Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Deserved To Be Loved

Rate this book
Deserved To Be Loved is the coming of age story of Rodney, a black gay teen, and Mike, his on the down low lover. Set in the brutal backdrop of 90's era New Orleans it follows the star crossed lovers as they discover not only each other but the tenants of their own sexuality. They must face the realities of a world that might not fully accept them. The harshness of the homo thug image and New Orleans housing projects is vividly painted in this fast paced no holds barred thrill ride laced in a love story. It feels so gritty and so real that it is nearly ashamed to be called fiction. Deserved To Be Loved delivers, with authentic dialog, fresh realism and a colorful cast.

38 pages, ebook

Published December 26, 2018

52 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Rodney Roussell

5 books3 followers
Rodney “MC Shakie” Roussell, also known as the Official Host of New Orleans bounce music, is a Louisiana‐based emcee, popular vlogger and businessman.



Rodney “MC Shakie” Roussell, also known as the Official Host of New Orleans bounce music, is a Louisiana‐based emcee, popular vlogger and businessman.



In music, he has perfected his unique style of “call and response”, performing throughout New Orleans Bounce genre.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
54 (68%)
4 stars
14 (17%)
3 stars
11 (13%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Rena.
524 reviews287 followers
October 26, 2019
3.5 stars. Good characterization, solid read, but the grammatical errors took me out of the story at times. I am intrigued to see what Rodney Rousell writes next. #readathon
1 review
November 10, 2019
Deserved to be loved is a great read

Captivating and genuine. The author was transparent and honest. It was a pure look into budding love and how although we are different we are all the same and all looking to be loved.
10 reviews
February 11, 2020
Great read

The story takes you on a journey of discovery. You can feel the pain and pleasure the characters are experiencing.
Profile Image for K. Larry.
Author 26 books63 followers
November 25, 2019
Good Read

To live in your truth and share it with the world is commendable. I watched a YouTube video and saw the author promoting this book, and my curiosity brought me here. I’ll definitely enjoyed this look into his life.
9 reviews
April 21, 2019
Used my sister amazon kindle to read this

Omg shakie; this book is everything it brought tears to my eyes. Very valuable lesson spoken in this book. It is a must read!!
18 reviews
September 26, 2019
Excellent

This story was an amazing and searing love story. This is the type of story that everyone wishes they could get a piece of!! A million thumbs up
4 reviews
October 30, 2019
Good

Read it! Nice shorty story to read on your free time. Have love, heart break, support, etc all around good book
Profile Image for Ashley.
250 reviews29 followers
December 30, 2019
Good story but the editing was horrible
1 review
October 4, 2020
Very intriguing!

I enjoyed watching the author tell his audacious prison stories on YouTube. He shared his homosexual experiences in a lighthearted, comic way. Although the stories were told with laughter; the message that he was and still is a pillar of strength was clear. So, I was compelled to read this book of his earlier years. I was captivated by his storytelling both on video and writing. It's an easy read that keeps you intrigued. The author did an excellent job of painting a clear picture of who the characters were. If you are deep-rooted in the urban lifestyle or have an open mind it’s a must-read!
Profile Image for Moten Graham.
65 reviews
November 5, 2019
Two Star Crossed Lovers

talkin about being in the right place at the right time it's how I saw this story too young star-crossed lovers destined to collide with each other and that's just what they did. it is not often that we get to read about young love young black love story short and Mike got killed in Rodney never regain that love they both got opportunity to experience it and experience it deeply and some things were just not meant to be and some things are just not meant to happen it had to end the way it ended
38 reviews
September 9, 2025
Deserved to be Loved...

This storyline was deep and heartfelt. It showed that all people are worthy of Love. All Deserved, to be Loved, regardless of who they are and how Family can and should rally around each other. This should be required reading for bullies and Homofoes. They need to know, we are all human and deserve the same privileges as they do!
2 reviews
March 22, 2020
WONDERFUL

I'm in tears now😭😭. Omg I deserved!! I fell in love with your live prison stories. This book was written for everyone.... no matter what happens in life I deserved to be happy. God sent me a WONDERFUL husband after I lost my first love. Thanks for the wisdom 😘.
4 reviews
January 24, 2026
This was personal to me as I really know Rodney and my Uncle Mike in this book. But it was so well written and I loved it. I want some more "Auntie Shakie" we thought you were going to write a book about my brother Lil Mike!
89 reviews
June 16, 2020
All young gay men should read this book.

Wow, very good, keeps your interest from part deux . Looking forward to checking out more of Rodney Roussell works .
10 reviews
May 28, 2021
Great book to read

This was really a good book had me wanting to read more everybody deserves love for real !! New Orleans 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
Profile Image for Lexes.
70 reviews10 followers
August 29, 2021
Very good story

Amazing to read and fully captured my attention. I could feel the emotions throughout the story. It was heartbreaking but a beautiful story without a doubt.
Profile Image for MrsRony.
326 reviews25 followers
November 11, 2022
coming of age in the 90s in new orleans full of black boy joy..authentic. not a romance but a story about love.
1 review1 follower
November 13, 2024
Very moving

A quick read yet a beautiful love story. I didn't want it to end, and the last few pages were both sad and hopeful.
Profile Image for Aaron.
101 reviews
January 15, 2025
This book was outstanding. so many emotions. So well written & emotional. From start to finish I was truly captivated by this story.
121 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2025
Bitter Sweet

This was a story that could have been someone’s life and as bitter sweet as it was I wished Shakey could have had another chance. Great short story to read.
Profile Image for Tyedtoabook.
32 reviews
December 10, 2025
The tears.....

This was absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. I just.....to be seen and then to be loved wholeheartedly. I wish you well. Thank you for sharing.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.