What do you think?
Rate this book
Over Your Dead Body
Ryan Kennedy is the definition of tall, dark and handsome and along with his success, he seems to have it all. However, Ryan is a man haunted by the past. The time has now come for him to face all that happened before and to finally try and put the past to rest.
After eleven long years he has returned home to the wild beauty of the West of Ireland coastline, to a place that formed him in so many unimaginable ways. He must reach out to those who hurt him the most and lay his heart on the line but these were the people who destroyed him before and will seeing them again prove his salvation or his ultimate undoing.
After eleven long years he has returned home to the wild beauty of the West of Ireland coastline, to a place that formed him in so many unimaginable ways. He must reach out to those who hurt him the most and lay his heart on the line but these were the people who destroyed him before and will seeing them again prove his salvation or his ultimate undoing.
- GenresM M Romance
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2014
5 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Roisin Black
14 books93 followers"Róisín Black has a fresh and exciting voice and the remarkable ability to make you get lost in a story and feel every emotion her characters are experiencing." - Christina - Romance Book Blogger and Amazon Reviewer.
An ex journalist, Róisín has been writing stories of one kind or another ever since she can remember. However, an early love of romance found it's way into her writing when she finally decided to leave journalism for good and write the stories that had been running around her head for far too long. "Richly drawn characters," "gritty realism" and "quality writing" are hallmarks of her work with reviewers often stating they've already bought the next book.
She's a dreamer and a wanderer and somehow, despite extensive wandering and dreaming, she has managed to hold-down a marriage, produce two amazing children and share her life with some pretty cool dogs. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada.
You can keep up with what's happening in Róisín's life via her blog - www.roisinblack.com or look for her on social media at the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/roisinblacka...
https://www.tiktok.com/@roisinblackau...
https://www.instagram.com/roisinblack...
https://au.pinterest.com/roisindoo/
An ex journalist, Róisín has been writing stories of one kind or another ever since she can remember. However, an early love of romance found it's way into her writing when she finally decided to leave journalism for good and write the stories that had been running around her head for far too long. "Richly drawn characters," "gritty realism" and "quality writing" are hallmarks of her work with reviewers often stating they've already bought the next book.
She's a dreamer and a wanderer and somehow, despite extensive wandering and dreaming, she has managed to hold-down a marriage, produce two amazing children and share her life with some pretty cool dogs. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada.
You can keep up with what's happening in Róisín's life via her blog - www.roisinblack.com or look for her on social media at the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/roisinblacka...
https://www.tiktok.com/@roisinblackau...
https://www.instagram.com/roisinblack...
https://au.pinterest.com/roisindoo/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Want to read
December 7, 2022🎁 FREE on Apple iBooks today (9/16/2022)! 🎁
September 6, 2015
This is a super read. Read in one sitting as I was literally glued to the story.
This is Ryan's story. He tells us his story in the present and also through flashbacks of the past. We hear of the struggles of life in the eighties while dealing with his sexuality.
I applaud the author on a story well told. Although I was young (very lol) in the eighties I grew up in Ireland and can see how this story could have been true. Although it's fiction the prejudice towards gays was very strong back then.
I thought the author did a wonderful job with this story. Through Ryan's words we heard of the raw pain he suffered and the repercussions that followed him for years to come. Loved how the story was wrapped up towards the end:)
This is Ryan's story. He tells us his story in the present and also through flashbacks of the past. We hear of the struggles of life in the eighties while dealing with his sexuality.
I applaud the author on a story well told. Although I was young (very lol) in the eighties I grew up in Ireland and can see how this story could have been true. Although it's fiction the prejudice towards gays was very strong back then.
I thought the author did a wonderful job with this story. Through Ryan's words we heard of the raw pain he suffered and the repercussions that followed him for years to come. Loved how the story was wrapped up towards the end:)
September 1, 2015
This is a unique and very well written story. There are no words to describe how amazing this story is. Throughout the book you feel and understand everything the main character goes through. I have no words as it left me speechless. If you want a real story this is it!
Imaginative Dreams was given a copy for an honest review.
Imaginative Dreams was given a copy for an honest review.
December 10, 2022
Thought Provoking Story
This book gives you the glimpse of a man’s life from childhood to adulthood and how his parents “went postal” when he declared his love for men instead of women. Ryan gets himself cleaned up after drinking, drugging and having nonstop homosexual relationships and finally finds love with Jean, marrying him and having a daughter. The book is his telling his story to his parents gravesites. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
This book gives you the glimpse of a man’s life from childhood to adulthood and how his parents “went postal” when he declared his love for men instead of women. Ryan gets himself cleaned up after drinking, drugging and having nonstop homosexual relationships and finally finds love with Jean, marrying him and having a daughter. The book is his telling his story to his parents gravesites. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
December 20, 2022
Wow
What a wonderful story. I think this really shows what gay men and women have been through and some still go thru. This was not my experience when I came out but I can relate to it. It goes to show how some of us were treated and still are by our family's.
What a wonderful story. I think this really shows what gay men and women have been through and some still go thru. This was not my experience when I came out but I can relate to it. It goes to show how some of us were treated and still are by our family's.
June 7, 2017
This is an emotional story of a boy that struggles to become his own person. It is told in the present and flashbacks of the past. It was captivating and I couldn't stop reading it.
April 6, 2022
WOW, very powerful story.
September 2, 2015
This book will bring you through so many emotions. It is powerful, thought provoking and poignant. Most importantly it is very realistic as to what can happen to one when they come to terms with who they are and what happens when they get the courage to tell their loved ones.
ryan comes full circle in this book. We see flashbacks as he is trying to let go of his past and find a way to forgive. This young man went through so much struggle as he comes to terms with who he is and who he loves. He finds great supportive friends along the way but the journey to finding love and loving freely was a rough one.
We see Ryan struggle with his sexuality. He is so afraid of his parents and them not loving him anymore that in a way he goes into denial. when he finally does face it in a miniscule way he sees his parents reaction and hides again. Once this happens he does everything to be what they want and push down who he really is. Such a sad time for Ryan although he does gain some amazing friends and wisdom he becomes a shell of himself as well. When reality finally hits Ryan he decides to try to live the way he wishes. This only can go so far though for he is still hiding. When he gets tired of the lies he moves again and opens himself up and finds happiness. that is until his world collides with reality of family.
when he gets the courage to come out the reaction is so heartbreaking. His brother and sister though are amazing. At the same time this occurs his life spirals downward even further. Ryan goes exploring from her to truly find himself and peace. Upon doing this he meets the man who grounds him and finds love that is unconditional. It is his love for Jean and Jean’s encouragement that helps him face his past and come to peace with it.
We see a reflective and angry Ryan trying so hard to find forgiveness within for those that hurt him the most so that he can move forward and not harbor any anger. This is such a poignant place for ryan and the writing of his story and struggle to find himself and be comfortable with who he is and find love that you will be overwhelmed with emotion and the beauty of the story. The ending is so sweet.
Each character and timeframe you see plays a important role in Ryan’s life and decisions. they are all in some way catalysts in his world. The book is beautiful and poignant and a pretty realistic look at one trying to find himself, finding the courage to be who they are only to be treated disgracefully and coming full circle once they are at peace with themselves and find love to be able to confront the past and move on.
ryan comes full circle in this book. We see flashbacks as he is trying to let go of his past and find a way to forgive. This young man went through so much struggle as he comes to terms with who he is and who he loves. He finds great supportive friends along the way but the journey to finding love and loving freely was a rough one.
We see Ryan struggle with his sexuality. He is so afraid of his parents and them not loving him anymore that in a way he goes into denial. when he finally does face it in a miniscule way he sees his parents reaction and hides again. Once this happens he does everything to be what they want and push down who he really is. Such a sad time for Ryan although he does gain some amazing friends and wisdom he becomes a shell of himself as well. When reality finally hits Ryan he decides to try to live the way he wishes. This only can go so far though for he is still hiding. When he gets tired of the lies he moves again and opens himself up and finds happiness. that is until his world collides with reality of family.
when he gets the courage to come out the reaction is so heartbreaking. His brother and sister though are amazing. At the same time this occurs his life spirals downward even further. Ryan goes exploring from her to truly find himself and peace. Upon doing this he meets the man who grounds him and finds love that is unconditional. It is his love for Jean and Jean’s encouragement that helps him face his past and come to peace with it.
We see a reflective and angry Ryan trying so hard to find forgiveness within for those that hurt him the most so that he can move forward and not harbor any anger. This is such a poignant place for ryan and the writing of his story and struggle to find himself and be comfortable with who he is and find love that you will be overwhelmed with emotion and the beauty of the story. The ending is so sweet.
Each character and timeframe you see plays a important role in Ryan’s life and decisions. they are all in some way catalysts in his world. The book is beautiful and poignant and a pretty realistic look at one trying to find himself, finding the courage to be who they are only to be treated disgracefully and coming full circle once they are at peace with themselves and find love to be able to confront the past and move on.
September 2, 2015
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
***I actually rated this book 4.5 stars, but GR doesn't permit the 1/2 star***
This is the tale of Ryan Kennedy and his journey to his true self. Self-discovery and acceptance are not easy. Sometimes there is collateral damage. The story is a recollection of the past, as Ryan shows us who he was and how he became the man he is today. To say that he was haunted and has some regrets is a severe understatement. However, the regrets are not solely because of his actions, but because the decisions and actions perpetrated by those who are supposed to love you most. What we learn about Ryan, and life in general, is that you cannot find true happiness unless you are true to yourself. It’s an age-old cliché, but it couldn’t be more spot-on.
I was beyond touched by this man’s struggle and ached for his constant search for acceptance. We all want to be loved and accepted, but sometimes, it’s easier to hide our true selves in order to find a false sense of security. Ryan’s cloak was his looks and ambition. He hid behind them well. You hide…until , well, you can’t.
Roisin Black does a very good job of transporting you to the different periods in Ryan’s life and struggles. Quite a few times I had to pause my reading because I was overwhelmed with thoughts swirling around in my head; there are strong parallels between the theme of this book and situations we have facing as a society. The writing flowed very easily and this book was a fairly quick read.
The conclusion of this story is bittersweet, as is often with life. My take away from this book is that you have to find happiness within yourself. And, when you find it, hold it dear and nourish it. For life is fleeting and you don’t want to waste it hiding.
***I actually rated this book 4.5 stars, but GR doesn't permit the 1/2 star***
This is the tale of Ryan Kennedy and his journey to his true self. Self-discovery and acceptance are not easy. Sometimes there is collateral damage. The story is a recollection of the past, as Ryan shows us who he was and how he became the man he is today. To say that he was haunted and has some regrets is a severe understatement. However, the regrets are not solely because of his actions, but because the decisions and actions perpetrated by those who are supposed to love you most. What we learn about Ryan, and life in general, is that you cannot find true happiness unless you are true to yourself. It’s an age-old cliché, but it couldn’t be more spot-on.
I was beyond touched by this man’s struggle and ached for his constant search for acceptance. We all want to be loved and accepted, but sometimes, it’s easier to hide our true selves in order to find a false sense of security. Ryan’s cloak was his looks and ambition. He hid behind them well. You hide…until , well, you can’t.
Roisin Black does a very good job of transporting you to the different periods in Ryan’s life and struggles. Quite a few times I had to pause my reading because I was overwhelmed with thoughts swirling around in my head; there are strong parallels between the theme of this book and situations we have facing as a society. The writing flowed very easily and this book was a fairly quick read.
The conclusion of this story is bittersweet, as is often with life. My take away from this book is that you have to find happiness within yourself. And, when you find it, hold it dear and nourish it. For life is fleeting and you don’t want to waste it hiding.
March 14, 2016
I liked how the reader got to understand the struggles that the main character had to go through during his life time of denying who he really was and then accepting himself. It felt like a really personal experience; and that the main character is telling you his story to you.
However I didn't like how the story was told. It just wasn't for me. I would have preferred to have been on the characters journey, rather than through the source of random flashbacks over his life's main events.
After finishing the book, I was left feeling empty. I guess I was just expecting more and was let down. But this may just be me thou.
However I didn't like how the story was told. It just wasn't for me. I would have preferred to have been on the characters journey, rather than through the source of random flashbacks over his life's main events.
After finishing the book, I was left feeling empty. I guess I was just expecting more and was let down. But this may just be me thou.
March 6, 2015
"This is such a compelling story and I love the way the author transported the reader through the struggles that Ryan had to overcome. The writing and narration made me feel as if I were experiencing the same pain and frustration that Ryan had to deal with over his coming out. The ending is lovely and I wish that all love stories could end in such a way. Hmm imagine, what a wonderful place the world would be if this were true. Great story I would definitely recommend it to my friends."
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
As much M/M Romance and Gay Fiction as I read and review, it is only rarely that I will come across a title that leaves me absolutely speechless. Over Your Dead Body by Roison Black is just such a title.
For Complete review see Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
August 28, 2015
You always said over your dead body, I hope it doesn't come to that. I am your son and there are way worse things I could be...
Ryan is a great guy and a likable character, this was a great book. The subject matter hits close to home and I was unsure about reading it but I'm glad I did.
Ryan is a great guy and a likable character, this was a great book. The subject matter hits close to home and I was unsure about reading it but I'm glad I did.
July 18, 2016
A new kind of coming of age story
The story of Ryan finding himself held me captive from the first page to the last. I was so happy he was revealing his true feelings to his parents. Not my typical book, but I love a good story, and this was great!
The story of Ryan finding himself held me captive from the first page to the last. I was so happy he was revealing his true feelings to his parents. Not my typical book, but I love a good story, and this was great!
April 10, 2017
Just wow this book is amazing I felt the sadness but also proud it takes true guts I would totally go recommend reading just have the tissues read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews