Review: A great follow-up book filled with emotions and unquenchable lust
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 6, 2012
4.5A great follow-up book filled with emotions and unquenchable lust that will leave you wanting more of the raw sex, the tender lovemaking and the love.I met Dillon and Hunter in Afflicted , where their one chance encounter turns into something more. Feelings are not in the equation in this stage, just a need to connect and explore. Afflicted II picks up where the previous book left off. Hunter and Dillon are still exploring this new-found relationship and their sexual connection, but the feelings are starting to make an appearance. And so it continues.HunterThe author, Brandon Shire, grabbed my attention from the first sentence I read. In the previous book, I got to know Hunter through his interpretations of the different smells, touches and tastes. In this installment, I was immediately wrapped in Hunter's descriptive thoughts, specifically Dillon's scent. Oh, but not just any scent. No, Hunter is thinking about Dillon's horny aroma. That's Hunter for you - horny, insatiable and strong and independent. Or so I had come to expect.I got to see a crack to his armor when Dillon takes him for a getaway on a remote cabin. All through the drive he can't help but feel that something important will happen. He fears the worst - that Dillon will change his mind about taking their relationship further. This is the first of many times that I got to see this insecure, vulnerable side to Hunter and I loved it. Although he did try to be objective and take it slow, his feelings for Dillon were too strong. He wants to protect him, shelter him from his family and keep him for himself. He opens himself to this new-found connection and lets the chips fall where they may. He struggles and he denies, but underneath it all he KNOWS. He loves Dillon deeply and he is everything that he had ever dreamed of. I loved reading Hunter's development throughout the book. From and independent, strong man who believes he doesn't need a deeper connection with anyone else to an honest, vulnerable man who opens up his heart and fears for the first time in his life. He is raw and passionate, he takes the lead then submits beautifully to his passion and Dillon's ministrations.DillonFirst, I was taken through Dillon's past and the hurt and pain that are still evident even after 10 years. The glimpses into Dillon's struggles made me connect to him more. Mr. Shire brought them all to the surface to give me a clear view of what he has been through and how these experiences have shaped him. He is a survivor - strong but vulnerable in how he feels. He appreciates what he has found with Hunter and he will do his best to make it work. Being open about his past with Hunter is the first step he takes to prevent problems along the way.Then comes a series of events that leave Dillon broken - news about his father and a visit from his mother.But Hunter is always there, a presence to remind him that he is not alone in this. That he can lean on him and find strength in their connection. He knows how he feels about Hunter and he's tired of waiting, of being safe and thinking things through. He dominates, but submits to his feelings. He is honest and loyal and I love him for it. His development was a beautiful journey to read. From a handsome prostitute who doesn't know what he wants and doubts himself every step of the way to a strong young man confident in his love for Hunter, open about his domineering sexual ways and sure of himself and his decisions.The GreatI enjoyed this book from start to finish. I loved how it made me feel all kinds of emotions and how the characters developed throughout the story. The writing was excellent. Please, as if it could be any different. It may not have been as lyrical as I've come to expect from Brandon Shire, but I believe that it fit the story perfectly. The beauty of the story is in its realness and the way the author went about telling it was brilliant. This story is filled with pure, raw need mixed with love and real life.And of course, I can't forget the sex - to the rhythm of the rain, against a wall, spread on the kitchen counter, and in a public restroom. Each and every single time these two came together it had a purpose. No, not just to get off. The sex to the rhythm of the rain was about letting go and opening themselves to each other and to what they have found. The encounter against the wall was a show of power, initiated by Hunter but totally dominated by Dillon, it showed a new balance in their relationship - Hunter's willingness to give his everything to Dillon and Dillon's determination to have all of Hunter. The kitchen scene was about Dillon's confession and Hunter's silent acceptance and the scene in the restroom, well that was just them being their usual passionate, insatiable selves.I'll just keep my favorite sex scene to myself. I'll just say that Mr. Brandon Shire managed to surprise the hell out of me and made me blush.After all I've read, that is not an easy thing to do. Yes, there is a lot of sex and it is hot and raw and amazing, but it is not what the story is about.The GoodThe secondary characters were a joy to read, even Margie and Lydia. I admit that I have come to better understand where they are coming from and I am glad that Hunter has them in his life. I liked that Lydia seemed more approachable now, which I attribute to Hunter's willingness to see another side of her. This time around I would have loved a lot more interaction between Hunter and Margie. She is great at telling it like it is and apparently Hunter respects her opinion. Their banter was both enjoyable and revealing. Travis made me angry and I found myself wanting to smack the hell out of him at times, but he was not entirely to blame for some of the things he did. Yes, he made a huge mistake, but that was essential to Dillon's development, so I could overlook it.The UglyAbigail and the two dreaded words - "THE END". Once again, I am left hanging with an abrupt ending. :'(_____________________________________All in all, Afflicted II was an amazing read - full of lust, longing and love.