What do you think?
Rate this book
Between Brothers
Brian Thompson is living a lie. A successful businessman, Brian can't stay focused in a real relationship and cheats on Timothy, his longtime lover. A phone call from his younger brother Joey, whom Brian hasn't spoken to in years, makes him recognize the uncanny resemblance between the two men.
Joey is, in a word, perfect. In Brian's eyes, he always has been. When their mother is hospitalized, Joey asks his older brother to come home. He tells Brian he needs him, which is just what Brian wants to hear. But the long trip north gives Brian plenty of time to think about his brother, and he comes to realize an unsettling truth -- he is in love with Joey.
Suddenly Brian admits that he wants Joey in ways he knows he shouldn't. Can he come to terms with the way he feels before his unrequited love threatens to tear him -- and his relationships with Timothy and Joey -- apart?
Joey is, in a word, perfect. In Brian's eyes, he always has been. When their mother is hospitalized, Joey asks his older brother to come home. He tells Brian he needs him, which is just what Brian wants to hear. But the long trip north gives Brian plenty of time to think about his brother, and he comes to realize an unsettling truth -- he is in love with Joey.
Suddenly Brian admits that he wants Joey in ways he knows he shouldn't. Can he come to terms with the way he feels before his unrequited love threatens to tear him -- and his relationships with Timothy and Joey -- apart?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2008
8 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Snyder
302 books567 followersAn author of gay erotic/romantic fiction, J.M. Snyder began in self-publishing and worked with Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, eXcessica, and Torquere Presses.
Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.
In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.
Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.
In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 10, 2011
Irritated by another appalling, mawkish, inept "brothers-themed" M/M title that I refuse to mention by name, I read this to clear my palate and was once again struck by the fact that J.M. Snyder isn't doing strict M/M anymore... and her talent is incandescent. While undeniably erotic, and romantic at times... the depth of characterization and subtle detail used to build up the family involved and the relationship at the center of the book is completely effective and moving for reasons that have nothing to do with romance and everything to do with love.
Snyder has such a feel for these damaged people and awkward family situations that incest is a perfect fit! Who knew? The only quibble is that it isn't actually romantic, just fraught with unspoken desire and trashy hookups and a tasty snapshot of these flawed folks who feel real after about 20 pages. What it isn't is a sloppy cartoon about hot brothers "getting it on," but Hoo-boy does she go there... in a visceral compelling way.
Brian is wonderful and horrible and irritating and tragic and seductive as a main character. His strange blend of anguish and self-awareness is delicious. Brother Joey is exactly the kind of steamy sex object that rings just true enough to be both hot and romantic. Their history and their futures are not cookie-cutter romance products; frankly I doubt Snyder has much interest in that kind of pablum. Ironically the relationship she builds between them is compelling for exactly the reasons it should and shouldn't be. Again, read it and you'll catch my drift.
The only downside, is that for anyone who's hoping for a hot Bro-romance it isn't. Well, it is, but it isn't... you'll know what I mean when you've finished it. But it's well-written, beautifully paced, and deeply sexy. So not a slam dunk if you're wanting a specific, twisted HEA, but well worth the time. And hell, but Snyder can put words on paper and in your noggin!
Highly highly recommended.
Snyder has such a feel for these damaged people and awkward family situations that incest is a perfect fit! Who knew? The only quibble is that it isn't actually romantic, just fraught with unspoken desire and trashy hookups and a tasty snapshot of these flawed folks who feel real after about 20 pages. What it isn't is a sloppy cartoon about hot brothers "getting it on," but Hoo-boy does she go there... in a visceral compelling way.
Brian is wonderful and horrible and irritating and tragic and seductive as a main character. His strange blend of anguish and self-awareness is delicious. Brother Joey is exactly the kind of steamy sex object that rings just true enough to be both hot and romantic. Their history and their futures are not cookie-cutter romance products; frankly I doubt Snyder has much interest in that kind of pablum. Ironically the relationship she builds between them is compelling for exactly the reasons it should and shouldn't be. Again, read it and you'll catch my drift.
The only downside, is that for anyone who's hoping for a hot Bro-romance it isn't. Well, it is, but it isn't... you'll know what I mean when you've finished it. But it's well-written, beautifully paced, and deeply sexy. So not a slam dunk if you're wanting a specific, twisted HEA, but well worth the time. And hell, but Snyder can put words on paper and in your noggin!
Highly highly recommended.
May 2, 2008
Brian doesn't start out as a likable character. He comes off as a jerk because he's petty, looks for something wrong with everyone, and constantly cheats on his lover Timothy. But he grows on you and you see later on that he can be a good brother and a decent person.
The conflict that he's dealt with all his life is his emotions for his brother, which seem to be out of control. He tries to escape from it by avoiding his family, but having no contact with the most important person in the world to him actually has a negative impact on his life. Because of that, he can't build healthy relationships and he's constantly comparing every boyfriend of his to his brother. Not surprisingly, they all fall short of his standards.
One aspect that I enjoy about Snyder's writing style is her ability to describe settings in vivid detail. When Brian was in his old house, when he was driving by the harbor, when he was cruising bars, the scenes were very detailed. Her settings trap the reader in her world and that is an impressive skill to acquire.
The plot starts off at a slow pace but quickly picks after Brian takes Joey on a night out. Even when it was at a steady pace, moments between Brian and Joey were seeped in tension. However, when Brian is not with Joey, his thoughts are still on Joey and on how to escape his own feelings. The plot is one that draws you in slowly and propels you towards the climax. Snyder's story is compelling and had me reading it in one sitting.
The conclusion is pleasantly unexpected. It is full of hope for all the characters involved and I felt that the relationship between the brothers strengthened and redefined itself. Between Brothers is a highly recommended read. It will not disappoint.
PURCHASE LINKS: PAPERBACK | E-BOOK
The conflict that he's dealt with all his life is his emotions for his brother, which seem to be out of control. He tries to escape from it by avoiding his family, but having no contact with the most important person in the world to him actually has a negative impact on his life. Because of that, he can't build healthy relationships and he's constantly comparing every boyfriend of his to his brother. Not surprisingly, they all fall short of his standards.
One aspect that I enjoy about Snyder's writing style is her ability to describe settings in vivid detail. When Brian was in his old house, when he was driving by the harbor, when he was cruising bars, the scenes were very detailed. Her settings trap the reader in her world and that is an impressive skill to acquire.
The plot starts off at a slow pace but quickly picks after Brian takes Joey on a night out. Even when it was at a steady pace, moments between Brian and Joey were seeped in tension. However, when Brian is not with Joey, his thoughts are still on Joey and on how to escape his own feelings. The plot is one that draws you in slowly and propels you towards the climax. Snyder's story is compelling and had me reading it in one sitting.
The conclusion is pleasantly unexpected. It is full of hope for all the characters involved and I felt that the relationship between the brothers strengthened and redefined itself. Between Brothers is a highly recommended read. It will not disappoint.
PURCHASE LINKS: PAPERBACK | E-BOOK
March 21, 2009
This was certainly a gripping, if not always comfortable, read. Brilliant tension and incredibly readable characters. Still not sure if I loathed or liked the central characters. Great writing.
February 12, 2015
God, the simmering repressed sexual tension is so thick in this. I read this for the prurient incest angle and got so much more. Something quite unexpected. Loved how the writing effectively builds a not very likable character, Brian, puzzling over why he is the way he is... and keeps us guessing why he should be redeemable.
I really liked the beginning with Brian and his messed-up cheating ways— oh, a warning— if you can’t abide cheating in your roms (which this barely is) then you’ll have a hard time with this read. You see, Brian is in love with his younger brother, Joe, who he's avoided for about ten years, trying to keep himself out of trouble. And all Brian’s hookups, even his live-in boyfriend, Timothy, just bring him constantly back to that longing for Joe. Nothing works for Brian because he can’t have the one person he wants most.
When Brian finally reconnects with Joe, because of a family emergency, things slip into creepy(er) land. He really gets pushed into a darker place. That distant longing becomes up close and personal. We finally get to see a little of where Joe is coming from, what he’s about. And it is hammered home what a mess Brian really is. He systematically objectifies everyone, including his brother. You wonder why. Brian’s self-absorption escalates and is so off-putting.
But…
The author includes glimpses of happy childhood memories for Brian, of his protective and sweet closeness to Joe. Brian’s feelings for Joe are so closely entwined with rosy-colored nostalgia. For a simpler time when he wasn’t hounded by this sexual longing. (Well, until puberty hit. When things got… sticky.) But, you can’t return, you can’t go back to those carefree times. As much as one might wish for it. This, and maybe a fear of aging, is what truly plagues Brian.
The other characters get short shrift. Brian and Joe’s parents are distant and have their own issues. There could have been some interesting exploration there as to what makes Brian tick. And Timothy, Brian’s boyfriend, is barely sketched out. We’re given a damp-eyed, pouty lover who needs a lesson in assertiveness. Timothy mostly serves to support why it’s so easy for Brian to stray.
For me, the ending was a bit confusing. Brian morphs (or forces himself) into a different creature in search of that romantic happy ever after (darn it). I’m not sold that he’s found his way, though; only time will tell. For me, this is ultimately a sad story. A very nicely done sad story. I really liked how it was shaped.
December 7, 2012
I didn't like it. Which is a shame because as with anything written by Snyder, this was written beautifully. I was just really rooting for Brian and Joey and then...yeah, the change at the end just didn't set well with me. Meh. You can't like them all.
June 23, 2016
I was disappointed the brothers never got together. Turns out this was not a brothers in love story
March 14, 2016
This was so different. I thought Snyder did a great job confronting a frightening, nontraditional relationship. Let me make this clear there was not any sibling hanky-panky.
March 13, 2017
This book did not turn out anything like I had thought.
That being said, this was such a well written and emotional short story that it didn't bother me that Brian was a complete arsehole throughout the whole book.
This was a "thinking" story. It's not a romance, but it's romantic. It's about being intimate. About loving someone so much you're blind to what love actually is and what it can be.
So, no. It didn't end how I wanted, on many levels. But I liked the angle the author took with this story. I only wish there was a sequel because the ending leaves many questions.
That being said, this was such a well written and emotional short story that it didn't bother me that Brian was a complete arsehole throughout the whole book.
This was a "thinking" story. It's not a romance, but it's romantic. It's about being intimate. About loving someone so much you're blind to what love actually is and what it can be.
So, no. It didn't end how I wanted, on many levels. But I liked the angle the author took with this story. I only wish there was a sequel because the ending leaves many questions.
February 9, 2010
Not a book for those uncomfortable with the idea of incest! Brian loves his younger brother Joe obssessively and has avoided him for a lot of years because of that. Brian isn't a very nice person when we first meet him. He doesn't improve much, but by the end of the book he is showing signs of developing into someone worth knowing. Despite Brian's actions and attitude it is difficult to stop reading about him or resist starting to sympathise with his pain. The ending isn't exactly Happy Ever After, or even Happy For Now, but it has the potential for both and fits Brian perfectly.
August 9, 2015
Wow. A visceral reaction is all I can say to describe this book. If you're looking for a story about taboo incest this isn't the book for you. Rather, this was an intelligent, well-written novel about the meaning of love, in its many forms and our ability as humans to confuse them. Really quite beautiful.
November 23, 2011
I am completely conflicted - the MC is unsympathetic and yet I could feel his anguish. One moment I wanted to smack him upside the head and the next just hug him up and make it all better.
September 24, 2012
Angstiest-angst-filled-angstying-angsty-book.
March 8, 2016
Very well written story
September 16, 2018
I have been a fan of this author and their work for years. My problem with this one was Brian. I kept wanting him to be redeemable but it never happened. Because of that, I couldn’t really get behind the characters and their choices.
January 18, 2024
Interesante premisa pero no terminó de engancharme.
March 11, 2017
This book, in it's entirety, was a satisfactory read. It was well written and had some interesting components. However, there was a persistent element of this story that made the book difficult for me to embrace.
I didn't care for the primary MC... and not for the reasons one might think. Brian has extremely sexualized, incestuous feelings towards his brother, Joey. This is not the reason I had an issue with him. The main reason is that his taboo obsession causes him to lash out at everyone who comes in contact with him, simply because he is petulant that he can't have what he wants. He treats everyone horribly, including his family and lover. He abuses his power at work, using his position to garnish sexual favors from his subordinates. His worst trait was that he blamed everyone else for his problems, shortcomings and rampant unethical behavior. For the majority of the book he fails to take responsibility for his actions or the consequences of his behavior. He was an extremely unlikable character, with few redeeming qualities. Unfortunately, having a strong aversion the MC(s) is the kiss of death for me when rating a book. Being that the entire story revolves around Brian and was told from his POV, this book didn't stand a chance.
The secondary characters, Timothy and Joey, either downplayed or turned a blind eye to Brian's unacceptable behavior. Of course, this did nothing to help Brian realize the simple truth about himself: he's an asshole.
I didn't care for the primary MC... and not for the reasons one might think. Brian has extremely sexualized, incestuous feelings towards his brother, Joey. This is not the reason I had an issue with him. The main reason is that his taboo obsession causes him to lash out at everyone who comes in contact with him, simply because he is petulant that he can't have what he wants. He treats everyone horribly, including his family and lover. He abuses his power at work, using his position to garnish sexual favors from his subordinates. His worst trait was that he blamed everyone else for his problems, shortcomings and rampant unethical behavior. For the majority of the book he fails to take responsibility for his actions or the consequences of his behavior. He was an extremely unlikable character, with few redeeming qualities. Unfortunately, having a strong aversion the MC(s) is the kiss of death for me when rating a book. Being that the entire story revolves around Brian and was told from his POV, this book didn't stand a chance.
The secondary characters, Timothy and Joey, either downplayed or turned a blind eye to Brian's unacceptable behavior. Of course, this did nothing to help Brian realize the simple truth about himself: he's an asshole.
February 15, 2010
Not a very light read at all... the first words that come to mind are "ugly" and "fanastic."
Brian is not a man meant for romance novels. And yet, he is a man. Not everyone is truly honest, or even likable. He sleeps compulsively with just about anyone, and by his own admission most are 'not his type, but will work for now.' He has a live-in boyfriend of 3 years that he treats like shite and there is guilt there for what he does, but only a whisper every now and then, not enough to make him truly want to change.
He compares everyone, everything, to his brother Joey. His attachment to Joey, though unspoken, is to the point of obsession. He does not stalk his brother but rather avoids him, and yet no one else is good enough in his eyes because they are constantly compared to Joey who, in HIS mind, is utterly perfect.
He has to return home because of his mother's illness and is FORCED to face Joey again, bringing all those feelings into glaring detail. Joey loves him back but in the way of brothers and nothing more ... and through antics both serious and ridiculous for grown men, shows Brian that maybe that's okay. Maybe Brian just needs to realize that no matter what happens, or what Brian does, Joey will always be there for him and he doesn't have to be afraid of losing his brother.
The end is somewhat hopeful and promising. Not enough for me to particularly begin actually LIKING Brian, but enough for me to be satisfied with the results, smile a little when I put it down, and admit, "Now THAT was a good read."
Brian is not a man meant for romance novels. And yet, he is a man. Not everyone is truly honest, or even likable. He sleeps compulsively with just about anyone, and by his own admission most are 'not his type, but will work for now.' He has a live-in boyfriend of 3 years that he treats like shite and there is guilt there for what he does, but only a whisper every now and then, not enough to make him truly want to change.
He compares everyone, everything, to his brother Joey. His attachment to Joey, though unspoken, is to the point of obsession. He does not stalk his brother but rather avoids him, and yet no one else is good enough in his eyes because they are constantly compared to Joey who, in HIS mind, is utterly perfect.
He has to return home because of his mother's illness and is FORCED to face Joey again, bringing all those feelings into glaring detail. Joey loves him back but in the way of brothers and nothing more ... and through antics both serious and ridiculous for grown men, shows Brian that maybe that's okay. Maybe Brian just needs to realize that no matter what happens, or what Brian does, Joey will always be there for him and he doesn't have to be afraid of losing his brother.
The end is somewhat hopeful and promising. Not enough for me to particularly begin actually LIKING Brian, but enough for me to be satisfied with the results, smile a little when I put it down, and admit, "Now THAT was a good read."
October 20, 2014
So, there were some things that bothered me right off. The use of present tense. I have a hard time adjusting to it.
Then Brian. A walking hard-on if I ever saw one. He repeatedly cheated on his lover (whom he dated because he reminded him of his brother). He had horny thoughts almost constantly, when visiting his mother in the hospital, when noticing his father was developing Alzheimer's disease or close to it, when looking at his brother. I mean, for god's sake, he ogled teenagers during their high school hours as he was driving into town.
And on top of that, nothing happened with Joey. Yes, I admit it, I picked up this story thinking I was about to read a forbidden romance between brothers. Nope. After pining for his brother, fucking some random guys in town, feeling up his brother (totally missing the point of why he had come home in the first place, after all those years), we get a twist in the story and Joey goes all Buddha on Brian, convincing him to straighten out his life, which Brian does, immediately. He stops himself from another quickie and once home, he discovers what a wonderful man he actually has. Pff..
This story was all over the place. And seeing what a slimy, cheating a**hole Brian was, everything he did afterwards only reinforced that thought and I couldn't shake it off. This book was really not worth the bother.
Then Brian. A walking hard-on if I ever saw one. He repeatedly cheated on his lover (whom he dated because he reminded him of his brother). He had horny thoughts almost constantly, when visiting his mother in the hospital, when noticing his father was developing Alzheimer's disease or close to it, when looking at his brother. I mean, for god's sake, he ogled teenagers during their high school hours as he was driving into town.
And on top of that, nothing happened with Joey. Yes, I admit it, I picked up this story thinking I was about to read a forbidden romance between brothers. Nope. After pining for his brother, fucking some random guys in town, feeling up his brother (totally missing the point of why he had come home in the first place, after all those years), we get a twist in the story and Joey goes all Buddha on Brian, convincing him to straighten out his life, which Brian does, immediately. He stops himself from another quickie and once home, he discovers what a wonderful man he actually has. Pff..
This story was all over the place. And seeing what a slimy, cheating a**hole Brian was, everything he did afterwards only reinforced that thought and I couldn't shake it off. This book was really not worth the bother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2010
Between Brothers by J.M. Snyder is an extremely well written story that explores the various dimensions of love between two brothers with intelligence, sensitivity and thoughtfulness. This story is not about a sexual relationship between blood brothers meant to titillate and arouse. Rather, it delves deeply and honestly into the complexities of Brian’s feelings of sexual desire and romantic love for his brother Joey, all the while examining the broader confines of their relationship as brothers, as well as their place and role as sons within the context of their family.
The complete review of Between Brothers by J.M. Snyder can be found at Indie Reviews.
December 23, 2011
Not a bad story. Def. not what I thought it was going to be. I'm not sure If I like Brain (the MC) or not. One minute he was so awful, the next you just wanted him to get what he wanted. Which is, of course, good writing. I dunno. Nothing really seemed to be resolved at the end of this.
Yes, he talked to his family more, he didn't pick up the waiter at the place in DC, but....does that mean he's really changed? Does he really have what he wants in Tim? And is everything he's doing just to please the people in his life?
I dunno. I have so many questions still. I dunno. I almost wish there was another book. I dunno. This one has left me thinking. Def. worth a read.
Yes, he talked to his family more, he didn't pick up the waiter at the place in DC, but....does that mean he's really changed? Does he really have what he wants in Tim? And is everything he's doing just to please the people in his life?
I dunno. I have so many questions still. I dunno. I almost wish there was another book. I dunno. This one has left me thinking. Def. worth a read.
March 31, 2013
I read this book in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down despite the uncomfortable subject matter. Brian's voice was so compelling. He reminded me so much of the character of Brian on "Queer as Folk" played by Gale Harold. I disliked Brian. Let's face it, the guy was a jerk. Just awful. Lusting after your own brother is a serious problem that requires therapy or something. But the story, as disturbing as it was, was interesting to read. Brian knew he was terrible and wrong and his brother Joey and his boyfriend Tim were extremely understanding and patient with him. This isn't a book for everyone.
March 27, 2016
Personal rating: 2.5 stars at most
SPOILERS AHEAD
Even though this book is written relatively well, Brian is so despicable and petty that I couldn't wait for the book to end. He is a jerk to his boyfriend (whom he calls stupid and cheats on all the time), to his casual lovers, to his parents, to his brother.
I felt as if the author toyed with readers making us believe that Brian would ditch his boyfriend and hook up with his brother (as he is so obsessed with him), but it doesn't happen. If they got together, it would have justified Brian's pettiness and it would have been fair to let Timothy go, but nope.
This book was not even close to what I had in mind when I picked it up.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Even though this book is written relatively well, Brian is so despicable and petty that I couldn't wait for the book to end. He is a jerk to his boyfriend (whom he calls stupid and cheats on all the time), to his casual lovers, to his parents, to his brother.
I felt as if the author toyed with readers making us believe that Brian would ditch his boyfriend and hook up with his brother (as he is so obsessed with him), but it doesn't happen. If they got together, it would have justified Brian's pettiness and it would have been fair to let Timothy go, but nope.
This book was not even close to what I had in mind when I picked it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2013
This book was not what I expected. I thought it would be about two brothers that had a gay relationship and it turned out much different than I expected but that is what I think I liked most about it. One brother is struggling with the thought that he loves his straight brother and all his relationships have been driven by this thought, he picks men who remind him of his brother and never totally commits. in the end the brother shows him it is a brotherly love and not a "In Love" love. Then there is the HEA that is a must for me.
March 24, 2011
While incest isn't my thing, I couldn't help but to keep reading to see what would happen. I had many ideas in my head....none of them happened. While this book was more of an HFN, it was enough. the journey Brian takes looks long an hard at himself. he has a bit of help from his brother Joey. It's a soul searching story and I'm happy that things still feel a bit "in the air" because things like this are life changing and it won't happen overnight.
March 4, 2013
If you're looking for a book with a little brother on brother action, this is NOT the book for you. It was basically a story about Brian, a total douche who thinks he's in love with his brother and Joey, his straight brother. Most of the book is spent either going down memory lane with Brian or witnessing his cheating douchiness. If it wasn't written so well it would have been a 2 star read. I'm just glad it's over.
August 1, 2012
Utterly unlikable main character, although the book was very well written. I really did not know how this book was going to end, which is unusual in this genre.
I can't rate it higher than three stars because I never felt anything for the main character. He is definitely not someone I would want to know.
I can't rate it higher than three stars because I never felt anything for the main character. He is definitely not someone I would want to know.
March 13, 2011
Brian is not a pleasant person at all but he seems to be on the mend by the end. I felt that he and Timothy's relationship might be salvaged. I think Brian and Joey's discussion about Brian's feelings for Joey helped him tremendously. Touching, sweet, disturbing at times. Very well done.
July 5, 2015
3.5*
To me this book is about hope. Hopefully all the MC's will get their HEA. Brian finally comes to terms with his feelings for Joey and has to make some hard decisions about Timothy. I just couldn't get into this story as much as I need to.
To me this book is about hope. Hopefully all the MC's will get their HEA. Brian finally comes to terms with his feelings for Joey and has to make some hard decisions about Timothy. I just couldn't get into this story as much as I need to.
June 16, 2015
2.5 stars
January 26, 2016
2.5* I didn't like the end - not what I expected
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews