Out of Hiding by Mia Kerick

This is the first book I've read by Mia Kerick and my question is this.  What took me so long?  I wish I had an answer.  All I can say is that in the future I'll be adding any new releases from her to the top of my TBR pile.  I've already gone to her list of literary works and started adding them to my Kindle for near future reads.

There are many things I adored about this book.  Ms Kenrick does a fantastic job with her character development.  We fully understand where Philippe's pain comes from and can sympathize with him.  So much so that I may have shed a tear…or two.  Okay, more than two, but this poor broken man, who felt all alone, who thrived on being invisible needed someone strong to love him and care for him.  That was found in the character of Dario.  He is a dancer, and so much more, not that that isn't enough.  But Dario is a mentor to Philippe's niece, Sophie, as well.  He has spent the summer teaching Sophie dance techniques, relentlessly pushing her to strive to do better.  He is a very strong influence in both the lives of Sophie and Philippe.  I giggled to myself when I was reading a portion of the book and I thought, "Boy, Mia sure did create a bossy toppy."  His strength and no nonsense, forward approach with Philippe is exactly what Philippe needed.  It's evident that the author knew her characters very well, and gave them what they needed to grow and evolve.

There are other characters in the book as well, who shine in their own right.  Henri, Lauren and Tommy.  I picture them eventually making their relationship permanent and what a wonderful big family they all make.

Excellent job, Mia.  I loved the book.

My rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick

I don’t know how Mia Kerick continually does it, but she’s written another fabulous book.

Bryan, the popular high school jock, wakes up one morning and he’s changed.  His feelings, his outlook on life and the way he treats people.  There’s only one problem with the shiny new him....he has a lapse in his memory and he can’t help but feel something very wrong happened.

Scott, the beautiful sweet hearted boy, attends a party one night and is devastated by several acts of cruelty directed toward him.  He can’t forget what happened and he doesn’t feel he can forgive those who perpetrated the acts.

Oh...and have I mentioned the red sheet?  It was a great addition to the story which made it fun and heartwarming all at the same time.  The significance of it will not be lost on the reader. 

Among many things, this is a story about courage, love and forgiveness.

One of the things I love the best about Ms. Kerick’s writing is her ability to build a world where the characters feel real to me.  I laugh with them and I cry with them. I rejoice and I mourn.  It’s a very special and gifted writer who can take their readers on a journey and make them feel like they’re a part of it. 

I fell so in love with these boys and their story. 

My rating: ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐

Out of the Blackness by Carter Quinn

Avery is a young man who has been through unimaginable horrors.   Understandably he is terrified of life.  He's afraid to trust and to love.  He's afraid to touch and to be touched.  Reading about the abuse he suffered broke my heart. 

Sam is biologically Avery's best friend, but in their hearts they are brothers. Sam was with Avery at a very critical time in his life and was and is his protector.  Loving and kind, Sam is Avery's reason for living.

In enters Noah.  Noah is beautiful and full of life. He takes one look and Avery and is smitten.  Only there is a problem, Avery wants absolutely nothing to do with him or anyone else for that matter.

Beaten down from years of abuse Avery is afraid of everything, but he's met his complete opposite in Noah.  From the very beginning Noah sets his sights on Avery and from then on out this is a book about overcoming fear, patience and finding love.  It’s about treating someone with kindness and respect.  It’s about doing what’s best for the other person, rather than what you want.  

This story broke my heart time and time again, but I have to tell you, it was so worth it.  To watch Avery learn trust and then finally love, I’d gladly do it all over again....and I will.  This book is now one of my all time favorite reads and I’ll visit it again and again. 

Thank you, Mr. Quinn, for such a heartaching and beautiful book.  I treasure this story.


Carter Quinn is a 2014 GRL supporting author.   

My rating:  ⭐️⭐⭐️⭐⭐️