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Story Ballads #2
Dead Sea
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.
Trigger warning: one character attempts unsuccessfully to die by suicide as is noted in the blurb, further discussion of death by suicide
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.
Trigger warning: one character attempts unsuccessfully to die by suicide as is noted in the blurb, further discussion of death by suicide
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2021
6 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Mia Kerick
42 books539 followersMia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—one in law school, another at a dance conservatory, a third studying at Mia’s alma mater, Boston College, and her lone son still in high school. She has published more than twenty books of LGBTQ romance when not editing National Honor Society essays, offering opinions on college and law school applications, helping to create dance bios, and reviewing English papers. Her husband of twenty-five years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about this, as it is a sensitive subject.
Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young people and their relationships. She has a great affinity for the tortured hero in literature, and as a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with tales of tortured heroes and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to her wonderful publishing houses for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.
Her books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine, and have won Rainbow Awards for Best Transgender Contemporary Romance and Best YA Lesbian Fiction, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, an Indie Fab Award, and a Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, among other awards.
Mia Kerick is a social liberal and 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 at miakerick@gmail.com or visit at www.miakerickya.com to see what is going on in Mia’s world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 3, 2021
What a story! Lenny is done, he swims into the ocean determined to never return.
The bullies from school discovered him in his, suppose to be, safe place. Threatening him to expose him.
It’s over, done, Lenny is ready to go. Only Kyle has other ideas and decides to save him.
Lenny at seventeen is a smart creative kid who likes to dress up. He tries hard to be invisible, he’s lonely.
Kyle is one of the biggest bullies at school, he’s tough, he’s left alone.
Looking at Lenny like never before, Kyle sees something in him and he can’t shake it off. Something delicate and vulnerable is blooming between them.
Kyle talks a lot to his grampa, Lenny doesn’t talk, the bullies call him ‘Zip-lip’.
They are opposites but when you look closely you see two guys whom both are dealing with difficult life and loss.
Kyle made me cry with his conversations to his gramps, oh my heart, I wanted to hold him and squeeze him, give him all the love he deserved, take care so that nobody would ever leave him again.
I was as anxious as Lenny was, by the threats hanging in the air. He's nervous, sad, and alone with it. He isn’t ready to open up to Kyle.
“We’re your friends, and if necessary, we can be your family.”
What a beautifully and carefully developed narrative, with such engaging characters. The heaviness grabbed me, at times, by the throat. The grieve was palpable to the bone. But we are also witnessing inner growth and insight, a hard but beautiful process.
Lenny and Kyle’s personalities were consistent throughout the whole story. The build-up was solid.
It was all captivating, their romance was sweet, endearing, and pure.
The meaning behind the title was quite profound!
The bullies from school discovered him in his, suppose to be, safe place. Threatening him to expose him.
It’s over, done, Lenny is ready to go. Only Kyle has other ideas and decides to save him.
Lenny at seventeen is a smart creative kid who likes to dress up. He tries hard to be invisible, he’s lonely.
Kyle is one of the biggest bullies at school, he’s tough, he’s left alone.
Looking at Lenny like never before, Kyle sees something in him and he can’t shake it off. Something delicate and vulnerable is blooming between them.
Kyle talks a lot to his grampa, Lenny doesn’t talk, the bullies call him ‘Zip-lip’.
They are opposites but when you look closely you see two guys whom both are dealing with difficult life and loss.
Kyle made me cry with his conversations to his gramps, oh my heart, I wanted to hold him and squeeze him, give him all the love he deserved, take care so that nobody would ever leave him again.
I was as anxious as Lenny was, by the threats hanging in the air. He's nervous, sad, and alone with it. He isn’t ready to open up to Kyle.
“We’re your friends, and if necessary, we can be your family.”
What a beautifully and carefully developed narrative, with such engaging characters. The heaviness grabbed me, at times, by the throat. The grieve was palpable to the bone. But we are also witnessing inner growth and insight, a hard but beautiful process.
Lenny and Kyle’s personalities were consistent throughout the whole story. The build-up was solid.
It was all captivating, their romance was sweet, endearing, and pure.
The meaning behind the title was quite profound!
March 5, 2021
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
Fantastic YA book.
What I loved:
The Characters...
Lenny was just so precious... how timid and shy he was, how deep in the closet he was, not just because he was gay, but beacuse of what he loves to wear. He was pure and vulnerable and he was controlled by his fears. I loved him to bits! .#Wallflower
Kyle was cynical and jaded, but he was also lonely and misunderstood. He hides behind a persona, which has become part of him. Only when he really SEES Lenny, does that persona fall away.
I loved the little conversations he had with his late Grandpa, whose death made a huge impact on his life. #RefreshinglyReal.
The Plot...
- This is the journey of two boys who want nothing more than to be themselves, find peace and find someone who would love them regardless of their secrets. It was emotional and sweet. It tugs at your heart strings and shows a really good character development for both MCs. #TheRealMe
The Romance...
Kyle was just the sweetest most honest guy ever. He wooed Lenny by just being himself. No hidden agendas or acting or being someone who he thought was better. Lenny was also the sweetest. I loved how he turned to putty whenever Kyle showed any interest in him. #Goo
Steam-o-meter: No steam... it is YA, so it makes sense. Just some sweet kissing and heavy petting.
Angst-o-meter: Lowish Angst. It's surprisingly uplifting regardless of how the two boys met.
Honorable Mentions: The chapter titles!
The only thing that would have made this book better would have been an epilogue ... but maybe the author has another book in mind for these boys? #FingersCrossed
Fantastic YA book.
What I loved:
The Characters...
Lenny was just so precious... how timid and shy he was, how deep in the closet he was, not just because he was gay, but beacuse of what he loves to wear. He was pure and vulnerable and he was controlled by his fears. I loved him to bits! .#Wallflower
Kyle was cynical and jaded, but he was also lonely and misunderstood. He hides behind a persona, which has become part of him. Only when he really SEES Lenny, does that persona fall away.
I loved the little conversations he had with his late Grandpa, whose death made a huge impact on his life. #RefreshinglyReal.
The Plot...
- This is the journey of two boys who want nothing more than to be themselves, find peace and find someone who would love them regardless of their secrets. It was emotional and sweet. It tugs at your heart strings and shows a really good character development for both MCs. #TheRealMe
The Romance...
Kyle was just the sweetest most honest guy ever. He wooed Lenny by just being himself. No hidden agendas or acting or being someone who he thought was better. Lenny was also the sweetest. I loved how he turned to putty whenever Kyle showed any interest in him. #Goo
Steam-o-meter: No steam... it is YA, so it makes sense. Just some sweet kissing and heavy petting.
Angst-o-meter: Lowish Angst. It's surprisingly uplifting regardless of how the two boys met.
Honorable Mentions: The chapter titles!
The only thing that would have made this book better would have been an epilogue ... but maybe the author has another book in mind for these boys? #FingersCrossed
March 6, 2021
I wish I could say to society, “If you don’t like it, don’t look.”
Kyle believes he’s bad to the bone, and Lenny thinks he’s wired wrong. Not only because he’s gay. Kyle is one of the biggest bullies in high school, and Lenny just wants to be invisible. Two boys who can’t be who they want to be and react in different ways. Until Kyle saves Lenny from trying to attempt suicide by drowning in the sea.
I love main characters who are not average. I love YA LGBTQ+. I love books with the message: accept yourself, be who you want to be. And I love sweet and cute stories. This is a sweet story, and Kyle and Lenny are so likable. The book is easily readable. The two voices were clearly distinguishable from one another. I loved Lenny’s passion for fashion and creating things. I loved how he became another person wearing his creations when he could (like he said himself) dress to express. I loved the conversations Kyle had with his deceased grampa.
When I received the ARC, I wanted to dive right in because I was reading another book that I wasn’t sure I liked. And I just knew I’d love Dead sea because it ticked a lot of my boxes, and the reviews were wonderful. In the end, the other one turned out to be one of my best reads this year, and I found Dead sea just okay. Like I said above, I loved many things in this book, but there were also things I liked less. Kyle’s change was a little too rushed for me; most of the story only covers a few weeks. Furthermore, I had some problems with the writing. Kyle talks about ‘his little tongue’ (Lenny’s tongue). Was he kissing a child? Ew! It fits another problem I had. In my opinion, the boys weren’t equal to each other as Kyle was continually taking care of (saving) Lenny (He’s like a little kid who’s lost in the woods...All I want is to calm him down.). I’m not a fan of these kinds of relationships. So although I thought beforehand I’d love the story, it turned out as just an okay read for me afterward.
I received an ARC from Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kyle believes he’s bad to the bone, and Lenny thinks he’s wired wrong. Not only because he’s gay. Kyle is one of the biggest bullies in high school, and Lenny just wants to be invisible. Two boys who can’t be who they want to be and react in different ways. Until Kyle saves Lenny from trying to attempt suicide by drowning in the sea.
I love main characters who are not average. I love YA LGBTQ+. I love books with the message: accept yourself, be who you want to be. And I love sweet and cute stories. This is a sweet story, and Kyle and Lenny are so likable. The book is easily readable. The two voices were clearly distinguishable from one another. I loved Lenny’s passion for fashion and creating things. I loved how he became another person wearing his creations when he could (like he said himself) dress to express. I loved the conversations Kyle had with his deceased grampa.
When I received the ARC, I wanted to dive right in because I was reading another book that I wasn’t sure I liked. And I just knew I’d love Dead sea because it ticked a lot of my boxes, and the reviews were wonderful. In the end, the other one turned out to be one of my best reads this year, and I found Dead sea just okay. Like I said above, I loved many things in this book, but there were also things I liked less. Kyle’s change was a little too rushed for me; most of the story only covers a few weeks. Furthermore, I had some problems with the writing. Kyle talks about ‘his little tongue’ (Lenny’s tongue). Was he kissing a child? Ew! It fits another problem I had. In my opinion, the boys weren’t equal to each other as Kyle was continually taking care of (saving) Lenny (He’s like a little kid who’s lost in the woods...All I want is to calm him down.). I’m not a fan of these kinds of relationships. So although I thought beforehand I’d love the story, it turned out as just an okay read for me afterward.
I received an ARC from Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
This was a beautiful story about two teenagers, who come from different backgrounds and have a different way of coping with their secrets and life overall, but who have more in common than one might think.
I loved this story by Mia Kerick. You could tell she put a lot of love into the words she wrote and that Lenny and Kyle were dear to her heart. Well, they found a place there with me as well.
I loved their genuine voices. I loved to see Kyle change from bully into savior, into someone who surprised himself the most about his ability to care for someone, to open up his heart.
His bully exterior was to protect his vulnerable interior.
Lenny's way of protecting his vulnerability was to let himself disappear into the crowd, like a Find Wally figure. And he succeeded just right until the final exams. When something terrible happened to him and he found his vulnerability unguarded because of how he was exposed. The threat hung above his head like a dark cloud throughout the story and, as a reader, it kept me wanting to know, wanting to find out what would happen.
Kyle and Lenny's struggles felt real and authentic. A lot of teenagers go through difficult times; discovering who they really are, growing up and become a responsible adult, find their path in life. A lot of those issues are on the table here, plus some. But it never felt like a OTT teenage drama, thanks to the wonderful crafting ability of the author.
I almost couldn't put this down. So thank you, Mia Kerick, for writing this story. I will keep Kyle and Lenny close to my heart for a little while longer.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. These here are my honest, voluntary words.
I loved this story by Mia Kerick. You could tell she put a lot of love into the words she wrote and that Lenny and Kyle were dear to her heart. Well, they found a place there with me as well.
I loved their genuine voices. I loved to see Kyle change from bully into savior, into someone who surprised himself the most about his ability to care for someone, to open up his heart.
His bully exterior was to protect his vulnerable interior.
Lenny's way of protecting his vulnerability was to let himself disappear into the crowd, like a Find Wally figure. And he succeeded just right until the final exams. When something terrible happened to him and he found his vulnerability unguarded because of how he was exposed. The threat hung above his head like a dark cloud throughout the story and, as a reader, it kept me wanting to know, wanting to find out what would happen.
Kyle and Lenny's struggles felt real and authentic. A lot of teenagers go through difficult times; discovering who they really are, growing up and become a responsible adult, find their path in life. A lot of those issues are on the table here, plus some. But it never felt like a OTT teenage drama, thanks to the wonderful crafting ability of the author.
I almost couldn't put this down. So thank you, Mia Kerick, for writing this story. I will keep Kyle and Lenny close to my heart for a little while longer.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. These here are my honest, voluntary words.
March 23, 2021
3,5 stars. I rolled my eyes SO much while reading this, but it’s entirely my fault for reading a y/a coming of age when I despise teenagers.
The writing was exquisite! I recommend this if you’re seeking a light pseudo-angsty read and teenage idiocy.
The writing was exquisite! I recommend this if you’re seeking a light pseudo-angsty read and teenage idiocy.
February 18, 2021
“You can’t sink in the Dead Sea.” A phrase that offers a world of promises in an untrustworthy world.
Being, or at at least feeling, different, in high school, is one of the most difficult things to survive. Here, the interiorized fear of not being "right" enough to be "normal" is shown through the eyes of two youths who have gone through this difficult time in their lives using opposite defense strategies - hiding everything from everyone and attacking everything and everyone. The last days of high school are moments that will change them both, allowing them to come to terms with accepting their own selves when their lives collide in a crucial moment. The path to overcoming fears, trials, and adversities is quite well written, with gradual realizations and abrupt changes flowing seamlessly, rendering that sensation of eons lived in the space of just a few days, capturing that period of life when maturity creeps up unexpectedly on unprepared youth.
Being, or at at least feeling, different, in high school, is one of the most difficult things to survive. Here, the interiorized fear of not being "right" enough to be "normal" is shown through the eyes of two youths who have gone through this difficult time in their lives using opposite defense strategies - hiding everything from everyone and attacking everything and everyone. The last days of high school are moments that will change them both, allowing them to come to terms with accepting their own selves when their lives collide in a crucial moment. The path to overcoming fears, trials, and adversities is quite well written, with gradual realizations and abrupt changes flowing seamlessly, rendering that sensation of eons lived in the space of just a few days, capturing that period of life when maturity creeps up unexpectedly on unprepared youth.
March 3, 2021
4.5 stars
I am not always one for a YA book and this one was very well done. I felt so much for Lenny and how out of place he felt. I felt Kyle was just trying to survive and he didn't really have such a great support system in his life. He really did do a complete 180 when he saved Lenny and it was all for the better. His new friendship with Lenny does so much for each of them. Their connection only gets stronger the more they get to know each other. I loved Lenny’s mom and her unwavering support even when she didn't know what was going on. I like that Lenny and Kyle are planning for a future and Lenny’s mom made sure that there wouldn't be too many obstacles in their way.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I am not always one for a YA book and this one was very well done. I felt so much for Lenny and how out of place he felt. I felt Kyle was just trying to survive and he didn't really have such a great support system in his life. He really did do a complete 180 when he saved Lenny and it was all for the better. His new friendship with Lenny does so much for each of them. Their connection only gets stronger the more they get to know each other. I loved Lenny’s mom and her unwavering support even when she didn't know what was going on. I like that Lenny and Kyle are planning for a future and Lenny’s mom made sure that there wouldn't be too many obstacles in their way.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
March 11, 2021
I normally love Mia's books but this one was hard for me to finish. I didn't really like the writing style for this one, didn't really care for the MCs but most of all what bugged me was that so much stuff was just not realistic and it drove me crazy.
March 4, 2021
I've only read one book by Mia Kerick before this one... and now that I find myself really having enjoyed a second title, I'm not sure why I haven't read more! Last year I read "The Scarecrow & George C". Of that book, I remember thinking that the characters were lost souls. Dead Sea is another great story... and the characters in this book are again lost souls. It's the only description that I can come up with.
Lenny is being bullied at school. He's trying to live with it, flying under the radar and hardly saying a world. The one place he can visit and be himself is a gay bar. He's allowed in even though he's in high school because the bartender keeps an eye on him. And let's face it, sometimes, you just need a place where you can be yourself.
The book begins with the worst happening. The bullies from Lenny's school come to the club and find Lenny there "dressed to express". I loved the way Lenny eventually describes the way he "dresses to express". It's a lovely mash of costume, sewing, makeup, characters... he just seems to be more comfortable expressing the variety of facets to his personality through what he wears. It's his big secret. No one but the handful of people he knows at the club know about it...that is until the night he is found by his bullies. They mock him, threaten him and take a photo. They ensure him that they will make his life even more horrendous and he had better not show up at any of the graduation activities.
Feeling over come and frightened, Lenny has a few minutes of thinking he wants everything to end and swims out into the riptide. The thing is, once he's out there and faced with the very real possibility that he might die, he finds he wants to live. One of the bullies comes to his rescue and the two young men are set on a path that is going to change both of their lives.
I absolutely loved both of these characters. Kerick has a remarkable ability to bring characters to life that are 100% original and always surprise me. Lenny and Kyle couldn't be more different form one another, in fact they are so different, it's as though they are written by two different authors. I think it's rare to find such fully formed beings in the form of a character in fiction. I'm not sure I can put my finger on what it is that makes Kerick's characters so engaging. I think their voices are completely independent and distinguishable, they are unique and often have characteristics or challenges I've never even thought of, and they are oddly likeable.
There are a few themes in this book. Kyle is on a complex path towards redemption. He's been a bully - a tough guy - for most of his life and the only family member he received any support from is gone. He feels shame for bullying Lenny and as their friendship deepens he has to confront the way he is feeling. Lenny was abandoned by his father when he was young and knows that it's because of the "way he is". With every day, each new struggle he has to face, he has become locked deeper and deeper within himself.
This is a beautiful story about friendship and how it can spring up in the most unlikely of places. I would recommend this to anyone happily. Please read the content warning, as the subject matter may be difficult for some readers.
Lenny is being bullied at school. He's trying to live with it, flying under the radar and hardly saying a world. The one place he can visit and be himself is a gay bar. He's allowed in even though he's in high school because the bartender keeps an eye on him. And let's face it, sometimes, you just need a place where you can be yourself.
The book begins with the worst happening. The bullies from Lenny's school come to the club and find Lenny there "dressed to express". I loved the way Lenny eventually describes the way he "dresses to express". It's a lovely mash of costume, sewing, makeup, characters... he just seems to be more comfortable expressing the variety of facets to his personality through what he wears. It's his big secret. No one but the handful of people he knows at the club know about it...that is until the night he is found by his bullies. They mock him, threaten him and take a photo. They ensure him that they will make his life even more horrendous and he had better not show up at any of the graduation activities.
Feeling over come and frightened, Lenny has a few minutes of thinking he wants everything to end and swims out into the riptide. The thing is, once he's out there and faced with the very real possibility that he might die, he finds he wants to live. One of the bullies comes to his rescue and the two young men are set on a path that is going to change both of their lives.
I absolutely loved both of these characters. Kerick has a remarkable ability to bring characters to life that are 100% original and always surprise me. Lenny and Kyle couldn't be more different form one another, in fact they are so different, it's as though they are written by two different authors. I think it's rare to find such fully formed beings in the form of a character in fiction. I'm not sure I can put my finger on what it is that makes Kerick's characters so engaging. I think their voices are completely independent and distinguishable, they are unique and often have characteristics or challenges I've never even thought of, and they are oddly likeable.
There are a few themes in this book. Kyle is on a complex path towards redemption. He's been a bully - a tough guy - for most of his life and the only family member he received any support from is gone. He feels shame for bullying Lenny and as their friendship deepens he has to confront the way he is feeling. Lenny was abandoned by his father when he was young and knows that it's because of the "way he is". With every day, each new struggle he has to face, he has become locked deeper and deeper within himself.
This is a beautiful story about friendship and how it can spring up in the most unlikely of places. I would recommend this to anyone happily. Please read the content warning, as the subject matter may be difficult for some readers.
March 9, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is a really sweet story about two lost souls connecting through near-tragedy. Kyle is so hungry for love that he’s willing to begin a new life path entirely to get closer to people who will give him that attention and affection. Lenny is mortified that Kyle’s friends will still ruin his graduation, and yet he’s so happy to have a real and true friend in Kyle—maybe even a boyfriend if thing work out. It’s the first positive experience he’s had with anyone his own age in forever. Their connection deepens the more time they spend, and that makes it tougher for Lenny to reveal his big secrets. If his own dad got turned away by his costuming habits, what chance does he have of keeping Kyle nearby? He does reveal his desire for college, though, and shares some sketches of his costumes, which Kyle finds amazing.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is a really sweet story about two lost souls connecting through near-tragedy. Kyle is so hungry for love that he’s willing to begin a new life path entirely to get closer to people who will give him that attention and affection. Lenny is mortified that Kyle’s friends will still ruin his graduation, and yet he’s so happy to have a real and true friend in Kyle—maybe even a boyfriend if thing work out. It’s the first positive experience he’s had with anyone his own age in forever. Their connection deepens the more time they spend, and that makes it tougher for Lenny to reveal his big secrets. If his own dad got turned away by his costuming habits, what chance does he have of keeping Kyle nearby? He does reveal his desire for college, though, and shares some sketches of his costumes, which Kyle finds amazing.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
March 10, 2021
I’m so glad I gave Mia Kerick a try and started with “Dead Sea”. We have two teenagers (one used to not being seen, the other a bully) finding themselves and where they belong with one another. I enjoyed getting to watch both Lenny and Kyle come into their own, although my heart broke for them throughout their journey, it wasn’t an easy one. “Dead Sea” was an emotional read for me, but I loved every bit of it.
I give this book 4 stars.
This review is based on an advanced copy received from the author.
I give this book 4 stars.
This review is based on an advanced copy received from the author.
March 23, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the first book by Mia Kerick I have read , I have found it extremely well written.
A story of realness , sadness until the broken was mended
Kyle a known bully has an extremely hard exterior which is covering his soft interior.
His bully like tendencies are controlled when he really “ sees “ Lenny.
Lenny —- a loner like to get lost in a crowd, he is then not seen.
He hides behind his flamboyant exterior while his insides shrink.
Reading about their journey is something else ..it’s like a mirror to our youth as not all have coping mechanisms especially with family and mother issues .
This is the first book by Mia Kerick I have read , I have found it extremely well written.
A story of realness , sadness until the broken was mended
Kyle a known bully has an extremely hard exterior which is covering his soft interior.
His bully like tendencies are controlled when he really “ sees “ Lenny.
Lenny —- a loner like to get lost in a crowd, he is then not seen.
He hides behind his flamboyant exterior while his insides shrink.
Reading about their journey is something else ..it’s like a mirror to our youth as not all have coping mechanisms especially with family and mother issues .
March 17, 2021
2.5*
There's much to like about this novel about a young man who has a need to "dress to express."
But I so want Mia Kerick to find an editor who will take a scalpel to her drafts and show her how less can be more.
She so deserves one.
There's much to like about this novel about a young man who has a need to "dress to express."
But I so want Mia Kerick to find an editor who will take a scalpel to her drafts and show her how less can be more.
She so deserves one.
March 4, 2021
this was powerful... heartbreaking and amazing... so much fun to read.. sexy and interesting..sad and wonderful.. i cant wait for more.
April 7, 2021
This is a coming of age story about two boys from very different backgrounds struggling with their identity, and how they cope with trying to fit in while in High School. Kyle is a bully, he strikes first in order to distract others from his own insecurities. Lenny goes inward and doesn't speak, earning him the name "Zip-Lip" Lenny.
This is a beautiful story of two boys struggling to find their "true" selves. Forged in a desperate struggle to survive Lenny and Kyle have a bond that changes them both.
This is a beautiful story of two boys struggling to find their "true" selves. Forged in a desperate struggle to survive Lenny and Kyle have a bond that changes them both.
April 10, 2021
Gah, this author. This author has a way of taking totally broken characters and piecing them back together…very, very slowly. It’s excruciating. It’s painful. And then, it’s beautiful – but it takes a while to get there. *sigh*
One of the reasons why I loved this book so much was Kyle. Not that I didn’t adore and totally sympathize with Lenny, but… He saw saving Lennie as a turning point in his life – which it was, but there was so much more to Kyle than he let others see. There was a lot more to Kyle than he saw in himself. Kyle really had no “safe” space since the only person who really cared deserted him. No one deserved the cards that Kyle was dealt at such a young age.
Lenny had secrets, but he had one place where he felt safe being himself. Then it was all taken away in one night and the reality that his secret would be revealed shattered him. I despise bullies and the ones that Lenny was dealing with in Dead Sea were brutal. The fact that Lenny had no one to go to, no one to support him or take up for him was heartbreaking. At times it was hard to read, but that was mostly because the “mom” in me wanted to reach out to him.
The imagery in Dead Sea was amazing and began with Kyle’s promise to Lenny to be his “Dead Sea.” It was the first indication for me that Kyle was so much more than the bully he portrayed. I also loved the supporting characters, which included Kyle’s inner dialogue with his grandfather.
The best kind of stories for me are those that center around characters who save each other – even when it isn’t immediately obvious that they both need saving. Dead Sea was definitely one of those stories.
This is the second book in Mia Kerick’s Story Ballads series. I’m not quite sure how I missed Torn, but that will be rectified shortly. Stay tuned! 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Dead Sea. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of the reasons why I loved this book so much was Kyle. Not that I didn’t adore and totally sympathize with Lenny, but… He saw saving Lennie as a turning point in his life – which it was, but there was so much more to Kyle than he let others see. There was a lot more to Kyle than he saw in himself. Kyle really had no “safe” space since the only person who really cared deserted him. No one deserved the cards that Kyle was dealt at such a young age.
Lenny had secrets, but he had one place where he felt safe being himself. Then it was all taken away in one night and the reality that his secret would be revealed shattered him. I despise bullies and the ones that Lenny was dealing with in Dead Sea were brutal. The fact that Lenny had no one to go to, no one to support him or take up for him was heartbreaking. At times it was hard to read, but that was mostly because the “mom” in me wanted to reach out to him.
The imagery in Dead Sea was amazing and began with Kyle’s promise to Lenny to be his “Dead Sea.” It was the first indication for me that Kyle was so much more than the bully he portrayed. I also loved the supporting characters, which included Kyle’s inner dialogue with his grandfather.
The best kind of stories for me are those that center around characters who save each other – even when it isn’t immediately obvious that they both need saving. Dead Sea was definitely one of those stories.
This is the second book in Mia Kerick’s Story Ballads series. I’m not quite sure how I missed Torn, but that will be rectified shortly. Stay tuned! 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Dead Sea. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 7, 2021
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.
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.
March 20, 2021
The story follows Lenny, a seventeen-year-old talented creative kid who loves to sew and dress up in costumes. After an upsetting event during which all of his secrets risk exposure, Lenny, unable to face the potential humiliation, decides to walk into the ocean and never return. Caught in a riptide, he begins to drown but is rescued by the unlikeliest of heroes: one of the school's biggest and meanest bullies, Kyle.
It was so much fun watching Kyle transform from a bully into a caring individual who continues not only to surprise those around him but surprise himself as well. In Kyle and Lenny, we have two teenagers who have gone through difficult times but have dealt with them in different ways: Lenny by becoming nearly invisible (his nickname at school is "Zip-Lip" because he hardly ever even talks) and Kyle hiding behind his bullying facade and tough attitude. So in this way, both boys hid from the world in their own way.
I loved seeing the transformation as both boys evolved into something more, with each discovering themselves and each other in the process. I enjoyed watching their connection strengthen as the days passed, and they both started changing, both defying society's expectations and overcoming their personal trauma. It was heartwarming how one of the school's most terrifying individuals became a hero and how this affected everyone around them — but most of all, himself and Lenny. Mia Kerick really seems to understand the teenage soul—the longing, the self-awareness, the challenges, the fear, and the confusion.
There is real depth to this story as it delves into some pretty serious themes such as suicide, bullying, depression, parental rejection, abandonment, survival, homophobia, and fitting in, all of which the author handled expertly and compassionately. The author created here two characters that I couldn't help but care deeply for. They were well-fleshed out with a satisfying character arc. Though the book is layered with complexities of identity and societal expectations, ultimately, Dead Sea ends being a beautifully written story about friendship, redemption, and first love.
It was so much fun watching Kyle transform from a bully into a caring individual who continues not only to surprise those around him but surprise himself as well. In Kyle and Lenny, we have two teenagers who have gone through difficult times but have dealt with them in different ways: Lenny by becoming nearly invisible (his nickname at school is "Zip-Lip" because he hardly ever even talks) and Kyle hiding behind his bullying facade and tough attitude. So in this way, both boys hid from the world in their own way.
I loved seeing the transformation as both boys evolved into something more, with each discovering themselves and each other in the process. I enjoyed watching their connection strengthen as the days passed, and they both started changing, both defying society's expectations and overcoming their personal trauma. It was heartwarming how one of the school's most terrifying individuals became a hero and how this affected everyone around them — but most of all, himself and Lenny. Mia Kerick really seems to understand the teenage soul—the longing, the self-awareness, the challenges, the fear, and the confusion.
There is real depth to this story as it delves into some pretty serious themes such as suicide, bullying, depression, parental rejection, abandonment, survival, homophobia, and fitting in, all of which the author handled expertly and compassionately. The author created here two characters that I couldn't help but care deeply for. They were well-fleshed out with a satisfying character arc. Though the book is layered with complexities of identity and societal expectations, ultimately, Dead Sea ends being a beautifully written story about friendship, redemption, and first love.
March 4, 2021
A Beautiful, Emotional, Heart Wrenching Story
Another beautiful heart wrenching story by Mia Kerick about the difficulties encountered by Lenny and Kyle in their young lives leading up to their graduation. Lenny grew up knowing he was different, not just gay but he could only express himself by making himself costumes of people or characters he admired and wearing them. He lived his life in silence not opening up to anyone even his mother gaining him the nickname from the school bullies of zip lip Lenny which became Zippy. Kyle was one of the school bullies but learning about his awful life, his father left before he was born, his mother hates him, doesn’t look after him or feed him, is violent towards him and the only person he loves, his grampa, committed suicide and left him all alone you begin to understand him. Everything changes the night Lennie is found, in costume, in the only place he feels safe being himself Marco’s Playroom, a gay bar, by two of the school bullies. The next day he has a moment of despair and walks into the sea only to change his mind but gets caught in a riptide. Kyle spots him and endangers his life to rescue him. This leads to deep and meaningful changes for them and the closeness and trust building between them is a beautiful thing. I cried loads as they had to cope with hate, revenge and viciousness and although I loved both characters it was Kyle who I cried for, for the sweet, lonely, neglected, hungry boy he tried to hide. I also loved Gus the bouncer and Elena the barmaid, true friends of Lennie’s who knew all about coping in the cruel world if you are different. This book rips your heart out and then mends it and I really recommend you read it.
Another beautiful heart wrenching story by Mia Kerick about the difficulties encountered by Lenny and Kyle in their young lives leading up to their graduation. Lenny grew up knowing he was different, not just gay but he could only express himself by making himself costumes of people or characters he admired and wearing them. He lived his life in silence not opening up to anyone even his mother gaining him the nickname from the school bullies of zip lip Lenny which became Zippy. Kyle was one of the school bullies but learning about his awful life, his father left before he was born, his mother hates him, doesn’t look after him or feed him, is violent towards him and the only person he loves, his grampa, committed suicide and left him all alone you begin to understand him. Everything changes the night Lennie is found, in costume, in the only place he feels safe being himself Marco’s Playroom, a gay bar, by two of the school bullies. The next day he has a moment of despair and walks into the sea only to change his mind but gets caught in a riptide. Kyle spots him and endangers his life to rescue him. This leads to deep and meaningful changes for them and the closeness and trust building between them is a beautiful thing. I cried loads as they had to cope with hate, revenge and viciousness and although I loved both characters it was Kyle who I cried for, for the sweet, lonely, neglected, hungry boy he tried to hide. I also loved Gus the bouncer and Elena the barmaid, true friends of Lennie’s who knew all about coping in the cruel world if you are different. This book rips your heart out and then mends it and I really recommend you read it.
March 7, 2021
Kyle copes with the loss of his grandfather, going hungry, and a mother who ignores and abuses him by taking refuge behind the facade of a bully— hustling other kids for lunch money and not looking to closely at anything beyond his need to seem as big, strong, and mean as possible in order to keep himself safe. His life changes, however, when he pulls his classmate Lenny from a riptide. Lenny has troubles of his own, troubles that have driven him to the brink: he’s being threatened and blackmailed by homophobic bullies, his father left years ago and he’s sure it’s his fault, and he can’t seem to find the motivation to pick a college, even when he knows it’s the next step.
Kyle saves Lenny, and the connection they forge from there saves them both: a tentative friendship and attraction becomes a bond that allows them to see, and love the best in each other. Lenny helps Kyle study, the first person to care about him and see his intelligence. Over sandwiches and study dates, they grow closer and closer, buoying each other up as each other’s “Dead Sea”— their belief in each other the salt that keeps them floating, safe from drowning, no matter what. I loved both Lenny and Kyle, each so simultaneously strong and vulnerable, each finding strength for and from each other that might have eluded them on their own. They’re both so noble in their own ways, and so fiercely protective of each other, that you can’t help but root for them against the myriad challenges they face. This is such a moving read— I’ll be thinking about it for a long time to come. Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kyle saves Lenny, and the connection they forge from there saves them both: a tentative friendship and attraction becomes a bond that allows them to see, and love the best in each other. Lenny helps Kyle study, the first person to care about him and see his intelligence. Over sandwiches and study dates, they grow closer and closer, buoying each other up as each other’s “Dead Sea”— their belief in each other the salt that keeps them floating, safe from drowning, no matter what. I loved both Lenny and Kyle, each so simultaneously strong and vulnerable, each finding strength for and from each other that might have eluded them on their own. They’re both so noble in their own ways, and so fiercely protective of each other, that you can’t help but root for them against the myriad challenges they face. This is such a moving read— I’ll be thinking about it for a long time to come. Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2021
Kyle and Lenny come together when they both are in need a savior the most. Kyle's "friends" are everything I'm teaching my kids to never be. They are full of hate, they enjoy tormenting and ruining other people's lives. These are the type of kids that us, as parents, hope our children never have to deal with. Lenny becomes the next unfortunate victim of these kids. Being "different" is difficult while trying to survive high school, and Lenny had thought he found a safe way to occasionally let that part of him out. It only took seconds for his safe haven to be corrupted, for his bullies to find the type of ammunition to make him desperate for a permanent escape. Kyle is in the right place at the right time. He becomes Lenny's hero, and repeatedly does so throughout the book. His mom is a disgusting woman, the only person he believes cared for him is gone, and he feels so utterly alone. Rescuing Lenny changes so many things in Kyle's life. They formed a bond, they accepted one another, and then they fell in love. While graduation turns out to be devastating, and heartbreaking for Lenny, the friends he made at his safe haven offer him the support he needs. The way they so easily, and openly, accepted him was like a warm hug to my sad heart. Things are a bit of a mess for a minute, but when something is meant to be, we always find our way, and Kyle and Lenny are finding their way.
April 1, 2021
Enjoyed reading the book, it was sweet and deep.
Lenny and Kyle were two very different characters, but when they got close and got to know each other, it was clear that they are not so different.
Lenny's character was unique and I liked everything about him. He was just a sweet kid who wanted to be loved for who he is. He likes dressing up, no matter the gender, and this is the way he express himself. And he is gay too, with no friends in the school. While there is Kyle, who is 'famous' in the school, who is a bully, but his family drama is a secret. No one knows that he will be kicked out of home after school ends. No one knows that he's starving all the time and has no money to buy food for himself. No one knows that he's gay and that he's more than he seems.
Loved Kyle and Lenny together, they brought the best in each other. They became their best self when together, and I loved how hard Kyle tried for Lenny. Lenny was still afraid to show his true self, but Kyle was a rock for him. They were so adorable together, especially when Kyle worked hard for his money just to take Lenny on a date. It was the sweetest gesture ever.
The ending was good, everyone got their HEA/HFN, I really enjoyed reading this book.
Lenny and Kyle were two very different characters, but when they got close and got to know each other, it was clear that they are not so different.
Lenny's character was unique and I liked everything about him. He was just a sweet kid who wanted to be loved for who he is. He likes dressing up, no matter the gender, and this is the way he express himself. And he is gay too, with no friends in the school. While there is Kyle, who is 'famous' in the school, who is a bully, but his family drama is a secret. No one knows that he will be kicked out of home after school ends. No one knows that he's starving all the time and has no money to buy food for himself. No one knows that he's gay and that he's more than he seems.
Loved Kyle and Lenny together, they brought the best in each other. They became their best self when together, and I loved how hard Kyle tried for Lenny. Lenny was still afraid to show his true self, but Kyle was a rock for him. They were so adorable together, especially when Kyle worked hard for his money just to take Lenny on a date. It was the sweetest gesture ever.
The ending was good, everyone got their HEA/HFN, I really enjoyed reading this book.
February 21, 2021
I literally couldn't put this book down. It's emotional, angsty, thought provoking, anger inducing, but also has a beautiful, burgeoning romance running through out. It's a really thought provoking book and brings to the fore front some very serious issues that many young people face.
I don't want to give away any of the story, just know that it's a powerful character-driven story about despair and self discovery. The story is well paced - with a compelling storyline which references past pains of the main characters - making you eager to know more about them, and ultimately what happens to them.
Mia Kerrick has tackled yet another thought provoking topic in a YA book. She does it sympathetically and sensitively too. It's a very well-written, heartfelt story, and although the story begins in a tragic place, and has many sad moments, it is also hopeful, and uplifting.
My only complaint us the ending, I really would've liked an epilogue, to discover how Lenny and Kyle fare in the future.
I don't want to give away any of the story, just know that it's a powerful character-driven story about despair and self discovery. The story is well paced - with a compelling storyline which references past pains of the main characters - making you eager to know more about them, and ultimately what happens to them.
Mia Kerrick has tackled yet another thought provoking topic in a YA book. She does it sympathetically and sensitively too. It's a very well-written, heartfelt story, and although the story begins in a tragic place, and has many sad moments, it is also hopeful, and uplifting.
My only complaint us the ending, I really would've liked an epilogue, to discover how Lenny and Kyle fare in the future.
February 22, 2021
Mia pulls another one from the briny depths with “Dead Sea”.
Lenny is a quiet High School senior who is into cosplay for his own personal reasons. Until he is discovered in the one place he thought that he could be safe in expressing himself.
Kyle is a High School bully, whom Lenny has spent his entire High School career living in fear of.
The fates (aka: Mia) conspire to bring the two of them together, But is fate strong enough to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead for them?
Lenny is a quiet High School senior who is into cosplay for his own personal reasons. Until he is discovered in the one place he thought that he could be safe in expressing himself.
That little voice inside my head often asked, “If doing something feels right, and it doesn’t hurt anyone, why shouldn’t you, Lenny?”
Kyle is a High School bully, whom Lenny has spent his entire High School career living in fear of.
The fates (aka: Mia) conspire to bring the two of them together, But is fate strong enough to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead for them?
“Don’t make the mistake of believing there’s merely one way to be a human being,: Gus says. “We all do it in our own unique way.”
---
“We all help each other,” Gus replies. “Believe me, challenges will continue to plague us until the world is a more tolerant place. So when you’ve got your situation under control, be ready to help someone else. It’s how you give back.” Elena Explains.
February 25, 2021
This is an extremely well written story about navigating through your teen years. A beautiful story of two young men who discover love while discovering, and accepting who they are. A story of a neglectful parent who resents their child and turns to 'religion' to justify her own actions. A story of a man who flees from the responsibility of family until he figures out how to be a husband and parent. A story in which bullies are allowed to terrorize others, until one of them digs deep inside himself and becomes a better man.
If there ever is a time when you want to awaken a community, or a country, to issues which need to be addressed, this is it! Please share this book with others. Then look deep inside yourself and do what you can to support the youth of today, so they too can stand up and do what's right.
My favorite thing is the way the two men matured and opened up to each other and their future...outside of high school. I loved it!
If there ever is a time when you want to awaken a community, or a country, to issues which need to be addressed, this is it! Please share this book with others. Then look deep inside yourself and do what you can to support the youth of today, so they too can stand up and do what's right.
My favorite thing is the way the two men matured and opened up to each other and their future...outside of high school. I loved it!
March 7, 2021
A YA-romance that will steal your heart.
A beautiful story of two boys opposite in personality, demeanour, outlook towards life and the way they perceive themselves.
When Kyle saves a distraught and hopeless Lenny, they strike up an unconventional bond that helps them both realise what matters and pushes them to battle through the odds, if not for themselves, atleast to cheer on the other.
Shy and timid, Lenny's personality is so lovable, but if you'd ask me, Kyle owned my readers' heart from page one.
The steam quotient is slow and the book wasn't as angsty as I had expected it to be.
The writing style is engaging and I love the way the author has highlighted the emotions. The romance between the MCs was so very beautiful and tender to read. So were the conversations (I refuse to label them otherwise) that Kyle shared with his grandpa.
If you are looking for an intense and lovable YA romance, this one's for ya.
A beautiful story of two boys opposite in personality, demeanour, outlook towards life and the way they perceive themselves.
When Kyle saves a distraught and hopeless Lenny, they strike up an unconventional bond that helps them both realise what matters and pushes them to battle through the odds, if not for themselves, atleast to cheer on the other.
Shy and timid, Lenny's personality is so lovable, but if you'd ask me, Kyle owned my readers' heart from page one.
The steam quotient is slow and the book wasn't as angsty as I had expected it to be.
The writing style is engaging and I love the way the author has highlighted the emotions. The romance between the MCs was so very beautiful and tender to read. So were the conversations (I refuse to label them otherwise) that Kyle shared with his grandpa.
If you are looking for an intense and lovable YA romance, this one's for ya.
March 23, 2021
Well, Mia, you have out done yourself with this book.
Fellow readers brace yourself... this book is brutally honest, brutally in your face, and brutally loving... these two young men are so real so painfully real it is heartbreaking and yet wonderful how their lives intersect and the life affirming changes that this intersection causes is so comforting and heartwarming. That is not to say this is an easy read it brought back so many memories of being bullied in high school that I found myself having to take a breath to get out of my head and concentrate on the journey taking place for Lenny and Kyle... it is not an easy journey... there is much to learn and much to accept and much to believe as the events propel them to their happy ending... PLEASE BUY THE BOOK ... enjoy the young love and foibles that make these two kids so real. Mia Kerick knocks it out of the park with this book.
Fellow readers brace yourself... this book is brutally honest, brutally in your face, and brutally loving... these two young men are so real so painfully real it is heartbreaking and yet wonderful how their lives intersect and the life affirming changes that this intersection causes is so comforting and heartwarming. That is not to say this is an easy read it brought back so many memories of being bullied in high school that I found myself having to take a breath to get out of my head and concentrate on the journey taking place for Lenny and Kyle... it is not an easy journey... there is much to learn and much to accept and much to believe as the events propel them to their happy ending... PLEASE BUY THE BOOK ... enjoy the young love and foibles that make these two kids so real. Mia Kerick knocks it out of the park with this book.
April 20, 2021
The concept of a former bully falling for someone he used to pick on and changing his ways is always something I enjoy, and the book wasn't bad, but ultimately I found the main conflict of the story a bit too ridiculous to take the book seriously. Lenny gets caught at gay club by some other bullies while in a fancy pirate costume by some other bullies and they plan to tell the whole school about it, and I just... I'm sorry but I had trouble taking that seriously. I mean it's easily countered by the fact that the bullies were also at the gay club too, why not just counter with that? And maybe it's just me, but I feel like if the quiet guy at school did drag, my reaction would just be "good for him," and move on. Yes, revealing it at graduation was humiliating, but I also don't buy that anyone in charge of graduation would have allowed the pictures to be shown in the first place. AND I understand having anxiety very well, but the way Lenny is just constantly "nobody will understand me, I'm such a freak for liking to make clothes and essentially do cosplay" when it's such a popular hobby and talent. I would have liked it more but I just had trouble taking all this seriously lol
April 6, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book. It played with my emotions several times. I started reading it one night at bedtime, forced myself to go to sleep, and then finished reading the next morning when I woke up. I found it to be an easy read, in terms of reading difficulty, not content. The content itself can be a bit difficult at times as it covers some sensitive topics. There should be a trigger warning at the beginning of the book for people sensitive to topics of suicide, bullying, and perhaps child abuse.
I found the characters interesting even if some of them were pretty basic and often found in young adult books. There are the school bullies, the misunderstood character, and the character that goes through a big change.
I enjoyed Lenny, though I found him frustrating at times. I can understand that it is difficult to trust someone enough to open up and share your deepest secrets with them, but I still felt that he hesitated a bit too long. I wanted to reach into the book and both shake him and give him a big hug. Kyle's abrupt change in attitude had my head spinning. It was almost difficult to believe the change happened as fast as it did. I do think that perhaps people change more quickly when what we see isn't really what is deep inside of them, so perhaps the change wasn't as difficult to believe as I first thought.
This book still has me thinking about multiple things, like the attitude changes, difficulties in opening up, and the relationships between people. I feel the author did a good job in making characters you will like, characters you will love, and characters that you will love to hate.
I feel that this book deserves a solid four stars. It had interesting characters, a good storyline, and I definitely wanted to finish it right away. I think the only thing that kept it from being a five-star read for me was the fact that there were several times when I found the actions of the characters a little over-the-top or unbelievable. I have already told my teen daughter that she must read it soon to discuss it with me. I do recommend this to anyone that enjoys a young adult romance, enjoys gay romance, and/or enjoys an emotional read. I will admit that it brought me near tears a couple of times.
I received this book for free or at a discount in order to read and give my honest opinions about it. I was not required to leave a review. As always, all thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.
I found the characters interesting even if some of them were pretty basic and often found in young adult books. There are the school bullies, the misunderstood character, and the character that goes through a big change.
I enjoyed Lenny, though I found him frustrating at times. I can understand that it is difficult to trust someone enough to open up and share your deepest secrets with them, but I still felt that he hesitated a bit too long. I wanted to reach into the book and both shake him and give him a big hug. Kyle's abrupt change in attitude had my head spinning. It was almost difficult to believe the change happened as fast as it did. I do think that perhaps people change more quickly when what we see isn't really what is deep inside of them, so perhaps the change wasn't as difficult to believe as I first thought.
This book still has me thinking about multiple things, like the attitude changes, difficulties in opening up, and the relationships between people. I feel the author did a good job in making characters you will like, characters you will love, and characters that you will love to hate.
I feel that this book deserves a solid four stars. It had interesting characters, a good storyline, and I definitely wanted to finish it right away. I think the only thing that kept it from being a five-star read for me was the fact that there were several times when I found the actions of the characters a little over-the-top or unbelievable. I have already told my teen daughter that she must read it soon to discuss it with me. I do recommend this to anyone that enjoys a young adult romance, enjoys gay romance, and/or enjoys an emotional read. I will admit that it brought me near tears a couple of times.
I received this book for free or at a discount in order to read and give my honest opinions about it. I was not required to leave a review. As always, all thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.
February 22, 2021
This story started off slowly but when it picked up it kept me entranced. Lenny and Kyle, completely opposites, but both struggles with growing up and accepting the,selves. This book shows the heartache of youth, the intensity of peer acceptance and the difficulty of accepting yourself when you feel diff. These two brought the difficulty of youth to life. They bring you to tears then deliver a wonderful HEA to make it all better. Growing up isn’t easy but with the help of a great friend/companion it can be bearable even satisfying. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
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