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Unbreakable Bonds #1
Brothers Without Borders
For Avery Grey, life wasn't easy. He was smaller than most guys and nerdy, a real prize winner. And, as if this wasn't enough, he was gay and in love with the one person he knew it was wrong to desire. Rather than deal with the heartbreak, he chose to dedicate himself to medical school.
Hunter Grey, the tough guy athlete tried to focus on everything other than the one person who caused the ache inside his heart. For years, he had managed to keep his secret locked up inside him. Although some of his teammates didn't know he was gay, this was the least of his worries. His biggest secret haunted him and had him waking up in the middle of the night soaked to the bone in sweat. The guilt and disgust within him tore him apart each day.
When secrets are exposed, how will an unconventional love between brothers change the lives of these two men? Can their bond and love for each other survive and flourish, or will it ultimately rip them apart?
Hunter Grey, the tough guy athlete tried to focus on everything other than the one person who caused the ache inside his heart. For years, he had managed to keep his secret locked up inside him. Although some of his teammates didn't know he was gay, this was the least of his worries. His biggest secret haunted him and had him waking up in the middle of the night soaked to the bone in sweat. The guilt and disgust within him tore him apart each day.
When secrets are exposed, how will an unconventional love between brothers change the lives of these two men? Can their bond and love for each other survive and flourish, or will it ultimately rip them apart?
82 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2010
28 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Leiland Dale
9 books177 followersLeiland's reading list is exemplary of the evolution of erotic romance. Initially, Leiland began reading Harlequin Romance and Silhouette Desire but later transitioned to Silhouette Nocturne. But after reading the first M/M erotic romance, tons of M/M material soon followed. As an avid reader, Leiland decided one day to take a stab at writing a book. These days, when not writing something new, Leiland can be found reading a steamy romance (shifters are a fav!), taking the pet dog for a walk or watching movies such as A Walk to Remember.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 8, 2010
I feel bad for only giving this 2 stars - 2 1/2 would be better. It's not that I didn't like the book or that the subject squicked me at all - trust me, it didn't. I think I just expected a little more emotion and relationship angst rather than the amount of sex that was described. Not that I didn't like the sex ... i just wanted more feeling, you know. I realize that the shortness of the book probably had a lot to do with it, but I guess I just thought it would be more of an emotional read. Sorry.
May 25, 2010
I absolutely loved this story. Brother love is one of my secret reading pleasures. Okay, so maybe it isn’t as big a secret as I pretend it is and as long as the authors keep writing it, I’ll keep reading.
Avery and Hunter’s story is very touching, both having secretly been in love with each other for years and neither having the courage to say or do anything about it where the other was concerned. I cried a bit; it’s a little sad being so in love with someone and knowing you’re not supposed to be according to life’s rules. But when both finally face their love for each other, it is true that sometimes love has no borders.
I wondered briefly about the introduction of two other brothers toward the end of the book. What are the odds of two friends both being in love with their brothers? But then I decided that often like calls to like and Leiland wrote the story so well, it was very easy for me to believe. I wonder, too, will there be a sequel?
If you enjoy brother love, then you definitely want to read Brothers Without Borders.
Leiland Dale gives us a wonderfully sweet erotic story in a short amount of pages.
Theresa
**********
Avery and Hunter’s story is very touching, both having secretly been in love with each other for years and neither having the courage to say or do anything about it where the other was concerned. I cried a bit; it’s a little sad being so in love with someone and knowing you’re not supposed to be according to life’s rules. But when both finally face their love for each other, it is true that sometimes love has no borders.
I wondered briefly about the introduction of two other brothers toward the end of the book. What are the odds of two friends both being in love with their brothers? But then I decided that often like calls to like and Leiland wrote the story so well, it was very easy for me to believe. I wonder, too, will there be a sequel?
If you enjoy brother love, then you definitely want to read Brothers Without Borders.
Leiland Dale gives us a wonderfully sweet erotic story in a short amount of pages.
Theresa
**********
May 16, 2011
The two stars had nothing to do with the brocest and everything to do with the awful writing.
December 25, 2010
Leiland Dale is a 'new-to-me' writer, and unfortunately I was hoping for a bit more. The synopsis of this novel intrigued me, especially with the fact that the two main m/m relationship is not only between brothers - but *regular* brothers, and not twins. Not many novels you find about that.
It wasn't as catch-me as I thought/hoped it would be. The beginning starts out well enough, with Avery lusting over a sports player playing on the field. It does NOT however, say what kind of field. I guess maybe football? It's never clear on that.
There are a number of other things - how many time the words "his brother" was used, as if the author was just so happy to be writing incest, they couldn't help repeating that fact - the statement of Hunter being 'straight' but without any further proof, no previous girlfriends or anything, and with Avery having noticed Hunter being aroused around him in the past - a great deal of guilt/shame, which is used ALWAYS as a two emotion phrase [he was overcome with guilt and shame ... the guilt and shame would come to him later ... he could see the guilt and shame reflected on his face:], and yes, it was stated that many times if not more. I mean, there would probably be some sort of emotion there due to the taboo of the relationship, yes guilt for lusting after your bro, but the 'shame' part of it bothered me. No one should ever be ashamed for loving who they do.
There was also the hint/entrance of another brother relationship, the only minor-characters introduced actually, which was a far stretch. Hunter slips up and kisses/fondles Avery in front of them which I couldn't easily accept. Then it just became more and more disbelievable; the last scene ends with a foursome with the two minor characters which didn't fit, consider their relationship was far too new and Avery not exactly the 'wild child' type.
Of the writing, it was jerky and repetitive, but the ideas and concepts weren't bad. May try another book by this author, just to see if it continues or whether this was a sort of fluke.
It wasn't as catch-me as I thought/hoped it would be. The beginning starts out well enough, with Avery lusting over a sports player playing on the field. It does NOT however, say what kind of field. I guess maybe football? It's never clear on that.
There are a number of other things - how many time the words "his brother" was used, as if the author was just so happy to be writing incest, they couldn't help repeating that fact - the statement of Hunter being 'straight' but without any further proof, no previous girlfriends or anything, and with Avery having noticed Hunter being aroused around him in the past - a great deal of guilt/shame, which is used ALWAYS as a two emotion phrase [he was overcome with guilt and shame ... the guilt and shame would come to him later ... he could see the guilt and shame reflected on his face:], and yes, it was stated that many times if not more. I mean, there would probably be some sort of emotion there due to the taboo of the relationship, yes guilt for lusting after your bro, but the 'shame' part of it bothered me. No one should ever be ashamed for loving who they do.
There was also the hint/entrance of another brother relationship, the only minor-characters introduced actually, which was a far stretch. Hunter slips up and kisses/fondles Avery in front of them which I couldn't easily accept. Then it just became more and more disbelievable; the last scene ends with a foursome with the two minor characters which didn't fit, consider their relationship was far too new and Avery not exactly the 'wild child' type.
Of the writing, it was jerky and repetitive, but the ideas and concepts weren't bad. May try another book by this author, just to see if it continues or whether this was a sort of fluke.
November 16, 2012
I am not often this harsh, but this one deserves it: This was a waste of a cover. The author either needs to go learn how to write, or just stop altogether.
Problems:
- The lack of details in the writing. What game is Hunter even playing? They're in college, or so the reader assumes. There's never any mention of where they are, and the only solid indication they're not in high school is one mention of their major.
- Why do they keep crying? Sex must be really depressing. They cry when they can't have sex. They cry when they're having sex. And then they start angsting over a big dick, like WTF? That's the source of conflict, really? These are obviously saintly college boys who've never once stumbled on fisting. Jesus.
-The way Hunter accidentally kissed Avery in front of their visitors is so unrealistic I had to read it thrice just to be sure. They've been together for what? A few months? Weeks? Again, we don't know because the author mentions nothing. And he's so used to kissing him after years of angsting about it private? Okay, totally believable. Not.
The prose was terrible in this one. I feel like I'm demeaning all the other books I gave one star to just by giving this book one star. It's a waste of 80 pages and a decent cover. The writing was so vague and open-ended, it sounds like a draft instead of an actual book. The angst is unbelievable and handled with the maturity of a 13-year-old. Really, just go back to fanfic and stop wasting our time.
Problems:
- The lack of details in the writing. What game is Hunter even playing? They're in college, or so the reader assumes. There's never any mention of where they are, and the only solid indication they're not in high school is one mention of their major.
- Why do they keep crying? Sex must be really depressing. They cry when they can't have sex. They cry when they're having sex. And then they start angsting over a big dick, like WTF? That's the source of conflict, really? These are obviously saintly college boys who've never once stumbled on fisting. Jesus.
-The way Hunter accidentally kissed Avery in front of their visitors is so unrealistic I had to read it thrice just to be sure. They've been together for what? A few months? Weeks? Again, we don't know because the author mentions nothing. And he's so used to kissing him after years of angsting about it private? Okay, totally believable. Not.
The prose was terrible in this one. I feel like I'm demeaning all the other books I gave one star to just by giving this book one star. It's a waste of 80 pages and a decent cover. The writing was so vague and open-ended, it sounds like a draft instead of an actual book. The angst is unbelievable and handled with the maturity of a 13-year-old. Really, just go back to fanfic and stop wasting our time.
June 1, 2010
Wow, I have to say Leiland another great read. I loved it. It's was a very touching story and you feel for them.
The only problem I had was it was too short. lol! I wanted more, when I got to the end I thought no,no just a little more... But isn't that the way it is when we read a really good book we don't want the journey to end,we want it to continue on and to know more about their HEA.
Well maybe with the 2 character at the end of this book, there might be another in the future? (hint,hint)
I really enjoyed this one, keep up the good work, and I can't wait till more come along...
The only problem I had was it was too short. lol! I wanted more, when I got to the end I thought no,no just a little more... But isn't that the way it is when we read a really good book we don't want the journey to end,we want it to continue on and to know more about their HEA.
Well maybe with the 2 character at the end of this book, there might be another in the future? (hint,hint)
I really enjoyed this one, keep up the good work, and I can't wait till more come along...
July 28, 2010
Many of you and if I bet my money on it... yadda, yadda, yadda... that although you enjoy Leiland’s books you’ve passed up on this one due to what the story entails. I’m going to confide in you all that read my review. When I was given the offer to review this book I looked over the title and the summary to glimpse at what I would be faced with when delving into this story. I admit that I had bought it, but it hadn’t hit the top of my pile and was pushed down a few sleeves. I will in all honesty, although I’ve enjoyed Leiland’s books in the past that he has written went into reading this one without reserves or prejudices to give it the just do’s the story in itself deserved.
I felt this book was offered over as a challenge but was it truly a challenge? I’d have to honestly say it was not. Reason being: I looked pass the title and bypassed the fact that this story was about two brothers. Both of the same ilk, blood with the same mother and father. The way I looked at this book when reading it? Was that this wasn’t about incest where we’ve all heard of this in real life between brothers or a brother and a sister or even between cousins because it IS out there and it’s shunned or turned a blind eye upon. Well… So what! Love is love between two people no matter how you look at it and if the feelings are there, are mutual and that powerful who are we to say otherwise? It’s no different than different races or color intermingling or a man with a man and a woman with a women. It’s all the same concept if you delve into the deep thinking of the concept enough.
Having said on that, I read this with the whole mindset of an open mind and that the fact remains that these were two grown men who loved each other unconditionally and without reserves setting aside them being siblings. As the title proclaims, Without Borders.
Hunter and Avery shared more than growing up and knowing each other inside and out. They are best friends, close confidants and share a bond that you really wouldn’t share with no other but your own sibling. With their father having passed on and their mother doing the best to put food on the table and provide for them they grew to reply on each other. While advancing in school and/or carrying a job they start out living at the dorm, yet in separate rooms not to arouse or bring suspicion to themselves. As time progresses they find a place where they are behind closed doors, not scrutinized and be open with each other they way their desires have taken them even knowing their path ahead is going to contain many bumps in the road.
In reading this book with everything I conditioned my mind and to my way of thinking this story was in fact a very good read. It was choppy and could have had a better smoother flow to the words almost making the words sing, but otherwise easy to follow. Leiland writes quite the erotic sex scenes and the two brother’s involvement will still have you feeling the man on man love that turns your crank and we all enjoy and read wholeheartedly.
Sid, over and out.
I felt this book was offered over as a challenge but was it truly a challenge? I’d have to honestly say it was not. Reason being: I looked pass the title and bypassed the fact that this story was about two brothers. Both of the same ilk, blood with the same mother and father. The way I looked at this book when reading it? Was that this wasn’t about incest where we’ve all heard of this in real life between brothers or a brother and a sister or even between cousins because it IS out there and it’s shunned or turned a blind eye upon. Well… So what! Love is love between two people no matter how you look at it and if the feelings are there, are mutual and that powerful who are we to say otherwise? It’s no different than different races or color intermingling or a man with a man and a woman with a women. It’s all the same concept if you delve into the deep thinking of the concept enough.
Having said on that, I read this with the whole mindset of an open mind and that the fact remains that these were two grown men who loved each other unconditionally and without reserves setting aside them being siblings. As the title proclaims, Without Borders.
Hunter and Avery shared more than growing up and knowing each other inside and out. They are best friends, close confidants and share a bond that you really wouldn’t share with no other but your own sibling. With their father having passed on and their mother doing the best to put food on the table and provide for them they grew to reply on each other. While advancing in school and/or carrying a job they start out living at the dorm, yet in separate rooms not to arouse or bring suspicion to themselves. As time progresses they find a place where they are behind closed doors, not scrutinized and be open with each other they way their desires have taken them even knowing their path ahead is going to contain many bumps in the road.
In reading this book with everything I conditioned my mind and to my way of thinking this story was in fact a very good read. It was choppy and could have had a better smoother flow to the words almost making the words sing, but otherwise easy to follow. Leiland writes quite the erotic sex scenes and the two brother’s involvement will still have you feeling the man on man love that turns your crank and we all enjoy and read wholeheartedly.
Sid, over and out.
August 21, 2021
What the hell was that😭.
Hunter literally just said he'd protect Avery with his life and then right the next moment he's going and kissing his brother in front of his friend.
Hunter literally just said he'd protect Avery with his life and then right the next moment he's going and kissing his brother in front of his friend.
March 13, 2015
A sweet sexy story about two brothers who have been secretly in love with each other for years. It was really enjoyable and I just wished it had been a bit longer.
March 28, 2014
I've been on a roll lately with these twincest stories. Yes their taboo & kind of "out there". But something about it is so wickedly naughty and taboo that its like a hot train wreck you can't turn away from! This particular story "Brothers without Borders" is about these two twin brothers that have been wanting each other for years but was always afraid to act on it. Until they get to their dorms in college. Kinda cliche. But still hot nonetheless!
This was a fairly short book. But it was also my very first from this author Leiland Dale. And certainly won't be my last. I already can't wait to start Book #2 next! Besides the hot sex this was filled with. I still think he had a lot of heart & genuine emotions between these two brothers. They struggle with what the world & society in general may think of them. But they follow their hearts anyways.
★★★★ 4 stars for being hot sexy fun.
This was a fairly short book. But it was also my very first from this author Leiland Dale. And certainly won't be my last. I already can't wait to start Book #2 next! Besides the hot sex this was filled with. I still think he had a lot of heart & genuine emotions between these two brothers. They struggle with what the world & society in general may think of them. But they follow their hearts anyways.
★★★★ 4 stars for being hot sexy fun.
March 21, 2011
This was being a quick, easy read I was fairly enjoying until suddenly the last scene in the book turns into a I'll definitely be more careful next time.
July 13, 2014
Okay, this was dumb. From older brother who's convinced he's never going to be able to have sex with anyone because he's too big... for anyone... ever.
I didn't get the impression that these people even really liked each other enough to respect each other, let alone loved each other like brothers. Just dumb.
I didn't get the impression that these people even really liked each other enough to respect each other, let alone loved each other like brothers. Just dumb.
December 1, 2010
I was anxious to read this book because the storyline is one I haven’t seen before. The author tackles the taboo subject of an incestuous relationship between brothers - and he does it in a sensitive and romantic manner. Although the story is short, enough back history is supplied to set the scene and the characters are well-developed. The angst, guilt and secret longing make the men sympathetic and the sexy scenarios steamed up my Kindle. I loved the story and didn’t want it to end. I understand there’s a sequel and it’s definitely on my to be read list.
http://booksblurbs.blogspot.com/
http://booksblurbs.blogspot.com/
July 28, 2015
1.5 stars
Seriously, I just wanted a nice hot incest short to tide me for a moment while I decide what book I wanna read next but I've read most of the m/m books in the GR list so I decided to try this one even despite my uncertainty.
This was ridiculous. The writing was bland, too bland for my liking and I was either rolling my eyes or making face over the two characters. A little excitement over the incest sex but that too was very short and with all the silliness in this book it kinda became inconsequential.
Seriously, I just wanted a nice hot incest short to tide me for a moment while I decide what book I wanna read next but I've read most of the m/m books in the GR list so I decided to try this one even despite my uncertainty.
This was ridiculous. The writing was bland, too bland for my liking and I was either rolling my eyes or making face over the two characters. A little excitement over the incest sex but that too was very short and with all the silliness in this book it kinda became inconsequential.
October 6, 2010
This is not the first book I've read with Brother's becoming lovers, but I believe it's one of the best I've read. I know this subject is extremely and understandably taboo but since it's a love story, and a good one, I admit that I really liked this book.
The characters are very well written and I believed the love they felt for one another. I'm going to read the next installment to this series next and I admit I'm looking forward to it.
The characters are very well written and I believed the love they felt for one another. I'm going to read the next installment to this series next and I admit I'm looking forward to it.
June 18, 2016
Who doesn't love a bit of Bro- cest? This book is also labelled menage but I would dispute that. The foursome comes literally right at the end of the book.
Avery and Hunter are brothers who have been attracted to each other for a long time but only act on it when they are at college. I don't think there is really a lot of story here between the sexy times. The writing is a little childish too at times but a nice quick read.
Avery and Hunter are brothers who have been attracted to each other for a long time but only act on it when they are at college. I don't think there is really a lot of story here between the sexy times. The writing is a little childish too at times but a nice quick read.
January 28, 2015
This really could have been great if it had been longer...but it's a good short story for inbetween those longer books......x
December 9, 2014
The one star has nothing to do with the theme but with the story and the author themselves. Don't waste your time and money on this one. (See Gloria's review and you'll understand)
November 5, 2022
2.5 stars
As brothers, Avery and Hunter have had secret feelings for each other for years. Now that they are in college, they are acting on those feelings.
This was okay. It’s really short so not much buildup.
I’m also not a fan of MM romance where one of the guys is written to be more effeminate (which is where this one goes). If I’m gonna read about two guys together I want them both to still be manly men. Maybe that’s weird, but that’s my preference.
I don’t know about the final orgy scene either. It just seemed random. For such a short novella I think the story should’ve just focused in on the brothers only.
As brothers, Avery and Hunter have had secret feelings for each other for years. Now that they are in college, they are acting on those feelings.
This was okay. It’s really short so not much buildup.
I’m also not a fan of MM romance where one of the guys is written to be more effeminate (which is where this one goes). If I’m gonna read about two guys together I want them both to still be manly men. Maybe that’s weird, but that’s my preference.
I don’t know about the final orgy scene either. It just seemed random. For such a short novella I think the story should’ve just focused in on the brothers only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
I am giving this two stars because of how badly-written it is, not because of the taboo topic. Even in erotic romance, if one is going to tackle a taboo topic, then one ought to actually deal with it beyond just saying it is taboo. There is little plot and very little characterization: just two brothers who, as adults, start having sex with each other. This should be three times as long with the new space devoted to plot and character development.
May 3, 2020
Omg so good!
I love taboo books. The ending paragraph in this book spoke to my heart. Society has made our sociable acceptance borders. Why can't 2 brothers fall in love? Who is it hurting? They can't not have children. Let them love each other.
I love taboo books. The ending paragraph in this book spoke to my heart. Society has made our sociable acceptance borders. Why can't 2 brothers fall in love? Who is it hurting? They can't not have children. Let them love each other.
January 21, 2024
Muy interesante la premisa pero muy corto y con agregados sexuales al final que no me pareció necesario. Muy evidentes y muy sueltos los amigos. Otro detalle que no me pareció fue el temor del hermano mayor... tanta calentura y no lo va a hacer por eso? Lean para saber de qué hablo.
HEA
HEA
February 11, 2018
There should have been a warning for this book about sharing partners or group sex. It ruined this book for me, and of course it had to happen at the end :(
April 11, 2023
3 Stars
December 2, 2024
Loved the plot, did not love the writing.
July 6, 2025
Someone needs to explain to me the anatomy of the front cover. Is that supposed to be two people?
January 13, 2021
Brothers Without Borders By Leiland Dale
It was okay up until the last 1/4 of it. After that it... it felt wrong. I know how that sounds given the subject of the story itself, but it felt wrong to share
It was okay up until the last 1/4 of it. After that it... it felt wrong. I know how that sounds given the subject of the story itself, but it felt wrong to share
May 1, 2023
Rating: 1.5/5 - You know this was going okay for a taboo WTF read. Until - that last cringeworthy chapters.
I am a reader that does not like my romance being shared beyond the couple. I don’t like harem tropes, ménage or polyamory. This story was going well - and then the author goes and throws a whole toolbox into a decently running machine.
How dumb!
Disappointing.
I am a reader that does not like my romance being shared beyond the couple. I don’t like harem tropes, ménage or polyamory. This story was going well - and then the author goes and throws a whole toolbox into a decently running machine.
How dumb!
Disappointing.
Read
September 4, 2012I have contrasting feelings about this novella. First of all it’s an incest story, two male brothers falling in love at a very young age; for most part of the story, I was almost thinking the author would have found a way to “lighten” the bond, maybe having one of the two brothers being an adopted one, but no, they decide to playing “straight” (no pun intended) with the plot, and remaining “faithful” to the incest theme. Truth be told, I’m not totally comfortable with an incest story, on a scale between 1 to 10, I would say 8, meaning that I leave that 2 ranges of perplexity, but said that, I’m not the one to shy away to a story only since it has an incest theme.
Maybe some of the uncomfortable vibes came from the two brothers being really young, barely legal. They are both in college, 2 years of difference between them, but they are really naïve, especially Hunter, the older one. Truly I had the feeling that Avery, even if younger and smaller, was the one with the power in the relationship; Hunter is really a “big baby”, strong in body, but still with some growing to do on an emotional side. Avery instead gave me the feeling of being more “complete” from an emotional point of view, with his plan for the future already set.
And now the “sore” point: I really didn’t like the final ménage; sure these are boys in college, still with all the world to experiment in front of them, and the ménage was almost “friendly”, like boys playing, but still, to me, it felt like it was not necessary. Said that, I also read another review about the sequel on this same novella in which the reviewer was complaining the ménage in that one was not enough developed ;-) so, you see, it’s really all relative.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/17...
Maybe some of the uncomfortable vibes came from the two brothers being really young, barely legal. They are both in college, 2 years of difference between them, but they are really naïve, especially Hunter, the older one. Truly I had the feeling that Avery, even if younger and smaller, was the one with the power in the relationship; Hunter is really a “big baby”, strong in body, but still with some growing to do on an emotional side. Avery instead gave me the feeling of being more “complete” from an emotional point of view, with his plan for the future already set.
And now the “sore” point: I really didn’t like the final ménage; sure these are boys in college, still with all the world to experiment in front of them, and the ménage was almost “friendly”, like boys playing, but still, to me, it felt like it was not necessary. Said that, I also read another review about the sequel on this same novella in which the reviewer was complaining the ménage in that one was not enough developed ;-) so, you see, it’s really all relative.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/17...
September 12, 2015
I decided to read this book because I saw Do Começo Ao Fim (From Beginning To End) and absoloutely loved it. This book, however, was awful. It was basically a really bad porn book. It was all about the sex and didn't dvelve into their feelings and didn't show any of the community's prejudice and was extremely unrealistic. An example of how unrealistic it was is that they have sex once and from there it's all uphill, no doubts or any guilt, they just move in together and have more sex. I didn't like the added element of Sterling and Blythe, it made no sense to include them and it made the whole book seem way more unrealistic. The reason for why I give it one star and not zero stars is that it actually wasn't that badly written, it just had a bad plot and bad characters and was a generally bad book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews