Fiducia cieca

Blind Faith #1

by N.R. Walker, Pandora- (Translator)

Carter Reece, veterinario, inizia un nuovo lavoro in una nuova città e risponde alla chiamata a domicilio di un cliente molto speciale.

Arrogante, lunatico e assolutamente splendido, Isaac Brannigan è cieco da quando aveva otto anni. Dopo la morte di Rosie, suo cane guida e migliore amica, la sua collaborazione con il nuovo cane, Brady, non funziona.
Carter cercherà quindi di aiutare l’uomo e l’animale nella fase iniziale del loro rapporto. Ma la domanda è: chi sta conducendo chi?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Disability, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2013

About the author

Author also writes as A. Voyeur

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The beginning seemed promising and I thought I'd enjoy it, but in the end it fell flat for me.

I didn't find the relationship between Isaac and Carter genuine. It was either all sweetness and fluff, or they would punish each other with silent treatment whenever something didn't go the way they wanted. Isaac would jump to conclusions or stop communicating with Carter whenever Carter dared to mention his dog Brady. Carter did the same thing when he told Isaac he loved him, but Isaac didn't respond in the way Carter expected. It felt like they were going in circles.

Isaac is overall a very difficult and rude person. I get that he has issues, but it started to annoy me. I rarely think that MCs rushed into relationship, but it definitely felt that way here. The only thing that kept me reading was Brady. I wanted to see that dog get all the love he deserves. Which is another thing that annoyed me when it comes to Isaac.

I think that my main complaint here is the writing style. It's simplistic, generic and repetitive. Everything felt surface level. There was more telling than showing. I'm really glad this author's writing improved since this book.

I won't be continuing with the series. The third book is about Mark, and I really didn't like him here. I found him and his jokes inappropriate and icky.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

How things went so horribly wrong in a sweet, first love romance.

1. Carter's complete ignorance and condescending attitude about Isaac being visually impaired. Yeah, it's amazing he walks around his house, feeds himself, and even rides a bus to go hike. Why I bothered finishing, I'm not sure. I think part of it was because I couldn't believe it was so naively insulting.

Then Isaac poured three glasses of iced tea, and Mark watched him; how his long fingers felt the edge of the glass, how he moved the jug, how he felt the spout against the glass, how he poured three drinks, of equal measure, without spilling a drop. I couldn't help but smile a little proudly.

Why the F@#$ are you proud? So you don't have to explain to your best friend that, yeah my boyfriend's blind, but he's just as good as one who can see.

2. The bad puns surrounding blindness. Really? Are we eight years old.

3. The fact that Isaac's sister/caretaker thought it was appropriate to change out his clothes to something embarrassing as punishment, a means of venting frustration in their relationship--And this was meant to be funny? No. *shaking my head* If you don't understand what's wrong with that then this whole review probably makes zero sense.

4. Bisexuality being depicted as slutty.

5. Gay norm being slutty, and how Carter is an outlier.

6. Ding, dong, misunderstanding. . The whole swoop out mid-argument before someone finishes speaking... I can't.

All I can say is I hope karma reaps on you what you sow.



NTS: You need to give up on these sorts of books, they don't work for you.

[Exina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Story
Vet Carter Reece and gorgeous blind Isaac Brannigan meet apropos of Isaac’s guide dog Brady. They start dating, love develops slowly out of friendship, not much steam.

Conflict No.1
Isaac is arrogant and moody due to his tragic life and losses. It is kind of a defense-mechanism, plus he has really not much experience in relationships. He often acts infantile and throws tantrums.

“I’m quite obnoxious apparently, and have a tendency to be rude.”
It sounded as though he was quoting Hannah. So I added, “You forgot moody.”
“Oh, and moody.”
I shook my head and smiled at him. “And handsome.”

Conflict No.2
Isaac is not affectionate with his dog because he is scared he’d lose him too just like his previous dogs. It really wears Carter down.

Main and Secondary Characters
All likeable.

Writing Stlyle
Smooth.

Romance
Slow-built and lovely.

Erotica
Off-page, non-explicit, but what we have the privilege to witness is sweet enough.



All in all
Not my favorite Walker but it was engaging and enjoyable.

My favorite quotes.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read November, 2015: I love this book! I enjoyed re-reading it again after 2 years.

NR Walker has done it again! I have fallen in love with every book she has ever written, and this book was no exception.

I absolutely loved Blind Faith and found it to be one of the sweetest M/M romances I have ever read. Dr. Carter Reese, dedicated Veterinarian and all around great guy, was a dream MC hero for Isaac Brannigan, who was dealing with a series of trust issues for humans and canines alike. Dog lovers, like myself, will especially love this romance.

If you love old fashion "courting" in contemporary romance, honest everyday issues that real people struggle with, are a "dog person", M/M romance with passion instead of porn in the sex scenes (is it hot in here?) and want to be swept away by a sweet story for an afternoon with minimal angst and lots of character development, I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND Blind Faith.

On my favorites shelf!

[Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my interview with the author N.R. Walker over at http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...

3.5 stars

Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet...

And because of this:
1) I'm happy to overlook some of the flaws of the book
2) I'm certain more than 1/2 of you will roll your eyes at this book :)
3) I'll probably reread it at some point
4) I'll maintain my uber-sap status
5) I really, really enjoyed this...

Carter is a vet, new in town, good & kind & patient to the core. Isaac is a blind man, with a kick-ass guide dog, a sad/tragic past, a bit of a mean streak, but who just needs some lovin'. The pair of them...adorable. Oh...and some awesome dogs and a crude, but hysterical, best friend thrown in the mix...

There was some over-the-top cheesiness in a few parts, some ridiculousness in others (you want me to believe Isaac can overcome loss to love Carter so easily but not overcome loss to love Brady so easily? Ummmm...), but all-in-all, this book left me smiling, my heart feeling warm and full, and my book-appetite satisfied.

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blind Faith is book one in the Blind Faith series by N.R. Walker. I love this author and will pretty much read anything she writes. I grabbed the box set of this series and have been looking forward to it. I haven’t read many books with blindness involved and I love the cover. I enjoyed this first book but didn’t love it like other books by this author. I’ll explain more below.



Dr. Carter Reece is twenty seven years old and is a veterinarian. He has just moved to Boston to take the place of the retiring vet. He’s only been in town for about a week and is still getting settled in. The vet he is replacing loves his patients and still makes several house calls weekly. One is to a blind man and his guide dog.

Isaac Brannigan is twenty six years old. He’s been blind since he was eight years old from a car accident. Isaac is on his third guide dog. He dearly loved his previous dog but she finally died of old age and he has had trouble adjusting to life with his new dog.

There is a pretty immediate connection between Carter and Isaac. Carter doesn’t know anyone in town and they form a tentative friendship. Carter has a dog of his own so they spend time together with their dogs. But, it doesn’t take long for feelings to begin to develop. Isaac is hard to predict though. He can be friendly and sweet but has a hair trigger temper. Carter is falling for him but dealing with the mood changes is difficult.



So that’s why I had trouble relating to Isaac. I adored Carter. He was definitely a patient man. But I struggled with Isaac’s behavior which I thought was downright childish at times. Carter stuck with him though and I admired him for that. Carter was Isaac’s first real relationship and I needed to remind myself that he just had no experience in dealing with navigating his feelings. As well as his past which he was still dealing with.

I did enjoy the book and am going to go right on to the second half of their story in the next book, Through Those Eyes. I look forward to seeing what is next for these two.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!! This didn't just tug on my heart, it pulled really, really hard!

Wow...I never expected this book to have such an effect on me. How could it not? A bitter blind man, a beautiful guide dog and the most amazing, caring, understanding veterinarian...GAAAAAH! The best kind of fluff!!

Isaac lost his sight at the tender age of 8, in a devastating accident. Since then there have been more losses and heartbreak, but the one that has affected him the most, is the loss of his guide dog Rosie. She was a part of him, and losing her was like losing a piece of himself. His new dog Brady is every bit the brilliant dog that Rosie was, but for Isaac nothing will ever compare to the black lab that stole his heart.

Enter Carter, the new vet in town, he’s been passed the torch to make the house calls to check on Brady’s health. Isaac insists there is something wrong with his dog, but Carter knows there is nothing wrong with Brady and that Isaac holds the key to making the partnership work. With each visit the bond between Carter and Isaac becomes stronger; a friendship ensues that leads to more. Isaac can be stubborn and hurtful, but Carter is no wilting flower and gives it right back and lays it out to Isaac, in no uncertain terms. It was in these moments that the author’s writing was exceptionally good, she draws the reader in and you feel the scene, you don’t just read it.

I enjoyed seeing them grow into friends and ultimately into lovers. It was a slow burn and build up, which was appropriate, considering that this was Isaac’s first foray into intimacy. Carter, ever the patient man, shows Isaac how it can be between two men and it was lovely.

Two other note-worthy characters, Hannah, Isaac’s sister…she was wonderful. Always wanting the best for her brother, but not one to put up with his tantrums, I just loved her. The other one was Mark, Carter’s best friend. He was the perfect balance of comic relief when the issues at hand weighed in that moment. A crazy, fun, true blue friend, not only to Carter, but to Isaac too. I would love to read more about him.

The ending was satisfying enough, but to my delight, I see that Isaac and Carter’s story will continue in a second book, Through These Eyes. Now I’m getting anxious, because another book can only mean that some sort of turmoil will come into their lives.

Thank you Susan for 'guiding me' to this book. I agree, it was sappy and heavy on the cheese at times, but none the less, I loved it and I had the happy glow when I turned the last page.

Dogs…the best kind of best friend. They give so much and ask nothing in return.

[Simsala · Rating 3 out of 5]

A vet, a blind man, a guard dog = fluff guaranteed.
After a rocky start - the term "older man" used in first person POV was very irritating - but the "old man" said goodbye after a few pages and from then on it was smoothly written cotton candy. I thought all I need to survive are rose-colored glasses, a feather boa and several helpings of Hungarian goulash soup with extra red pepper - as antidote.
But what finally threw me off the candy train were the main characters.
Carter was the epitome of a wounded Bambi and Isaac a petulant, spoiled brat. Busy with giving each other a hard time with lots of misunderstandings and accusations followed by pouting, silent treatment, tears, "tell me if you still want to be with me`s" and making ups (as icing on the cake, "Oh, my poor baby!" *groan*). After the third round I was fed up with these two dramaqueens.
The only mature acting character in this book was the adorable guard dog Brady.
The three stars are for him...

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75 stars**

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Oh, Carter, you are too good to be true!

Isaac is such a brat, but I get his insecurities.

These MCs feel so real to me. I like the secondary characters as well.

[Jln · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

So torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one! Why didn't we get half stars when they made these other changes? I'll never stop complaining about that. Carter and Isaac were perfect together! N.R. Walker always manages to pull me in right away with her vivid characters, which is what I love the most about her stories.

My only complaint is that I still find it distracting that she writes American characters who will suddenly sound British. An American guy would never say the word "shag" for example. just saying!

Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it though, especially to fans of her other series.

[BevS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okaay, so this is the second review I've done today for this book as my other one seems to have disappeared!! I think you need to get your website sorted out GR!!

Another Nic Walker winner

I won't go into the story here because others will do a much better job of reviewing it than me.

Carter & Isaac were a really cute couple, and this book was even more enjoyable because I know that another one is coming out in 8 weeks time (according to the author), BUT my favourite couple is still Lucas and Cameron from 65 Hours! Hot or what!!

[Julio Genao]

hahaha, no.











and this is why.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this story is great because it's portraying the life of a blind MC and I feel it did a great job being accurate as far as I am able to judge this.

As a romance it fell pretty much flat.
Isaac's mood swings and the main story obstacle of him not petting his dog (!!) did not make for a super entertaining story.

I hope he'll treat Carter better in the future. It's no fun to have a partner who shuts you out whenever there is some argument.

3 stars

[Heller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story but not my favorite from Walker. I enjoyed the slow progression of the romance but found myself, like Carter, a bit frustrated with Isaac's mood swings.

Carter is a veterinarian new to the area and Isaac's guide dog, Brady, is a part of his home visit circuit. There was some cute chemistry and I did like how Carter called Isaac on his moods. There were a few moments that were skipped over that I wish we had seen:

First blow job! ;) I was disappointed that we only got a quick one line that it had happened a week previously. There was such a build up to more and more sexual interaction that not reading it was a bit of let down.

The night that Brady and Issac spent outside.

I think that I really would have like a part of the story from Issac's POV, it would have helped me warm to him more. While I did really understand his reasoning behind his moods and his feelings towards Brady I think I would have enjoyed the story more and it would have had a stronger impact on me to read where Issac was in his head.

A good read if you're looking for a sweet slow burn romance.

[Camy · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. I was bored.

2. This was extremely vanilla.

3. The writing and dialogue in particular was stiff.

4. Walker shies away from sex. She just tells the reader that BJs etc occurred.

5. Emotionally momentous occasions are off page and are summed up tidily.

6. This story felt insubstantial and shallow.

7. The writing style struck me as being very pedestrian here.

8. I'm happy this was a Lendle loan.

9. I'm over N. R. Walker's work.

10. I don't understand how this could have a sequel.

[*TANYA* · Rating 4 out of 5]

immediately I sucked in to this story. Isaac being all broody, and distant, understandably so. But did anyone else want karate kick Isaac? Anyone? He was such a jerk at times!! But I so loved this story. Quick, entertaining read. (I’m determined to read all of NR Walkers books, lol)

[Papie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute, sweet, heartwarming. I loved Isaac, his moodiness, how difficult he was to love, how he kept pushing Carter away. My heart went out to him and everything he had lost.

I have no idea how well it represents blindness, but it felt real. I imagined how terrified he just have been as a little boy after the accident. I wanted to just keep hugging him.

I loved their relationship, with all the laughs and all the childish fights. I’m excited to read more.

[Dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A sweet little m/m romance between vet Carter and blind teacher Isaac plus cute guide dog Brady. The sex scenes are lacking the usual descriptive mechanism.

'"What do you look like?"
I frowned. I'd been told once or twice I looked a little like Colin Farrell, but there was no point in admitting that, Isaac would have never seen him either.
"Um, I don't know. Just average, I guess."'

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Just the fluffy comfort read I needed after a string of intense reads. I knew N.R. Walker was just the author I needed to get me back into a happy headspace!

This story was sweet and charming, with just enough relationship angst to keep me entertained.

Plus, doggies!!

[☆ Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Laughed loads. Wanted to smack the shit out of Isaac on numerous occasions, too. Totally compelling characters worth rooting for.

Highly recommended.

Mark getting his own story would probably turn out to be a good read, too.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say... I became a fan of NR Walker.

I loved everything about this beautiful and very sweet romance. This love story has intensity, laughs, a splash of angst and a load of hot loving...



and adorable Brady...



Sweet light M/M romance.

Onto Through These Eyes

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Isaac - blind with a bit of a defensive chip on his shoulder, he's been through several major losses in his life. Of course he's afraid of getting attached.

Carter - the new vet in town is instantly intrigued. He's not about to be bullied by Isaac and stands his ground - thus reaping amazing results.

This was simply a great story of two people falling in love, intermixed with some steamy moments and funny/silly banter. There was just enough angst in and amongst all the good feels.

I'm definitely beginning to associate N.R. Walker with total comfort fluff. I pretty much had a smile on my face the whole time I read this.

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5* rounded up.

I really enjoyed this.. was it my favourite of hers... not quite hence the slight drop in rating but its still a keeper.
Isaac and Carter were a lovely couple and Brady was just gorgeous! Who doesn't love a lab - regardless of whether he's a guide dog or not. They always have that warm, fuzzy factor.

Isaac made me want to slap him every now and then.. Stubborn man, but luckily Carter had the right way of dealing with him and I loved how he wouldn't take any crap from him or pander to him just because of his disability! Great secondary characters too. Mark was a good laugh and Hannah was a sweetie as well as a saint! I would read anything by Ms Walker she ticks all my boxes so although its a 4.5* for the story I'm rounding it up because she's a 5* writer.:)

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️’s Carter the new veterinarian in town I loved 🥰, Isaac prickly personality blind hot guy. 😂 This was a reread for me so you can tell I did like the series a lot especially to reread it.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how snarky Isaac was 😂 Carter has the patience of a saint, but I liked how he called out all of Isaac's bad behaviour.

Brady and Missy stole the show though 🐶🐶

Looking forward to seeing how the relationship progresses, hopefully Isaac has matured a bit...

*
*
*
HRCYED2: Disability Representation / Challenge Yourself

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

BR, October 31st with Julie

Carter is the new vet in town and during his rounds he meets the blind Isaac.

Isaac has been blind since he was eight, lives alone with his guide dog Brady.
There seems to be no connection between the man and the dog...

Carter falls in love with this independant Isaac. This moody, infuriating man....

They were sweet together though!



For me the real stars of the book were the dogs; Brady and Carter's dog Missy...



Other reviews of the series:

- review Through Thes Eyes (Book 2)

- review Blindside (Book 3)

- review Twelfth of Never (Book 3,5)

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread Mar. 4, 2024

When things go wrong... love saves the day !

New in town, Carter, 27, is a Veterinarian who is taking over the retiring doctor’s clinic. He goes on house calls with the elderly man and meets Isaac and his service dog, Brady. Isaac, 26, has been blind since he was eight, and now teaches at the School for the Blind.
Isaac is a moody guy, so there are ups and downs here, but Carter is a patient man. It’s a slow burn, and Isaac is a virgin, but later they have some hot, sexy times.
Isaac has some issues that need work, and Carter helps in every way he can.
I like Isaac’s sweet and smart sister, Hannah, and Mark, Carter’s best friend, who is sassy and snarky.
Carter and Isaac’s love saves them in the end.
Enjoy!

=======

[Eli Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect! I enjoy good stories with a disabled MC, simply because I love a good underdog character who triumphs in the end. In this case, one MC is blind and has never had a relationship, or sex beyond a few kisses, with anyone. I found the development of how he learned to accept and embrace the attraction that his gay vet had for him to be really well done.

Overall, this is a textbook good m/m romance. The writing was good to excellent. The relationship developed over time with a lot of scenes that showed how the characters got along and built up a plausible relationship--no insta-love. The side characters were fun (especially the horndog Mark--I wonder if we'll see him star in his own romance). I'm a sucker for dogs and I adored the sub-plot with Brandy the guide dog. Neither MC was a push-over and the can-be-an-ass Isaac didn't just change his stripes overnight, as happens in so many books. The sex was there but not too explicit.

For me this goes up to the top of my favorites piles along with Shattered Glass and Hot Head, Tere Michaels and Amy Lane. I'll be looking for more from this author.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love N.R. Walker and I love her characters. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I'm a sucker for guys that love animals. So obviously, I loved Carter from the get go. Isaac...not so much..but he's growing on me.

I loved the dialogue between Carter and Isaac. I liked that they didn't immediately hop into bed and that they took things slowly. I liked that Carter called Isaac on his bullshit.

I thought Mark was awesome and he was quite humorous. He had some great one-liners and I can totally see why Carter loves him as a dear friend.

And most of all, I love Brady! Such a good boy! I can't wait for the second book. But guess what, I don't need to wait as I'm going to start it right now :)