A Life Apart

This is one of the most “angsty” and emotional books I’ve ever read in m/m romance.Seeing so few ratings and reviews of this book I decided to try to change that a little. This book deserves to be more present amongst the m/m readers, so I can’t be quiet about it.This is not a typical romance story. But I’m a romantic at heart, so I’ll treat it as one. The title alone says it all: the MC are apart for a long time. Before you kick this book out, recall this: it’s worth it! I love hi [...]

This is another book I wish I could give more than 5 stars.Roger Kean I think you’ve made me speechless and if you were to ask any of my friends that doesn’t happen often. You have written one amazing book and I am truly sorry I’ve come to the end.This book is Gay Fiction not to be confused with M/M Romance. While there are some similarities they are vastly different. It has a true plot which is just as important as the love story between Edward and Richard, without it their story would no [...]

star defyingEvery minute that real life took me away from this book I'd gnash my teeth for this is a piece of work to be savored at leisure without the indignity of interruption.This is the epic tale of two very young men, Edward and Richard, who have such a deep affinity to each other that it transcends brotherhood, for they are true soul mates. A cruel act separates them and their adventure back towards each other sweeps from England to the vast deep deserts of Egypt. At the heart of this is a [...]

A Life Apart centres around two ' brothers' Richard and Edward who are brought up believing they are non identical twins. They form a deep bond that over time turns into something much more than just brotherly love but this is far from a cut and dried relationship and when secrets are brought to light by a scheming female, the boys are forced by circumstance to separate and the book then takes us on each of their separate journeys as they desperately try to find each other again and during this [...]

A Life Apart has love, sex, violence, adventure, seashells, 1884 British military strategy, spitting camels, fuzzy wuzzies and yorkshire pudding. What more could you desire in a historical romance novel?Victorian England, teatime, elite boys school, dangerous back alleys, forts, army barracks, desert sands, emirs, soldiers, nubians, dervishes, perils, uncertainty, love, passion, sex, friendship, military camaraderie, thrilling battles, daring escapes, exotic locales, slavery, heroism, allegiance [...]

DNF at 13%There are a LOT of nice reviews for this book and a high rating shows that this book is popular among GR readers. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it too if I could be able to finish it. And I assure you, I really tried. I tried to like it, I tried to get into it. But I and this book are not compatible. It was my second attempt and now I know I'm not going to give it one more chance. Sad but true.My biggest problem was that I couldn't overcome (view spoiler)[ sexual relationship of two br [...]

So sorry about not writing a review right away! Or maybe not =) I had to revisit the book and reread a few chapters and that was a true and real pleasure.I am not going to repeat the description, there is one by the author and many by the readers. The only thing I want to mention is that the boys were a little younger than I expected but that was perfectly fine, given the time period and circumstances.Late 19th century is not my favorite, but I love history and this book is a true gem. I certain [...]

I read at the end of the day, in bed, and consequently plod through books slowly, oh, ever so slowly. I find that I value the worth of a book if, after another day, I crawl into bed, turn on the Kindle and remember exactly what I'd read the night before. Has something to do with a good story lingering at the back of my mind; the images vibrant, effusive--a curiosity about what will come next. Not all storytelling lingers that way. Only the best.Roger Kean has written a story that lingers, even n [...]

A beautiful story, wonderfully crafted as always by Roger Kean. Confusion, heartache, treachery, and disappointment all overcome by love. Brilliant.

The latter part of the Nineteenth Century, Edward and Richard, non-identical twins, sons of a well to do retired military man, are each destined for an army commission. The two boys are very closer, closer than even twins should be; they love one another with more than brotherly love, but with a love that soon takes carnal expression. However, when they are sixteen years of age, a revelation to one of the boys causes him to make a run for it, leaving the other desolate. Despite their best effort [...]

If I could give half stars, I would have given this 3 1/2. Please keep in mind that 3 stars on here means "liked it", so it was way more than "okay" like 3 stars would be on .I found both Edward and Richard to be likable, engaging boys and then men. They were strongly developed and I grew to care about what happened to them both. I also liked some of the supporting characters quite well: Harry and Yussuf especially come to mind.It made the story realistic that both men had other sex partners whe [...]

Kind of an odd duck of a book. It straddles the line between M/M romance, gay literature and historical fiction but never seems sure of what it wants to be. A very enjoyable read, but it never seems to explore the questions posed such as the morality of incest between brothers and the secret lives of gay men in the period it takes place in. It's strictly couched in an optimistic fantasy world where many side characters turn out conveniently gay and bisexual and most others do not have a problem [...]

3.5 stars.A Life Apart is more than a simple romance between two young men. It’s a story about love, friendship, treachery, years of longing and war. It’s a story with interesting and memorable characters, some I loved and some I didn’t. It’s a story which takes you on a journey where you finally – after lots of ups and downs – get your happy ending. So why only 3.5 stars? Because at first it took me a while to get into the book. There were parts I found a little bit boring and they [...]

I'm not much of a historical reader but the author does such an amazing job of tell and describing the time and setting it even made me like the book. The most trouble I had reading it actually related to it being an English book. I'm not very familiar with English things so when giving detailed descriptions of cricket (which really went with the character) I was a bit lost. I did enjoy learning some British history along with reading a fun book:)

Gerry B's Book Reviews5.00Superb writing, a break-through plot, and bang-on historyA Life Apar,t, by Roger Kean [CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, January 11, 2013] can be categorized by several genres: historical fiction, historical, gay romance, and even young adult. It is also a refreshingly different story set in an exotic and somewhat uncommon setting.The story opens on Edward and Richard Rainbow, purportedly twin brothers, and also students at the prestigious Benthenham College [...]

4.5 Stars. Most people think this is about real brothers, but not so. Very British upper class style "public school, military" historical novel. Amazing detail of all locations, historical mores and more. Many scenes feel like you are there in the midst of the action. Some of the military scenes were kind of boring to me and slowed down my reading somewhat. The end is not really an end but seems to lead into a sequel?If you love historicals or want to find out what Egypt and Sudan were like at t [...]

A great story about two brothers, their struggle to overcome lies and war. Their development, strength, loss and always hoping to find each other again. This was an emotional story, with the hope of the brothers would find each other again and find out what the person said was a lie and deception that the person did not love any of them and only were out of power and money. This is the first book by Roger I have read and I am fan of him now and want to read all his other books :-)

Roger Kean writes like the rest of us breatheeffortlessly.

Reviewed by: MonikaGenre: M/M ContemporaryRated: 5 hearts Check out the review at: Hearts On Fire Reviews

3 star for historical intrigues. And well the title really just speaks for itself. A life apart. I didn't get the feel of their deep love for each other because well the story really just centers on the two protagonists life 'apart' and the events happening around them while being apart - and that sort of dragged on for me.

I read A life Apart with awe at its perfection as a sexy historical novel of the Mahdist Wars during the 1880s. I wish there was a way to get the message out to readers that there is an author who writes intelligent, captivating books of the lives, loves, and riveting adventures of genuine gay men.Anyone who is concerned whether or not this book contains twincest should look at this spoiler:(view spoiler)[The two lovers are not brothers nor are they related in any way. (hide spoiler)]A Life Apar [...]

As a child, I enjoyed all those boys-own adventure titles as well as those from authors such as Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, H Rider Haggard and Jules Verne. I've only just discovered Roger Kean and this is his first book I've read - and the reading takes me right back to those early reading adventures - except with the M-M elements thrown in. I would say the greater focus on plot/action does detract from internal character development and musings except given this genre/type, I'm not dis [...]

I got so bogged down with all of the history - dates, places, names, wars, that I almost didn't finish this book. Needless to say, this book leans heavy on the history, which can be a bit dry at times. I applaud the effort required to produce a historical novel and Mr. Kean did an outstanding job with the research for this book.At this point there are two additional books in the series, but I'll have to think long and hard if I want to continue with them.Three Stars

This is one of the best books I have read. Once I started reading it, I just couldn't put it down until the end. Mr. Kean is both a good writer and a good storyteller. I would like to read his other books.

I'm still intrigued by the premise of this book!I've found too many references for angst in the reviews, though, and I just know that will annoy me very much.I think I'm gonna pass this one :-/

I read through the preview. Faux gentry, irrational behavior, soap-opera drama. Spare me.

I just could not get into the story. I liked the characters. I finally went and read the ending to see what happened.It's probably a phase that I am going through.