Blackbird (If I Fell #2) by Mia Kerick

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Sequel to Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell Series, book 2)

Timmy and Cole’s angsty love story continues…

Last year, in Timmy Hale’s junior year at Edgewater University, he set his romantic sights on Colton “Cole” Ledger—a burly and sometimes over-protective dormitory maintenance man. Cole soon had it bad for sleek and snarky Timmy too, and—despite a bumpy road (a frenzied stalker and an uncooperative son)—before year’s end they’d found love. Now, in Timmy’s senior year, the couple has left the dormitory behind. Cole is back to running his own custom construction company, and they’ve turned an antique Victorian home into a love nest. For a while, life is good.

But insta-love comes at a cost, and for Timmy and Cole it’s steep. Cole’s doubts haunt him: he’s almost certain he’s too old for Timmy, and that he’s pushing him into a life he’ll eventually resent, keeping him from spreading his newfound wings and taking flight toward his best future. Acting on his fears, Cole pressures Timmy to accept an internship in Manhattan—far from the home they’ve built together. He means well, but Timmy feels like a baby bird kicked out of the nest too soon.

Tensions rise until fear, resentment, and desire draw Timmy and Cole into explosive conflict. When the dust settles, will Timmy wing away like a young blackbird, or return to nest with Cole in their happy garden home?

For maximum enjoyment, Blackbird is best read after Hide Your Love Away.

Stay tuned for Book 3 in the IF I FELL Series, Come Together, coming in January, 2022. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Gah! Blackbird is a heart-wrenching tale. The second book in the If I Fell series, Mia Kerick manages to break my heart throughout. 

We met Timmy and Cole in Hide Your Love Away. We saw them fall in love and we saw Cole help mend Timmy's pain. 

But in this follow up, Cole pushes Timmy out of his comfort zone and sends him off to NYC for an internship. 

And this is where the Gah reaction comes in. 

It's so tough to see Cole's son push Timmy in the directions he thinks Timmy should go. Let's just say I wanted to punch him. 

Ultimately, in this part of their journey, Cole has pushed Timmy out of the nest like a bird who needs to spread his wings. It's a long and hard journey for these two. It's hard to read and had me so mad at everyone. I just wanted these men to open their eyes and realize what's going on. 

Blackbird is a good addition to the If I Fell Series. This Mia Kerick tale isn't for those looking for a light read. But in the end, these men are witness to how much better off they are together than apart.  

Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell #1) by Mia Kerick

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Too young.
Too damaged.
Too close to Cole’s enormous secret for comfort.

Rough and tumble Edgewater University maintenance man Colton Ledger should keep his distance from the sleek and snarky college junior who has caught his attention. After all, Timmy is half his age, not to mention that Cole has a secret life he can’t afford to reveal. So why is he compelled to undermine the young man’s cocky game and lure him into his private life?

As the product of an unwanted late-life pregnancy, Timmy Hale has been emotionally shattered by a loveless upbringing. After years of desperate attempts to garner attention from his apathetic parents fail, young adult Timmy changes course. He hides his feelings of vulnerability behind meaningless sex, endless partying, and a big, bad attitude. Until Cole comes along…

When trouble finds Timmy in the form of a dangerous and relentless stalker, Cole must decide if Timmy is worth the risk of coming clean about the confidence he’s obliged to keep, as Timmy weighs the potential havoc falling in love could wreak on his heart.


Hide Your Love Away is Book One in the IF I FELL Series.

Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Keeping Secrets, Opposites Attract, College Setting Adult Contemporary MM Romance. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Hide Your Love Away is the first book in the If I Fell series by Mia Kerick.

This story has so much going for it. It's an age gap tale between Cole and Timmy. This is a unique to me idea, as Cole is a college employee who falls for one of the students.

I love the sneaking around they have to do, as well as why. Cole's working at the college to pay the tuition for his son. His son who happens to be friends with Timmy.

The dynamics between Cole and his son are so damn tough to read at times. In the end, it all makes sense, but oh god, it's hard to read. Poor Cole. My heart hurt so much for him. And it isn't easy to like his son at all.

The stalker aspect is an addition that adds a lot of tension and danger, as his presence is felt throughout the story.

Cole and Timmy are just so damn sweet together. They can't ignore their chemistry and neither can the reader. They're certainly hot together. I actually enjoy the way Cole handles everything, although it's a little hard to believe Timmy would go along with all of it at first.

I love the author's writing style, but I would have enjoyed more background on Timmy. It's hard to get to know him properly, although it's easy to feel bad for him.

Hide Your Love Away is a nice age gap romance. I was definitely invested in this Mia Kerick tale from the start, and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. There's enough angst to keep things intriguing, even if you don't care about age gap romances. As for now, I am left excited to see what happens next in this series.

Whatever He Needs by Mia Kerick

Amazon

Goodreads

When both lovers have daddy issues, it gets complicated.

Heir to the McAllister Construction fortune, Liam is focused on maintaining the myth that he is exactly the son his father wants. When he falls for Dimmy, a heavily inked go-go dancer, he fears revealing the romance, certain it won't go over well with his upper-crust family—especially his father, who seems obsessed with building a family legacy.

Dimmy’s father, Gregory, is bent on making Dimmy earn his keep by any means, no matter how unsavory. He puts his barely legal son to work dancing provocatively at the seedy bar he runs and finds Dimmy work on the side providing masseuse services—and more—to club clientele. Gregory has Dimmy twisted into believing he can do no better, and Dimmy does it all in hopes of a pat on the back from his dad.

Though Liam is but a few years older, Dimmy sees him as a man who might take care of him as his callous father never has, and reluctantly lets his guard down. But Liam, though he’s falling hard and fast for Dimmy, still hides his blossoming relationship from his family. A crisis ensues when a clash between the two fathers’ business interests puts Dimmy at serious risk.

When the right side of the tracks meets the oh-so-very wrong side, will Liam set his priorities straight in time to keep Dimmy from harm, or will fear shatter their lives?

Trigger warning: Whatever He Needs includes instances of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and kidnapping.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Whatever He Needs is an extraordinary hurt/comfort story by Mia Kerick.

This is not an easy read, so consider yourself warned. It's heavy, but it's wonderful. 

Dimmy's situation is vile, as his father is basically pimping him out at his whim. Poor Dimmy feels he has no option. His father is the master of manipulation and Dimmy is the one who suffers. 

As for Liam, he struggles a lot too, as he's closeted and spends his life faking his sexuality. It definitely causes him a lot of confusion, as well as conflict, as he can't face telling his family his truth. He grew up with certain expectations and is stuck in the world his family wants for him.

The opposites attract factor is large here, with two men who come from different worlds and are polar opposites. At the beginning of the book this is firmly established. 

But oh man, there is so much more to these men. They're complex and wounded. They're lovable and hurting. They're both being controlled by other people and it's tough to read. The conflict this causes between the two is well done.

I appreciate the way the author explores Dimmy's dependence issues, and the way he finally sees that he can fly on his own. His new found confidence is amazing. 

This is a tale of finding someone worth coming out for. This is a tale of finding someone who shows you what you're worth. This is a tale of taking control of one's life. 

I continued to love the author's writing style. Everything flows well and her stories are always multi-layered and powerful. These complex men have one hell of a story to tell. 

Whatever He Needs is a compelling read with all the feels. Mia Kerick once again impresses me with the depth of her stories. These men capture my heart early on and I couldn't read fast enough. As usual, this is another Mia Kerick book that is a must read. It's powerful, impressive, and memorable. 

 

Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell #1) by Mia Kerick

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Too young.

Too damaged.

Too close to Cole’s enormous secret for comfort.

Rough and tumble Edgewater University maintenance man Colton Ledger should keep his distance from the sleek and snarky college junior who has caught his attention. After all, Timmy is half his age, not to mention that Cole has a secret life he can’t afford to reveal. So why is he compelled to undermine the young man’s cocky game and lure him into his private life?

As the product of an unwanted late-life pregnancy, Timmy Hale has been emotionally shattered by a loveless upbringing. After years of desperate attempts to garner attention from his apathetic parents fail, young adult Timmy changes course. He hides his feelings of vulnerability behind meaningless sex, endless partying, and a big, bad attitude. Until Cole comes along…

When trouble finds Timmy in the form of a dangerous and relentless stalker, Cole must decide if Timmy is worth the risk of coming clean about the confidence he’s obliged to keep, as Timmy weighs the potential havoc falling in love could wreak on his heart.

Hide Your Love Away is Book One in the IF I FELL Series.

Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Keeping Secrets, Opposites Attract Adult Contemporary MM Romance.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Hide Your Love Away is the first book in the If I Fell series by Mia Kerick. 

This story has so much going for it. It's an age gap tale between Cole and Timmy. This is a unique to me idea, as Cole is a college employee who falls for one of the students. 

I love the sneaking around they have to do, as well as why. Cole's working at the college to pay the tuition for his son. His son who happens to be friends with Timmy. 

The dynamics between Cole and his son are so damn tough to read at times. In the end, it all makes sense, but oh god, it's hard to read. Poor Cole. My heart hurt so much for him. And it isn't easy to like his son at all.

The stalker aspect is an addition that adds a lot of tension and danger, as his presence is felt throughout the story.

Cole and Timmy are just so damn sweet together. They can't ignore their chemistry and neither can the reader. They're certainly hot together. I actually enjoy the way Cole handles everything, although it's a little hard to believe Timmy would go along with all of it at first. 

I love the author's writing style, but I would have enjoyed more background on Timmy. It's hard to get to know him properly, although it's easy to feel bad for him. 

Hide Your Love Away is a nice age gap romance. I was definitely invested in this Mia Kerick tale from the start, and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. There's enough angst to keep things intriguing, even if you don't care about age gap romances. As for now, I am left excited to see what happens next in this series. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell #1) by Mia Kerick

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Hide Your Love Away
By Mia Kerick

IF I FELL Series, Book 1

Too young.

Too damaged.

Too close to Cole’s enormous secret for comfort.

Rough and tumble Edgewater University maintenance man Colton Ledger should keep his distance from the sleek and snarky college junior who has caught his attention. After all, Timmy is half his age, not to mention that Cole has a secret life he can’t afford to reveal. So why is he compelled to undermine the young man’s cocky game and lure him into his private life?

As the product of an unwanted late-life pregnancy, Timmy Hale has been emotionally shattered by a loveless upbringing. After years of desperate attempts to garner attention from his apathetic parents fail, young adult Timmy changes course. He hides his feelings of vulnerability behind meaningless sex, endless partying, and a big, bad attitude. Until Cole comes along…

When trouble finds Timmy in the form of a dangerous and relentless stalker, Cole must decide if Timmy is worth the risk of coming clean about the confidence he’s obliged to keep, as Timmy weighs the potential havoc falling in love could wreak on his heart.

Hide Your Love Away is Book One in the IF I FELL Series.

Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Keeping Secrets, Opposites Attract Adult Contemporary MM Romance.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Hide Your Love Away is the first book in the If I Fell series by Mia Kerick. 

This story has so much going for it. It's an age gap tale between Cole and Timmy. This is a unique to me idea, as Cole is a college employee who falls for one of the students. 

I love the sneaking around they have to do, as well as why. Cole's working at the college to pay the tuition for his son. His son who happens to be friends with Timmy. 

The dynamics between Cole and his son are so damn tough to read at times. In the end, it all makes sense, but oh god, it's hard to read. Poor Cole. My heart hurt so much for him. And it isn't easy to like his son at all.

The stalker aspect is an addition that adds a lot of tension and danger, as his presence is felt throughout the story.

Cole and Timmy are just so damn sweet together. They can't ignore their chemistry and neither can the reader. They're certainly hot together. I actually enjoy the way Cole handles everything, although it's a little hard to believe Timmy would go along with all of it at first. 

I love the author's writing style, but I would have enjoyed more background on Timmy. It's hard to get to know him properly, although it's easy to feel bad for him. 

Hide Your Love Away is a nice age gap romance. I was definitely invested in this Mia Kerick tale from the start, and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. There's enough angst to keep things intriguing, even if you don't care about age gap romances. As for now, I am left excited to see what happens next in this series. 

 

Special Release Excerpt:

“I kick my clothes from my ankles and lift Timmy to the bed. “Just lie back and let me take care of you.”

“You, you just said…,” He curls up on his side and lets go another one of those angsty yelps.

I pull off his sneakers and joggers and then the snug boxer briefs beneath. I help him to sit up so I can take off his vest and T-shirt. “Why are you—what’s wrong, Timmy?”

Again, he shuts his eyes, this time scrunching them tightly.

“Look at me. You need to look at me when you answer,” I insist.

“He nods once and opens his eyes, though he must grit his teeth to do it. “Nobody loves me.”

“I love you.”

He shakes his head. “But you can’t.”

I know why he believes he isn’t worthy of love. My job is to prove it’s not true. “Yes, I can. Just try and stop me.”

I push him onto his back on the bed, climb on top of him, and fix my lips to his. He opens his mouth wide and frenzied tongue action starts.

“No Timmy, you don’t need to do that. Let me kiss you.”

When his body goes limp, I’m afraid I’ve hurt his pride.

I’m gentle when I kiss him, and his lips move carefully against mine. Soon I shift my attention to the vulnerable underside of his jaw and then the sleek column of his neck. I’m not sure he’s aware that he lifts his chin to receive more of my kisses. I lavish hordes of affection on him—all the love and care and passion I’ve held inside for twenty lonely years. And I don’t even stop to wonder how I can possibly love Timmy after such short time together.

I don’t need to ask this question.

It’s simple fact that I feel everything for this young man. It clicks with us. I know this as I know that the sky is blue, and the sun burns hot, and Timmy’s eyes are as deep and endless as the ocean. Tomorrow I’m going to talk to Robbie so I can bring Timmy fully into my life.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Hide Your Love Away, Mia is giving away a $20 Amazon Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57254/?

---

Award-winning gay romance author and mother of four, Mia Kerick, knows that a satisfying romance novel is riddled with challenges. For true love to prevail, the leading men are going to have to put in some effort. But the HEA is oh-so rewarding.

From Jane Eyre’s Mr. Rochester to Brokeback Mountain’s Ennis and Jack, Mia has a great affinity for the tortured hero in literature. Her contemporary gay romance focuses on such steamy tropes as hurt/comfort, forbidden love, and enemies/friends to lovers. She firmly believes that sometimes you have to break his heart to save him. In Kerick’s books, the course of true love truly never does run smooth.

Mia’s books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine. They have won a 2019 IPPY GOLD award for Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction, a 2018 YA GOLD MOONBEAM Children’s Book Award, a YA Readers’ Favorite Award, several Gold Rainbow Awards in YA and adult categories, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, a YA Indie Fab Award, a First Place Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, a First Place Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award, and more. Mia cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Catch up on what Mia’s up to at:
https://www.miakerick.com
https://miakerickya.com
Join Mia and her Facebook Group Mia’s Lost Boys at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3769563033151500
Follow Mia on Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-kerick
Follow Mia on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/miakerick/
Follow Mia on Twitter:
@MiaKerick
Goodreads
Amazon

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Whatever He Needs by Mia Kerick

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Whatever He Needs
By Mia Kerick

CORE VALUES

Liam McAllister might be a preppy rich kid, but for one night all he cares about is finding the seediest bar in town and forgetting his complicated life for a few hours. When a captivating purple-haired go-go dancer catches his eye, his plans change.

Following in his larger-than-life father’s footsteps is ingrained in his DNA, but this dancer, who is nothing like what his parents expect of him, is a desire Liam can’t ignore.

For Dimmy Cirillo, being dissed is nothing new. After his mother’s death, he's sought his cruel, narcissistic father’s approval, only to learn he’s nothing more than a commodity to the heartless man. When a sexy patron shows him a life he's always dreamed of, he revels in the attention, even though he knows it’ll never last.

A swift kick of reality has Liam questioning his duty to his father, and puts his relationship with Dimmy in jeopardy. They must find a way to break free from their pasts if they’re ever going to have a shot of building a future together.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Whatever He Needs is an extraordinary hurt/comfort story by Mia Kerick.

This is not an easy read, so consider yourself warned. It's heavy, but it's wonderful. 

Dimmy's situation is vile, as his father is basically pimping him out at his whim. Poor Dimmy feels he has no option. His father is the master of manipulation and Dimmy is the one who suffers. 

As for Liam, he struggles a lot too, as he's closeted and spends his life faking his sexuality. It definitely causes him a lot of confusion, as well as conflict, as he can't face telling his family his truth. He grew up with certain expectations and is stuck in the world his family wants for him.

The opposites attract factor is large here, with two men who come from different worlds and are polar opposites. At the beginning of the book this is firmly established. 

But oh man, there is so much more to these men. They're complex and wounded. They're lovable and hurting. They're both being controlled by other people and it's tough to read. The conflict this causes between the two is well done.

I appreciate the way the author explores Dimmy's dependence issues, and the way he finally sees that he can fly on his own. His new found confidence is amazing. 

This is a tale of finding someone worth coming out for. This is a tale of finding someone who shows you what you're worth. This is a tale of taking control of one's life. 

I continued to love the author's writing style. Everything flows well and her stories are always multi-layered and powerful. These complex men have one hell of a story to tell. 

Whatever He Needs is a compelling read with all the feels. Mia Kerick once again impresses me with the depth of her stories. These men capture my heart early on and I couldn't read fast enough. As usual, this is another Mia Kerick book that is a must read. It's powerful, impressive, and memorable. 

 

 

Liam

“Ogle him all you like, Ralph Lauren, but Dimmy’s the pay-for-play type. And it’ll cost you a pretty penny—Gregory’s saving his ass for top dollar.” The bartender — a lanky woman with a tight platinum-blonde afro and a smoker’s voice —nods at the go-go boy I’ve been gawking at since I sat down. “How about another drink to replace some of that drool?”

I nod, unable to tear my gaze away from the scene in front of me.

The scenery I’m so eagerly soaking up is of the human variety. In particular, the barely legal go-go boy named Dimmy, who’s gyrating his unnaturally flexible body on top of a glowing lime-green cube set up dead center of the dimly lit, jam-packed dance floor. At the moment, he’s dancing—if you can call it that—to a smoky 80s tune. One I recognize about the singer’s desire to be his lover’s father figure, and a song that makes me think, thanks to my own daddy issues. Which my respectable, successful, and remarkably satisfied-with-his-perfect-life father has no clue about. Long story.

Alva grunts and rolls her eyes. “All I’m saying is, if I was in your penny loafers, I’d keep my distance.”

Perched on a torn pleather bar stool in the All the Feels Lounge, my elbows are pretty much glued to a sticky tile bar top that likely hasn’t been scrubbed down since the late 1980s. I’d be willing to wager my Salvatore Ferragamo Braided leather loafers—a very far cry from penny loafers—that the grout between the tired beige tiles houses colonies of yet unidentified bacteria. Shit, this place illustrates the essence of tackiness overkill. Death by campy décor—even the ceilings are mirrored.

I’m not going to lie, though. The sight of the dancer moving to the sultry tune makes up for the dingy surroundings. He’s something to behold— the essence of I-don’t-give-a-shit. A guy living outside the lines, whereas I’m freakishly respectful of them.

Dimmy looks like someone more than the average hottie paid to dance half-naked on a pedestal in a gay bar. He seems raw, unashamed, genuine. In some ways, he’s over-the-top, though it has little to do with his septum ring and lip piercing. Bird tattoos fly over his skin every which way, across his stubbly chest, and right up his neck until they reach the dazzling mop of purple on his head. Between his gaping denim vest and black leggings, little of his lithe body is left to the imagination, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Whatever He Needs, Mia is giving readers the chance to win a $10 Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57199/?

---

Award-winning gay romance author, Mia Kerick, knows that a satisfying romance novel is riddled with challenges. For true love to prevail, the leading men are gonna have to put in some effort. But the HEA is oh-so rewarding.

Mia has a great affinity for the damaged teenage soul in literature. Her YA gay contemporary romance focuses on such tropes as hurt/comfort and dark secrets that keep them apart. In Kerick’s books, the course of true love never does run smooth.

Mia’s books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine. They have won a 2019 IPPY GOLD award for Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction, a 2018 YA GOLD MOONBEAM Children’s Book Award, a YA Readers’ Favorite Award, several Gold Rainbow Awards in YA and adult categories, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, a YA Indie Fab Award, a First Place Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, a First Place Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award, and more.

Mia cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Contact Mia:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.kerick/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miakerick/
Twitter: @MiaKerick
https://www.miakerickya.com
https://www.miakerick.com
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-kerick
Goodreads
Amazon

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BOOK TOUR, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Dead Sea by Mia Kerick

 

Book Tour! 

Dead Sea
by: Mia Kerick

Dead Sea 

(Story Ballads Book #2) 
by: Mia Kerick 
Genre: YA Coming of Age Gay Romance
Release Date: March 3

Kyle is a swaggering bully; Lenny strives to be invisible.

Kyle has been left alone in the world; Lenny is the world’s biggest loner.

When Kyle saves Lenny from drowning, their lives will never be the same.

After a brutal encounter with school bullies, Lenny swims out into the ocean, determined to let the current whisk him away. Next thing he knows the meanest kid in town is pulling him from the waves, promising to be his Dead Sea, and to never let him sink.

All Kyle wants is to get out of beach cleanup, is that too much to ask? So he goes for a swim, only to come upon the most epic “nobody” in the senior class drowning in a riptide. Lenny’s haunted gaze grips him, and Kyle makes the impulsive decision to save his life or die trying. And through this ordeal, Kyle and Lenny are transformed.

Kyle’s heroic act sets him on the straight and narrow, and he opens his heart to the young man he dragged from the ocean. Lenny changes too but is still unable to reveal the truth of his pain. While drowning in a sea of secrets, the reformed bully and wary victim fall in love. But staying afloat in the Dead Sea is not as simple as it seems.

Goodreads

Buy Link: 

Amazon: (Kindle Unlimited or $2.99) 

 

Giveaway! 

$20 Amazon Gift Card (International) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Dead Sea is a stunning read by Mia Kerick. The second book in the Story Ballads series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

This is a deep and heavy young adult story. 

Kyle and Lenny are two teens. Total opposites. And both barely holding on; both struggling with who they are. 

Their lives collide and dramatically change forever one day at the beach when Kyle saves Lenny from a riptide. 

The two have nothing in common. Kyle's the popular boy at school, one of the crowd who bullies Lenny. And Lenny's the recluse who never talks at school. Ever. They are two boys who hide, one behind his clothes, the other behind his attitude.

But damn, there are so many layers behind what they show the world. Kyle's mother is toxic and abusive, never appreciating or praising him. Dear lord, the way she talks to him is horrific. 

And poor Lenny. He hides behind his silence at school. He knows he's different and he's completely confused by who he really is. Lenny just doesn't fit in. He struggles to figure out where his desires fit in. His love of wearing costumes and dressing up leaves him confused and embarrassed. So to the world he chooses to try to be invisible. His family issues are complicated as well. 

They are two broken young men whose worlds collide. Two broken young men who end up saving each other. And it's beautiful. 

Despite not knowing one another, Kyle chooses to save Lenny and feels compelled to keep protecting him. 

What follows is a tale of two boys who help each other embrace who they are, encouraging and inspiring each other. Two boys who give each other a reason to live. 

This is a story with family and mother issues galore. There's homophobia, bullying, attempted suicide, and depression. 

As far as favorite quotes, there are way too many to list. The author seriously had me stunned with some of the impressive quotes. Basically, she reminds us to find the people who nurture and support us. She reminds us that life will always throw us obstacles and complications but encourages us to survive our current obstacle and face the future. It's wonderfully poignant. Especially in our current environment. 

Dead Sea is a heavy and powerful coming of age story. Mia Kerick once again gifts her readers with a stellar young adult romance that is complex and multi-layered. I am thrilled to have read about these two young men and their journey. 

________________________________________________________________________

Award-winning gay romance author, wife, and mother of four, Mia Kerick, knows that a satisfying romance novel is riddled with challenges. For true love to prevail, the leading men are going to have to put in some effort. But the HEA is oh, so rewarding. 

From Jane Eyre’s Mr. Rochester to Brokeback Mountain’s Ennis and Jack to Twilight’s Edward, Mia has a great affinity for the tortured hero in literature. Her contemporary gay romance focuses on such tropes as coming of age, hurt/comfort, and forbidden love. She firmly believes that sometimes you have to break his heart to save him. In Kerick’s books, the course of true love truly never does run smooth. 

Mia’s books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine. They have won a 2019 IPPY GOLD award for Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction, GOLD award for Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction, a 2018 YA GOLD MOONBEAM Children’s Book Award, a YA Readers’ Favorite Award, several Gold Rainbow Awards in YA and adult categories, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, a YA Indie Fab Award, a First Place Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, a First Place Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award, and more. 

Mia cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Author Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6474518.Mia_Kerick

Website: https://miakerickya.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.kerick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiaKerick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miakerick/

BookBub Link: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-kerick

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