 21 when his parents tell him he has a fraternal twin brother. It was part of the terms of the adoption to wait until Matt turned 21 before telling him. Matt has always known he was adopted, but once he finds out he has a twin he knows that's where the incomplete feeling comes from.
Matt immediately reached out to the adoption agency and finds out his brother wants to find him too. When he finds out his brother, Tremaine, lives 4 hours away, he immediately jump into his car and drives out to his house.
When the two meet it's a bit awkward at first, but after their first meeting they seem to hit it off. They form a special bond so quickly they're both a bit overwhelmed by it.
When the two go out and end up dancing together at a club, they get turned on by each other. And that freaks them out big time! But when they don't talk to each other for several weeks, they know they can't avoid each other forever since they both feel as if a part of them is missing....
This was pretty sweet. There isn't all that much relationship angst although they stop talking to each other for a little while. But once they reach out to each other again, things go rather smoothly. I guess it's unavoidable that their main issue was their environment and how they would hide their relationship from the people around them. But I wouldn't say that part was overly dramatic.
There were a couple of things that felt a bit unrealistic, like they named their childhood pet the same and they both had an ex named Chris. Of course the Chris thing could be, but then they both named their pets Quincey, which is not much of a common name. And since they were fraternal and not identical I thought it went a bit too far with the twins-share-a-mind thing.
Still, this was a lovely twincest story.
------------------------------
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 13, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
Separation is an emotional romance between fraternal twin brothers who were separated shortly after birth and meet for the first time when they are 21. Tam grew up with their biological father, who gave Matt up for adoption when their mother died and he could no longer care for both. Matt was adopted and raised in a loving, well-off family. He never has wanted for anything but always felt a hole inside, as if a part of him was missing. Tam didn’t have it as easy and found out at 18, shortly before their father’s death, that he had a twin out there. That explained his feelings that something was missing, but due to the nature of the adoption agreement he could only leave his information and hope Matt eventually looked for him as well. When Matt’s parents tell him about his brother, he wastes no time looking for him. The story is told in alternating POV from their initial awkward meeting, which quickly morphs into a bonding experience that neither wants to see end, to the first stirrings of something more than a fraternal bond, and follows the men as they create the life together that they feel they were always meant to have.
Shortly after Matt and Tam first meet and bond, things don’t get any easier as the two each quickly realize they are sexually attracted to the other. They don’t look alike and physically are both the other’s type. Tam is the first to realize his feelings and he tries to put some distance between himself and Matt. When Matt soon confronts his own feelings though, there is no stopping them. They do talk things out, take into consideration the legalities, the impact it would have on friends and Matt’s family and just how they can get over their own feelings of guilt. For Tam it’s a bit more difficult as he has spent three years knowing Matt was out there, but Matt’s bond to him is just as strong and they make an amazing team.
While this is a “taboo” story, nothing about it felt gratuitous. Louise Lyons did a wonderful job of making the story feel real and making me want these two together no matter what. In stories like this I want to know that it’s not just an attraction based on the overwhelming emotion of finding a long lost brother, but that there is something else as well. Yes, that unexplainable emotional pull from being a twin to the other has to be there, but there has to be more after that initial feeling. Like any other romance I need there to be that sexual chemistry and I definitely felt the yearning on both sides.
There is an instant bond and attraction and things move very quickly once they get over their initial fears, but due to the circumstances it didn’t bother me at all. I did have a bit of a problem with all the coincidences they had growing up that to me couldn’t really be attributed to a twin bond, but it was just a minor point in the getting to know you plot.
The story occurs in a bit of a bubble, the only other people they interact with are their friend Stef and Matt’s parents, but that is enough to provide the necessary drama. Of course they are inevitably found out and things don’t all pan out the way they expected. The plotline contained enough of an emotional ride for me and nothing was unnecessarily drawn out.
Whether you’ve read “twincest” before or have been debating giving it a go, I can recommend Separation for its lovable characters, hot romance and a satisfying, believable storyline. This was my first read by Louise Lyons, but it won’t be my last.
Separation is an emotional romance between fraternal twin brothers who were separated shortly after birth and meet for the first time when they are 21. Tam grew up with their biological father, who gave Matt up for adoption when their mother died and he could no longer care for both. Matt was adopted and raised in a loving, well-off family. He never has wanted for anything but always felt a hole inside, as if a part of him was missing. Tam didn’t have it as easy and found out at 18, shortly before their father’s death, that he had a twin out there. That explained his feelings that something was missing, but due to the nature of the adoption agreement he could only leave his information and hope Matt eventually looked for him as well. When Matt’s parents tell him about his brother, he wastes no time looking for him. The story is told in alternating POV from their initial awkward meeting, which quickly morphs into a bonding experience that neither wants to see end, to the first stirrings of something more than a fraternal bond, and follows the men as they create the life together that they feel they were always meant to have.
Shortly after Matt and Tam first meet and bond, things don’t get any easier as the two each quickly realize they are sexually attracted to the other. They don’t look alike and physically are both the other’s type. Tam is the first to realize his feelings and he tries to put some distance between himself and Matt. When Matt soon confronts his own feelings though, there is no stopping them. They do talk things out, take into consideration the legalities, the impact it would have on friends and Matt’s family and just how they can get over their own feelings of guilt. For Tam it’s a bit more difficult as he has spent three years knowing Matt was out there, but Matt’s bond to him is just as strong and they make an amazing team.
While this is a “taboo” story, nothing about it felt gratuitous. Louise Lyons did a wonderful job of making the story feel real and making me want these two together no matter what. In stories like this I want to know that it’s not just an attraction based on the overwhelming emotion of finding a long lost brother, but that there is something else as well. Yes, that unexplainable emotional pull from being a twin to the other has to be there, but there has to be more after that initial feeling. Like any other romance I need there to be that sexual chemistry and I definitely felt the yearning on both sides.
There is an instant bond and attraction and things move very quickly once they get over their initial fears, but due to the circumstances it didn’t bother me at all. I did have a bit of a problem with all the coincidences they had growing up that to me couldn’t really be attributed to a twin bond, but it was just a minor point in the getting to know you plot.
The story occurs in a bit of a bubble, the only other people they interact with are their friend Stef and Matt’s parents, but that is enough to provide the necessary drama. Of course they are inevitably found out and things don’t all pan out the way they expected. The plotline contained enough of an emotional ride for me and nothing was unnecessarily drawn out.
Whether you’ve read “twincest” before or have been debating giving it a go, I can recommend Separation for its lovable characters, hot romance and a satisfying, believable storyline. This was my first read by Louise Lyons, but it won’t be my last.
March 11, 2018
This was a pretty good book that I read for a challenge. Matthew Langford finds out on his 21st birthday that he has a twin brother they were separated at birth with Matt being put up for adoption and his twin staying with their father. Matt was raised by loving parents who gave him whatever he wanted. Matt finds his twin Tremaine Wheal, they are fraternal, but have the same eyes. Matt realizes that he is attracted to his brother. I liked Tam he was unwilling to take advantage of Matt and I liked Matt who grew up with money but wasn't stuck up. Tam didn’t have it as easy and found out at 18 before their father’s death that he had a twin out there. This book was very emotional at times the sex between them was hot. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 31, 2017
I always enjoy Louise's stories and her writing style, and from the start of this taboo story she captured my attention. Both the plot and the interesting characters kept me turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen between these two guys.
As far as I know this is Louise’s first taboo story. Kudos to her for tackling a sensitive topic, although I know 'twincest' stories are very popular with some readers. First and foremost this story is a romance. It is not full of gratuitous sex scenes nor written for shock value. It’s a story of two young men, who happen to have the same parents. They were separated soon after birth and lived apart with no knowledge of the other's existence. Matthew always felt something was missing from his life, so as soon as he is informed of the existence of a twin brother he searches him out. Louise builds up the tension very well here.
The twins meet up after their twenty-first birthdays and, from the start, they feel a pull of attraction. Like most people in such a situation they struggle with internal doubts and conflicts concerning the morality of forming a sexual relationship with their brother and they consider how this will impact on family and friends. There’s a time when they’re trying to resist this pull, but it makes them unhappy. Because they are not identical twins not many people would know they were related and that makes the decision to be together a little easier for them. Even so, they still have to deal with several people who ‘find out’ and are unaccepting of their relationship at first. I loved the conflict and angst here.
This is a tasteful taboo romance featuring several sweet along with some steamy scenes between the twins. I liked that the story is told from both Matthew and Tremaine’s point of view and that it is set in England. The ending of the story is uplifting and leaves you with a sense that no matter what, love truly is love.
If you haven't read a taboo story before I'd definitely recommended this one. And if taboo stories are your thing, you'll no doubt thoroughly enjoy Separation.
Review also posted on my blog:
https://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2017...
As far as I know this is Louise’s first taboo story. Kudos to her for tackling a sensitive topic, although I know 'twincest' stories are very popular with some readers. First and foremost this story is a romance. It is not full of gratuitous sex scenes nor written for shock value. It’s a story of two young men, who happen to have the same parents. They were separated soon after birth and lived apart with no knowledge of the other's existence. Matthew always felt something was missing from his life, so as soon as he is informed of the existence of a twin brother he searches him out. Louise builds up the tension very well here.
The twins meet up after their twenty-first birthdays and, from the start, they feel a pull of attraction. Like most people in such a situation they struggle with internal doubts and conflicts concerning the morality of forming a sexual relationship with their brother and they consider how this will impact on family and friends. There’s a time when they’re trying to resist this pull, but it makes them unhappy. Because they are not identical twins not many people would know they were related and that makes the decision to be together a little easier for them. Even so, they still have to deal with several people who ‘find out’ and are unaccepting of their relationship at first. I loved the conflict and angst here.
This is a tasteful taboo romance featuring several sweet along with some steamy scenes between the twins. I liked that the story is told from both Matthew and Tremaine’s point of view and that it is set in England. The ending of the story is uplifting and leaves you with a sense that no matter what, love truly is love.
If you haven't read a taboo story before I'd definitely recommended this one. And if taboo stories are your thing, you'll no doubt thoroughly enjoy Separation.
Review also posted on my blog:
https://lilygblunt.wordpress.com/2017...
September 16, 2019
Even with as much as I read, this is the first time I’ve read a taboo romance M/M story. Traditional societal conventions would declare situations such as what’s presented in this story as off limits and unacceptable—but for those actually involved, whether in fiction or real life, it’s not necessarily so black and white. Separation explores this, and the author does an outstanding job at showing the emotions involved and the impact on not just the main characters, but on those closest to them as well.
Matt and Tam are opposites only in the respect of their upbringing and lifestyles, otherwise there is a lot about themselves that is remarkably similar even though they were brought up apart-totally unaware of each other’s existence, but both feeling incomplete. When they first meet, it’s awkward—and when that first real spark happens, it’s unsettling for both of them while at the same time…right. Though they do try to resist, it’s as if there’s an inevitability inherent in their matchup that keeps them drawn to each other.
The thing is, if you were to ignore the fact that they are brothers—twins (fraternal, not identical)—all you would see as you read this is a beautiful love story. Their emotional bond, deep feelings, and pure love for each other is moving and true…it’s the fact that they ARE twin brothers that sets their relationship apart and introduces the tension and drama into the story, creating that taboo aspect. I will admit that at times it made Matt and Tam’s relationship feel weird to me, though I attribute that to those societal conventions I mentioned earlier. Anything outside of what the masses accept as “normal” always induces feelings of uneasiness, and it is those feelings warring with the opposing feelings stirred by the unconditional, boundless love Matt and Tam have for each other that created turmoil for me as I read.
But a good story does that to you-causes you to question accepted customs and weigh them against what you (and in this case the characters) know is truly love and dedication—regardless of what others may think and what the ramifications might be. Matt and Tam’s story is moving, and while it will throw many readers far out of their comfort zone, their happiness and contentment when they are together is truly undeniable…even if it makes you uneasy as you read.
If I were rating this story based on what mainstream society expects, it would not reflect the story being told nor the way in which the author told it. It’s the fact that she took me out of my comfort zone, but still made me understand the love between the characters that leads me to give a 4.5-star rating to Separation. Kudos to Ms. Lyons for tackling a taboo topic with care and grace, and for giving readers the wonderful characters of Matt and Tam. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content, and the taboo nature of the relationship between the characters. This story is not for everyone, but I hope those who read it can see beyond the traditionally accepted to what can be found beyond.
Matt and Tam are opposites only in the respect of their upbringing and lifestyles, otherwise there is a lot about themselves that is remarkably similar even though they were brought up apart-totally unaware of each other’s existence, but both feeling incomplete. When they first meet, it’s awkward—and when that first real spark happens, it’s unsettling for both of them while at the same time…right. Though they do try to resist, it’s as if there’s an inevitability inherent in their matchup that keeps them drawn to each other.
The thing is, if you were to ignore the fact that they are brothers—twins (fraternal, not identical)—all you would see as you read this is a beautiful love story. Their emotional bond, deep feelings, and pure love for each other is moving and true…it’s the fact that they ARE twin brothers that sets their relationship apart and introduces the tension and drama into the story, creating that taboo aspect. I will admit that at times it made Matt and Tam’s relationship feel weird to me, though I attribute that to those societal conventions I mentioned earlier. Anything outside of what the masses accept as “normal” always induces feelings of uneasiness, and it is those feelings warring with the opposing feelings stirred by the unconditional, boundless love Matt and Tam have for each other that created turmoil for me as I read.
But a good story does that to you-causes you to question accepted customs and weigh them against what you (and in this case the characters) know is truly love and dedication—regardless of what others may think and what the ramifications might be. Matt and Tam’s story is moving, and while it will throw many readers far out of their comfort zone, their happiness and contentment when they are together is truly undeniable…even if it makes you uneasy as you read.
If I were rating this story based on what mainstream society expects, it would not reflect the story being told nor the way in which the author told it. It’s the fact that she took me out of my comfort zone, but still made me understand the love between the characters that leads me to give a 4.5-star rating to Separation. Kudos to Ms. Lyons for tackling a taboo topic with care and grace, and for giving readers the wonderful characters of Matt and Tam. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content, and the taboo nature of the relationship between the characters. This story is not for everyone, but I hope those who read it can see beyond the traditionally accepted to what can be found beyond.
Want to read
January 24, 2018TWINS
October 5, 2024
Twin brothers in love, a taboo trope for some but it's such a sweet and heartfelt tale, very gently and respectfully written you can't help but cheer these two young men on in their love for each other. Growing up not knowing the other existed until their 21st birthdays when the adoption rules ended Tremaine and Matt finally discover the truth. A touchy subject for some, for me not my first in this genre, this, unlike the other, is gentle and sweet story, a truly lovely read.
May 6, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
I have read quite a few twincest stories in the past and generally they feel risqué and a bit naughty. Usually the first word that springs to mind both in my review and when shelving a twincest book is taboo and although that word can certainly be applied to Separation by Louise Lyons. It’s not the first word that I thought of when I had finished reading this time though. No, this time that word would be romance – Separation by Louise Lyons is definitely a romance.
Matthew Langford is a bit of a spoiled only child who lacks direction in life and is currently floating along on his parent’s dime. For his twenty first birthday he is given another car and the surprise declaration from his parents that when he was adopted he was actually a twin and his brother remained with their biological father. The agreement at the time of his adoption was that he wouldn’t be told any of this until he was twenty one – then it would be up to him what he wanted to do with the information. For a young man who has spent his life feeling that something was missing Mattie jumps in his car and sets out to find his twin.
Tremaine Wheal, Tam to his friends, hasn’t had the cushy life that his twin Mattie did after he was adopted but he did get to grow up with his father who he loved dearly. Tam was eighteen when his father died so has known for three years that his other half is out there somewhere but lately his hopes for finding him have taken a back seat as his life hit a difficult period and his energy is taken up with just getting through the day.
When they meet a few things happen: there is excitement as they compare their past and present experiences, there is laughter at some of the coincidences they share and there is a moment in a nightclub that they are aroused around or because of each other and both young men panic and try to forget what happened.
Tam and Mattie connect really quickly and not just as siblings. They may be long lost twin brothers but realistically they are strangers who both happen to be gay men and who are instantly attracted to each other. Feelings between them are muddled and initially strained but it becomes clear that they absolutely need to be in each other lives – the difficulty is deciding what that will mean and how they will navigate it. I liked the direction the author took the story and the way the heavier issues weren’t just glossed over. Separation is romance that pushes society’s beliefs and I would highly recommend it.
I have read quite a few twincest stories in the past and generally they feel risqué and a bit naughty. Usually the first word that springs to mind both in my review and when shelving a twincest book is taboo and although that word can certainly be applied to Separation by Louise Lyons. It’s not the first word that I thought of when I had finished reading this time though. No, this time that word would be romance – Separation by Louise Lyons is definitely a romance.
Matthew Langford is a bit of a spoiled only child who lacks direction in life and is currently floating along on his parent’s dime. For his twenty first birthday he is given another car and the surprise declaration from his parents that when he was adopted he was actually a twin and his brother remained with their biological father. The agreement at the time of his adoption was that he wouldn’t be told any of this until he was twenty one – then it would be up to him what he wanted to do with the information. For a young man who has spent his life feeling that something was missing Mattie jumps in his car and sets out to find his twin.
Tremaine Wheal, Tam to his friends, hasn’t had the cushy life that his twin Mattie did after he was adopted but he did get to grow up with his father who he loved dearly. Tam was eighteen when his father died so has known for three years that his other half is out there somewhere but lately his hopes for finding him have taken a back seat as his life hit a difficult period and his energy is taken up with just getting through the day.
When they meet a few things happen: there is excitement as they compare their past and present experiences, there is laughter at some of the coincidences they share and there is a moment in a nightclub that they are aroused around or because of each other and both young men panic and try to forget what happened.
Tam and Mattie connect really quickly and not just as siblings. They may be long lost twin brothers but realistically they are strangers who both happen to be gay men and who are instantly attracted to each other. Feelings between them are muddled and initially strained but it becomes clear that they absolutely need to be in each other lives – the difficulty is deciding what that will mean and how they will navigate it. I liked the direction the author took the story and the way the heavier issues weren’t just glossed over. Separation is romance that pushes society’s beliefs and I would highly recommend it.
April 7, 2017
4 Stars!!!
Mattie discovers that he has a twin on his 21st birthday and that one of the conditions for his adoption was that his parents couldn't tell him about it until then. He's always felt that something was missing out on his life, even if his adoptive parents have been great with him and supported him as much as they could. He rushes out of his house and his search ends at a town 4 hours away from his home. A stroke of luck leads him to his fraternal twin, Tremaine (Tam).
They don't look much alike, other than their eyes and perhaps their nose, but they have lots in common, despite their very different upbringing.
After a night clubbing, Tam admits to himself he is attracted to Matt and rather than face rejection, he decides to put some distance between the two of them. Not that it makes it any better after so many years apart. When Matt goes to look for him, they give in to their attraction, but if their love has any chance to survive, they will have to keep this a secret from the ones that know who they are to one another.
I really loved Tam, he was my favorite of the two, the one who'd had the hardest life of them both and the one who grew more attached sooner. I loved Matt, too, but there was something about Tam that made me want to hug him and make it all better. They were adorable together, hesitant and eager to connect after being apart for so long. It's not difficult to understand why things like this could happen when siblings are separated at an early age and then come back together.
This was a gripping, emotional and sweet taboo story, with very lovable characters and from what I've read previously of the theme, fairly realistic in both plot and progression. I think Louise Lyons did a fantastic job with it! Very recommendable, even if I'm aware this is not a book for everyone.
*** Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Mattie discovers that he has a twin on his 21st birthday and that one of the conditions for his adoption was that his parents couldn't tell him about it until then. He's always felt that something was missing out on his life, even if his adoptive parents have been great with him and supported him as much as they could. He rushes out of his house and his search ends at a town 4 hours away from his home. A stroke of luck leads him to his fraternal twin, Tremaine (Tam).
They don't look much alike, other than their eyes and perhaps their nose, but they have lots in common, despite their very different upbringing.
After a night clubbing, Tam admits to himself he is attracted to Matt and rather than face rejection, he decides to put some distance between the two of them. Not that it makes it any better after so many years apart. When Matt goes to look for him, they give in to their attraction, but if their love has any chance to survive, they will have to keep this a secret from the ones that know who they are to one another.
I really loved Tam, he was my favorite of the two, the one who'd had the hardest life of them both and the one who grew more attached sooner. I loved Matt, too, but there was something about Tam that made me want to hug him and make it all better. They were adorable together, hesitant and eager to connect after being apart for so long. It's not difficult to understand why things like this could happen when siblings are separated at an early age and then come back together.
This was a gripping, emotional and sweet taboo story, with very lovable characters and from what I've read previously of the theme, fairly realistic in both plot and progression. I think Louise Lyons did a fantastic job with it! Very recommendable, even if I'm aware this is not a book for everyone.
*** Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 22, 2018
Hard as I tried to like this book, I could not wrap my mind around the sheer mediocrity of its literary form. The fascinating concept needed a deft touch to eschew the danger of melodrama and a strong sense of psychology without which it was exposed to the risk of being yet another pornish romp into twincest; all we get alas is lacklustre execution, resulting in a toothless, bland story in which events happen with the flimsiest justification or agency, and sophomoric character-building that never sells us as genuine the trajectory of these very dissimilar lads pushing their birth bond to much more than bosom brothers. Narrated mostly through the point of view of Matthew, the richer, lazier twin, one of the flatest protagonists I ever encountered, the tale reeks of formularity, as if every literary pattern, every trope and plot point had been culled tel quel from a bullet list, no matter how dreary. The storytelling is so basic as to be almost absent: for example, Mrs Lyons has the big reveal happen not three pages into the book, which launches Matthew into a frenetic albeit too easily solved quest for his long-lost sibling, but this happens at the cost of the reader knowing about the lad, his background and his psyche, a gap the book never makes good on. The same bland approach applies to the writing: it is unfortunate that this tale had to be couched in prose so bland and dessicated and void of color (the action takes place in Britain, for Chrissakes, yet we never feel its Briton roots) that reading it came tantamount to going through a sandy desert. Two stars because Mrs Lyons knows how to spell and is not a complete dummy.
September 20, 2024
Separated at birth, this tale of fraternal twins reunited has Matt and Tam realizing they’ve always been missing their other half, and their twin brother is it, in every way. Able to guess each other’s thoughts and feelings, missing the other company when they’re apart; long lost brothers finds themselves realizing they’ve also found their one, true love in each other. Discovering each other, including their romantic feelings takes time, takes them by surprise with its powerful urgency, yet it feels very natural, along with their confusion and eventual acceptance of them.
Going on this literary journey with Matt and Tam helps to understand why they’re right for each other, in spite of the taboo, which they have to overcome; along with the loved ones who discover their relationship. Everything which might cross someone’s mind about brothers becoming lovers is expressed by them and someone else. In the end, the answer is honesty; this is how they feel, they’re more comfortable with each other than with anyone else. It’s not an easy thing for anyone to accept; yet the way Matt and Tam need, support, and complement each other shows why in a way nothing else can.
Going on this literary journey with Matt and Tam helps to understand why they’re right for each other, in spite of the taboo, which they have to overcome; along with the loved ones who discover their relationship. Everything which might cross someone’s mind about brothers becoming lovers is expressed by them and someone else. In the end, the answer is honesty; this is how they feel, they’re more comfortable with each other than with anyone else. It’s not an easy thing for anyone to accept; yet the way Matt and Tam need, support, and complement each other shows why in a way nothing else can.
June 24, 2017
A sweet, quick read
I've read a few "forbidden love" books, and some of them have the characters live in a happy little bubble, never having to deal with the harsh reality of what friends and family might think of them together. This book, short as it was, faced that head-on, which seemed like a possibly more realistic take on things, since secrets are hard to keep and nobody actually lives in a bubble.
Despite that, though, Tam and Matt's story is sweet, from their initial attraction and resistance of what that meant, to their eventual acceptance and growth of their relationship. I liked Tam's independence and unwillingness to mooch off of Matt, and that Matt wasn't stuck-up about having more money.
This was a quick read - more along the lines of a novella than a full-length book - but it was still satisfying and I enjoyed it.
I've read a few "forbidden love" books, and some of them have the characters live in a happy little bubble, never having to deal with the harsh reality of what friends and family might think of them together. This book, short as it was, faced that head-on, which seemed like a possibly more realistic take on things, since secrets are hard to keep and nobody actually lives in a bubble.
Despite that, though, Tam and Matt's story is sweet, from their initial attraction and resistance of what that meant, to their eventual acceptance and growth of their relationship. I liked Tam's independence and unwillingness to mooch off of Matt, and that Matt wasn't stuck-up about having more money.
This was a quick read - more along the lines of a novella than a full-length book - but it was still satisfying and I enjoyed it.
August 26, 2017
Great read!
It was sweet, a bit of angst, quite hot! Well written even if the end felt a bit easy, it still made sense!
It was sweet, a bit of angst, quite hot! Well written even if the end felt a bit easy, it still made sense!
August 3, 2017
Matthew Langford, loved and pampered son of a self-made man and a doting mother, finds out on his 21st birthday that he has a twin brother, from whom he was separated as an infant. He finds out that the twin, Tremaine Wheal, is fraternal, and in terms of looks, they share only their eyes. Awkwardly, while they hit it off immediately, Matt discovers that he reacts to his long-lost twin as if he were also a cute guy to whom he’s immediately attracted.
I’ve no problem with consensual sex between relatives, despite cultural taboos. The premise here is that, having never known each other, but having felt a something missing all their lives, these two young men respond as more than just brothers, and with all the instant emotional intensity of long-separated twins. There’s a nice prince-and-pauper aspect in that Tremaine grew up poor and is now orphaned. Matt is literally his only family.
The lack of deep trauma in the book didn’t bother me; at the core of the story is the understandable anxiety over a profound cultural taboo. But Lyons makes the point that taboos are purely cultural and exist for reasons that don’t necessarily hold true in every situation. So the fact that the story runs remarkably smoothly from horror to acceptance (both from the boys themselves and from those who find out) didn’t bother me. It is a modern world we’re in, after all, and “Separation” makes a cogent and contextualized argument for the rightness of this relationship.
My only gripe with “Separation” is that it is the kind of love story that could have been a serious, beautiful literary exploration of taboo and longing and the very idea that another person completes you. Louise Lyons does a workmanlike job building up these characters, but she doesn’t make them into memorable, “Wuthering Heights” level literary figures—and I think they deserve it. She includes the parents importantly, but they, too don’t become significant literary figures. They are more than ciphers, but not much more. It’s all so prosaic. This story wanted something gorgeous in terms of writing, and the whole book feels too short and too streamlined to really pack any impact beyond the initial titillation of twincest and the author’s heartfelt effort to look closely at a major taboo and break it down.
This isn’t a bad book at all; but it could have been much more powerful.
I’ve no problem with consensual sex between relatives, despite cultural taboos. The premise here is that, having never known each other, but having felt a something missing all their lives, these two young men respond as more than just brothers, and with all the instant emotional intensity of long-separated twins. There’s a nice prince-and-pauper aspect in that Tremaine grew up poor and is now orphaned. Matt is literally his only family.
The lack of deep trauma in the book didn’t bother me; at the core of the story is the understandable anxiety over a profound cultural taboo. But Lyons makes the point that taboos are purely cultural and exist for reasons that don’t necessarily hold true in every situation. So the fact that the story runs remarkably smoothly from horror to acceptance (both from the boys themselves and from those who find out) didn’t bother me. It is a modern world we’re in, after all, and “Separation” makes a cogent and contextualized argument for the rightness of this relationship.
My only gripe with “Separation” is that it is the kind of love story that could have been a serious, beautiful literary exploration of taboo and longing and the very idea that another person completes you. Louise Lyons does a workmanlike job building up these characters, but she doesn’t make them into memorable, “Wuthering Heights” level literary figures—and I think they deserve it. She includes the parents importantly, but they, too don’t become significant literary figures. They are more than ciphers, but not much more. It’s all so prosaic. This story wanted something gorgeous in terms of writing, and the whole book feels too short and too streamlined to really pack any impact beyond the initial titillation of twincest and the author’s heartfelt effort to look closely at a major taboo and break it down.
This isn’t a bad book at all; but it could have been much more powerful.
March 22, 2018
2.5 stars.
April 18, 2017
Very emotional tale about Tremaine (Tam) and Matthew (Matt), fraternal twins who were separated when they were both very young. Each feels as if something is missing. They meet when they are both 21 and connect immediately. What I really liked about this book is that while the twincest is considered taboo, this had some considerable emotional heft, particularly in the beginning. They are attracted to each other, don't know what to do, don't quite know how to deal with their feelings. The writing is solid and doesn't have that slimy feel like some of the taboo reads. The author does a wonderful job conveying their feelings and handling their relationship respectfully yet with lots of hotness. "But how wrong is it really, if you love somebody?" Thst says it all right there I think this is a new to me author. I've definitely put her on my auto-buy list.
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