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auntieannieguss's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. Usually, MM books aren't something I get invested in, but this book had me begging for more. Autumn has a way of writing a world where you feel like you're watching the story take place around you. I didn't want to leave the world. The obvious love these two share for each other is undeniable. No matter how they try to fight it, it's there. They've been through hell and back, and it's a battle to make it to where they end up. You wont regret reading this book. I promise.
Review by @Manda Kelly 2023
Review by @Manda Kelly 2023
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Alcoholism, and Toxic relationship
ireadloudnmynook's review
fast-paced
5.0
The author brings you right into the heart of the story right away as we meet Kyle and Lyle and learn of how immediately intense the connection is between them. Honestly my thoughts of their home lives were so sad in that they grew up in such extremely tragic situations. But in the midst of everything, they have each other as brothers. As the story unfolds, we learn that the bond between them is much more than brothers. I was intrigued by their connection and the way they tried to hide it even though it was evident. This was a really well written book! I highly recommend!
shannlynn's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am blown away by Afflicted Love! I hadn’t read anything by Autumn Sand before, and to say that they exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. I knew I would enjoy this from the synopsis, but it really knocked me off my feet. The raw emotion and fervor throughout the book are unbelievable. I haven’t read an author that can create and sustain such chemistry in a very long time. It is a dark MM romance, and you want to check out the triggers just in case you want to steer away from some things, but I thoroughly enjoyed this rollercoaster of torturous emotions. The flow pulls you in immediately and makes you think you’re right alongside Kyle and Lyle. I am so ready for the second book already!
tytanmom23's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand. This is such a fun, quick read that will literally leave you hanging. Its the story of Lyle and Kyle who have gotten to know one another and have a lot in common. They both come from pretty traumatic childhoods. The more time they spend together the more they have feelings for one another. Kyle doesn't have a problem with it. He's proud to be in love with Lyle but Lyle is not so sure. He's not sure how he feels about his feelings. They end up having a pretty toxic relationship together and in the end one truly gets their heart broken but can it be fixed. Can Lyle come to terms with being gay and can he prove to Kyle he has it all together and won't hurt him any more? Read this fast paced short read that will leave you wanting more. Can't wait for the next installment.
tarajohnson's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Afflicted Love is Book One in the Rhythm and Heart series. It is a MM romance story full of raw emotion, passion, lust, and forbidden love. It tells the story of Kyle and Lyle who met when they were younger, after Kyle saved Lyle from being bullied. The two became friends, and Kyle vowed to always protect Lyle. Over the years they had to navigate the feelings that they were having as they eventually started feeling more for each other. Both boys have grown up with abuse and neglect in their lives so when they met, they vowed to be there for one another. When they become separated after an unfortunate incident neither expects to see the other again. Lyle has spent years denying how he feels about Kyle and has tried to put it behind him until a death in the family brings them together. Can they put aside the hurt, anger, and betrayal and move on together?
This was a beautiful story of forbidden love, overcoming inner demons, and family dynamics. Please be advised that it does have some dark material that may contain triggers for some. The characters of Lyle and Kyle were wonderfully written, and their story is compelling, tragic, and complex. The bond they have and how they feel for one another must be kept hidden because it is forbidden and not tolerated by those closest to them. Their love is considered wrong and forbidden. This book will have you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you experience the pain, betrayal, anger, grief, love, lust, and despair that Lyle and Kyle navigate through. A fantastic read.
julesherb's review
dark
emotional
4.0
This amazingly talented author simply never ever disappoints! This book is yet another example of her creativity and talent. It is raw, emotional and will keep you hooked all the way through as long as a push and pull type storyline is your cup of tea. Hell even if it isn't your usual go to give this book a read. These two characters, brought together and bonded over violence, who fight their attraction for each other, will draw you in even when your heart wants to break for them at times. I will say it ends on a cliff hanger so be prepared.
maustinreviewer's review
5.0
This was a great 5 star read. My emotions were all over the place. I was back and forth so much on what I was feeling, I felt like I was right there with the characters. They both have a lot to deal with and work out and it's so hard to know while reading just what is going to happen. I wanted nothing more but for them to be happy, will they get happiness? I need the next book now so I can see what is in store for these two. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I can’t wait to read more from her and this series. 1-click and get started today.
tpriest's review
4.0
The name fits this book. The two push and pull while fighting their romantic feelings for each other. They have lived like family after being dealt a rough hand as young children. This was fast-paced and pulled me in from the get-go; I look forward to book two. The author is going to give us so much more.
aschultz's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Afflicted Love is the first book in the Rhythm & Heart series and I am excited for book 2. This is an M/M romance about Kyle and Lyle. The two met as young boys who were struggling with life - both coming from abusive homes. Kyle had come to Lyle’s rescue one day and the two have been inseparable since. They called each other brothers and Kyle even took Lyle’s family’s name and became his protector. As they started to become teenagers feelings started to change, both loved each other as brothers but also as more. Kyle ends up getting kicked out, for reasons I won’t say, but promises to come back for Lyle because they both agree that they belong to each other, always, and will never leave each other’s side. However, being together is not something that can take place in their situational lives. Well, you know how it goes, life happens - one boy wants a life with the other, and the other can’t get out of their own demons. Throughout the book, you see the struggle the two have about loving each other but how they just are not good for each other. What happens though when you literally cannot live without each other? Can they find the courage to live the life they want and dream of? This book does end on a cliffhanger so I am urgently waiting for book 2.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I am excited for the second book but I am really curious about how things work out for these two. I want them to work out on one hand, but on the other, I want so much more for Kyle. At the beginning of the book, I thought I was going to end up hating Kyle and feeling bad for Lyle. Well, lets just say it is almost the opposite feeling. I am pissed at Lyle and want to smack him upside his head. Kyle, on the other hand, I completely adore and feel so much for his situation. He deserves so much for the turmoil he has endured his entire life. I am hopeful that he will get the life and future he deserves and desires. I also hope that Lyle gets his head out of his ass and realizes the life he could have and how happy he could be. There is a part of Lyle’s story that I don’t think we are getting yet so I am interested in finding out what that is. Everyone deserves to not have to lie about who they are - I hope he realizes that.
meingee's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Two young boys who had nothing but each other growing up. As they grow so do their feelings but one-night changes it all. Kyle and Lyle have no idea what to do about the emotions that they have been denying since they were young. Now that a tragedy brings them together again will they stop ignoring what they truly feel?
Their story is an interesting and painfilled story. Both men must learn to deal with their feelings and find a way to happiness. This is an emotional read and will pull on your heart at times. While I found the plot to be compelling, I found that I did not connect with the characters. I had a hard time liking Lyle, while I understand his actions, he is not very likeable in this book. As this is the first in the series, I hope that he becomes the man that we see glimpses of in this book.