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A Stranger's Touch
Male prostitute, Red, is given an assignment by his pimp and lover, Robbie, with a very unusual client. Red meets the stranger in a darkened house in London and, during their sessions, he learns more than he ever knew about lust, love and his own personal history.
How will his curious and life-enhancing encounters with the stranger affect his relationship with Robbie and his clients, and can love ever be part of a hooker's life at all?
Gay / Contemporary
How will his curious and life-enhancing encounters with the stranger affect his relationship with Robbie and his clients, and can love ever be part of a hooker's life at all?
Gay / Contemporary
Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2010
9 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Anne Brooke
132 books227 followersAnne is a super-keen book lover, and a multi-genre author & poet. She also loves gardens, swimming & the theatre.
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 8, 2016
Posted at Hearts on Fire Reviews
Red is a whore who enjoys his work. His pimp, Robbie, arranged for him to meet a client in a dark and empty house. Red is apprehensive, but he trusts Robbie and is accustomed to doing what he’s told to do.
In three encounters, always under a shroud of darkness, this most unusual client uses the healing power of his hands and his words to help Red confront his sex addiction, his troubled history, and his need for love and self-acceptance.
Red’s gradual changes affect how he interacts with his clients, his relationship with Robbie, and most of all, how he sees himself.
A Stranger’s Touch was a deeply affecting, elegantly written, ethereal wisp of a story. It haunted me, left me vaguely unsettled, yet made me feel hopeful for Red's future.
Red is a whore who enjoys his work. His pimp, Robbie, arranged for him to meet a client in a dark and empty house. Red is apprehensive, but he trusts Robbie and is accustomed to doing what he’s told to do.
In three encounters, always under a shroud of darkness, this most unusual client uses the healing power of his hands and his words to help Red confront his sex addiction, his troubled history, and his need for love and self-acceptance.
Red’s gradual changes affect how he interacts with his clients, his relationship with Robbie, and most of all, how he sees himself.
A Stranger’s Touch was a deeply affecting, elegantly written, ethereal wisp of a story. It haunted me, left me vaguely unsettled, yet made me feel hopeful for Red's future.
July 27, 2023
I thought this was going to be some niche kink or something… not mysteriously stranger who mysteriously massages Red’s head to fix him, causing him pleasure, pain and joy over the three sessions. I guess something about Red was broken? And mystery massage fixed it, so it’s paranormal?
Nothing is explained, even though Red figures it out, and just decides not to let the readers in on that. And Red ends up happily ever after with his pimp bf that smacks him around.
Nothing is explained, even though Red figures it out, and just decides not to let the readers in on that. And Red ends up happily ever after with his pimp bf that smacks him around.
April 1, 2015
Moody, almost lyrical, writing. This short left some of its mysteries unanswered, and I feel that was on purpose. Overall, I'd call this thought provoking. For me, it felt full of hope and promise. Learning to have unapologetic acceptance of ourself as we are, so we can share what we have to offer as a unique individual with others.
October 21, 2017
This was a short quick odd read. Red is a male hooker when his pimp set him up with a new client. I would have liked a little more background on Red and Robbie the pimp. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 12, 2013
Wasn't this an interesting story. I think pretty much every reader will take something different away from it. I'm just expressing my feelings on the book.
This is what I felt - that there was a loving, non-judgemental entity here, in this little ebook - I don't know any other way to describe my gut-feel interpretation - that gave Red, the MC, permission, the freedom to like who he is. That he could embrace his past, he could embrace the present, and he could embrace what he did and who he was from here on in. God, what a gift. How incredibly liberating for a human being.
Anne Brooke has written something rather unique. A Stranger's Touch is thought provoking, spiritual, and subtlely sexy - quite the combo.
Review also at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
This is what I felt - that there was a loving, non-judgemental entity here, in this little ebook - I don't know any other way to describe my gut-feel interpretation - that gave Red, the MC, permission, the freedom to like who he is. That he could embrace his past, he could embrace the present, and he could embrace what he did and who he was from here on in. God, what a gift. How incredibly liberating for a human being.
Anne Brooke has written something rather unique. A Stranger's Touch is thought provoking, spiritual, and subtlely sexy - quite the combo.
Review also at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
March 6, 2010
This is a weird and sort of eeries short story. Like something out of the body experience. Nicely written though
October 13, 2016
What a weird short story!!! I don't even know how I should rate or review it.
It was lyrical and poetic, it read like some Magic Realism work, but so raw and unvarnished at the same time...
I don't even know if it counts as an HEA or not...
It was lyrical and poetic, it read like some Magic Realism work, but so raw and unvarnished at the same time...
I don't even know if it counts as an HEA or not...
January 29, 2010
This a good read if you are looking for a peculiar (and I mean that in a good way) short story about a man learning to be at peace with who he is and what he wants out of life. The story has a dream-like quality to it that I found original. It is sweet, erotic but also a little unsettling. At 30 pages, it is worth a quick peek.
August 5, 2016
3.5 Stars
Damn, where are those half stars when you need them! I rounded up to 4 stars because the writing merited it but the story itself left me going... HMMMMMM! I think a re-read is warranted once I've let the story percolate then settle in my brain for a bit.
Damn, where are those half stars when you need them! I rounded up to 4 stars because the writing merited it but the story itself left me going... HMMMMMM! I think a re-read is warranted once I've let the story percolate then settle in my brain for a bit.
January 21, 2010
that is another beautiful and very poetic story. Can`t wait for the next stories ! (And the cover is great as well !)
October 10, 2016
MM mystery.
February 4, 2017
3.5 stars
November 11, 2022
enchanting
August 25, 2025
I don't get why it was written.
Red isn't broken. He loves his work. Why a weird assed stranger makes him feel is unclear? His pimp/bf loves him. Where is the drama?
Actually changed it from a 2☆ to a 1☆. The book is pointless.
Red isn't broken. He loves his work. Why a weird assed stranger makes him feel is unclear? His pimp/bf loves him. Where is the drama?
Actually changed it from a 2☆ to a 1☆. The book is pointless.
October 26, 2018
This was odd but interesting.
October 26, 2025
it was well written, the story was okay, just not for me somehow 🤷🏻
January 28, 2010
I found this short story to be very interesting and purposefully obtuse. Due to this, my interpretation of the story may not be the one the author had in mind or even intended. Other reviewers may read the story and come up with a completely different idea of what happened and what it meant as well. So that makes this review, perhaps even more so than others, pure speculation and opinion on what I read. I’d urge readers to simply pick this up and see what they think of it.
The premise is very simple – a hooker is sent to a house to meet a client. However instead of sex, the client decides to help the hooker. Here Red is introduced as a young male prostitute that loves his job. Given the short length of the story, none of the characters are very well developed, but Red is the central and only important figure. He’s a sex addict that is happy in his job. He craves sex and pleasing customers so working as a hooker makes Red happy. Red also knows that he can’t control his addiction and thus works for his pimp, Robbie, who keeps Red safe. Red and Robbie’s relationship is one of pimp and hooker and Red is mostly satisfied with that. He loves Robbie and accepts his will over everything. Their relationship is shown in several scenes where small details hint at a deeper connection while the main framework of their relationship stays the same throughout.
The client Red is sent to see is a mysterious figure that helps Red. This help is somewhat supernatural but the intent and actual letting go is intentionally vague and confusing. However it happens, the client allows Red to let go of the issues holding him back. Red doesn’t want out of his life- he loves his job and his pimp. Instead the client allows Red to let go of his sexual addiction and his painful past, to fully embrace the happiness of his life. Perhaps this is not a happy life most would want but Red does and the client –through touch- takes away the barriers to that happiness.
There are a few problems of course as the final scene between Red and the client seems to veer off course. The client is like a therapist, helping Red over his problems so the sex scene seems out of place and inconsistent. This felt like it was added just to placate the erotic nature of the publisher. This is pure speculation on my part and honestly wouldn’t know but that’s how the scene felt to me. Furthermore the story indulges in Red’s feelings for the client a little too long since the client isn’t the essential figure. He’s there to help Red let go and embrace love and know that he’s truly loved but Red’s reciprocal love is not needed. Red loves and wants his pimp so loving the client is immaterial in my opinion.
However these are just my impressions and the writing is truly lovely. There is a quality to the word choice and prose that draws you in even as the story is confusing and frustratingly vague. There are a number of things to like about the story from the writing and unique approach, if overdone, to Red’s undeniable charm. I don’t doubt that others may read something entirely different into the characters and their meaning, the actions of the story. Either way, check it out and see for yourself.
The premise is very simple – a hooker is sent to a house to meet a client. However instead of sex, the client decides to help the hooker. Here Red is introduced as a young male prostitute that loves his job. Given the short length of the story, none of the characters are very well developed, but Red is the central and only important figure. He’s a sex addict that is happy in his job. He craves sex and pleasing customers so working as a hooker makes Red happy. Red also knows that he can’t control his addiction and thus works for his pimp, Robbie, who keeps Red safe. Red and Robbie’s relationship is one of pimp and hooker and Red is mostly satisfied with that. He loves Robbie and accepts his will over everything. Their relationship is shown in several scenes where small details hint at a deeper connection while the main framework of their relationship stays the same throughout.
The client Red is sent to see is a mysterious figure that helps Red. This help is somewhat supernatural but the intent and actual letting go is intentionally vague and confusing. However it happens, the client allows Red to let go of the issues holding him back. Red doesn’t want out of his life- he loves his job and his pimp. Instead the client allows Red to let go of his sexual addiction and his painful past, to fully embrace the happiness of his life. Perhaps this is not a happy life most would want but Red does and the client –through touch- takes away the barriers to that happiness.
There are a few problems of course as the final scene between Red and the client seems to veer off course. The client is like a therapist, helping Red over his problems so the sex scene seems out of place and inconsistent. This felt like it was added just to placate the erotic nature of the publisher. This is pure speculation on my part and honestly wouldn’t know but that’s how the scene felt to me. Furthermore the story indulges in Red’s feelings for the client a little too long since the client isn’t the essential figure. He’s there to help Red let go and embrace love and know that he’s truly loved but Red’s reciprocal love is not needed. Red loves and wants his pimp so loving the client is immaterial in my opinion.
However these are just my impressions and the writing is truly lovely. There is a quality to the word choice and prose that draws you in even as the story is confusing and frustratingly vague. There are a number of things to like about the story from the writing and unique approach, if overdone, to Red’s undeniable charm. I don’t doubt that others may read something entirely different into the characters and their meaning, the actions of the story. Either way, check it out and see for yourself.
August 19, 2011
http://threedollarbillreviews.com/201...
This is a short story with wonderful writing that you most definitely have to look below the surface to understand. I have my own personal understanding of the story, but whether that's what other people will see or what the author meant for readers to see, I can't say for sure. I have to admit that I had to read this story more than once. After my first reading I was slightly confused and unsure about what I'd just read, but luckily I liked the story enough to read through it again to try to uncover the real meaning.
Red is a prostitute who is controlled by his insatiable lust. He's also in a relationship of sorts with his pimp Robbie. This pairing is the perfect setup for Red, whose need for sex overwhelms him. He is relieved to be able to hand over control of his sexuality to someone he trusts. The story focuses on Red's meetings with a new client, a stranger who is never named or described. Over the course of three Saturdays, the stranger makes a profound impact on Red through simple touch.
A Stranger's Touch is a very different short story, which takes readers in a very unexpected direction. The writing flows quite well and pulls the reader in, and despite how much is left unanswered, it's difficult to put the story down. With such a short story, in depth characterization isn't easy, but the one we learn the most about is of course Red. It's easy to accept Red as a sex-obsessed man who doesn't sugarcoat his job or his life. There are hints that Robbie truly cares for Red, and it's left to the reader's imagination as to what happens between these two after the events of the story. The stranger is truly an enigma from start to finish, which I'm sure is quite intentional.
This story has a very different approach than many stories that feature a prostitute. Red likes his job, craves the sex he has with clients, and has no intention of stopping or being "reformed." The stranger is not there to convince Red to change his ways, but to release him from the control of the forces of his lust and history so that he can be truly happy with his life and experience pure pleasure. While all of that worked for me, what didn't ring true was the sexual encounter that takes place between Red and the stranger near the end. It's definitely an erotic scene, but it seemed to detract from the real reason behind the stranger's meetings with Red. So much is imparted through the stranger's touch alone, it would have felt more powerful to me if the two parted without any sexual contact whatsoever.
There is a hint of the paranormal to the story with the character of the stranger and how he has singled out Red. As it's not the real focus of the story, this element is not developed and really is just a small thread of the story. There is no explanation given for the character and his motives, which some readers might find frustrating, but these details would have simply detracted from the story of Red and the path he is on.
This is most definitely a story that will leave you wondering, with a different and intriguing premise encapsulated in a short, well-written tale. After reading this, I will definitely be looking for other stories by Brooke.
This is a short story with wonderful writing that you most definitely have to look below the surface to understand. I have my own personal understanding of the story, but whether that's what other people will see or what the author meant for readers to see, I can't say for sure. I have to admit that I had to read this story more than once. After my first reading I was slightly confused and unsure about what I'd just read, but luckily I liked the story enough to read through it again to try to uncover the real meaning.
Red is a prostitute who is controlled by his insatiable lust. He's also in a relationship of sorts with his pimp Robbie. This pairing is the perfect setup for Red, whose need for sex overwhelms him. He is relieved to be able to hand over control of his sexuality to someone he trusts. The story focuses on Red's meetings with a new client, a stranger who is never named or described. Over the course of three Saturdays, the stranger makes a profound impact on Red through simple touch.
A Stranger's Touch is a very different short story, which takes readers in a very unexpected direction. The writing flows quite well and pulls the reader in, and despite how much is left unanswered, it's difficult to put the story down. With such a short story, in depth characterization isn't easy, but the one we learn the most about is of course Red. It's easy to accept Red as a sex-obsessed man who doesn't sugarcoat his job or his life. There are hints that Robbie truly cares for Red, and it's left to the reader's imagination as to what happens between these two after the events of the story. The stranger is truly an enigma from start to finish, which I'm sure is quite intentional.
This story has a very different approach than many stories that feature a prostitute. Red likes his job, craves the sex he has with clients, and has no intention of stopping or being "reformed." The stranger is not there to convince Red to change his ways, but to release him from the control of the forces of his lust and history so that he can be truly happy with his life and experience pure pleasure. While all of that worked for me, what didn't ring true was the sexual encounter that takes place between Red and the stranger near the end. It's definitely an erotic scene, but it seemed to detract from the real reason behind the stranger's meetings with Red. So much is imparted through the stranger's touch alone, it would have felt more powerful to me if the two parted without any sexual contact whatsoever.
There is a hint of the paranormal to the story with the character of the stranger and how he has singled out Red. As it's not the real focus of the story, this element is not developed and really is just a small thread of the story. There is no explanation given for the character and his motives, which some readers might find frustrating, but these details would have simply detracted from the story of Red and the path he is on.
This is most definitely a story that will leave you wondering, with a different and intriguing premise encapsulated in a short, well-written tale. After reading this, I will definitely be looking for other stories by Brooke.
August 8, 2011
Red è un prostituto con una serie di problemi che si porta dietro incapace di lasciarsi andare davvero. Il suo lavoro è tutta una questione di soddisfare i suoi bisogni, godere del sesso in fretta e senza crederci davvero. E' per questo che lo Stranger, lo sconosciuto, decide di dargli una mano. Solo con il suo tocco sulla testa. Una serie di carezze nei punti giusti che lo porteranno a confrontarsi con le sue mancanze e con il suo passato, uscendone purificato.
La storia sembra leggera in realtà è assolutamente piena di speranza e di profonde riflessioni che portano davvero a pensare a quello che siamo e a quello che facciamo. A volte ci lasciamo sopraffare, non si riflette a fondo e ci si lascia trasportare dal momento.
Ho apprezzato molto questo libro non solo perchè lo stile della Brooke per me è diventato una garanzia e sto letteralmente divorando tutti ciò che ha scritto fino ad ora, ma anche perché questo è un racconto che alla carica erotica, al sesso, accompagna una certa spirituale e il sesso diventa una sorta di guida.
Da leggere e rileggere.
La storia sembra leggera in realtà è assolutamente piena di speranza e di profonde riflessioni che portano davvero a pensare a quello che siamo e a quello che facciamo. A volte ci lasciamo sopraffare, non si riflette a fondo e ci si lascia trasportare dal momento.
Ho apprezzato molto questo libro non solo perchè lo stile della Brooke per me è diventato una garanzia e sto letteralmente divorando tutti ciò che ha scritto fino ad ora, ma anche perché questo è un racconto che alla carica erotica, al sesso, accompagna una certa spirituale e il sesso diventa una sorta di guida.
Da leggere e rileggere.
July 12, 2012
A Stranger’s Touch
By Anne Brooke
In this short story, Anne Brooke promise heat, and heat is what you get, along with some very interesting self discovery.
Red is a male prostitute, he likes sex and is not ashamed to admit it. He loves his pimp who might be a little rough with him, but nothing he doesn’t like and he has never lied to him about any of the jobs he has sent him out on; can’t say that about too many of the pimps out here.
For three weeks Red is sent to a stranger, he doesn’t know any names, but what he learns about himself change how he feels about himself and how he does his job. Does he stop being a male prostitute? He loves sex too much; does it change how he treats himself and his clients? Yes, that is does.
I loved the way this book flowed from one scene to another the rhythm was wonderful and captivating. Thank you for sharing your story, Ms. Brooke, it was delightful as always. I give this story a rating of five stars.
By Anne Brooke
In this short story, Anne Brooke promise heat, and heat is what you get, along with some very interesting self discovery.
Red is a male prostitute, he likes sex and is not ashamed to admit it. He loves his pimp who might be a little rough with him, but nothing he doesn’t like and he has never lied to him about any of the jobs he has sent him out on; can’t say that about too many of the pimps out here.
For three weeks Red is sent to a stranger, he doesn’t know any names, but what he learns about himself change how he feels about himself and how he does his job. Does he stop being a male prostitute? He loves sex too much; does it change how he treats himself and his clients? Yes, that is does.
I loved the way this book flowed from one scene to another the rhythm was wonderful and captivating. Thank you for sharing your story, Ms. Brooke, it was delightful as always. I give this story a rating of five stars.
March 26, 2010
It's just beautiful! The language filled with lovely epithets and bright comparisons can't leave you emotionless. And it was so vivid! I felt like it was a movie before my eyes.
As a rule, I don't like short stories, because they leave me with a feeling of incompleteness, but "A stranger's tough" is something quite different. I liked it for its shortness (besides all other things), because this was just the way it was supposed to be. I mean it was just the beginning of a new life and the beginning, as a concept, can't be too continuous, because when it's too prolonged, it stops being a starting point.
As a rule, I don't like short stories, because they leave me with a feeling of incompleteness, but "A stranger's tough" is something quite different. I liked it for its shortness (besides all other things), because this was just the way it was supposed to be. I mean it was just the beginning of a new life and the beginning, as a concept, can't be too continuous, because when it's too prolonged, it stops being a starting point.
February 9, 2010
I enjoyed this one. I don't know that I'd call it a romance, but it certainly has enough romantic elements to keep it from being straight-line erotica. The main character, Red, takes something of a hero's journey as he embraces who he is and makes peace with himself. Quite amazing considering the novella's less than thirty pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2010
Awright, I'll say this story left me confused. Maybe it's just me but I was left feeling this way. I didn't get it or maybe I needed to be in a certain frame of mind? It wasn't what I expected and it threw me for a loop. Well written, but this story didn't quite catch my drift.
April 7, 2010
This was a really weird book. I can't tell if I like it or hate it. It was a very, very short book. The main character came away being a better person than when he started. It just was not long enough. You did not have enough time to get into each character. Too much was left undone.
April 29, 2017
The writing, the language, and the imagery were all just lovely. The plot itself was intriguing, if a little contrived, almost like the only point of the spiritual story was an excuse to get to use the lovely prose. As good an excuse as any, I suppose.
June 27, 2010
I have to confess that this m/m tale about a prostitute and a mysterious stranger who delves into his psyche mostly just confused me.
November 21, 2010
deliberately obscure ... just didn't work for me
July 28, 2011
I really didn't understand this short novella. The plot was weird. I couldn't grasp the meaning from this story, not fully, anyway. But for sure it was different kind of weirdness.
September 23, 2011
1.5 stars
That was creepy.
Definitively not for me.
Had the impression that the writer wanted to teach me something but I failed completely.
That was creepy.
Definitively not for me.
Had the impression that the writer wanted to teach me something but I failed completely.
Want to read
December 20, 2011$2.40 on Amazon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews