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Mirrors #1
Mirror Image
Troy and Aaron Mayer, identical twins separated at the age of two, lived wildly different lives. Aaron struggled to take care of their alcoholic, gambling-addicted mother, while Troy, raised by their father, experienced a life of luxury.
After years of silence, Troy asks to see Aaron. When Aaron arrives at his brother's boat, he finds a note instead and suspects suicide. In his farewell note, Troy offers Aaron his car, his money, and his life of riches.
On the run from loan sharks, Aaron slips easily into this mirrored life. But everywhere he turns he discovers somebody Troy devastated, including his handsome husband, Dave Alvarez. Pulled into his brother’s life of crime, Aaron is set up for a fall, but he’s too strong to shatter.
This book was previously published as Mirrors.
After years of silence, Troy asks to see Aaron. When Aaron arrives at his brother's boat, he finds a note instead and suspects suicide. In his farewell note, Troy offers Aaron his car, his money, and his life of riches.
On the run from loan sharks, Aaron slips easily into this mirrored life. But everywhere he turns he discovers somebody Troy devastated, including his handsome husband, Dave Alvarez. Pulled into his brother’s life of crime, Aaron is set up for a fall, but he’s too strong to shatter.
This book was previously published as Mirrors.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Llewellyn
288 books452 followersA.J. Llewellyn lives in California, but dreams of living in Hawaii. Frequent trips to all the islands, bags of Kona coffee in the fridge and a healthy collection of Hawaiian records keep this writer refueled.
A.J’s passion for the islands led to writing a play about the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani as well as a non-erotic novel about the overthrow of her kingdom written in diary form from her maid’s point of view.
A.J. never lacks inspiritation for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasion this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
A.J’s passion for the islands led to writing a play about the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani as well as a non-erotic novel about the overthrow of her kingdom written in diary form from her maid’s point of view.
A.J. never lacks inspiritation for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasion this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 13, 2012
The concept of a mirror showing us from a side we never get to see ourselves is fascinating. Having a mirror-image of yourself, an identical twin, gives some people a unique perspective on life. This story of Aaron and Troy takes it one step further: having them separated at age two and living very different lives, then examining what happens when they meet up again twenty-five years later makes for a totally fascinating story. Told with a large dose of humor that is balanced by some seriously emotional character development made this an amazing book to read.
Aaron is a great guy. I loved him for his gentle soul and his big heart. He is one of those guys who easily gets taken advantage of, and it really annoyed me that his own twin brother would be one of the worst offenders in that respect. As Aaron slides into his brother’s life and meets all the people Troy has hurt and treated badly, I was very moved by the way he reacts. His gradual understanding of and love for Dave was great to see, and the way Aaron suffers once the sh*t hits the fan was awful and made me cry. He deserves none of that!
Dave is a great guy in his own right, but has been used and abused by Troy so many times that he is having a difficult time trusting ‘the new Troy’ – who is actually Aaron posing as his twin. Wanting to start their relationship over seems like a good idea, and even though Dave can’t believe it will work and he tells himself not to get his hopes up, he is too decent not to give it a chance. The changes in character seemed so obvious to me, but Dave doesn’t see them he has no idea that Troy has a twin brother and the ‘image’ is too close for him in many ways for him to suspect.
There are other events and parallels between Aaron and Troy that made this book totally fascinating to read. I won’t go into them so I don’t give too much away, but they add some wonderful layers and texture to the story that made me smile and yell in frustration in turn. The humor in quite a few of the scenes added another very nice touch, as did the secondary characters. From Troy and Dave’s neighbor with his gardening and tea preferences to the awful father, who cause much of the mess through stupidity and nastiness, they were all additional sources of joy or anger that broadened the experience of reading the is book.
There may have been a mystery at the heart of it that drove the plot, but the additional facets of human interaction made this a surprising, rich, and all-out wonderful read. If you like exploring unusual human relationships and circumstances, if you enjoy solving mysteries around potentially shady business deals, and if an unusual love story is what you’re looking for, I am sure you will love this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review.
Aaron is a great guy. I loved him for his gentle soul and his big heart. He is one of those guys who easily gets taken advantage of, and it really annoyed me that his own twin brother would be one of the worst offenders in that respect. As Aaron slides into his brother’s life and meets all the people Troy has hurt and treated badly, I was very moved by the way he reacts. His gradual understanding of and love for Dave was great to see, and the way Aaron suffers once the sh*t hits the fan was awful and made me cry. He deserves none of that!
Dave is a great guy in his own right, but has been used and abused by Troy so many times that he is having a difficult time trusting ‘the new Troy’ – who is actually Aaron posing as his twin. Wanting to start their relationship over seems like a good idea, and even though Dave can’t believe it will work and he tells himself not to get his hopes up, he is too decent not to give it a chance. The changes in character seemed so obvious to me, but Dave doesn’t see them he has no idea that Troy has a twin brother and the ‘image’ is too close for him in many ways for him to suspect.
There are other events and parallels between Aaron and Troy that made this book totally fascinating to read. I won’t go into them so I don’t give too much away, but they add some wonderful layers and texture to the story that made me smile and yell in frustration in turn. The humor in quite a few of the scenes added another very nice touch, as did the secondary characters. From Troy and Dave’s neighbor with his gardening and tea preferences to the awful father, who cause much of the mess through stupidity and nastiness, they were all additional sources of joy or anger that broadened the experience of reading the is book.
There may have been a mystery at the heart of it that drove the plot, but the additional facets of human interaction made this a surprising, rich, and all-out wonderful read. If you like exploring unusual human relationships and circumstances, if you enjoy solving mysteries around potentially shady business deals, and if an unusual love story is what you’re looking for, I am sure you will love this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review.
September 10, 2012
I loved the concept! Sadly, most parts didn't work for me. More later. My flight is boarding!
Trip over and days later...finally finishing this review.
The idea of a good twin/bad twin trading places has always been a guilty pleasure concept for me, mostly because I'm a twin myself so I get a kick out of them when I come across the ones I do.
I really enjoyed the good twin, Aaron. He's such a good guy but he is definitely in a bad situation that he can't dig himself out of it. I loved reading about him slipping into his brother's life and shocking his brother's "friends" and neighbors. This was the fun part of the book for me.
One part that didn't work as well was Aaron's relationship with Dave, his twin's husband. Aaron doesn't think of himself as a gay man so he does some wheeling and dealing to avoid sex with his husband. That lasts for a day. O_o He's in insta-lust/love with Dave, so they fall into bed and they start or restart a sexual relationship, depending on your point of view. It's all way too quick. The chemistry is nice though but it's all built on lies.
Dave was in divorce proceedings and while I don't think he cheated physically on Troy he was involved with another man, a client of his from England, emotionally and ready to move on with him. This story gets dropped though and it's never picked up again, so there's no closure there.
This brings us to the bad twin, Troy. I cannot believe someone as nice as Dave was dating, let alone, married to the horror that is Troy. There is nothing redeeming about this character and as the story moves on he just gets progressively worse. His character is bent into every possible villain role the story needs:
I can't help but root for Aaron and while I enjoyed reading him be Troy, the actual Troy and the situations that happen in this book are just too disturbing and crazy for this to be a recommended read.
Trip over and days later...finally finishing this review.
The idea of a good twin/bad twin trading places has always been a guilty pleasure concept for me, mostly because I'm a twin myself so I get a kick out of them when I come across the ones I do.
I really enjoyed the good twin, Aaron. He's such a good guy but he is definitely in a bad situation that he can't dig himself out of it. I loved reading about him slipping into his brother's life and shocking his brother's "friends" and neighbors. This was the fun part of the book for me.
One part that didn't work as well was Aaron's relationship with Dave, his twin's husband. Aaron doesn't think of himself as a gay man so he does some wheeling and dealing to avoid sex with his husband. That lasts for a day. O_o He's in insta-lust/love with Dave, so they fall into bed and they start or restart a sexual relationship, depending on your point of view. It's all way too quick. The chemistry is nice though but it's all built on lies.
Dave was in divorce proceedings and while I don't think he cheated physically on Troy he was involved with another man, a client of his from England, emotionally and ready to move on with him. This story gets dropped though and it's never picked up again, so there's no closure there.
This brings us to the bad twin, Troy. I cannot believe someone as nice as Dave was dating, let alone, married to the horror that is Troy. There is nothing redeeming about this character and as the story moves on he just gets progressively worse. His character is bent into every possible villain role the story needs:
I can't help but root for Aaron and while I enjoyed reading him be Troy, the actual Troy and the situations that happen in this book are just too disturbing and crazy for this to be a recommended read.
February 12, 2013
OH MY FUCKING GOD THESE ASSHOLES. WHY GIVE ME A FUCKING PREVIEW. OMFG. I AM DYING TO GET THIS.
DO YOU SEE THAT SHELF?? I ADDED IT JUST FOR THIS BOOK. BLOODY HELL :(
-------
So, I finally got this book.
Mirrors had so much potential to be more than it actually was (though the beginning was pretty fucking grabbing). I'm not exactly disappointed. I actually thought there was so many things in this book that were pretty fabulously done.
For one, the character Troy, his twin (and arguably evil) brother. Holy fuck his character was amazing. He was so twisted, his mind a maze, yet at some points, and even at the end, you were left wonder that maybe, just maybe he truly loved Dave in his own way, and that he maybe actually had a heart and was "good", albeit, in his own twisted way.
There was actually several points in the book where it was made clear that Troy truly did love Dave - well apparently so anyway- and there was actually a part where Dave outright said that he knew that Troy loved him, just -again- in his own way.
Huh, something tells me his way is pretty fucked.
At first I totally bought this, and was like "Yeah, I get it". But holy fricken hell. That is some seriously fucking twisted "loving". Troy is more than an asshole. He is incapable of acting nice. I kid you not.
He does things that clearly go beyond assholeness. I will not mention or hint of it in this review because then I'd have to go through the pain of doing spoiler tags and other stupid warnings.
Anyway, apart from Troy's character, I also enjoyed reading Aaron try to tread his way through the colossal swamp of shit that Troy left in his wake. It was pretty hilarious. Underpaid maids, harassed gardeners, mob connections (not really a spoiler! Don't shoot me. . .), oh and of course, the biggest shit mound of all his I-should've-left-the-first-time-he-cheated husband the lovely Dave.
I adored Dave.
Which brings me to the topic of something I wasn't exactly full pleased about.
The romance.
Okay, I didn't have any major problems with this at all, it was just a tad disappointing since I had such high hopes for this book. (as you can see from my near hysterical pre-review . . .).
1. Aaron found out he loved Dave waaayy too quickly.
Okay, well maybe not in regards what page number he confessed his love. It's just that yes Dave is fucken gorgeous, sweet, an awesome cook, successfully, hot in bed, first gay partner whatever etc. etc.
But nothing really happened between them. . . I get that Dave was already "in love" with Troy, so loving this new one wasn't exactly a hardship, since he was already convinced he loved Troy despite all the shit the previous one did. All he really had to do was adjust to this new "side" of Troy (which really, was a much better version). So yes, Dave forgiven.
But Aaron. Really? Okay, maybe my memory is faulty, and actually, the book described many loving moments where they cooked/gardened/bonded on the couch together, so in actuality, the love was given a chance to blossom.
But there must be a reason why I didn't "feel" the love. So I'm sticking with my point.
2. Aaron adjusted to gay sex pretty quickly for a just out of the closet guy. Not that I really care but it's something I sort of quirked my eyebrow about.
3.
Okay so my biggest problem with the romance section was probably No. 3, which is spoiler tagged. That's probably a good thing, because despite all the negative things -which I apologise for. . . I got pretty carried away- I enjoyed this book a damn lot.
Oops. . . One tiny thing. I think the whole "mirrors" concept would've been much more profound if It was perhaps slyly slid in here and there throughout the book. Or if they just made that particular passage much stronger. I still loved the mirrors concept though, and thought it was very interesting. If only it played a more active role. . .
Overall it was a great book, mostly didn't disappoint my hysterical need to read this book, and was incredibly enjoyable! I would recommend this to all those who enjoy this genre, and to those who are just intrigued by the blurb.
April 10, 2012
I loved this book. It was great from the beginning to the end. You know that saying? Be careful what you wish for. Aaron went through a lot of things but you have to read it to find out what. It had mystery and intrigue and hot lovin;-). This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Great book...
October 30, 2012
This makes me think of that one CW tv show, Ringer.
It wasn't bad. It was certainly readable. It was just...odd. Incongruous. I had a hard time believing that people wouldn't really notice the change. I was also annoyed that some of the secondary and tertiary characters seemed rather like stereotypical character sketches.
It didn't really start making any sense until Dave said something about how Troy had done that thing before, where he pretended to change, but by that time, it had felt more like ret-conning than anything else.
I also couldn't quite get a read on Troy. He seemed so...I dunno. I don't know why Aaron automatically assumed that Troy had killed himself. I mean, the offer and the obscure letter didn't exactly clear everything up. I guess the main issue with that is a sense of unfamiliarity wasn't quite fully established. Neither, really was a sense of urgency/hopelessness on Aaron's part. I think perhaps a bit more despair, maybe even starting the book a little earlier would have helped solidify that and made more sense why Aaron was so excited to just jump in. And perhaps a little more reluctance at first, too? For me, he seemed like he'd justified the replacement with a hypothetical imperative instead of out of any real desperation.
I thought the little in media res blurb at the beginning was stupid and completely unnecessary.
I also thought the way Llewellyn handled Dave's character was odd. It was so PA that I, again, couldn't quite get a read on the situation. And then the odd speed with which they made up...
I dunno, I just thought it was looked at from more of an insiders POV, the they'll-inevitably-get-together view, as opposed to watching a progression/development from outside (if that makes sense).
So all in all, probably about a 2.5
It wasn't a bad read. It was just too much stuff about it bothered me. Little things, but after I finished and sat and thought about it, they seemed to kind of add up.
(Oh, it also bothered me that Jake was such an asshole. He'd be willing to sacrifice Aaron, his friend, for the sake of his dogs? I dunno...I'd hope that if I had friends, they'd at least be willing to value me over their pets [I don't mean this in a "animals are dumb beasts" sort of way. I meant it in a "I hope I mean enough to my friends that if push came to shove, I'd have enough value to them that they'd be willing to make painful sacrifices for me.] Of course, I don't fully know Jake's sitch. Maybe he was abandoned by his parents when he was young and he's had his dogs ever since and they're the closest thing to a real family he has and there's absolutely no way he'd sacrifice them for anyone/thing because he's sacrificed so much to keep them with him because they're all he's ever had and he'll have panic attacks without them. Or whatever. Still. It just seemed...
"I'm very sorry, Aaron. They have my dogs. I'm going to give you to them so I can have my dogs back."
*shrugs)
It wasn't bad. It was certainly readable. It was just...odd. Incongruous. I had a hard time believing that people wouldn't really notice the change. I was also annoyed that some of the secondary and tertiary characters seemed rather like stereotypical character sketches.
It didn't really start making any sense until Dave said something about how Troy had done that thing before, where he pretended to change, but by that time, it had felt more like ret-conning than anything else.
I also couldn't quite get a read on Troy. He seemed so...I dunno. I don't know why Aaron automatically assumed that Troy had killed himself. I mean, the offer and the obscure letter didn't exactly clear everything up. I guess the main issue with that is a sense of unfamiliarity wasn't quite fully established. Neither, really was a sense of urgency/hopelessness on Aaron's part. I think perhaps a bit more despair, maybe even starting the book a little earlier would have helped solidify that and made more sense why Aaron was so excited to just jump in. And perhaps a little more reluctance at first, too? For me, he seemed like he'd justified the replacement with a hypothetical imperative instead of out of any real desperation.
I thought the little in media res blurb at the beginning was stupid and completely unnecessary.
I also thought the way Llewellyn handled Dave's character was odd. It was so PA that I, again, couldn't quite get a read on the situation. And then the odd speed with which they made up...
I dunno, I just thought it was looked at from more of an insiders POV, the they'll-inevitably-get-together view, as opposed to watching a progression/development from outside (if that makes sense).
So all in all, probably about a 2.5
It wasn't a bad read. It was just too much stuff about it bothered me. Little things, but after I finished and sat and thought about it, they seemed to kind of add up.
(Oh, it also bothered me that Jake was such an asshole. He'd be willing to sacrifice Aaron, his friend, for the sake of his dogs? I dunno...I'd hope that if I had friends, they'd at least be willing to value me over their pets [I don't mean this in a "animals are dumb beasts" sort of way. I meant it in a "I hope I mean enough to my friends that if push came to shove, I'd have enough value to them that they'd be willing to make painful sacrifices for me.] Of course, I don't fully know Jake's sitch. Maybe he was abandoned by his parents when he was young and he's had his dogs ever since and they're the closest thing to a real family he has and there's absolutely no way he'd sacrifice them for anyone/thing because he's sacrificed so much to keep them with him because they're all he's ever had and he'll have panic attacks without them. Or whatever. Still. It just seemed...
"I'm very sorry, Aaron. They have my dogs. I'm going to give you to them so I can have my dogs back."
*shrugs)
April 25, 2020
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said: “Behavior is a mirror in which everyone displays his own image.” In 'Mirrors' by A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly, Aaron Mayer gets to see his reflection on both sides of the mirror. He's always lamented having to stay with his mother after his parents were divorced, while his identical twin, Troy, went with his father. He'd assumed that Troy got the best end of the deal. When Aaron is presented with the opportunity to step into his brother's shoes, he jumps at it, feeling that it was his time to live the good life. Aaron soon discovers that being rich doesn't automatically mean life is easy.
I really liked Aaron. He's is clever and resourceful and has a heart of gold. He walks into a completely new situation and takes over with amazing ease. When he finds that his brother used every opportunity to belittle and hurt others, he's appalled and, if he possibly can, tries to make amends. People take notice of Troy's drastic change in attitude and, for the most part, are relieved and eager to believe his sincerity, especially Troy's husband, Dave. But Aaron's father isn't pleased. He's had Troy under his thumb for so long that Troy's showing initiative infuriates him. His father swiftly undoes the changes which Aaron has originated, leaving him frustrated and disillusioned. Aaron's life may had been hard, but it taught him to be self-reliant and made him strong. Taking over as Dave's husband is the toughest challenge Aaron faces and it plays heavily on his conscience.
My heart ached for Dave. Even though Troy treats him badly, Dave remains faithful to him. Dave so earnestly wants to believe that Troy is sincere and has changed, that he dismisses important clues which, otherwise, would've been obvious. He convinces himself that Aaron is Troy and courageously continues on with their relationship loving the new Troy. When Dave does find out the truth, he's justifiably angry, but it also takes great strength of character to put aside his hurt feelings enough so that he doesn't throw away the good with the bad.
It's a love story, inside a mystery, inside of more plotting and planning, unusual twists and turns, and a whole lot of irony. The story is full of angst, adventure, and passion. There are at least three important themes I'd like to point out--be careful what you wish for, money won't buy happiness, and what you sow, you will reap. I loved this story in which things are aren't all black and white, but even in this story's shades of gray, the good guys are rewarded.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
I really liked Aaron. He's is clever and resourceful and has a heart of gold. He walks into a completely new situation and takes over with amazing ease. When he finds that his brother used every opportunity to belittle and hurt others, he's appalled and, if he possibly can, tries to make amends. People take notice of Troy's drastic change in attitude and, for the most part, are relieved and eager to believe his sincerity, especially Troy's husband, Dave. But Aaron's father isn't pleased. He's had Troy under his thumb for so long that Troy's showing initiative infuriates him. His father swiftly undoes the changes which Aaron has originated, leaving him frustrated and disillusioned. Aaron's life may had been hard, but it taught him to be self-reliant and made him strong. Taking over as Dave's husband is the toughest challenge Aaron faces and it plays heavily on his conscience.
My heart ached for Dave. Even though Troy treats him badly, Dave remains faithful to him. Dave so earnestly wants to believe that Troy is sincere and has changed, that he dismisses important clues which, otherwise, would've been obvious. He convinces himself that Aaron is Troy and courageously continues on with their relationship loving the new Troy. When Dave does find out the truth, he's justifiably angry, but it also takes great strength of character to put aside his hurt feelings enough so that he doesn't throw away the good with the bad.
It's a love story, inside a mystery, inside of more plotting and planning, unusual twists and turns, and a whole lot of irony. The story is full of angst, adventure, and passion. There are at least three important themes I'd like to point out--be careful what you wish for, money won't buy happiness, and what you sow, you will reap. I loved this story in which things are aren't all black and white, but even in this story's shades of gray, the good guys are rewarded.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 27, 2013
Please leave comments on Pattycake's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
I have only one word for Mirrors by AJ Llewellyn and DJ Manly and that is......WOW!! This is an absolutely outstanding story that the blurb just barely covers the very basics on. There is so, so much more to this book that, only by reading it yourself can you truly appreciate just how great the story actually is.
This is an utterly fascinating character driven story that has a complex plot that has more twists and turns than a one-lane mountain road. This is an psychological thriller that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't turn you loose until the very end. The backstory is superb and lays a very solid foundation for the rest of the fantastic storyline. I absolutely love how the authors take a basic idea and turn it into a hauntingly complex tale that portrays just how completely sick, twisted, complicated, and just totally evil one man can be, and the utter disregard that he has for the ruined and devastated lives he leaves behind. I have never seen a character this pathologically twisted who deliberately betrays friends, mobsters, and anyone else who gets in his way.
The authors' writing style is eloquently simple yet complex, original, unique, and utterly satisfying. The sex in the story is sweet and passionate, and the fact that the men are HOT definitely doesn't hurt. The deft blend of the emotional and psychological genius shown in this book combined with the HEA ending after a sheer thrill ride, makes this a book I DEFINITELY recommend to everyone!!
I have only one word for Mirrors by AJ Llewellyn and DJ Manly and that is......WOW!! This is an absolutely outstanding story that the blurb just barely covers the very basics on. There is so, so much more to this book that, only by reading it yourself can you truly appreciate just how great the story actually is.
This is an utterly fascinating character driven story that has a complex plot that has more twists and turns than a one-lane mountain road. This is an psychological thriller that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't turn you loose until the very end. The backstory is superb and lays a very solid foundation for the rest of the fantastic storyline. I absolutely love how the authors take a basic idea and turn it into a hauntingly complex tale that portrays just how completely sick, twisted, complicated, and just totally evil one man can be, and the utter disregard that he has for the ruined and devastated lives he leaves behind. I have never seen a character this pathologically twisted who deliberately betrays friends, mobsters, and anyone else who gets in his way.
The authors' writing style is eloquently simple yet complex, original, unique, and utterly satisfying. The sex in the story is sweet and passionate, and the fact that the men are HOT definitely doesn't hurt. The deft blend of the emotional and psychological genius shown in this book combined with the HEA ending after a sheer thrill ride, makes this a book I DEFINITELY recommend to everyone!!
Want to read
April 7, 2012Sounds so much like the TV show Ringer o.O
April 9, 2012
4 1/2 Stars
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Aaron thinks its providence when his brother phones him and offers to help him out of the trouble his mother landed him in, but when he turns up for the meeting, things are much different from he thought they would be. With the opportunity to experience the life he could have had, Aaron embarks on an adventure that will take him to the highs of joy and the depths of despair.
This is a story that will grab you by the throat, shake you about and then toss you on the floor like a used towel and you’ll take it then ask at the end ‘but will they find it?’. Aaron is desperate when his brother phones him, so he jumps at the chance to meet him. But, when he arrives and Troy is gone and there’s a note saying ‘you’re welcome to my life, enjoy’. It doesn’t take him long to take the option that will keep him alive. Dave is Troy’s husband and although Dave loves Troy, he can’t take any more of the treatment that is always being dished out. When he returns from a business trip Troy has changed for the better and it has him reconsidering his plans.
A brilliantly written story that didn’t take the easy option of the twins knowing everything about each other. They were strangers who hadn’t seen each other since a very young age. When Aaron takes over his brother’s life, he struggles with even the simplest facts, like where his brother lives. At first, it’s a struggle for him to fit into his brother’s shoes, but he bluffs as much as he can with the help of a list his brother wrote. I loved the way that Aaron contemplates how he is going to pull it all off and then the guilt he starts to feel as he begins to realize exactly what kind of man his brother is and then even more guilt as he realizes that everyone would hate him if they found out the truth.
There is a damn lot going on in Troy’s life that Aaron gets pulled into and how he bluffed like he constantly did was amazing. There are lots of secrets that become unraveled, mystery and suspense and there are a couple of twists and some violence. There are a lot of bitter feelings and betrayal, cons, lies and confessions and the reactions of some of the characters were well written and fantastically portrayed. This is one of those stories where not everything is as it seems and there are secrets inside secrets and you sit there shaking your head as you realize that someone is playing the long game.
The relationship between Aaron and Dave is far from easy, as Aaron tries to play Troy and he can’t have Dave divorcing Troy or they might find out who he really is. I really wasn’t sure about Aaron stepping into those shoes, but the authors both handled it well and they managed to blend it into the story where it seemed natural between Dave and Aaron when they do become intimate.
This story I am recommending to everyone as we have mystery, suspense, murder, secrets, twists, violence, lies, and cons and amidst all that we have a love developing that is sweet and some hot sex to sweeten the deal. P.S. Karma is a Queen bitch.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Aaron thinks its providence when his brother phones him and offers to help him out of the trouble his mother landed him in, but when he turns up for the meeting, things are much different from he thought they would be. With the opportunity to experience the life he could have had, Aaron embarks on an adventure that will take him to the highs of joy and the depths of despair.
This is a story that will grab you by the throat, shake you about and then toss you on the floor like a used towel and you’ll take it then ask at the end ‘but will they find it?’. Aaron is desperate when his brother phones him, so he jumps at the chance to meet him. But, when he arrives and Troy is gone and there’s a note saying ‘you’re welcome to my life, enjoy’. It doesn’t take him long to take the option that will keep him alive. Dave is Troy’s husband and although Dave loves Troy, he can’t take any more of the treatment that is always being dished out. When he returns from a business trip Troy has changed for the better and it has him reconsidering his plans.
A brilliantly written story that didn’t take the easy option of the twins knowing everything about each other. They were strangers who hadn’t seen each other since a very young age. When Aaron takes over his brother’s life, he struggles with even the simplest facts, like where his brother lives. At first, it’s a struggle for him to fit into his brother’s shoes, but he bluffs as much as he can with the help of a list his brother wrote. I loved the way that Aaron contemplates how he is going to pull it all off and then the guilt he starts to feel as he begins to realize exactly what kind of man his brother is and then even more guilt as he realizes that everyone would hate him if they found out the truth.
There is a damn lot going on in Troy’s life that Aaron gets pulled into and how he bluffed like he constantly did was amazing. There are lots of secrets that become unraveled, mystery and suspense and there are a couple of twists and some violence. There are a lot of bitter feelings and betrayal, cons, lies and confessions and the reactions of some of the characters were well written and fantastically portrayed. This is one of those stories where not everything is as it seems and there are secrets inside secrets and you sit there shaking your head as you realize that someone is playing the long game.
The relationship between Aaron and Dave is far from easy, as Aaron tries to play Troy and he can’t have Dave divorcing Troy or they might find out who he really is. I really wasn’t sure about Aaron stepping into those shoes, but the authors both handled it well and they managed to blend it into the story where it seemed natural between Dave and Aaron when they do become intimate.
This story I am recommending to everyone as we have mystery, suspense, murder, secrets, twists, violence, lies, and cons and amidst all that we have a love developing that is sweet and some hot sex to sweeten the deal. P.S. Karma is a Queen bitch.
November 20, 2017
An ok read.
I just didn’t click with any of the characters (well maybe Nancy and Nikki.... I loved them!)
There were too many improbabilities. Would anyone really just slip into someone’s life like that without even asking why they would do that? Or at least after finding out what an selfish a$$ the long lost brother really was?
How would a seemingly straight guy just accept the attraction to his brothers husband without some serious soul searching and at least a bit of identity crisis?
If you can skip over these things this would probably be a great book. Sadly I couldn’t switch off that today....
I just didn’t click with any of the characters (well maybe Nancy and Nikki.... I loved them!)
There were too many improbabilities. Would anyone really just slip into someone’s life like that without even asking why they would do that? Or at least after finding out what an selfish a$$ the long lost brother really was?
How would a seemingly straight guy just accept the attraction to his brothers husband without some serious soul searching and at least a bit of identity crisis?
If you can skip over these things this would probably be a great book. Sadly I couldn’t switch off that today....
May 8, 2012
So this one gets 3 hearts from me for having a lot of potential. Upon first diving into this story I was excited to find out what goes on in this book because it seemed like a mostly contemporary story that would have this great twist somewhere along the way. However, I found there was something missing. I mean I did like the characters and I did like the twist to the book and the plot line was one that held a lot of potential. But as I read I felt more compelled by what's " missing " in this novel than what's there . Overall, This was a pretty interesting read.
October 3, 2015
3.5 rounded up because I did really enjoy it.
Happy ending?
Happy ending?
July 16, 2017
Una historia medio retorcida pero que pronto se endereza... (creo que esto en inglés sería un buen chiste acorde a la temática jeje)
Pero en serio, cuando uno abre el libro y lee la sinopsis piensa: wow, esto no puede llegar a buen puerto (ja! otro chiste acorde al libro).
Aaron está en apuros y debe escapar de su vida cuando justo le cae la posibilidad perfecta para hacerlo: su hermano gemelo, Troy, le ofrece una salida: hacerse pasar por él. Aaron acepta pero pronto se ve en una vida un tanto peor que la suya: su hermano era un hijo de p*ta importante y ahora ser él, un buen hombre, era dificil... si a eso le sumamos los problemas en los que se metió Troy y que ahora son suyos es una vida aún más dificil... y si queremos sumar más dificultades podemos mencionar un padre de mierda y un marido... sip, si quería hacerse pasar por su hermano iba a tener que entregar el cu.... jeje! (Son casi las 12 de la noche, perdonen mi lenguaje, ya perdí todo filtro)
Aquí entonces ya conocemos el mayor problema: el marido. Un hombre ABSOLUTAMENTE HERMOSO Y ROMÁNTICO que ama a Troy pese a todo pero que ya se cansó de sus infidelidades y maldades y por eso, ya decidido, plantea la separación inminente. Aaron, para no llamar la atención planea reconquistar a su marido y así regalarnos una historia de amor en medio de un mundo caotico sembrado por la meirda de Troy.
Súper recomendable para aquellos amantes de la homoerótica.
Pero en serio, cuando uno abre el libro y lee la sinopsis piensa: wow, esto no puede llegar a buen puerto (ja! otro chiste acorde al libro).
Aaron está en apuros y debe escapar de su vida cuando justo le cae la posibilidad perfecta para hacerlo: su hermano gemelo, Troy, le ofrece una salida: hacerse pasar por él. Aaron acepta pero pronto se ve en una vida un tanto peor que la suya: su hermano era un hijo de p*ta importante y ahora ser él, un buen hombre, era dificil... si a eso le sumamos los problemas en los que se metió Troy y que ahora son suyos es una vida aún más dificil... y si queremos sumar más dificultades podemos mencionar un padre de mierda y un marido... sip, si quería hacerse pasar por su hermano iba a tener que entregar el cu.... jeje! (Son casi las 12 de la noche, perdonen mi lenguaje, ya perdí todo filtro)
Aquí entonces ya conocemos el mayor problema: el marido. Un hombre ABSOLUTAMENTE HERMOSO Y ROMÁNTICO que ama a Troy pese a todo pero que ya se cansó de sus infidelidades y maldades y por eso, ya decidido, plantea la separación inminente. Aaron, para no llamar la atención planea reconquistar a su marido y así regalarnos una historia de amor en medio de un mundo caotico sembrado por la meirda de Troy.
Súper recomendable para aquellos amantes de la homoerótica.
March 1, 2021
Al principio del libro todo me iba gustando, adoro esas historias donde los hermanos gemelos cambian. Troy es la persona mas despreciable, manipuladora, toxica que existe en el mundo. Aaron es un amor, muy dulce todo lo que vivio y aun asi sigue siendo dulce es una excelente persona, Dave es precioso, dulce adorable pero aun me pregunto ¿por que aguanto tanto tiempo a Troy? el tipo le fue infiel hasta con el vecino, que horrible persona. Me desvié del tema jajaja, bueno los primero capitulos todo bien pero en los ultimos tres daño todo. Osea Dave descubre la verdad y corre a Aaron, pero luego estan follando como si nada y los unico que se dicen es "Te extrañe, yo tambien" No hay una conversacion de reconciliacion, una explicacion por parte de Aaron nada, todo eso quedo en blanco.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2012
This was an extraordinary good read because it had a little something of everything in it. It had family tragedy, mistaken identity, forbidden romance, intrigue, street violence and second chance romance all rolled into one.
It grabbed my attention from the beginning with the way things jumped right into the story with a brief table-setter scene that looks over a year into the future before starting at the beginning. The story swirls around identical twin brothers who were separated when their parents divorced ala The Parent Trap. In this instance, they are given two very different shots at life. Troy is kept by his father and grows up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth wanting for nothing physically. Aaron on the other hand is dealt a hard hand since he ends up with their mother who is into alcohol and drugs. He takes over the role of the caregiver at a young age and scrapes and struggles just to get by. His own mother steals almost all he is able to make for her habit and gets him in trouble with the loan sharks who give him a little work over to remind him to pay up.
Right about the time Aaron is certain that he's going to die because he can't come up with the money his twin calls him out of the blue and wants to make nice. Aaron is resentful because neither his dad or brother were there for his mom's death and neither had tried to know him before this, but he's not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Troy agrees to help him with the loansharks if Aaron will just come meet him at his yacht so they can talk.
That's when everything gets bizarre and fantastical for Aaron. He arrives and finds his brother absent, but a note is left inviting him to enjoy the rest of Troy's life since he deserves a turn at the better life too. Aaron suspects that Troy has committed suicide, but his reluctance to pretend to be Troy fades when he thinks of his own situation.
Jumping into Troy's life, Aaron learns a lot about Troy and he is both ashamed and angered by his brother's hateful, cruel actions. He struggles putting out all the figurative fires that Troy has started ranging from downright dangerous to mysterious to heartbreaking. Aaron is terrified to learn that his gay brother is married and his husband is in route. He also has to now deal with the cold and condemning man who is his father both through the business and because his dad has remarried wife #4. It's all so awkward and disappointing. Aaron sees that Troy didn't have it all easy, but he also sees where Troy destroyed everything good in his life.
Dave is resolved that there can be no piecing his marriage back together that is until he returns home and finds a new and improved Troy. He likes the new Troy, but doesn't trust it lasting and also has suspicions that if he didn't know better that Troy seemed like a whole different man. He starts to hope again.
But Aaron can't keep up the pretense once he learns a few of Troy's secrets. He is terrified for his life again, but worse than that he fears that because he allowed himself to fall in love with Dave that when the truth comes out Dave will be disgusted.
So as I mentioned before, the plot has a little something of everything. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as well as the sweet relationship between Aaron as Troy and Dave. Even though the marriage was already a done deal, it was like a newly started relationship because of the estrangement between Dave and Troy that must be fixed by the loving and giving Aaron. Dave sees so many differences in this Troy and loves the new Troy better than the Troy he first fell in love with.
There were a few times when I didn't realize that the story switched perspectives or scenes because there wasn't a break of some sort to give me warning. But it was all good and only crossed me up for a few sentences before I got back on track.
The characters are well written and are given time to develop as it is told from Aaron and Dave's perspectives for most of the story. There are several secondary characters that flit through the scenes some are more developed that others, but this was not a lack in my mind. It just served to emphasize the prominence of the romance being the main plot of the story. The two guys made me laugh a little as Aaron had to learn about his sexuality and how to have sex with a man. Dave is a very patient and tender lover. It was neat seeing the guys once they settled into a domestic routine. I loved how Aaron supported Dave's dreams and Dave delighted in Aaron's strengths.
Altogether a good read! Recommend to those who like their m/m romance some parts sweet, passionate, and a little intrigue thrown end to get your heart pumping.
It grabbed my attention from the beginning with the way things jumped right into the story with a brief table-setter scene that looks over a year into the future before starting at the beginning. The story swirls around identical twin brothers who were separated when their parents divorced ala The Parent Trap. In this instance, they are given two very different shots at life. Troy is kept by his father and grows up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth wanting for nothing physically. Aaron on the other hand is dealt a hard hand since he ends up with their mother who is into alcohol and drugs. He takes over the role of the caregiver at a young age and scrapes and struggles just to get by. His own mother steals almost all he is able to make for her habit and gets him in trouble with the loan sharks who give him a little work over to remind him to pay up.
Right about the time Aaron is certain that he's going to die because he can't come up with the money his twin calls him out of the blue and wants to make nice. Aaron is resentful because neither his dad or brother were there for his mom's death and neither had tried to know him before this, but he's not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Troy agrees to help him with the loansharks if Aaron will just come meet him at his yacht so they can talk.
That's when everything gets bizarre and fantastical for Aaron. He arrives and finds his brother absent, but a note is left inviting him to enjoy the rest of Troy's life since he deserves a turn at the better life too. Aaron suspects that Troy has committed suicide, but his reluctance to pretend to be Troy fades when he thinks of his own situation.
Jumping into Troy's life, Aaron learns a lot about Troy and he is both ashamed and angered by his brother's hateful, cruel actions. He struggles putting out all the figurative fires that Troy has started ranging from downright dangerous to mysterious to heartbreaking. Aaron is terrified to learn that his gay brother is married and his husband is in route. He also has to now deal with the cold and condemning man who is his father both through the business and because his dad has remarried wife #4. It's all so awkward and disappointing. Aaron sees that Troy didn't have it all easy, but he also sees where Troy destroyed everything good in his life.
Dave is resolved that there can be no piecing his marriage back together that is until he returns home and finds a new and improved Troy. He likes the new Troy, but doesn't trust it lasting and also has suspicions that if he didn't know better that Troy seemed like a whole different man. He starts to hope again.
But Aaron can't keep up the pretense once he learns a few of Troy's secrets. He is terrified for his life again, but worse than that he fears that because he allowed himself to fall in love with Dave that when the truth comes out Dave will be disgusted.
So as I mentioned before, the plot has a little something of everything. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as well as the sweet relationship between Aaron as Troy and Dave. Even though the marriage was already a done deal, it was like a newly started relationship because of the estrangement between Dave and Troy that must be fixed by the loving and giving Aaron. Dave sees so many differences in this Troy and loves the new Troy better than the Troy he first fell in love with.
There were a few times when I didn't realize that the story switched perspectives or scenes because there wasn't a break of some sort to give me warning. But it was all good and only crossed me up for a few sentences before I got back on track.
The characters are well written and are given time to develop as it is told from Aaron and Dave's perspectives for most of the story. There are several secondary characters that flit through the scenes some are more developed that others, but this was not a lack in my mind. It just served to emphasize the prominence of the romance being the main plot of the story. The two guys made me laugh a little as Aaron had to learn about his sexuality and how to have sex with a man. Dave is a very patient and tender lover. It was neat seeing the guys once they settled into a domestic routine. I loved how Aaron supported Dave's dreams and Dave delighted in Aaron's strengths.
Altogether a good read! Recommend to those who like their m/m romance some parts sweet, passionate, and a little intrigue thrown end to get your heart pumping.
September 30, 2014
Rated 3.5 stars at first but decided to round it up to 4 stars.
I discovered this book when I was reading an article by the author and checked GR for the author's works. And I am so glad I did! The blurb itself got me hooked in that I decided to read the book quickly and I really liked it!
It started really intriguing especially when you think of how would Aaron be able to handle Troy's life? And why is Troy throwing away his richness and everything aside? It also lead me to question how would Aaron deal with Troy's husband? And oh boy it really did answer my questions and even added more things needed to be asked.
I really like this book because it made me laugh and experience different emotions. I was nervous for Aaron but at the same time couldn't help liking him more and more as he deals with what Troy's disappearance had brought him.
****warning massive spoilers ahead!****
I discovered this book when I was reading an article by the author and checked GR for the author's works. And I am so glad I did! The blurb itself got me hooked in that I decided to read the book quickly and I really liked it!
It started really intriguing especially when you think of how would Aaron be able to handle Troy's life? And why is Troy throwing away his richness and everything aside? It also lead me to question how would Aaron deal with Troy's husband? And oh boy it really did answer my questions and even added more things needed to be asked.
I really like this book because it made me laugh and experience different emotions. I was nervous for Aaron but at the same time couldn't help liking him more and more as he deals with what Troy's disappearance had brought him.
****warning massive spoilers ahead!****
August 12, 2012
3.5 stars
Aaron is mysteriously offered a chance at a better life by his twin brother, Troy, after a phone call out of the blue. Aaron is in debt to loan sharks when Troy rings him and takes the opportunity to see what his twin is offering. The backstory is that the parents split the boys up at divorce, Troy went with his father, Aaron stayed with his mother. Both boys had dysfunctional upbringings, one wealthy, Troy, one poor, Aaron. Both men are impacted by drama - Aaron owes money, Troy takes every opportunity to impact those around him in various ways, including actions involving money.
What I liked - Troy's husband, Dave, he was a good guy, with a tendency towards being a doormat, but still much could be argued for the fact that he made allowances for someone he loved. Aaron, he meant well but was at the arse end of everyone else's actions and decisions in his life. The sex was pretty good. Some secondary characters, including Nikko Watanabe and his yin/yang/zen character, were interesting. The idea of the book was a good one. The cover is magical.
What I didn't like - Troy was painted as this unbelievable arsehole and, seriously, it was so out there it kind of came off as more comical - I think Troy should be held accountable for global warming, recent earthquakes, and the current financial crisis as well - he was that OTT as a character. The "step-monster" Nancy/Tiffany was equally as OTT, yet I'd have to say she held amusement value. The "I'm not gay" inner dialogue Aaron threw out there was unbelievably...bizarre. The dialogue could be contradictory or off kilter - the following when Aaron and Dave were on a boat, The Promise -
"Babe?" Dave asked. "Why are you leaning down so far? One fast wave and I'll lose you." Dave poulled him back, looking shaken. "You can't lose me. When we get back, I want to sell this boat. I hate it. It has bad vibes." "We should refurbish it." "Yeah. We could do that."
Well, WTF - "bad vibes, sell it," "let's refurbish," "oh, OK." Gee, if you feel that strongly how can you change just like that *snaps fingers*.
Mirrors is a book with a lot of unrealised potential, in my opinion. The writing was somewhat choppy, it actually felt/seemed like two writers wrote it, it wasn't seamless; there were some inconsistencies in the writing that added to a kind of chaotic feel.
I have read D J Manly before and loved what I read, but here, in this co-write with A J Llewellyn, it just wasn't the same. However, it is still an interesting book with a lot going on - switched identities, a mystery, erotic components.
While this review may seem on the negative side, I have to say that Mirrors is not a bad book. It was easy to read and I liked Aaron and Dave. I did not feel there was any great twist, as others have implied or mentioned, though; in fact I feel that was a missed opportunity. Plenty of others here have really liked or loved Mirrors, for me it was more kind of middle of the road.
May 11, 2015
4.5 stars!
This tasty tale shines a contemporary light on the good twin/bad twin theme and made for an entertaining read. To me its “prince and pauper” pathos held a hint of the Dante’s Cove aura: smoky sensually and ghostly anticipation mixed with smoldering, devil-may-care sex. I found Aaron’s plight charming, and absorbed the story much in the way I would a good movie. The blurb does a good job of expressing the book’s premise, but what I found extremely beguiling in this story is the relationship between Aaron and Dave
Troy’s parting gift to Aaron—that he pretend to be Troy—comes with a surprise: Troy was gay. Plus, he was married to hot, fitness trainer/masseuse, Dave Alvarez. Pictures of Troy and Dave fill Aaron’s new home, and he soon realizes he has “inherited” Dave along with the keys to his brother’s wealth and lifestyle. The astounding discovery means slipping into his brother’s life could prove problematic, as Aaron has always been straight.
Attempting to understand his missing brother, Aaron delves deeper into Troy’s life and learns that most in Troy’s circle of friends secretly despised him. They may have good reason; Troy was everything that Aaron is not. Selfish, promiscuous and a cheapskate, Troy was a real bastard. The only chance Aaron has to pull the switch off is to be himself and hope that everyone believes Troy has turned over a new leaf. But will he have to be married to a man for the rest of his life? Aaron gets a brief respite when he learns Troy and Dave were on the outs, but once he sees Dave in the flesh, Aaron begins to question his own sexuality and his brother’s sanity. How could Troy sleep around with someone as wonderful as Dave to come home to?
Dave and Aaron’s tender romance is woven throughout an intriguing mystery that involves the mafia, embezzlement, con games and the abuse of power by the powerful. I loved Aaron. His attempt to make amends to those whom suffered at the hands of his brother revealed his caring heart. His interactions with the “help,” most especially the Mexican gardener provided bright sparks of humor, while a captivating parade of darkly ambitious supporting characters brought to my mind an Elmore Leonard suspense thriller. The sex was a nice balance of hot, stormy and dare I say…sweet, due to Aaron’s inner angst and surprise at how far he is willing to go to keep Dave around. All in all a good, entertaining story with plenty of twists, turns and surprises.
Thank you, A.J. Llewellyn, and D.J. Manly for this captivating romantic thriller.
“Clever, Racy, Fun!”
This tasty tale shines a contemporary light on the good twin/bad twin theme and made for an entertaining read. To me its “prince and pauper” pathos held a hint of the Dante’s Cove aura: smoky sensually and ghostly anticipation mixed with smoldering, devil-may-care sex. I found Aaron’s plight charming, and absorbed the story much in the way I would a good movie. The blurb does a good job of expressing the book’s premise, but what I found extremely beguiling in this story is the relationship between Aaron and Dave
Troy’s parting gift to Aaron—that he pretend to be Troy—comes with a surprise: Troy was gay. Plus, he was married to hot, fitness trainer/masseuse, Dave Alvarez. Pictures of Troy and Dave fill Aaron’s new home, and he soon realizes he has “inherited” Dave along with the keys to his brother’s wealth and lifestyle. The astounding discovery means slipping into his brother’s life could prove problematic, as Aaron has always been straight.
Attempting to understand his missing brother, Aaron delves deeper into Troy’s life and learns that most in Troy’s circle of friends secretly despised him. They may have good reason; Troy was everything that Aaron is not. Selfish, promiscuous and a cheapskate, Troy was a real bastard. The only chance Aaron has to pull the switch off is to be himself and hope that everyone believes Troy has turned over a new leaf. But will he have to be married to a man for the rest of his life? Aaron gets a brief respite when he learns Troy and Dave were on the outs, but once he sees Dave in the flesh, Aaron begins to question his own sexuality and his brother’s sanity. How could Troy sleep around with someone as wonderful as Dave to come home to?
Dave and Aaron’s tender romance is woven throughout an intriguing mystery that involves the mafia, embezzlement, con games and the abuse of power by the powerful. I loved Aaron. His attempt to make amends to those whom suffered at the hands of his brother revealed his caring heart. His interactions with the “help,” most especially the Mexican gardener provided bright sparks of humor, while a captivating parade of darkly ambitious supporting characters brought to my mind an Elmore Leonard suspense thriller. The sex was a nice balance of hot, stormy and dare I say…sweet, due to Aaron’s inner angst and surprise at how far he is willing to go to keep Dave around. All in all a good, entertaining story with plenty of twists, turns and surprises.
Thank you, A.J. Llewellyn, and D.J. Manly for this captivating romantic thriller.
“Clever, Racy, Fun!”
April 13, 2015
4 heart review by Tidal
I really loved this book. Troy and Aaron are identical twins where were separated when they were very young to be raised apart after their parents’ divorce. Aaron only has memories of his brother and father. Aaron took care of his mom, until her death but he never blamed his brother Troy because their separation was not their choice. In his heart, he believed the best of everyone even his mother who almost cost him his life.
After years of no contact Troy contacts Aaron to see him, Aaron is reluctant but reasons that perhaps this may be the opportunity to mend fences. Aaron is in trouble and Troy offers to help but that is not the reason that Aaron is going to see him, he misses his brother and his intent is sincere.
When he arrives, Aaron finds that Troy seems to have committed suicide. Aaron feels worse, he lost his mom now he lost his brother too. Troy left Aaron all the things he needs to assume his life. Aaron felt that this was Troy’s final gift to him and perhaps Troy’s life was not as easy as he thought it might have been. Aaron now feels greater love for Troy and feels more in debt to him.
Aaron steps into Troy’s life and quickly finds out that he was not a very nice guy. Aaron also finds to his surprise that in his new life he is gay and has a drop dead gorgeous husband. Aaron realized all too quickly that he is in way over his head and his life is in danger and to complicate things wonders if he is falling in love with his new husband.
This is a fast-paced exciting book. It feels like riding on a roller coaster from beginning to end. The book does not offer the immediate gratification offered in a 60 minute drama. Aaron works for every good thing he gets. I love the plot twists, nothing is what it seems. This book is an awesome ride and when it is all over, it leaves the reader feeling an incredible rush of satisfaction.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
I really loved this book. Troy and Aaron are identical twins where were separated when they were very young to be raised apart after their parents’ divorce. Aaron only has memories of his brother and father. Aaron took care of his mom, until her death but he never blamed his brother Troy because their separation was not their choice. In his heart, he believed the best of everyone even his mother who almost cost him his life.
After years of no contact Troy contacts Aaron to see him, Aaron is reluctant but reasons that perhaps this may be the opportunity to mend fences. Aaron is in trouble and Troy offers to help but that is not the reason that Aaron is going to see him, he misses his brother and his intent is sincere.
When he arrives, Aaron finds that Troy seems to have committed suicide. Aaron feels worse, he lost his mom now he lost his brother too. Troy left Aaron all the things he needs to assume his life. Aaron felt that this was Troy’s final gift to him and perhaps Troy’s life was not as easy as he thought it might have been. Aaron now feels greater love for Troy and feels more in debt to him.
Aaron steps into Troy’s life and quickly finds out that he was not a very nice guy. Aaron also finds to his surprise that in his new life he is gay and has a drop dead gorgeous husband. Aaron realized all too quickly that he is in way over his head and his life is in danger and to complicate things wonders if he is falling in love with his new husband.
This is a fast-paced exciting book. It feels like riding on a roller coaster from beginning to end. The book does not offer the immediate gratification offered in a 60 minute drama. Aaron works for every good thing he gets. I love the plot twists, nothing is what it seems. This book is an awesome ride and when it is all over, it leaves the reader feeling an incredible rush of satisfaction.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
September 19, 2015
The concept of this book caught my attention so I gave it a shot - it was one of the better shot I've made.
Well, it was good enough to bring me into the mm romance genre. :3
I like the identity switch plot, and the few twists in between.
The writing is readable, and Aaron was a likable character. :3
Overall it's a pleasant read, though I was expecting more action toward the end. (Both in bed, and out of bed *dry laugh*) But what they have to offer was good enough, so I'll let it slide.
I might be a bit bias on my rating, but the book suits my taste so well that I just have to give it a 4 XD
Well, it was good enough to bring me into the mm romance genre. :3
I like the identity switch plot, and the few twists in between.
The writing is readable, and Aaron was a likable character. :3
Overall it's a pleasant read, though I was expecting more action toward the end. (Both in bed, and out of bed *dry laugh*) But what they have to offer was good enough, so I'll let it slide.
April 26, 2018
Unique storyline
It was a refreshingly good to read a m/m book with a twist. In this case it was about identical twins separated at 2 and living with one of their parents. Aaron and Troy are now 27 and both in over their heads. Troy disappears mysteriously and asks Aaron to replace him and live the life he always wanted. Things are not how they seem and their are lot soft twists and turns as Aaron finds out while pretending to be Troy. In the middle of this we have Aaron who didn’t consider himself gay falling in love with Troy’s husband. I enjoyed the book while trying to figure out if Troy was going to come back or be discovered dead. It had me guessing the whole time.
It was a refreshingly good to read a m/m book with a twist. In this case it was about identical twins separated at 2 and living with one of their parents. Aaron and Troy are now 27 and both in over their heads. Troy disappears mysteriously and asks Aaron to replace him and live the life he always wanted. Things are not how they seem and their are lot soft twists and turns as Aaron finds out while pretending to be Troy. In the middle of this we have Aaron who didn’t consider himself gay falling in love with Troy’s husband. I enjoyed the book while trying to figure out if Troy was going to come back or be discovered dead. It had me guessing the whole time.
May 10, 2013
This story is very different. It starts with Aaron in a hard place. His lost twin calls up and he ends up taking over Troy's life. But he finds out that the grass isn't greener on the other side. But there is Dave and maybe he is gay BUT his brother was a real sh** and now he has to figure out how to get out of this mess and keep his guy.
September 24, 2014
I find it really strange that I actually liked this book. There was so much to hate about it. From Aiden's aggressive sudden need for sex when the guy sounded like a virgin (pretty sure he wasn't though) to the fact that the story tied itself up in a neat little bow.
Yet, I was game. The story concept is really interesting and I'd recommend it based on that alone.
Yet, I was game. The story concept is really interesting and I'd recommend it based on that alone.
May 5, 2012
I loved everything about this book! My only complaint is that I wish Dave met Aaron first!! Besides that, all of the characters were well rounded, the plot fascinating enough to draw me in and hold me until the sweet end. I want more of Dave and Aaron.
August 2, 2012
I floated between 2 and 3 stars for this so consider it rated 2.5. It started out really strong and I like the authors writing style but as the story developed it just became to messy and convoluted and I just got bored rather then intrigued by all the twists and turns.
July 19, 2012
GREAT!
I really enjoyed reading it. I couldn't stop reading it even when it got really late.
I loved the switched identity theme.
(I searching for books with a similar theme right now. If you can think of a suggestion please sent me a message.)
I really enjoyed reading it. I couldn't stop reading it even when it got really late.
I loved the switched identity theme.
(I searching for books with a similar theme right now. If you can think of a suggestion please sent me a message.)
September 10, 2013
It was okay until Aaron turned into a clingy, needy li'l thing. I skimmed most of it after that and am not motivated to read the sequel.
January 13, 2013
There wasn't any aspect of this story I didn't like. I enjoyed every page I read. That's all.
April 13, 2012
That book is fullish. Plot is OMG awful and both main characters are written shallow.
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