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125th out of 583 books
—
1,175 voters
Afflicted (Afflicted #1)
by
Brandon Shire (Goodreads Author)
A high priced male escort and a blind gay man meet by chance. What ensues is a hot, steamy romance by two men looking for something more than a one night stand. But can they reach beyond their own insecurities to grasp what they really desire?
Meet Hunter Stephens. He’s gay, tall, dark haired, and he’s hot. Very hot. But he doesn’t rely on the visual cues when appraising a...more
Meet Hunter Stephens. He’s gay, tall, dark haired, and he’s hot. Very hot. But he doesn’t rely on the visual cues when appraising a...more
ebook, 159 pages
Published
September 5th 2012
by TPG Books
(first published September 4th 2012)
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Community Reviews
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UPDATE: Members of the Brandon Shire Fan Group will be doing a re-read & buddy read of Afflicted on November 26, 2012. You are welcome to join us! Afflicted II will be released on December 6, 2012!
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
Review completed September 8, 2012
Wow…what a fantastic book! Brandon sure knows how to write an enthralling and intense story. When you are reading Afflicted you can close your eyes and the words will be raining down on you, embracing you and you will be hav...more
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
Review completed September 8, 2012
Wow…what a fantastic book! Brandon sure knows how to write an enthralling and intense story. When you are reading Afflicted you can close your eyes and the words will be raining down on you, embracing you and you will be hav...more
And this one begins with mine. I wished for something so special, I could surrender myself to every word.
Guess what?... like a gift my wish came true!
From the synopsis: A high priced male escort and a blind gay man meet by chance. What ensues is a hot, steamy romance by two men looking for something more than a one night stand. But can they reach beyond their own insecurities to grasp what they really desire?
You will find a story that might have been told before, not often perhaps, but most...more
”REREAD WEEK” (Nov 26, 2012)
When I first read this book, it was still fairly new and there was just a handful of us swooning over it. Love that it’s built a following. It’s lovely. It’s an experience unlike I’ve had with other books…calling on other senses to get inside the heads and hearts of our MC’s. I’m reminded how Brandon Shire uses heightened descriptors with smell, touch, sound to tell the story. Shocking when I first read it, but really, really impressive (and sometimes funny…) during t...more
Jan 15, 2013
LisaT - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog LisaT131
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
m-m romance readers
Recommended to LisaT - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog by:
Brandon Shire
~~~
Afflicted by love’s madness all are blind. – Sextus Propertius
--I’m a lousy human. I didn’t want to read about a blind guy and a gay prostitute, but when Brandon Shire approached me and asked me to review his new book I was flattered. As a new blogger I thought, wow, someone discovered me. So, I looked into some of his other books (I glanced at his ratings on GR) and decided, “Okay, I can give this a shot.”. Since this was my first read and review of a Brandon Shire book I honestly went into...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Well, this book was a letdown. And I feel I have to clarify that the lyrical prose had nothing to do with it. If anything, it was one of the interesting aspects of the story. Also, if it makes any difference, I should also mention that the book isn't brimming with flowery similes, metaphors, analogies and collocations. There are several of them, yes, and some of them sound really strange and uncommon, but I'd say it's sprinkled, not packed with them and they're mostly found in the first 40% of t...more
3,5 stars
This book drove me nuts : I read it at an irregular rhythm oscillating between 3 and 4 stars, with rare falls to 2 and a few rushes at 5. I finally came up with a mathematical average of 3,5 stars. It is the most honest I could do to rate it.
The first merit of this book is to build a sensually completely different world and I felt overwhelmed by familiar but enhanced sensations to a point I never lingered to think of.
It was sometimes unpleasant, sometimes erotic, often surprising. Anot...more
This book drove me nuts : I read it at an irregular rhythm oscillating between 3 and 4 stars, with rare falls to 2 and a few rushes at 5. I finally came up with a mathematical average of 3,5 stars. It is the most honest I could do to rate it.
The first merit of this book is to build a sensually completely different world and I felt overwhelmed by familiar but enhanced sensations to a point I never lingered to think of.
It was sometimes unpleasant, sometimes erotic, often surprising. Anot...more
November 26-28: My thoughts after a reread with the Goodreads Brandon Shire Fan Group
4.5 stars
This was a surprisingly good book to read. Why? Well, I just had the synopsis to go by and I was convinced that a relationship between a blind man and a male escort just was not viable. I know, shame on me! However, I very humbly admit that the author brought these two characters together seamlessly and their journey was a joy to read. You get to know the characters inside out and you just have to roo...more
4.5 stars
This was a surprisingly good book to read. Why? Well, I just had the synopsis to go by and I was convinced that a relationship between a blind man and a male escort just was not viable. I know, shame on me! However, I very humbly admit that the author brought these two characters together seamlessly and their journey was a joy to read. You get to know the characters inside out and you just have to roo...more
"Loving someone gives you courage; being loved back give you strength."
- Shu-shu
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I thought it was very well-written (more polished than many m/m romances), and I liked the story, even if the plot was somewhat formulaic, and the characters, all of whom I found very interesting. And the sex scenes were REALLY hot.
I have to admit that I liked Dillon more than Hunter, because as much as I appreciated Hunter's 'fuck you' attitude, I also found his belligerence...more
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I thought it was very well-written (more polished than many m/m romances), and I liked the story, even if the plot was somewhat formulaic, and the characters, all of whom I found very interesting. And the sex scenes were REALLY hot.
I have to admit that I liked Dillon more than Hunter, because as much as I appreciated Hunter's 'fuck you' attitude, I also found his belligerence...more
So I'm finished with Afflicted
...........................
YOU'VE... GOT... TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!!
..................................................................................*Drops tablet, gets up from bed, walk down stairs, turn on the computer, logs into GR*........................................................................................................................................ *Picks jaw up off the floor* Brandon how could you do this to me? Did you really just end the...more
...........................YOU'VE... GOT... TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!!
..................................................................................*Drops tablet, gets up from bed, walk down stairs, turn on the computer, logs into GR*........................................................................................................................................ *Picks jaw up off the floor* Brandon how could you do this to me? Did you really just end the...more
I really don't know how to write a review for this.
I only have 2 words in my mind that would really describe this book:
RAW & REAL
First I have to say that the writing style here is superb
While reading the book, you get to experience the book, some points of it were so well described, I could actually smell, feel and see everything.
The whole world, the characters, their interaction, it's very raw. There is nothing lovey-dovey here. Their sex was raw, and kind of intense for me, Hunter des...more
I only have 2 words in my mind that would really describe this book:
RAW & REAL
First I have to say that the writing style here is superb
While reading the book, you get to experience the book, some points of it were so well described, I could actually smell, feel and see everything. The whole world, the characters, their interaction, it's very raw. There is nothing lovey-dovey here. Their sex was raw, and kind of intense for me, Hunter des...more
currently rereading.......
love this even more now
love connie the waitress
margie is starting to annoy me as the jealous left behind friend
"you smell like prison".........so perfectly descriptive
"you are a man now. they cannot overcome you with their childish noises." this line hits me like a brick wall each time...i need my own shu-shu apparently.....
"jesus, why is it so hard to say i need you?"
4.5 stars
more to come . . .i still need to process some thoughts about his this ended . . .
writing . ....more
love this even more now
love connie the waitress
margie is starting to annoy me as the jealous left behind friend
"you smell like prison".........so perfectly descriptive
"you are a man now. they cannot overcome you with their childish noises." this line hits me like a brick wall each time...i need my own shu-shu apparently.....
"jesus, why is it so hard to say i need you?"
4.5 stars
more to come . . .i still need to process some thoughts about his this ended . . .
writing . ....more
A brilliant book by an amazing writer. I am completely blown away right now. Wow, just, wow!!!
This was one of if not THE most well written books I have ever read. The way this author have with words is truly astounding, never coming across as trying too hard, it just flows. The story and characters felt real, the pictures formed without hesitation in my head as I read, something I struggle with a lot usually. I never wanted it to end and can't wait for more of Hunter and Dillon.
This is why I love reading M/M Romance written by men. I know I'm risking all kinds of controversy with that statement but it's unavoidable. The author's gender does not determine quality of writing, but there is a change in "flavor", particularly to the sex scenes. I don't know of any other way to describe what the difference is for me.
This story was a smorgasbord for the senses. Lyrical prose, excellent pace, wonderful characters, and delicious descriptions of everything experienced by the MCs...more
This story was a smorgasbord for the senses. Lyrical prose, excellent pace, wonderful characters, and delicious descriptions of everything experienced by the MCs...more
I really enjoyed this story. It had such a different feel to it, though I'm not sure I can pinpoint why exactly. I loved the strong, sexy, independent Hunter. He and Dillon fit very well together. I loved snarky Margie and her relationship with Hunter. Some of the descriptions and smelling seemed a bit over the top, but overall, this was a nice refreshing read. I'm looking forward to reading more about these two, so I hope Brandon is hard at work finishing up number II.
An interesting book that just hit a super peeve-y button of mine. I wish there was more characterization, but oh well.
On the bright side, 10% of proceeds go to orgs focused on getting lgbt kids off the street. That's a plus.
On the bright side, 10% of proceeds go to orgs focused on getting lgbt kids off the street. That's a plus.
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. Really a 3.5 star read but not due to the story or pacing. Both of those were excellent. The things that bothered me about this story was the almost complete lack of lube(soap does NOT count) and the constant mention of Hunter wanting to smell Dillon and get all funky with the scents. It kept being mentioned but it never happened. I kept waiting and waiting for some dirty, funky sex and...nothing. Good sex, for sure, but not kinky, funky sex. Made me sad :...more
This book is so beautifully written, every word was infatuate, makes you feel like that vision is such an overrated sense.
The characters are strongly built, very realistic. Their pasts, how they were brought up, families, every small part is a brick of their present and personalities. You become understanding them quite well, it was easy to sync to their feelings.
The love makings are hot, emotional, also, realistic. Slightly kinky/rough, but it reflects the characters' emotional state or suppr...more
The characters are strongly built, very realistic. Their pasts, how they were brought up, families, every small part is a brick of their present and personalities. You become understanding them quite well, it was easy to sync to their feelings.
The love makings are hot, emotional, also, realistic. Slightly kinky/rough, but it reflects the characters' emotional state or suppr...more
Jan 21, 2013
Anna (Bananas!)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommended to Anna (Bananas!) by:
LisaT - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog LisaT131
Shelves:
m-m
A book written from the POVs of a blind man and a prostitute as they fall in love? Yes, I’m there! I wanted to enjoy this book more than I actually did though.
There were moments of pure reader bliss, some very hot sex scenes, genunine humor, and beautifully poetic details, especially near the beginning. In particluar I loved these:
- "What do you see?" "A deep green melancholy."
- He had a bruise on his hip that was large and fresh enough that Hunter could feel the still heat of it.
- The neck an...more
There were moments of pure reader bliss, some very hot sex scenes, genunine humor, and beautifully poetic details, especially near the beginning. In particluar I loved these:
- "What do you see?" "A deep green melancholy."
- He had a bruise on his hip that was large and fresh enough that Hunter could feel the still heat of it.
- The neck an...more
4.5 stars
This is a beautifully written story. I am not simply referring to the story as a whole. I am referring to the actual writing. This is so unlike what I normally read and that alone was refreshing.
The characters are wonderfully written. Hunter is a blind gay man who is adamant about his independence. While reading, I often forgot that he was blind because of that independence. Hunter may not be able to see but he is not written where it comes across as a disability. The blindness is part...more
This is a beautifully written story. I am not simply referring to the story as a whole. I am referring to the actual writing. This is so unlike what I normally read and that alone was refreshing.
The characters are wonderfully written. Hunter is a blind gay man who is adamant about his independence. While reading, I often forgot that he was blind because of that independence. Hunter may not be able to see but he is not written where it comes across as a disability. The blindness is part...more
It took a bit for me to get into, but once Hunter and Dillon finally got together is was all good. I wish it didn't end so abruptly; I know there is a sequel coming but I really wanted some closure with a couple things.
The story was really well written, however it was a little overly descriptive for me, but that's just my own preference.
The story was really well written, however it was a little overly descriptive for me, but that's just my own preference.
WOW. That was some book! Lordy. Let's just say that you can clearly tell this book was written by a man. The sexual scenes were raw, intense, holy hotness - not lovey fluffy stuff (which has a place, too). This is the story of a blind man who happens upon a male escort while walking home one night alone. Frank (aka Dillon) propositions him, and against his otherwise better judgment, Hunter takes him home with him. They f*ck. Hard. Hunter wakes up alone. Something about that night with Hunter ch...more
More like 4.5 stars. Some afflictions are evident, such as blindness, hearing or mobility impairments, compete and total homeliness. Other afflictions are hidden; mental illness, heart disease, being thrown out because of your sexual orientation. One of Afflicted MCs, Dillon, is haunted by his family's rejection and expulsion when he was 16. He had to hustle to survive. Yet, ten years later, successfully retiring from an upscale escort service, he is haunted by his family's attitude more than hi...more
Rating: 4½ stars
I was already a fan of Brandon Shire's, but after reading Afflicted I find myself even more enamoured of his storytelling.
In this story—and I'm very glad to know that there will be at least one more Dillon and Hunter story—I found Shire's descriptiveness really helped me to experience just how it is that Hunter, as a blind man, how he lives in, and comes to understand, a visual world.
The words used by those of us who see would not work, at all, in this story. We're immersed in H...more
I was already a fan of Brandon Shire's, but after reading Afflicted I find myself even more enamoured of his storytelling.
In this story—and I'm very glad to know that there will be at least one more Dillon and Hunter story—I found Shire's descriptiveness really helped me to experience just how it is that Hunter, as a blind man, how he lives in, and comes to understand, a visual world.
The words used by those of us who see would not work, at all, in this story. We're immersed in H...more
This is more like a 3.5* but GR doesn't allow for graded rating and I find myself wavering.
Let me state clearly that up to roughly 60-70% this book would have been a clean 5*! I absolutely love the authorial voice, Shire's way with words and how he solved the riddle of writing a blind man are both fantastic and I truly enjoyed myself up to that point. There was a lyrical, almost innocent and very direct quality to the prose which made me enjoy those early pages rather thoroughly.
Don't read on i...more
Let me state clearly that up to roughly 60-70% this book would have been a clean 5*! I absolutely love the authorial voice, Shire's way with words and how he solved the riddle of writing a blind man are both fantastic and I truly enjoyed myself up to that point. There was a lyrical, almost innocent and very direct quality to the prose which made me enjoy those early pages rather thoroughly.
Don't read on i...more
Hunter Stephens has been fighting all his life to be accepted by a society too busy telling him what he can’t do due to his blindness. Mollycoddled by his mother for most of his life, Hunter has broken free and is now a strong, independent man who refuses to let his disability get in the way of living a full life. The only thing that is missing is love.
Dillon Chambers is a high class male escort but he has had to endure painful hardships in his life. Thrown out by his parents at the age of sixte...more
Dillon Chambers is a high class male escort but he has had to endure painful hardships in his life. Thrown out by his parents at the age of sixte...more
There are few books that I say, you must read, but if you are curious about either of the following things then read this book:
1. Is there a male/male book that can talk about something more than kinky sex?
2. I wonder what is it like to be blind and/or to have a relationship with someone blind?
1.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of sex but the scenes descibe more than just " hot sex". When one of the characters is blind, he sees and often speaks through touch and this can be seen no better th...more
1. Is there a male/male book that can talk about something more than kinky sex?
2. I wonder what is it like to be blind and/or to have a relationship with someone blind?
1.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of sex but the scenes descibe more than just " hot sex". When one of the characters is blind, he sees and often speaks through touch and this can be seen no better th...more
I believe that every once in a great while an author comes long whose voice and storytelling stands poised to affect a generation--stands ready to impact and change the very way we think.
Brandon Shire is just such an author--that rare voice that inspires us to be just a little better...to reach beyond ourselves and see the other person and realize we can affect change just by raising our voice.
Afflicted...what an amazing story. For a few hundred pages, it takes us on a walk through the life of...more
Brandon Shire is just such an author--that rare voice that inspires us to be just a little better...to reach beyond ourselves and see the other person and realize we can affect change just by raising our voice.
Afflicted...what an amazing story. For a few hundred pages, it takes us on a walk through the life of...more
OK, so I'm going to start off with the positives:
-There were hot men having sex.
-I have an affinity for characters with a disability.
Well, now that thats summed up, here are the things I could have done without or thought could have been better.
(view spoiler)...more
-There were hot men having sex.
-I have an affinity for characters with a disability.
Well, now that thats summed up, here are the things I could have done without or thought could have been better.
(view spoiler)...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Shire Fan...: BOOK DISCUSSION: Afflicted | 264 | 80 | Dec 19, 2012 06:31am |
Award winning writer BRANDON SHIRE is a distinct voice in contemporary gay fiction.
His first novel, THE VALUE OF RAIN was chosen by Indie book bloggers as a Top Read of 2011 and a Best in LGBTQ Fiction for 2011. It was also distinguished with two Honorable Mentions in the 2012 Rainbow Awards.
His second novel, LISTENING TO DUST has been called a timeless masterly crafted literary work and was chos...more
More about Brandon Shire...
His first novel, THE VALUE OF RAIN was chosen by Indie book bloggers as a Top Read of 2011 and a Best in LGBTQ Fiction for 2011. It was also distinguished with two Honorable Mentions in the 2012 Rainbow Awards.
His second novel, LISTENING TO DUST has been called a timeless masterly crafted literary work and was chos...more
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“This was to be man sex.”
—
3 people liked it
“A long time ago he believed that he was above the men chasing him; capitulating to their secret desires and dark fears was what he did to survive, nothing more and nothing less. But now he understood that all that reasoning was nothing more than a self-assessing loop which he had used as a survival mechanism. It had run constantly but never actually went anywhere; like a rat on a flywheel, all action, no forward motion.”
—
3 people liked it
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May 11, 2013 12:16pm
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