What Binds Us

By: Larry Benjamin

Narrated by: Richard Magnus

Thomas Edward is only a teenager when he escapes his working class neighborhood. He's ready for anything—except the arrival of Donovan Whyte in his life. Sophisticated and dazzlingly handsome, Dondi quickly becomes the center of Thomas Edward's universe, introducing him to a world full of drama, passion and feuding families.

When their relationship fizzles, they remain uneasy friends until Dondi invites Thomas Edward to his family's summer house. Thomas Edward is immediately attracted to Dondi's mysterious brother, Matthew—and finds himself hopelessly drawn to both men.

As time passes, Thomas Edward develops a unique bond with both brothers as they orbit around each other, although he knows only one of them can be his lifelong love. Will the three of them be able to find a way to hold on to each other? Or will love, its loss, and the threat of death destroy their connection once and for all?

©2012 Larry Benjamin (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Worth the Lost Sleep

This is easily the best book I've listened to in a very, very long time. I'm very into erotica and romance. This was not purely romance and definitely not erotica. But it was about love, both romantic and familial and primarily centered around males. I'm a female, but I absolutely, unquestionably loved it. The story was great. But beyond that, it's the language, the terminology used by the author. He has a finesse for stating things in such beautiful ways that every word resonated with me deeply. It's not a feel good book, but still, through my tears, I was both happy and sad. It was moving in both positive and sad ways, which few books manage to accomplish. I could go on, but I think you get the message. I don't think I've ever given any book 5 stars across the board. But I couldn't identify anything negative about my experience with this book. I'm writing this shortly after I finished the book, so my rating may be based on my continual afterglow. Whatever the cause, this book is worth a listen.

Far beyond the average MM romance

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. It was a very satisfying, very emotional book. It is way beyond the standard of the usual MM romance fiction.

What other book might you compare What Binds Us to and why?

It has some of the feel of the Great Gatsby and even Brideshead Revisited. The glamorous but dangerous and self-destructive scion of a wealthy family is a sort of modern American equivalent of Lord Sebastian Flyte. But it is a much more modern novel than either of those.

What does Richard Magnus bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nothing particularly unexpected, but he did a very good job.

If you could rename What Binds Us, what would you call it?

Don't know

Amazing story,wonderful listen, worth the credit

I cant say enough about the book,I laughed, I cried, I was angry, and overjoyed. amazing writing

What a great surprise!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was expecting another light read, something that I'd fly through quickly. But what I got was a beautifully written engaging story involving complex characters who touched my heart. I can't wait for Larry Benjamin to publish another book. This was a real find, and it will stay with me for a long time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Thomas Edward, the narrator, shows the reader a world much different from his own. He is kind and loving, and these traits make him credible and finally someone the reader cares a lot about.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved it. The story is unique and dynamic, populated with richly drawn complicated characters. I was very moved.

Breathtaking

As I have just finished this book. I am sitting here feeling raw and overwhelmed. Tears are pouring down my cheeks. This is one of the best books I have ever listened to/read. Very powerful! Pulls at your every heart string. I don’t think I can adequately put into words how amazing this book is. Very well written. Narration was also on point. I would recommend this book to everyone.