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The Indignities #1
Time to Upsize
Upsize Instantly to this Witty, Sexy and Bestselling Australian Series of E-books!The Indignities Book #1 is Available as a Special Introductory Offer!Turning thirty years old can be traumatic for young gay men who yearn to be boyish forever - but what can you do? It’s unavoidable. Or is it? Clever, conniving Stephen Spear thinks he can outsmart this particular milestone. After all, he’s managed to convince his sweet, passive boyfriend Blake that he’s been faithful to him for the past three years. Smoothing over and explaining away inconvenient realities is an absolute cinch for Stephen!
But when temptation moves right next-door in the form of Rick, a Sydney hunk with a legendary endowment, Stephen disregards any sense of caution. He’s too entranced and far too self-absorbed to realise that the seduction might not actually unfold in accordance with his master plan.
Stephen Spear, the anti-hero of the bestselling Australian novel 'Vanity Fierce', rides again in this outrageous sequel. Set ten years after 'Vanity Fierce', this new series of books can also be read as a self-contained storyline.
˃˃˃ Praise for 'The Indignities' from influential Australian mainstream ’s wit is wicked in every sense of that word, while his ability to address confronting issues in a deceptively sunny manner is admirable. (Australian Book Review)
The gay world has turned since 'Vanity Fierce', with the internet making its mark on social and sexual behaviour. Aitken has a keen sense of that, opening a window onto the lively confusions of gay culture. (The Age, Melbourne)
˃˃˃ A must read. (Sydney Star Observer)The newspaper of record for Sydney's gay and lesbian community urges readers to read 'The Indignities'.
'Aitken may have written the prequel to this book more than a decade ago, but don’t let that fool you into thinking 'The Indignities' is a second-rate follow. Far from it. Aitken has has not only given character Stephen Spear a whole new audience, but also provided him with the depth of character readers of 'Vanity Fierce' feared he may never find. A must read.' Sydney Star Observer
Upsize today! This funny, sexy and very entertaining book is free!
But when temptation moves right next-door in the form of Rick, a Sydney hunk with a legendary endowment, Stephen disregards any sense of caution. He’s too entranced and far too self-absorbed to realise that the seduction might not actually unfold in accordance with his master plan.
Stephen Spear, the anti-hero of the bestselling Australian novel 'Vanity Fierce', rides again in this outrageous sequel. Set ten years after 'Vanity Fierce', this new series of books can also be read as a self-contained storyline.
˃˃˃ Praise for 'The Indignities' from influential Australian mainstream ’s wit is wicked in every sense of that word, while his ability to address confronting issues in a deceptively sunny manner is admirable. (Australian Book Review)
The gay world has turned since 'Vanity Fierce', with the internet making its mark on social and sexual behaviour. Aitken has a keen sense of that, opening a window onto the lively confusions of gay culture. (The Age, Melbourne)
˃˃˃ A must read. (Sydney Star Observer)The newspaper of record for Sydney's gay and lesbian community urges readers to read 'The Indignities'.
'Aitken may have written the prequel to this book more than a decade ago, but don’t let that fool you into thinking 'The Indignities' is a second-rate follow. Far from it. Aitken has has not only given character Stephen Spear a whole new audience, but also provided him with the depth of character readers of 'Vanity Fierce' feared he may never find. A must read.' Sydney Star Observer
Upsize today! This funny, sexy and very entertaining book is free!
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2012
168 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 9, 2014
I picked this up for free from ARe, and that's about all the good I can say about this book.
If this was supposed to be satire (as the blurb might lead you to believe), it failed. Stephen is in a relationship with Blake, who might be a bit bland compared to his usual fare, but is a nice, reliable, caring guy. Stephen, however, is not only a conceited, vain asshole, too busy thinking about his less than average dick, but also a cheater and liar, and basically takes Blake for granted. He's an out of work actor, whose only claim to fame was a short sting in an Australian TV series playing the boytoy du jour for one of the more famous characters. He has done nothing much since other than sit on his ass, go on long holidays with Blake, that are all about Stephen, and fuck his way through the bath houses and gyms in Sydney where they live. It's all about Stephen. It's all about Stephen's charisma, and Stephen's needs and Stephen's wants, and Stephen's desires, and he cares nothing about anyone else. He schemes and he plots and he does all kinds of terrible things to get what he wants. His derision of Blake made me angry, and Stephen deserved every bit of what he happened to him. He's a psycho, and I wouldn't wish this guy on my worst enemies.
The writing may be good, but the character from whose eyes we see this tale unfold is so unlikable and so fucking awful that I nearly DNF'd the book. This was a waste of time, and I cannot in good conscience recommend this to anyone.
If this was supposed to be satire (as the blurb might lead you to believe), it failed. Stephen is in a relationship with Blake, who might be a bit bland compared to his usual fare, but is a nice, reliable, caring guy. Stephen, however, is not only a conceited, vain asshole, too busy thinking about his less than average dick, but also a cheater and liar, and basically takes Blake for granted. He's an out of work actor, whose only claim to fame was a short sting in an Australian TV series playing the boytoy du jour for one of the more famous characters. He has done nothing much since other than sit on his ass, go on long holidays with Blake, that are all about Stephen, and fuck his way through the bath houses and gyms in Sydney where they live. It's all about Stephen. It's all about Stephen's charisma, and Stephen's needs and Stephen's wants, and Stephen's desires, and he cares nothing about anyone else. He schemes and he plots and he does all kinds of terrible things to get what he wants. His derision of Blake made me angry, and Stephen deserved every bit of what he happened to him. He's a psycho, and I wouldn't wish this guy on my worst enemies.
The writing may be good, but the character from whose eyes we see this tale unfold is so unlikable and so fucking awful that I nearly DNF'd the book. This was a waste of time, and I cannot in good conscience recommend this to anyone.
September 30, 2014
Granted I haven't read the other book in this series, but to me this book sucked. There was too much information on some things in the beginning that to me just droned on and on and on. I thought it would never end. I don't like the characters and wasn't able to connect with them at all. To me overall it is being rated in at 1 star and I'm sorry I wasted my time.
December 12, 2019
Surprised by all the negative reviews. I thought this was a fun book. Yes, Stephen was the truly most obnoxious character I’ve read in a while, but he just made the book better. Great writing style.
February 17, 2017
Picked it up free for Kindle. I was looking for something different to get me out of a reading rut. I've read a few great M/M books, but I generally have a hard time finding ones I really like. Probably because I'm female and what I consider a great romance book may not be at all what a great M/M romance book is like. Anyways...
I actually enjoyed this book. It's a very quick read. The MC is a narcissistic has-been who has never really made it big in his career. At first, he seems to be the one with his head on straight compared to his friends. But as the story develops and he goes into a serious relationship, we see how messed up he really is.
His partner tries to come across as the good guy, but I always felt there was something a little off there as well. There didn't seem to be a single "normal" character in the book. And well...I kind of admire the author for that. It was kind of an in your face, hate to love them kind of book. Enough that I am going to move on to book two just to see what this crazy character gets up to next and whether he ever gets his head on straight.
I actually enjoyed this book. It's a very quick read. The MC is a narcissistic has-been who has never really made it big in his career. At first, he seems to be the one with his head on straight compared to his friends. But as the story develops and he goes into a serious relationship, we see how messed up he really is.
His partner tries to come across as the good guy, but I always felt there was something a little off there as well. There didn't seem to be a single "normal" character in the book. And well...I kind of admire the author for that. It was kind of an in your face, hate to love them kind of book. Enough that I am going to move on to book two just to see what this crazy character gets up to next and whether he ever gets his head on straight.
September 6, 2020
It's bad news when I sympathize and connect more with the hero's partner than the hero. I can only hope that this story suffered from being the product of a complete novel being sliced up into three parts for ebook publication. I can only hope because I didn't like this part enough to buy the other installments to find out.
November 16, 2014
Interesting writing style
This read like a diary so while it outlined lots of stuff I kinda felt like I was reading the story instead of feeling it. Couldn't deny that I was caught up in the storyline though and was even disappointed when I got to the end. I wanted to find out how Blake and Rick felt about Stephan's revenge.
This read like a diary so while it outlined lots of stuff I kinda felt like I was reading the story instead of feeling it. Couldn't deny that I was caught up in the storyline though and was even disappointed when I got to the end. I wanted to find out how Blake and Rick felt about Stephan's revenge.
May 5, 2015
Meh....
Stephen was an idiot. Is an idiot. Refuses to stop being an idiot.
I felt like I was reading an episode of Queer as Folk, and Stephen was Brian Kinney, narcissist extreme. But I adored Brian.
Stephen... Did I mention he's an idiot?
I loved the end, where he unleashes his personal revenge, but it's sad that, at the end of this story, he still didn't seem to "get it".
Stephen was an idiot. Is an idiot. Refuses to stop being an idiot.
I felt like I was reading an episode of Queer as Folk, and Stephen was Brian Kinney, narcissist extreme. But I adored Brian.
Stephen... Did I mention he's an idiot?
I loved the end, where he unleashes his personal revenge, but it's sad that, at the end of this story, he still didn't seem to "get it".
October 1, 2014
Not worth the time wasted listening to the main character go on about his conquests then whine for the last couple chapters about his boyfriend leaving because he was cheating.
July 1, 2021
I'm sorry to say that this tale of what amounted to a whiny 30 year old sounding like a three year old who can't get his own way. Stephen comes across as self obsessed and unable to see the good things that he has with his boyfriend Blake and either together or singlely sabotage their relationship, first with three ways and then outright infidelity. Using his acting ability to take on new personas with his tricks and spinning any number of lies to cover his tracks, he finally realizes what he's lost when Blake catches him in his lies and leaves for the hot new neighbour next door. The story really drags through the first half or more of the book and really only gets mildly interesting after Blake moves out.
March 6, 2018
Stephen what a self obsessed annoying man. There where times when I wanted to throw this book out the window but I persevered, why I am not too sure. Was the eternal optimist that hoped he'd experience a road to Damascus moment and realise that there are more in the world than him. No. However I found the ending interesting. Yes not all books have a happy salvation ending and not all people realise their own short comings. But does he eventually become a likeable man. Not sure I'll fork out the money for the sequel though.... You never know. Still gave it three stars.
January 7, 2021
Pompous Aussie
Single point of view narrative, seemingly autobiographical, Stephen is a most unattractive character. Egocentric, vain, obtuse, he barely drives the story, bemoaning his "failures" and making excuses. Intimate scenes are minimal, a straight timeline for a plot, little effort describing Sydney. Bleech! 2.5 stars
Single point of view narrative, seemingly autobiographical, Stephen is a most unattractive character. Egocentric, vain, obtuse, he barely drives the story, bemoaning his "failures" and making excuses. Intimate scenes are minimal, a straight timeline for a plot, little effort describing Sydney. Bleech! 2.5 stars
September 26, 2021
I absolutely fucking hate Stephen; he’s a serial cheater and doesn’t seem to understand why Blake is so upset about it. I had to finish this book because I can’t DNF, but it was a slog to get through. I caught myself rolling my eyes at how annoying Stephen was. I did kinda like the ending, but it didn’t fully save this mess for me.
March 19, 2018
The book was free....that was a good thing. If perhaps an edit out/down of the beginning it, could be better. Based on my Kindle i had 1 hour and 20 minutes left in the book and i just couldn't finish it...I had to stop.
September 17, 2018
Awful
If I could have given this a negative star rating, I would have . This book had no beginning and no end and I don't see how I will ever read another in this series . Worst book that I have read so far this year
If I could have given this a negative star rating, I would have . This book had no beginning and no end and I don't see how I will ever read another in this series . Worst book that I have read so far this year
September 2, 2019
Not a bad read considering that it is not the type I would not normally read I enjoyed reading this book
I Think it would be good for anyone to read this is one of the books you would not judge by its cover
I Think it would be good for anyone to read this is one of the books you would not judge by its cover
April 18, 2024
One never knows what one is going to get with a freebie on Amazon...which is why this was a delightful surprise. A well written story, interesting characters, and as an aged gay man, situations which are reminiscent of my youth, and a reminder as to why I am happy those days are long past!
May 28, 2017
Absolutely awful, do not water your time like I did
The characters are so completely unlikable, the story is crap and asinine. Don't water your time. Seriously get another book.
The characters are so completely unlikable, the story is crap and asinine. Don't water your time. Seriously get another book.
November 20, 2018
3.5 stars.
March 10, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy this story, after reading other reviews of it, but I found it difficult to have any empathy with the MC. I wanted to like him, but just couldn't.
October 29, 2019
Next
A story about bed hopping and not being faithful. Did not connect with any of the characters and felt they all could have had more alone time. Not going to continue with series
A story about bed hopping and not being faithful. Did not connect with any of the characters and felt they all could have had more alone time. Not going to continue with series
October 6, 2020
Witty writing but not my cup of tea. Got about half way through and didn’t finish.
June 25, 2019
Where do I even begin?
The writing’s okay but there’s unnecessary information in parts of the book and it just drags on. Not much character development throughout the story. What really ticked me off, was that the main character cheated on his boyfriend for basically the entirety of the story then because upset and pissed when said boyfriend fooled around with someone else and eventually left the main character for the other guy. Slightly hypocritical.
The writing’s okay but there’s unnecessary information in parts of the book and it just drags on. Not much character development throughout the story. What really ticked me off, was that the main character cheated on his boyfriend for basically the entirety of the story then because upset and pissed when said boyfriend fooled around with someone else and eventually left the main character for the other guy. Slightly hypocritical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2013
Time to Upsize by Graeme Aitken Pick up Stephen’s story right after he ex-boyfriend Ant has moved to New Zealand and his best friend Blair has relocated to London, both went in pursuit of the “love of their life” which turned out to be only a poor imitation. Still there they were and Stephen was left with just Strauss as friend and companion and a limping acting career to boot.
Lest you think that Stephen has become any less self-centered or less crazy for that matter, think again. Once again Stephen is up to his old ways of getting the most out of a relationship with the least amount of input. He stumbles upon cute twenty-something Blake and begins a three-year relationship complete with house and living together.
However, even though Blake is (or seems to be) content with Stephen being the dominant one in the relationship, Stephen begins to feel those age old feelings that he needs more—more variety, more partners, more sex. He begins to cheat on the side, brushing away any quilt with the idea that Blake himself welcomed threesomes occasionally and even though clandestine and anonymous sex in the saunas was not quite a threesome, still it wasn’t really cheating. Welcome to Stephen’s suspect point of view.
All was floating along with seemingly a hitch when the neighbor across the street moved out and well-hung gym bunny Rick moved in—then Stephen’s world turned upside down as he began to realize that Blake was not all he seemed nor was he any longer content to be Stephen’s second choice.
Graeme Aitkin is a remarkably funny writer. He has a very really gift for creating characters that are larger than life and oh so compelling to read about. His dialogue is smart and cutting, his characters constantly plotting and thinking—just a pleasure to read and spend time with on the page. My only hesitation in giving this novella five stars was the middle section or the set up of Stephen and Blake’s relationship. In contrast to the description of Ant and Blair’s moves and the subsequent three- year partnership, this establishing of the couple seemed a little slow—rather dry in comparison.
Overall, Time to Upsize was an incredibly good sequel to Graeme Aitken’s first novel, Vanity Fierce
Lest you think that Stephen has become any less self-centered or less crazy for that matter, think again. Once again Stephen is up to his old ways of getting the most out of a relationship with the least amount of input. He stumbles upon cute twenty-something Blake and begins a three-year relationship complete with house and living together.
However, even though Blake is (or seems to be) content with Stephen being the dominant one in the relationship, Stephen begins to feel those age old feelings that he needs more—more variety, more partners, more sex. He begins to cheat on the side, brushing away any quilt with the idea that Blake himself welcomed threesomes occasionally and even though clandestine and anonymous sex in the saunas was not quite a threesome, still it wasn’t really cheating. Welcome to Stephen’s suspect point of view.
All was floating along with seemingly a hitch when the neighbor across the street moved out and well-hung gym bunny Rick moved in—then Stephen’s world turned upside down as he began to realize that Blake was not all he seemed nor was he any longer content to be Stephen’s second choice.
Graeme Aitkin is a remarkably funny writer. He has a very really gift for creating characters that are larger than life and oh so compelling to read about. His dialogue is smart and cutting, his characters constantly plotting and thinking—just a pleasure to read and spend time with on the page. My only hesitation in giving this novella five stars was the middle section or the set up of Stephen and Blake’s relationship. In contrast to the description of Ant and Blair’s moves and the subsequent three- year partnership, this establishing of the couple seemed a little slow—rather dry in comparison.
Overall, Time to Upsize was an incredibly good sequel to Graeme Aitken’s first novel, Vanity Fierce
February 7, 2015
Dnf @24%. What was that? If a stranger aimlessly took a seat next to you at an airport or you happened to share an elevator and that person was mindlessly rambling and rambling about incoherent goings on in his life, or was unknowingly verbalizing the disconnected thoughts in his mind – that would be the same experience as trying to read this book. Maybe it was eventually going to go somewhere or maybe one or more of the characters would come to life, but I doubt it. It is really unclear who is who and who is being talked about, there's not character of interest in the first place. I have no idea where it was going. YMMV. Maybe it's a style of writing that I have not learned to appreciate but others do.
January 22, 2017
I really wanted this to be good. I read the whole thing even though I was tempted several times to stop. The MC Steven is deliciously flawed if not a little too stereotypical, but he's definitely a character you love to hate - and I think that was the intention of the author. So in that sense, although I think his faults could have been done with more subtlety, this book achieved its end.
So why the one star?
Exposition. Tons and tons of exposition. And I hated that. The dialogue at times was strained, or unrealistic, but I would have taken that over the endless pages of narration.
Will not be looking at the other books in this series.
So why the one star?
Exposition. Tons and tons of exposition. And I hated that. The dialogue at times was strained, or unrealistic, but I would have taken that over the endless pages of narration.
Will not be looking at the other books in this series.
October 7, 2014
Stephen and Blake have been a couple for the past three and half years and living in Sydney. But Stephen is approaching thirty and needs assurance that he is still not toy material. Blake was sweet and naive when they met but he has changed and suspects that Stephen is cheating on him. Then a hunky guy moves in next door and Stephen is thinking of ways to have him. But the bomb is dropped when he returns home after a job to find Blake has moved out and into the house next door.
May 10, 2016
Wow. I really struggled to get through this one. The main character is extremely difficult to relate to and has no redeeming qualities. Everything about him was frustrating, and I honestly didn't understand the overall point of telling his story. I finished it because I don't like giving up on a book, but I struggle to understand exactly who would find this book appealing.
October 5, 2014
It's rare for me to list a book on my Can't Finish shelf. But I just can't finish this 'story'. I never developed a connection with the characters. The author never drew me into their story, probably because I felt like I was being told the story and not shown the story. Bouncing all over the time line didn't help any either. I'm actually sorry I even spent $.99 on this drivel.
October 18, 2014
Time to upsize by Aitken is definitely a gay boy's book. I found the extra-marital goings-on of Stephen rather tiresome and deceitful. Sauna sex is always good and there are no accidents as happened with HIV+ Ant, a former lover. Blake does come across as bland but it's Stephen's shallow story and he is totally narcissistic, seemingly a prerequisite for gay guys.
November 17, 2014
It was quite interesting. Not what you expect to get when you type "gay erotica" in the amazon searcher, but it was - nevertheless, with the lack of actual, graphic sex, and only mentions of it - quite a lovely reading. Absolutely loved the ending! I would not add nor take from the story. It's watching at the world from the head of a self-centered, insecure person.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews