Author Name: Mia Kerick
Book Name: The Art of Hero Worship
Release Date: February 14, 2016
Blurb:
Trembling on the floor, pressed beneath a row of seats in a dark theater, college freshman Jason Tripp listens to the terrifying sound of gunshots, as an unknown shooter moves methodically through the theater, randomly murdering men, women, and children attending a student performance of Hamlet. Junior Liam Norcross drapes his massive body on top of Jason, sheltering the younger man from the deathly hail of bullets, risking his life willingly, and maybe even eagerly.
As a result of the shared horror, an extraordinary bond forms between the two young men, which causes discomfort for family and friends, as well as for Jason and Liam, themselves. And added to the challenge of two previously “straight” men falling into a same-sex love, are the complications that arise from the abundance of secrets Liam holds with regard to a past family tragedy. The fledgling passion between the men seems bound to fade away into the darkness from which it emerged.
Jason, however, is inexplicably called to rescue his hero in return, by delving into Liam’s shady past and uncovering the mystery that compels the older man to act as the college town’s selfless savior.
The Art of Hero Worship takes the reader on a voyage from the dark and chilling chaos that accompanies a mass shooting to the thrill of an unexpected and sensual romance.
Pages or Words: 212 pages
Categories: Contemporary, Crime Fiction, Gay Fiction,
Excerpt:
Pop-pop-pop….
No, I’m not even remotely safe. But thankfully I play dead far better than my dog did when I taught him that trick at the age of seven.
The shots are earsplitting and getting louder because the shooter’s heading our way. I’m so fucking scared I’m trembling violently, but I promised the guy lying on top of me that I’d stay still. I concentrate on taking short shallow breaths, one after another, in my effort to stop trembling. To stay frozen—like I’ve been since I pulled Ginny to the floor and promptly let go of her hand so I could curl up into a tight fetal ball.
Somebody near me sits up, scrambles to his knees, and impulsively crawls toward the far aisle.
Pop-pop-pop…
“Bang, bang… you’re dead.” The voice comes from directly above me; it’s blank and monotone and controlled. The weird snicker that follows is chilling. I want nothing more than to throw the big guy off my back and run like hell toward the double doors, but I just keep on going with the short breaths and stay as still as I’ve ever been in my life. Even in my terrified state, I know that the guy on top of me is totally exposed and I can’t move because I’ll cheat him out of his life, for sure. Which is so not cool when he’s trying to save mine.
I smell blood. Never noticed the smell of blood before. It reminds me of Grandma’s penny collection… if it got spilled onto the sticky floor of the theater. The scent of old copper is everywhere… like wet pennies strewn all around me on the floor.
Pop-pop-pop…
Shooter’s right above us now. Don’t move… don’t move… don’t move….
“Dear God, help us!” This request seems to catch the shooter’s attention and he turns around and steps away from us. I curse myself for feeling as relieved, and maybe even glad, as I do.
Pop-pop-pop….
We wait and it seems like forever. We wait as voices beg and plead and pray and he shuts them up with bullets. We wait as the sound of shots moves to the front left near the exit, where I figure he’s shooting at anyone who tries to get out through the double doors.
And then, for a second, it’s quiet.
“Now….” The big guy’s voice is whispering but it seems to blast into my left ear. “We have to make our move now.” Before I agree, the heaviness of his body lifts and I feel cold and exposed. “This is our chance to get outta here….”
His hand is attached to the back of my wrist, clutching me so hard that I know I’ll have fingerprint bruises for a week… if I live so long.
Buy the book:
The Art of Hero Worship by Mia Kerick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m really not sure where to start with my review. I will say that this book is an absolute must read. The emotions in this story are completely overwhelming (if you read Clean, which is another must read by Ms. Kerick, this book is as emotionally powerful as that book).
Mia covers quite a few issues in this story. I’m going to try to touch each of them.
Let’s start with the opening scene – the shooting in the theatre. It is absolutely gruesome and heart-wrenching to get through. Stemming from the shooting we have familial grief from loss of loved ones, survivor’s guilt – not only for living but for not saving those that didn’t and fear of living – especially in Jason. My heart broke for Jason as he literally struggled to survive after the shooting.
Another issue tackled is 2 seemingly straight guys having feelings for each other and eventually falling in love with each other. There were a lot of ups and downs with this as both men came to terms with what that meant, including ignoring the labels and what others thought of them. There was quite a bit of backlash from friends about their relationship which can be crippling for young college men figuring out life in general. The dynamic between them was fascinating as they discovered how they felt about each other and how they fumbled through life after their discovery of these feelings. I would venture to say that there was a bit of codependency as well as the obvious hero worship but I really don’t think that negatively affects their relationship.
And the 3rd big issue revolves around Liam and his family. They were dysfunctional at best…and that may be too positive a term for what was going on with them. There was a tragedy suffered when Liam was young which made things even worse. I was literally shaking when I saw what was going on with them. I don’t want to spoil anything but for Liam to be as positive as he was after how he was treated is a testament to his strength of character.
Both characters go through more than anyone, especially kids their age, should ever have to survive. By the end of the book, they’re better but not 100% where they should be. This doesn’t mean the story needs to continue or is left hanging. It ends perfectly and can be left as a standalone…you just have to hope they will make it long term.
I have to say now that I’ve read Clean and this book, Ms. Kerick has her work cut out for her with any follow up books. I stand back in awe and wait…
Guest Post by Mia:
I am so happy to be here today to promote the release of my new release, and adult contemporary romance called The Art of Hero Worship. I listen to a lot of music as a plan out a novel, as well as when I write. One of the songs that inspired this story is “Follow You Down” by the Gin Blossoms.
In The Art of Hero Worship, at a certain point in their relationship both Jason and Liam have to say, “I can be with you, but not if it means sacrificing my mental health.” Each man knows that he wants to “follow” the other, or, be in a relationship with the other. However, early in the story, Liam draws a line when Jason doesn’t return his efforts at communication. Later, Jason lets Liam know that if he continues to walk a certain path, he will not be able to walk beside him. “Follow You Down” illustrates that despite the amount of love shared, drawing a line is not an easy thing to do, but sometimes is a necessary part of love.
Did you see the sky I think it means that we’ve been lost
Maybe one less time is all we need
I can’t really help it if my tongue’s all tied in knots
Jumping off a bridge it’s just the farthest that I’ve ever been and
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
Anyplace but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
I’ll follow you down, but not that far
I know we’re headed somewhere, I can see how far we’ve come
But still I can’t remember anything
Let’s not do the wrong thing and I’ll swear it might be fun
It’s a long way down when all the knots we’ve tied have come undone
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
Anyplace but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
I’ll follow you down, but not that far
How you gonna ever find your place?
Running in an artificial pace
Are they gonna find us lying face down in the sand?
So what the hell now, we’ve already been forever damned
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
Anyplace but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
I’ll follow you down, but not that far
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
Anyplace but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down
I’ll follow you down, but not that far
I’ll follow you down, but not that far
I’ll follow you down, but not that far
Meet the author:
Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five nonpedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.
Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to CoolDudes Publishing, Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.
Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. 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.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.kerick
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Mia-KerickAuthor-231404220346244/
Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/Mia-KerickAuthor-231404220346244/
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bCLWfT
Website: www.miakerick.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6474518.Mia_Kerick
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Kerick/e/B009KSTG9E/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1410298098&sr=8-2
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28369581-the-art-of-hero-worship
Publisher: Cool Dudes Publishing
Cover Artist: Louis C. Harris
Tour Dates & Stops:
15-Feb
Bonkers About Books, Divine Magazine, The Hat Party, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings
16-Feb
MM Good Book Reviews, Bookaholic Confessions
17-Feb
Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, My Fiction Nook, Mikky’s World of Books
18-Feb
Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Happily Ever Chapter
19-Feb
22-Feb
Let’s Get Ready To Romance, BFD Book Blog
23-Feb
Three Books Over The Rainbow, V’s Reads, Bayou Book Junkie
24-Feb
Multitasking Mommas, Velvet Panic, Full Moon Dreaming
25-Feb
Book Lovers 4Ever, Unquietly Me
26-Feb
TTC Books and More, Inked Rainbow Reads, Kiki’s Kinky Picks, Kirsty Loves Books
Rafflecopter Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My hero is my father.
That is a great person to be your hero. Neither Liam nor Jason had a father who was a positive role model in their lives so they had to look else where and they found each other.
Thank you so much for hosting me and The Art of Hero Worship on your blog today!! And your review – all I can do is thank you and let you know that it means everything to me!
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