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Broken
Sometimes bravery and love are one and the same.
Gabriel and Tristan Stalling parted ways seven years ago when their father kicked Gabriel out of the house for being gay. The years that passed were hard on both brothers. Tristan was left with his guilt and shame for not sticking up for his twin, the relentless need to please their parents, and the gnawing ache for his other half.
Gabriel manages to make his dreams of becoming a rockstar come true, but with his fame comes drugs and meaningless sex as he tries to drown out the hurt he feels when Tristan abandoned him.
As fate would have it, the Stalling twins are about to get one last chance to make things right. Both Gabriel and Tristan will be tested as never before. Not only will they have to make a choice between giving in to a love so taboo it can never be revealed or spending their lives forever broken, but they will also have to face the ghosts of their past, even the ones with the power to destroy them.
Gabriel and Tristan Stalling parted ways seven years ago when their father kicked Gabriel out of the house for being gay. The years that passed were hard on both brothers. Tristan was left with his guilt and shame for not sticking up for his twin, the relentless need to please their parents, and the gnawing ache for his other half.
Gabriel manages to make his dreams of becoming a rockstar come true, but with his fame comes drugs and meaningless sex as he tries to drown out the hurt he feels when Tristan abandoned him.
As fate would have it, the Stalling twins are about to get one last chance to make things right. Both Gabriel and Tristan will be tested as never before. Not only will they have to make a choice between giving in to a love so taboo it can never be revealed or spending their lives forever broken, but they will also have to face the ghosts of their past, even the ones with the power to destroy them.
136 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2009
28 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Sage Whistler
7 books54 followers1. Birthday:January 6 (Three King's Day)
2. Sign: Capricorn (Chinese Zodiac: Ox)
3. My favorite color is blue. It used to be pink as a kid but now I avoid that color like the plague.
4. My favorite food is ziti. I don't like to cook but I can whip up a pan of ziti in about an hour.
5. Since I'm on a sugar restriction Sam's Choice waters have become a staple in my household. I usually drink for dinner and regular bottled water the rest of the time.
6. When it comes to soda I'm not picky. Most people will side with either Coke or Pepsi. Pass me either one of those bad boys. I don't care. :)
7. My least favorite food would have to be the disgusting parts of the pig that are famous down south: pig ears, pig tails, chitterlings, pig feet. Ugh. Ack.Ack. *gag*
8. Coffee seems to be a staple in many an author's life. I don't drink the stuff myself. Oddly enough, I like the smell of it brewing, just not so much the taste of it.
9. I've had a total of two pets in my life. They were two dogs;neither of which belonged to me. They were both freaking crazy because of lack of proper training. I plan to get my own Newfoundland in the near future and train him properly.
10. My two biggest hobbies are reading and writing, but you already knew that, heh? I used to crochet in my late teens but now I save my fingers for the keyboard.
11. One of my favorite horror authors is Stephen King. The only book I've haven't finished by him was Dreamcatchers--It totally grossed me out. When it comes to gay fiction I like Nick Nolan, Cameron Dane, Evangeline Anderson, M.L. Rhodes, Sean Michaels, and Perry Moore. When it comes to het fiction I like Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Cach, Karen Marie Moning, Sasha Lord, Noire and Teresa Medeiros.
12. Some of my favorite movies are Angela's Ashes, Gladiator, Aliens, The Hangover, Pan's Labyrinth, The Losers, Avatar, Apocalypto,Cone Heads,Ghost Busters, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle....and many more.
13. My favorite show that is no longer running new episodes is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My favorite show as of now is a tie between Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs and Intervention.
14. Favorite quote: "What we do in life echoes in eternity." Maximus "Gladiator
15. Even though I write romance, I don't like to watch romantic movies all that often. I'm more of an action, horror, and I drama movie buff.
16. I love scifi but I can't get into Star Wars, although I enjoyed Farscape for many years and I'm a huge fan of the Alien and Predator movies.
17. I'm the ultimate bargain shopper.
18. I struggled with reading early on, but once I caught onto it I was in higher reading classes than my age group for the rest of school life even into college.
19. I have severe tunnel vision. I can tune folks out even if they are sitting right next to me if I'm really into something.
20. My least favorite chore is washing dishes. I'd rather sweep, mop, or take out the trash. Anything but that.
21. I'm an extremely fair person. I see things fifty-fifty. Nothing bugs me more than a liar and a cheater.
22 I attended four elementary schools, three high schools, and two different colleges and I'm not even an army brat.
23. I was born in a little town called Ahoskie, in North Carolina.
24. Despite the cellphone craze I've only been an owner of one for three years.
25. I don't wear skirts or dresses for anybody. I will wear shorts and skorts though.
26. I lose my earrings ALL the time. Either that or the same little booger that steals my socks steals my earrings.
2. Sign: Capricorn (Chinese Zodiac: Ox)
3. My favorite color is blue. It used to be pink as a kid but now I avoid that color like the plague.
4. My favorite food is ziti. I don't like to cook but I can whip up a pan of ziti in about an hour.
5. Since I'm on a sugar restriction Sam's Choice waters have become a staple in my household. I usually drink for dinner and regular bottled water the rest of the time.
6. When it comes to soda I'm not picky. Most people will side with either Coke or Pepsi. Pass me either one of those bad boys. I don't care. :)
7. My least favorite food would have to be the disgusting parts of the pig that are famous down south: pig ears, pig tails, chitterlings, pig feet. Ugh. Ack.Ack. *gag*
8. Coffee seems to be a staple in many an author's life. I don't drink the stuff myself. Oddly enough, I like the smell of it brewing, just not so much the taste of it.
9. I've had a total of two pets in my life. They were two dogs;neither of which belonged to me. They were both freaking crazy because of lack of proper training. I plan to get my own Newfoundland in the near future and train him properly.
10. My two biggest hobbies are reading and writing, but you already knew that, heh? I used to crochet in my late teens but now I save my fingers for the keyboard.
11. One of my favorite horror authors is Stephen King. The only book I've haven't finished by him was Dreamcatchers--It totally grossed me out. When it comes to gay fiction I like Nick Nolan, Cameron Dane, Evangeline Anderson, M.L. Rhodes, Sean Michaels, and Perry Moore. When it comes to het fiction I like Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Cach, Karen Marie Moning, Sasha Lord, Noire and Teresa Medeiros.
12. Some of my favorite movies are Angela's Ashes, Gladiator, Aliens, The Hangover, Pan's Labyrinth, The Losers, Avatar, Apocalypto,Cone Heads,Ghost Busters, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle....and many more.
13. My favorite show that is no longer running new episodes is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My favorite show as of now is a tie between Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs and Intervention.
14. Favorite quote: "What we do in life echoes in eternity." Maximus "Gladiator
15. Even though I write romance, I don't like to watch romantic movies all that often. I'm more of an action, horror, and I drama movie buff.
16. I love scifi but I can't get into Star Wars, although I enjoyed Farscape for many years and I'm a huge fan of the Alien and Predator movies.
17. I'm the ultimate bargain shopper.
18. I struggled with reading early on, but once I caught onto it I was in higher reading classes than my age group for the rest of school life even into college.
19. I have severe tunnel vision. I can tune folks out even if they are sitting right next to me if I'm really into something.
20. My least favorite chore is washing dishes. I'd rather sweep, mop, or take out the trash. Anything but that.
21. I'm an extremely fair person. I see things fifty-fifty. Nothing bugs me more than a liar and a cheater.
22 I attended four elementary schools, three high schools, and two different colleges and I'm not even an army brat.
23. I was born in a little town called Ahoskie, in North Carolina.
24. Despite the cellphone craze I've only been an owner of one for three years.
25. I don't wear skirts or dresses for anybody. I will wear shorts and skorts though.
26. I lose my earrings ALL the time. Either that or the same little booger that steals my socks steals my earrings.
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October 4, 2009This is not the first twincest story I read by Sage Whistler and now like before I was warned on the Taboo nature of it... strange to say, I have more problem to read about BDSM stories or on non-con sex than about twincest, actually I don't have any "squeaking" feeling about it. Let's be clear, probably it's like so since we are talking of a male on male twincest, so no worries about possible genetic trouble for the progeny... see how odd my mind is? I'm not tickled by gender prejudice or moral question, but a scientific issue could set me off, probably I should stop to be so analytical. So, coming back to the story, it was not the twincest side that was important to me, but more the balance between the twins.
Gabriel and Tristan are 24 years old, but they don't see each other since they were 17. At that age Gabriel, the older of few minutes and also the hot-head of the two, came out to their parents and he was kicked off home. It's not clear if at that age Tristan had not enough courage to follow his twin, or if he, even if for a brief moment, felt the same as his parents, the result was that the twins were separated and only spoke on the phone from that moment on. Now 7 years later, Tristan needs a place to crash after a bankruptcy, and Gabriel is there to help him.
At first, from Gabriel's thoughts, and despite Tristan's behavior at 17 years old, I felt as Tristan was the stronger brother. And it's strange since it was Gabriel who went out of home when he was still a teenager, it was him that managed to become a famous rockstar, it's him that now has the money to help also his brother. But while Gabriel was waiting for his brother to arrive, I saw Tristan through Gabriel's eyes like a steady and solid figure, like the mainstay that Gabriel needs to not wreck. Tristan is to good one who always was the son their parents want; he is the cultured and honest to God, while Gabriel is the "gay" one, with a past drugs addiction. He is also the one who, even at 17 years old, fantasized about his twin, desires that he still has today.
But then we meet Tristan, and we realize that he is not at all what his twin sees. Tristan is a man eaten by remorse, he feels like a failure, first to his twin to abandon him so many years ago, and now to his parents to not being able to be the successful son they wanted. And even if he has not the courage to come out like his twin, also Tristan has forbidden desires, even if he has never played upon them. This is probably something I didn't understand so well, meaning that I didn't understand if Tristan is gay, and his desires are first of all towards his twin and then also other men, or if he is only focused on his brother. Actually it's not so important to know, but it would help me to better understand Tristan.
Of the two twins, Tristan is for sure the one with more personal issues. I feel like he stopped in his evolution when his brother left, and he is only now starting to grow again. Gabriel on the other hand, lived and mistook, but at least he tried the world; strange to say, despite it I feel like he hasn't a big self-esteem, a problem he probably inherited by his parents refusal. Both twins need each other to be complete, since they both see in the twin the man they would like to be, or maybe the other half they lack.
Broken is a novel with great potential, and since I even have a "twincest" tag on my menu, I'm happy that there are authors out there willing to write on this subgenre, but I wouldn't have minded some further investigations on some issues: the relationship with their parents, the sexual orientation of Tristan aside from his love interest for Gabriel and maybe a test on their relationship outside the safe haven of their home. And now the point of strength: the story is very romantic, there is a bunch of supporting characters that I wouldn't mind to see in upcoming novels (there is good material for at least other two novels) and the sex is good (I like the blushing virgin attitude of Tristan, and the naughty behavior of Gabriel).
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/79...
Gabriel and Tristan are 24 years old, but they don't see each other since they were 17. At that age Gabriel, the older of few minutes and also the hot-head of the two, came out to their parents and he was kicked off home. It's not clear if at that age Tristan had not enough courage to follow his twin, or if he, even if for a brief moment, felt the same as his parents, the result was that the twins were separated and only spoke on the phone from that moment on. Now 7 years later, Tristan needs a place to crash after a bankruptcy, and Gabriel is there to help him.
At first, from Gabriel's thoughts, and despite Tristan's behavior at 17 years old, I felt as Tristan was the stronger brother. And it's strange since it was Gabriel who went out of home when he was still a teenager, it was him that managed to become a famous rockstar, it's him that now has the money to help also his brother. But while Gabriel was waiting for his brother to arrive, I saw Tristan through Gabriel's eyes like a steady and solid figure, like the mainstay that Gabriel needs to not wreck. Tristan is to good one who always was the son their parents want; he is the cultured and honest to God, while Gabriel is the "gay" one, with a past drugs addiction. He is also the one who, even at 17 years old, fantasized about his twin, desires that he still has today.
But then we meet Tristan, and we realize that he is not at all what his twin sees. Tristan is a man eaten by remorse, he feels like a failure, first to his twin to abandon him so many years ago, and now to his parents to not being able to be the successful son they wanted. And even if he has not the courage to come out like his twin, also Tristan has forbidden desires, even if he has never played upon them. This is probably something I didn't understand so well, meaning that I didn't understand if Tristan is gay, and his desires are first of all towards his twin and then also other men, or if he is only focused on his brother. Actually it's not so important to know, but it would help me to better understand Tristan.
Of the two twins, Tristan is for sure the one with more personal issues. I feel like he stopped in his evolution when his brother left, and he is only now starting to grow again. Gabriel on the other hand, lived and mistook, but at least he tried the world; strange to say, despite it I feel like he hasn't a big self-esteem, a problem he probably inherited by his parents refusal. Both twins need each other to be complete, since they both see in the twin the man they would like to be, or maybe the other half they lack.
Broken is a novel with great potential, and since I even have a "twincest" tag on my menu, I'm happy that there are authors out there willing to write on this subgenre, but I wouldn't have minded some further investigations on some issues: the relationship with their parents, the sexual orientation of Tristan aside from his love interest for Gabriel and maybe a test on their relationship outside the safe haven of their home. And now the point of strength: the story is very romantic, there is a bunch of supporting characters that I wouldn't mind to see in upcoming novels (there is good material for at least other two novels) and the sex is good (I like the blushing virgin attitude of Tristan, and the naughty behavior of Gabriel).
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/79...
October 10, 2009
When Sage Whistler posted on her site that this publication had been accepted by Total-e-Bound, I was excited beyond belief! I'd read Torn and was madly in love with her twincest stories and wanted more. I'm a twincest whore and will not deny it. Taboo story? Bring it on!
What I liked about this book: Really, there was very little that I DIDN'T like and I devoured this novella in several hours then went back and savored a few chapters again. Whistler has the uncanny ability to transport you into her stories with such ease that the world hare characters live in is both palpable and realistic.
The only thing I have to say kept this from being a five-star for me was the fact that her twins in [Book: Broken] and Torn are almost as identical as their counterparts are. You have the reserved twin, the wild twin, the twincest sixth sense, etc. But where [Book: Broken] breaks the mold is in the way Gabe and Tris face their demons and break through the barriers that their family and past choices have placed in their path. Not to mention the sex scenes are SCORCHERS!
Summary: Sometimes bravery and love are one and the same.
Gabriel and Tristan Stalling parted ways seven years ago when their father kicked Gabriel out of the house for being gay. The years that passed were hard on both brothers. Tristan was left with his guilt and shame for not sticking up for his twin, the relentless need to please their parents, and the gnawing ache for his other half.
Gabriel manages to make his dreams of becoming a rockstar come true, but with his fame comes drugs and meaningless sex as he tries to drown out the hurt he feels when Tristan abandoned him.
As fate would have it, the Stalling twins are about to get one last chance to make things right. Both Gabriel and Tristan will be tested as never before. Not only will they have to make a choice between giving in to a love so taboo it can never be revealed or spending their lives forever broken, but they will also have to face the ghosts of their past, even the ones with the power to destroy them.
What I liked about this book: Really, there was very little that I DIDN'T like and I devoured this novella in several hours then went back and savored a few chapters again. Whistler has the uncanny ability to transport you into her stories with such ease that the world hare characters live in is both palpable and realistic.
The only thing I have to say kept this from being a five-star for me was the fact that her twins in [Book: Broken] and Torn are almost as identical as their counterparts are. You have the reserved twin, the wild twin, the twincest sixth sense, etc. But where [Book: Broken] breaks the mold is in the way Gabe and Tris face their demons and break through the barriers that their family and past choices have placed in their path. Not to mention the sex scenes are SCORCHERS!
Excerpt: The hands that covered his own startled him, made him jerk his head up and look at Tristan. Tristan tugged his hands down and held them in his own. Their blue gazes locked, one soul looking into its reflection. Tristan’s thumbs ran over his knuckles, sending shivers rippling over Gabriel’s skin.
“Hey, man, just tell me you’re done with Mark and you’re done with drugs.” Tristan took a step closer until their chests almost touched. “Tell me, Gabe, and I’ll believe you.”
Gabriel’s heart slammed up against his ribs in a panicked rhythm that had nothing to do with the skeletons in his closet and everything to do with Tristan’s proximity. Tristan really had to stop touching him, or he was going to go up in flames. Even knowing it was a bad idea and that he should be pushing his brother away, Gabriel curled his fingers around Tristan’s. His breath hitched, and he managed to say “I am. I’ve been clean for thirteen months now. I’m done, Tristan. I swear it.”
Tristan nodded, and a small smile curled his sensual mouth. Just like that Gabriel was absolved of his crime. He didn’t doubt Tristan forgave him, that he would think no more of it. If he knew anything about his twin, it was that Tristan had a forgiving heart, especially when it came to him.
Gabriel found an answering smile tilting up the corners of his own mouth. “Thank you.”
Shaking loose one of his hands, Tristan startled him by caressing the pad of his thumb over the skin inches away from Gabriel’s mouth. “I had almost forgotten you have a dimple here, Gabe.”
Just that simple touch, sizzled along Gabriel’s nerve endings. He groaned, and his eyes fluttered shut but quickly snapped open.
“Forgive me,” he whispered.
“Gabriel what did—” His twin started to say, but Gabriel sealed his question with a kiss.
Nothing in life had prepared Tristan for being incinerated from head to toe. He almost expected licking flames and a little devil to spring up behind him. Instead, he was met with soft, heated lips and a questing tongue. It felt like being pulled apart and put together again. Arousal shot straight to his gut and landed in his groin. His cock hardened all at once to an achingly brutal erection. Tristan groaned against the fierce pressure behind his zipper, but most of all, he couldn’t help vocalise the pleasure of his brother’s thrusting tongue inside his mouth.
Tristan captured it and suckled it gently, forgetting in his mindless arousal and hunger, the principles that forbade such activities. Gabriel surged off the door and pressed against Tristan’s body, fitting as if he belonged there. Tristan felt the same steely heat press against his erection as their bodies melded together.
Gabriel’s fingers tunnelled in Tristan’s hair, his grip desperate, his kiss even more so. Gabriel whimpered into their kiss. His teeth nipped at Tristan’s lower lip as if trying to devour him. Tristan’s mind reeled at the clear evidence of his brother’s hunger for him. An answering jolt of white-hot arousal slid into his gut, making Tristan shiver uncontrollably.
Knock. Knock.
July 23, 2012
LoL well that was a weird read...a bit tooooo cheesy and there were even few frigging rhymes: "He saw love. He saw something that went deeper than flesh and blood."
Not my cup of tea...and not because of the incest (which was a bit weird) but because of the many repetitions, contradictions and so on. At one point a brother would promise not to leave again...then he almost leaves few paragraphs later...then he promises again...then he thinks about leaving again...ugh.
Then there was the time when one brother is afraid to tell the other one something...he is terrified, ashamed and so on...he does though end up tell him what ever it is but then suddenly says...oh yeah my brother would never judge me or let me down and so on...so why were you so afraid? Then God help me the same thing happens again later in the story....umm huh?
Then there was the whole issue with the mother...how that was handled was just terrible.
Just way too many things were undeveloped, brushed off, tucked away and ignored in the story for no apparent reason, except for maybe, to give the space those things could have occupied to few more sex scenes.
Boring and bad.
Not my cup of tea...and not because of the incest (which was a bit weird) but because of the many repetitions, contradictions and so on. At one point a brother would promise not to leave again...then he almost leaves few paragraphs later...then he promises again...then he thinks about leaving again...ugh.
Then there was the time when one brother is afraid to tell the other one something...he is terrified, ashamed and so on...he does though end up tell him what ever it is but then suddenly says...oh yeah my brother would never judge me or let me down and so on...so why were you so afraid? Then God help me the same thing happens again later in the story....umm huh?
Then there was the whole issue with the mother...how that was handled was just terrible.
Just way too many things were undeveloped, brushed off, tucked away and ignored in the story for no apparent reason, except for maybe, to give the space those things could have occupied to few more sex scenes.
Boring and bad.
August 16, 2011
Most twincest stories are an excuse for perversion or a lewd menage. This one shows identical twins who genuinely fall in love with each other in a way that makes you sympathize with and root for them. This isn't page after page of sex scenes without a plot. They are happy just to be together in the same room even without mauling the other.
Twincest is my kink especially when it shows that they are in love and no one is being abused, used or humiliated by the other.
Twincest is my kink especially when it shows that they are in love and no one is being abused, used or humiliated by the other.
August 24, 2019
I finished this book quickly because I skimmed a lot. Usually I just walk away from a book I don’t care for, but I thought this had potential. It was well written, and although I find the idea of incest pretty disgusting, these were just characters in a book so it didn’t bother me. What did bother me is too much inner monologue.
January 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, because for once there was an incest story that did not involve multiple partners. The scenes were SMOKIN!, and the emotions the brothers felt were so heart-felt,... the plot was AWESOME too... not a story about brothers wanting to do each other. I have been trying to find the ebook for his novel "TORN" but have been unsuccesful. This is a definte "must read"
June 18, 2013
I am torn between 3 or 3.5 Stars.
This was my first attempt at twincest. I have to admit the idea of incest kind of skeeves me out. But, who am I to judge on love?
However, as I am reading I find these are IDENTICAL twins. Isn't that kind of weird? You basically finding yourself sexually attractive? I am already looking for a fraternal twincest book I can get my hands on.
While I was working out the identical part, there was still something missing here. I loved Tristan and Gabriel's relationship as brothers, but I was missing their relationship as lovers outside of the bedroom.
I absolutely loathed their parents. Their mother can rot. I honestly have NO idea how parents can disown, hate, abandon, ignore, neglect, abuse, etc. their own kids. Parents are supposed to love their children unconditionally. I truly believe that's the only unconditional love there is. Some say they love their spouse unconditionally, but I don't buy that for a minute. Okay back on the subject at hand, I hated their parents--if you could even call them that.
I was hoping for more in the ending. It kind of fell flat for me. Another thing, I am going look for a fraternal twincest book where they are both "normal" (no celebrities!)
Overall, it was good, but not what I was expecting.
This was my first attempt at twincest. I have to admit the idea of incest kind of skeeves me out. But, who am I to judge on love?
However, as I am reading I find these are IDENTICAL twins. Isn't that kind of weird? You basically finding yourself sexually attractive? I am already looking for a fraternal twincest book I can get my hands on.
While I was working out the identical part, there was still something missing here. I loved Tristan and Gabriel's relationship as brothers, but I was missing their relationship as lovers outside of the bedroom.
I absolutely loathed their parents. Their mother can rot. I honestly have NO idea how parents can disown, hate, abandon, ignore, neglect, abuse, etc. their own kids. Parents are supposed to love their children unconditionally. I truly believe that's the only unconditional love there is. Some say they love their spouse unconditionally, but I don't buy that for a minute. Okay back on the subject at hand, I hated their parents--if you could even call them that.
I was hoping for more in the ending. It kind of fell flat for me. Another thing, I am going look for a fraternal twincest book where they are both "normal" (no celebrities!)
Overall, it was good, but not what I was expecting.
August 27, 2013
I kept seesawing between between 3 and 4 stars whilst reading, but settled on 4 because I enjoyed the book overall. It was a nice, easy read for me whilst feeling unwell. I know this is twincest, but, to be perfectly honest, it reads just like any other M/M to me.
Tristan is back after 7 years away from Gabriel. The brothers never stopped talking, even though Gabriel was tossed out of home by his father at 17/18; and Tristan didn't do anything about it. Basically the book is about the bond the twins have, even while apart, in this case with a little more than standard brotherly love. Gabriel is in a band, Tristan is out of a job, wife and money, so Gabriel helps out finanically. Tristan helps out emotionally, as Gabriel isn't approved of/supported by their family.
Broken is a really easy book to get through, the characters were nice, the sex was good. The primary focus was on the 2 MC's, Tristan and Gabriel, with some other brief appearances by secondary characters. The mother was a pain, but hey, you get that in real life, and the other female character, Marilyn, had her shit together, so that all balanced out.
If you're after a M/M, with a bit of a twincest kink, something that's easy to read, not too long, not too short and is pretty sexy, with a rock band theme, then I would certainly recommend Broken.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Tristan is back after 7 years away from Gabriel. The brothers never stopped talking, even though Gabriel was tossed out of home by his father at 17/18; and Tristan didn't do anything about it. Basically the book is about the bond the twins have, even while apart, in this case with a little more than standard brotherly love. Gabriel is in a band, Tristan is out of a job, wife and money, so Gabriel helps out finanically. Tristan helps out emotionally, as Gabriel isn't approved of/supported by their family.
Broken is a really easy book to get through, the characters were nice, the sex was good. The primary focus was on the 2 MC's, Tristan and Gabriel, with some other brief appearances by secondary characters. The mother was a pain, but hey, you get that in real life, and the other female character, Marilyn, had her shit together, so that all balanced out.
If you're after a M/M, with a bit of a twincest kink, something that's easy to read, not too long, not too short and is pretty sexy, with a rock band theme, then I would certainly recommend Broken.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
July 24, 2014
There’s so much yearning between these two brothers, Gabriel and Tristan. It makes you wonder how is was possible for them to be apart for seven years, for all those very yearny, horny formative years, the late teens through mid-twenties. But, time passes quickly when you’re building a life.
Gabriel has become a famous rocker. Tristan has built and lost a business and comes back to his brother looking for help and connection. They discover that they’ve been miserable apart but don’t quite know how to find their way together. Having parents who don’t condone Gabe’s being gay or his lifestyle doesn’t help either.
This is a quick, fairly light read— the last part is when the heavy, emotional issues come to the fore. The brothers come together with less trouble about the whole incest thing than I expected. And I guess I would have been more intrigued with more of that— more guilt and wallowing. In a way, it felt like the author fairly skipped over that exploration.
So, a sweet, twinky-read. But go elsewhere for a dark thrashy guilt and shame-ridden journey.
February 15, 2013
This isn't the first twincest story I've read, but it's one of the better ones. What really tipped it from liked it to really liked it was the emotion. The characters and their emotions really popped off the page. I could really feel what they were feeling. The "issue" that could have gotten between them was kind of glossed over, but not enough to leave me feeling cheated. This was a really well written story.
January 11, 2012
Broken, by Sage Whistler, did nothing for me. I didn't have a problem with the subject matter, twincest, but I thought that the story lacked any true drama or compassion for the two MC. The story was flat and I found that I was counting down the pages left to read.
I give Broken two stars.
April 23, 2021
This is a quick read that depicts the compelling dynamics between two twin brothers who had been estranged and now reunite as adults.
I found the emotional development to be a moving and well crafted. The author makes a difficult scenario plausible or at least believable within the construct of the story.
I found the emotional development to be a moving and well crafted. The author makes a difficult scenario plausible or at least believable within the construct of the story.
April 21, 2016
So...this was my first twincest read and I didn't know what to expect. I blame Susan for my curiosity ;)
Allthough some things bothered me, this was a very nice, short and sexy read.
Tristan and Gabriel are 25 year old twins and eventhough they are identical twins, they couldn't be more different. They have always been real close, but when they turned 17, Gabriel came out as gay and was kicked out by their parents. Tristan still being a kid himself didn't stand up for his brother and even sided with their father in the beginning. Ofcourse Gabriel was crushed by this, especially because he always felt more for his brother than he should have.
Gabriel moves on however, away from his family, he joins a band and they become pretty famous. The twins only stay in contact through some emails and short phonecalls. They both however feel like they are missing half of themselves. Fast forward 7 years and the twins are about to reunited.
Tristan got himself into some trouble and has lost all his money and his bussiness. When Gabriel offers him a place to stay and get back on his feet, he doesn't hessitate. He missed his brother like crazy...
Gabriel has never been able to tamper down his forbidden feelings for his brother and after being reunited again, he struggles to keep his feelings...and his hands....to himself.
Ofcourse it's only a matter of time before he snaps and imagine his surprise when he finds out his brother has been struggeling with the same feelings.
How will they make their relationship work and are they willing to hide their love...probably for the rest of their lives..
I really enjoyed this story, but I think I would have liked it more if I had gotten to know the twins a bit better. This books starts when they are 25 and there isn't much about their history or background. There also isn't a whole lot of character development, so for me it was very hard to connect to the both of them. It was however a very sweet and sexy story about a forbidden love.
3 stars from me and i think I will be reading more about twins in the future ;)
September 22, 2009
Twin brothers Gabriel and Tristan Stalling have been separated for seven years after their father threw Gabriel out of the house when Gabriel revealed he was gay.
Tristan stayed at home with his parents and has led a conservative lifestyle, trying to do all the right things and win the approval of his parents, while Gabriel took to the stage with his band Thrice Broken attaining success fame, and living a rock star lifestyle.
When Tristan's seafood restaurant business fails due to some shady dealings by his business partner, the brothers are reunited after Gabriel tells Tristan to come and stay with him while he finds his feet.
Gabriel has always harbored a secret desire for his brother, but never acted on it, assuming that Tristan is straight, but when the brothers are reunited it's not long before those forbidden feelings surface once more.
I have not read very much original twincest, or brotherly love stories--this is actually only the second one of its kind I ever read. The book is fast paced and a quick, easy read and I found myself liking the brothers and wanting them to succeed against the odds pitted against them in the story.
First, they have their parents to contend with Gabriel was thrown out of home seven years ago when he revealed that he is Gay and Tristan stayed behind, cursing himself for not standing by his twin. The rift between Gabriel and his parents is never repaired and this made a refreshing change, for me from the usual fodder in M/M where by the end of the book, everyone is all lovey dovey and all is forgiven.
Second, there is the relationship. I mean, they're brothers, right? The fact that they love each other, want each other so desperately is taboo and means that they will be bound to keep their relationship a secret for the rest of their lives.
The third obstacle to their happiness is a drug addict ex of Gabriel's who created some problems for them, but was ultimately dealt with.
One problem that I had with the story was in how very old the 40 something Samantha Stalling (their mother) is written. I'm 46 and I don't have graying hair! -- notwithstanding an arthritic condition that makes me a little bit sore and stiff at times. Samantha Stalling is portrayed as being so old, that I thought she must be about 70 or older at first, and was surprised to find out she is only in her forties. This might be attributable to the youth of the author, and certainly didn't ruin the book for me--just made me raise an eyebrow and feel grateful that I don't look or feel as old as poor dear Sam! *g*
On the whole, I liked the story and would recommend it.
Cover art is gorgeous
Editing could use some work.
Recommended to fans of twinces/brotherly love stories.
Tristan stayed at home with his parents and has led a conservative lifestyle, trying to do all the right things and win the approval of his parents, while Gabriel took to the stage with his band Thrice Broken attaining success fame, and living a rock star lifestyle.
When Tristan's seafood restaurant business fails due to some shady dealings by his business partner, the brothers are reunited after Gabriel tells Tristan to come and stay with him while he finds his feet.
Gabriel has always harbored a secret desire for his brother, but never acted on it, assuming that Tristan is straight, but when the brothers are reunited it's not long before those forbidden feelings surface once more.
I have not read very much original twincest, or brotherly love stories--this is actually only the second one of its kind I ever read. The book is fast paced and a quick, easy read and I found myself liking the brothers and wanting them to succeed against the odds pitted against them in the story.
First, they have their parents to contend with Gabriel was thrown out of home seven years ago when he revealed that he is Gay and Tristan stayed behind, cursing himself for not standing by his twin. The rift between Gabriel and his parents is never repaired and this made a refreshing change, for me from the usual fodder in M/M where by the end of the book, everyone is all lovey dovey and all is forgiven.
Second, there is the relationship. I mean, they're brothers, right? The fact that they love each other, want each other so desperately is taboo and means that they will be bound to keep their relationship a secret for the rest of their lives.
The third obstacle to their happiness is a drug addict ex of Gabriel's who created some problems for them, but was ultimately dealt with.
One problem that I had with the story was in how very old the 40 something Samantha Stalling (their mother) is written. I'm 46 and I don't have graying hair! -- notwithstanding an arthritic condition that makes me a little bit sore and stiff at times. Samantha Stalling is portrayed as being so old, that I thought she must be about 70 or older at first, and was surprised to find out she is only in her forties. This might be attributable to the youth of the author, and certainly didn't ruin the book for me--just made me raise an eyebrow and feel grateful that I don't look or feel as old as poor dear Sam! *g*
On the whole, I liked the story and would recommend it.
Cover art is gorgeous
Editing could use some work.
Recommended to fans of twinces/brotherly love stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2011
Certainly not my cup of tea.
I gave up on it after having read ca. 70% of the book.
First, I must admit that twincest/incest isn't anything I would read again. I'm not really repulsed by it, but in my opinion incest of any kind is not very understandable (except in the case of two siblings not knowing of one another, meeting and falling in love by chance...).
Growing up together in a healthy environment usually doesn't "lead to" siblings desiring each other in a sexual way, IMO.
Secondly: Regardless of the above the book/story wasn't really engaging. It was kind of boring and I couldn't bond with the two main characters. The plot itself seemed rather flat.
Even though I'm not really into the incest topic I certainly can appreciate a well thought out plot. But this one was dull.
I gave up on it after having read ca. 70% of the book.
First, I must admit that twincest/incest isn't anything I would read again. I'm not really repulsed by it, but in my opinion incest of any kind is not very understandable (except in the case of two siblings not knowing of one another, meeting and falling in love by chance...).
Growing up together in a healthy environment usually doesn't "lead to" siblings desiring each other in a sexual way, IMO.
Secondly: Regardless of the above the book/story wasn't really engaging. It was kind of boring and I couldn't bond with the two main characters. The plot itself seemed rather flat.
Even though I'm not really into the incest topic I certainly can appreciate a well thought out plot. But this one was dull.
May 3, 2016
This was my first read by the author. I liked the characters, especially a few of the side ones (and was hoping there were other books about them but as far as I could tell, no such luck) the twincest didn't bother me. I probably should have liked the book more than I did so I sat there thinking about it for a while and what I came up with was that it just wasn't enough. There were tendrils that I myself could see taking shape and leading to things that could have happened. Ways the story could have gone and been shaped. It's not that I was bothered that it didn't take the turns my own mind was conjuring up, it was that it didn't really take any turns at all. I wanted more to happen. More meat to the story. Something.
December 9, 2012
My favorite twincest book. I like twincest, but I am not fond of menage or polyamory (it's hard to find the one without the other). This book has the former without the latter, AND it's pretty well written. Sure it gets a little sappy and requires the suspension of belief more than once , but it's fiction - suspension of belief is a must.
September 9, 2016
Eh. Not terrible, but not good. Flat characters, unrealistic dialogue. No real attempt at addressing the psychology of the twins' mutual attraction, only some insipid family backstory involving plain ole' homophobia. And let's face it: most people reading this are interested in M/M sex scenes to start with, and the ones here were only so-so. Partially because of all "Make love to me" romance novel cliches mixed in with the smut, and also because the characters were so flat in the first place.
April 22, 2016
I was a little bored and the family drama didn’t do much for me.
But hey, twins having sex!
But hey, twins having sex!
February 28, 2017
This was a tough one for me. I didn't hate the story, but I really struggled with the incestuous elements of this storyline. If these two had been best friends separated over time I would have leaped at there story. I did like the two of them together. It's just every time I remembered they were brothers (which was mentioned repeatedly throughout the story) I kinda went squick a little.
I do get both sides of the argument with this type of storyline; the "they're brothers, ewwww" side and the "well they can't have kids so really it shouldn't matter" side. It's partially why I don't automatically disregard these types of stories as ones that I just don't want to read. But I don't seek them out either. And unless the story is uniquely interesting and amazing they don't tend to fall into my favorites either.
Gabriel and Tristan haven't seen each other in seven years really. Not since their father disowned Gabriel after he came out as gay. But Gabriel has made a name for himself with his band and is doing quite well. Tristan on the other hand has had struggled in recent years having been betrayed by his business partner. Both are torn at the reunion. Both men have been hiding their feelings for each other and aren't sure that coming back together they'll be able to do it for any longer.
The story was fine, but nothing special. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I might be curious in checking out other books by the author.
I do get both sides of the argument with this type of storyline; the "they're brothers, ewwww" side and the "well they can't have kids so really it shouldn't matter" side. It's partially why I don't automatically disregard these types of stories as ones that I just don't want to read. But I don't seek them out either. And unless the story is uniquely interesting and amazing they don't tend to fall into my favorites either.
Gabriel and Tristan haven't seen each other in seven years really. Not since their father disowned Gabriel after he came out as gay. But Gabriel has made a name for himself with his band and is doing quite well. Tristan on the other hand has had struggled in recent years having been betrayed by his business partner. Both are torn at the reunion. Both men have been hiding their feelings for each other and aren't sure that coming back together they'll be able to do it for any longer.
The story was fine, but nothing special. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I might be curious in checking out other books by the author.
July 4, 2021
A good, better than typical for the topic, consensual adult gay incest story about identical twins who'd been separated for 7 years. This also uses the bad-boy rock-star romance trope. The plot isn't all that special but this is made up for with characterization. The narrative deals with the taboo nature of the topic reasonably well.
On the downside, the editing is subpar, there are some misused words (esp. laying/lying errors), and there is too much telling. But, overall a good, but not great, exploration of a taboo sexual topic.
On the downside, the editing is subpar, there are some misused words (esp. laying/lying errors), and there is too much telling. But, overall a good, but not great, exploration of a taboo sexual topic.
June 9, 2019
Unsettling but enjoyable
This was so taboo I felt more than a bit unsettled for enjoying it as much as I did. Gabriel and Tristen are twins. Gabriel is the teenage rebel who is kicked out of the house by his father for coming out. Tristen is the good boy who tows the line by marching in step to his fathers morals. The twins reconnect several years later. Oh boy, do they ever. Connect and reconnect, etc etc etc. If you like taboo, this is the book for you. I happen to like...
This was so taboo I felt more than a bit unsettled for enjoying it as much as I did. Gabriel and Tristen are twins. Gabriel is the teenage rebel who is kicked out of the house by his father for coming out. Tristen is the good boy who tows the line by marching in step to his fathers morals. The twins reconnect several years later. Oh boy, do they ever. Connect and reconnect, etc etc etc. If you like taboo, this is the book for you. I happen to like...
January 26, 2025
This was actually unbearable. NO ONE speaks the way these character's do and if I had to read the word "weeping" used in this context one more time, I was going to fling myself into the sea. I beg of you, go read nigh on any middle of the road FREE FAN FICTION and find this done better.
May 6, 2020
Loved it!
Loved the chemistry. Loved the ending!!! Why is there not more books?!?!? Please write more taboo for us!!!!! Loved this book so much.
Loved the chemistry. Loved the ending!!! Why is there not more books?!?!? Please write more taboo for us!!!!! Loved this book so much.
July 8, 2016
Ok first off…this COVER!!! GAG!!! There is nothing sexy about this cover at all…and certainly does not depict the rock star and his conservative twin!!! So let’s just clear the visual palate, shall we?? 
Ahhhhh…much better.
Now…this is more what I was wanting. This has story! This has dialog! This has two identical twins who were separated for more than 7 years! Dual POV! Intensity! Hot sex between our dear brothers filled with need, want, possessiveness and desire. To say I was left satisfied would be an understatement. There is really no angst in this 120 page book, a side plot that was fine, and parents who you want to smack around of course, but the love between these two “soul mates” wins out here. Yes, a HEA to boot. A realistic relationship? I have no idea honestly…and really I could care less…but for me, this fed my perviness for twins perfectly. Definitely a story of forbidden and unacceptable love but one that was strong and fierce and left me believing these two could never live without the other.
March 25, 2013
2012 Review:
Yep. Even on the far-to-soon second read (as part of my music project), this is still a pretty good book. It’s fairly well-written and the characters seem to make sense. It’s not shallow as a puddle either, although I can’t be certain of levels of depth these days. Sure, the focus remained entirely on the protagonists; everyone else was fairly clichéd. All right, the guys were clichés too, of course, but well done ones.
Either way, it’s a pretty rewarding read and works the whole twincest angle to its advantage, keeping it to an all-encompassing love rather than a porn fantasy. Well, okay, there was plenty of detailed sex too, but it just didn’t feel as though it was all about that.
It always strikes me as funny with identical twin stories when they gush about the other guy’s looks, though. XD Wasn’t too bad here, though, focusing more on their differences, subtle as they may be.
A touch poetic, this whole thing, or introspective, but not overly so. At any rate it’s certainly not your average stupid fluff.
I also like that although they came close to it several times, they never did separate after their initial reunion but stuck it out together.
So yeah. I’m left feeling quite happy.
Yep. Even on the far-to-soon second read (as part of my music project), this is still a pretty good book. It’s fairly well-written and the characters seem to make sense. It’s not shallow as a puddle either, although I can’t be certain of levels of depth these days. Sure, the focus remained entirely on the protagonists; everyone else was fairly clichéd. All right, the guys were clichés too, of course, but well done ones.
Either way, it’s a pretty rewarding read and works the whole twincest angle to its advantage, keeping it to an all-encompassing love rather than a porn fantasy. Well, okay, there was plenty of detailed sex too, but it just didn’t feel as though it was all about that.
It always strikes me as funny with identical twin stories when they gush about the other guy’s looks, though. XD Wasn’t too bad here, though, focusing more on their differences, subtle as they may be.
A touch poetic, this whole thing, or introspective, but not overly so. At any rate it’s certainly not your average stupid fluff.
I also like that although they came close to it several times, they never did separate after their initial reunion but stuck it out together.
So yeah. I’m left feeling quite happy.
July 18, 2014
What really tipped the scales for me from liked it, to really liked it was the emotion. The characters and their emotions really popped off the page. I could really feel what they were feeling.
Tristan and Gabriel are separated by family loyalties when Gabriel came out of the closet when he was a teenager. Because of this conflict, the twins are separated for seven years before circumstances bring them back to together. I liked the fact that the twins were different in their characteristics, and looks, they were definitely the other half of each other. But I will say that I was really disappointed that Tristan didn't come out to his mother and that there wasn't more conversation between mother and sons other than generalizations.
I really enjoyed this book a lot and I would really...really..LOVE a story about Brogan and Luca! (when he's grown up some) That would be hot.
Tristan and Gabriel are separated by family loyalties when Gabriel came out of the closet when he was a teenager. Because of this conflict, the twins are separated for seven years before circumstances bring them back to together. I liked the fact that the twins were different in their characteristics, and looks, they were definitely the other half of each other. But I will say that I was really disappointed that Tristan didn't come out to his mother and that there wasn't more conversation between mother and sons other than generalizations.
I really enjoyed this book a lot and I would really...really..LOVE a story about Brogan and Luca! (when he's grown up some) That would be hot.
May 6, 2013
Incest is creepy, twincest doubly so (ha ha) (unless you're the Winchesters, because damn), but this is actually a pretty good book. I am not an only child, so things of this nature squick me in the extreme, but if I pretend Tristan & Gabriel were, I dont know, werewolf soul mates or something else close & binding, I see a great story with a couple of hot sex scenes (I've a thing for virgin heroes). It was certainly well written and engaging enough for me to finish it even though I felt pretty uncomfortable. I'd have given it 3 stars if it weren't for said squick factor - that's just one taboo too far for me.
June 23, 2012
This was sweet and emotional, and sexy as hell! It developed at a decent pace that wasn't too fast or slow, and the sex stuff was titillating, I guess because it was between brothers (Hurrah for fictional incest!). The twins were different characters, complementary, but with some similarities that made them blend well, in my opinion. I liked them both, and I would LOVE a story about Brogan and Luca! (when he's grown up some) That would be hot.
So yeah, an enjoyable read. Very enjoyable.
I hated their mother, that bitch! *growl*
So yeah, an enjoyable read. Very enjoyable.
I hated their mother, that bitch! *growl*
July 17, 2010
Tristan and Gabriel are seperated by family loyalties when Gabriel came out of the closet. The twins are seperated for seven years before circumstances bring them back to together and they struggle (shortly) with their attraction. It is a sweet love story without it being uncomfortable. I was disappointed that Tristan didn't come out to his mother and that there wasn't more conversation between mother and sons other than gernalizations. All in all, I liked it.
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