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In a Gilded Cage
Lucci Grimley is indeed alluring—crowned with a mane of long blond hair, and blessed with an enchanting musical talent that draws a brave rescuer to a high tower hidden in the forest.
However, this modern-day Rapunzel is a young man, sold as a child to the wealthy and childless Damien Gotham for the price of a fast car and a pile of cash. And Lucci’s heroic prince is William “Prin” Prinzing, a handsome college student and star soccer player, hired to care for the grounds of the lavish Tower Estate. Prin climbs an extension ladder rather than a long golden braid to gain access to Lucci’s second floor bedroom window, ultimately penetrating the secrecy surrounding the cloistered young man.
Friendship, and soon romance, blooms. The tower captive eagerly gives his loving innocence to his brave rescuer, which sends the strict and reclusive Gotham into a frenzy of jealous rage. With Prin, Lucci gets a taste of real life, and he wants more. Together, the young men must face Gotham’s ruthlessness and pay the price of liberating Lucci.
However, this modern-day Rapunzel is a young man, sold as a child to the wealthy and childless Damien Gotham for the price of a fast car and a pile of cash. And Lucci’s heroic prince is William “Prin” Prinzing, a handsome college student and star soccer player, hired to care for the grounds of the lavish Tower Estate. Prin climbs an extension ladder rather than a long golden braid to gain access to Lucci’s second floor bedroom window, ultimately penetrating the secrecy surrounding the cloistered young man.
Friendship, and soon romance, blooms. The tower captive eagerly gives his loving innocence to his brave rescuer, which sends the strict and reclusive Gotham into a frenzy of jealous rage. With Prin, Lucci gets a taste of real life, and he wants more. Together, the young men must face Gotham’s ruthlessness and pay the price of liberating Lucci.
Unknown Binding
First published October 1, 2016
167 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 35 reviews
October 29, 2016
*I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.*
Hmm. I don't know how to start, actually..... Uhm.... Er.... Uh.... *sighs* I think it would be best if I start from the beginning, whatsay?
The book started amazingly. I was hooked from the first sentence. No, wait. That is a lie. I was hooked when I read the blurb and that Mia Kerick is the author. I haven't had a chance to read any of her books, but I have them on my device because I loved their blurbs when I saw them first. So it all basically started then.
The book begins in the exact speech of a twelve-year-old boy. When I first read it, I was a bit blindsided. Because it isn't then that you get why it was so stressed on that the narration be that way. The first-person POV was a bang-up job, which I got to realise later in the book. My heart just broke when Lucci's fate was decided to take on a serious downturn and you then read how formal and 'proper' and refined he sounds as compared to his earlier 'street' way of talking.
Then the book took us to fantasy land. Only, it was much darker and way more sinister than the classic tale of Rapunzel that this one is the spinoff of. The classic tale tugs on our heartstrings because of the mistreatment the poor girl suffers at the hands of someone just ignorant and cruel.
But this twist on that now-realised-as-innocent tale just about broke my heart and left me out of breath. I would have loved to say that I cried when I read some parts. But that didn't happen. Why, you ask? It's because there was no breath left in me to do so. All my energy and focus was sucked up in trying not to fall off the edge of my seat and die of heartstroke! (Not really joking here!)
I found it just eerie and horrifying, the abuse my poor Lucci endured under the hands of his heartless 'Father'. He is someone I so wanted to see burn in hell at the end. But I am able to write this review coherently only because the author didn't write such a dramatic end. It was great to see them move on from the terrible past and pains and forget about the scars they got from it all.
I wholeheartedly loved Prin. He was just so sweet to Lucci. Even when he was on shaky ground about understanding his own self, he never once behaved ignorant of Lucci's fragile heart. And Lucci was so brave! And so...emotion-evoking. (Is that a word? Well, I'm making it so! ;-P) He made me imagine the taste of strawberry sundae (which I'm definitely going to try as soon as I get a chance) and made everything feel new to me alongside his own discoveries.
The secondary characters, even though they played quite a role in the book, have not registered as strongly on my mind as the MCs. And it's just as well. This story was purely about Prin and Lucci, and they got all the spotlight. I ignored my favourite TV show and my family while sitting right among them, just so I could read about how it all would end.
It is an amazing book, and it has hardened my resolve that I need to read the other books by the author. Because if this is just a teaser of how she can evoke strong emotions in me (strong enough to keep my sobbing at bay), then I am missing out on lots of wonderful emotional rollercoasters.
Hmm. I don't know how to start, actually..... Uhm.... Er.... Uh.... *sighs* I think it would be best if I start from the beginning, whatsay?
The book started amazingly. I was hooked from the first sentence. No, wait. That is a lie. I was hooked when I read the blurb and that Mia Kerick is the author. I haven't had a chance to read any of her books, but I have them on my device because I loved their blurbs when I saw them first. So it all basically started then.
The book begins in the exact speech of a twelve-year-old boy. When I first read it, I was a bit blindsided. Because it isn't then that you get why it was so stressed on that the narration be that way. The first-person POV was a bang-up job, which I got to realise later in the book. My heart just broke when Lucci's fate was decided to take on a serious downturn and you then read how formal and 'proper' and refined he sounds as compared to his earlier 'street' way of talking.
Then the book took us to fantasy land. Only, it was much darker and way more sinister than the classic tale of Rapunzel that this one is the spinoff of. The classic tale tugs on our heartstrings because of the mistreatment the poor girl suffers at the hands of someone just ignorant and cruel.
But this twist on that now-realised-as-innocent tale just about broke my heart and left me out of breath. I would have loved to say that I cried when I read some parts. But that didn't happen. Why, you ask? It's because there was no breath left in me to do so. All my energy and focus was sucked up in trying not to fall off the edge of my seat and die of heartstroke! (Not really joking here!)
I found it just eerie and horrifying, the abuse my poor Lucci endured under the hands of his heartless 'Father'. He is someone I so wanted to see burn in hell at the end. But I am able to write this review coherently only because the author didn't write such a dramatic end. It was great to see them move on from the terrible past and pains and forget about the scars they got from it all.
I wholeheartedly loved Prin. He was just so sweet to Lucci. Even when he was on shaky ground about understanding his own self, he never once behaved ignorant of Lucci's fragile heart. And Lucci was so brave! And so...emotion-evoking. (Is that a word? Well, I'm making it so! ;-P) He made me imagine the taste of strawberry sundae (which I'm definitely going to try as soon as I get a chance) and made everything feel new to me alongside his own discoveries.
The secondary characters, even though they played quite a role in the book, have not registered as strongly on my mind as the MCs. And it's just as well. This story was purely about Prin and Lucci, and they got all the spotlight. I ignored my favourite TV show and my family while sitting right among them, just so I could read about how it all would end.
It is an amazing book, and it has hardened my resolve that I need to read the other books by the author. Because if this is just a teaser of how she can evoke strong emotions in me (strong enough to keep my sobbing at bay), then I am missing out on lots of wonderful emotional rollercoasters.
March 20, 2017
4.5 stars
Oh, my. I really loved this. I thought at the beginning this is erotica. Silly me. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I love good erotica too. But this is so much more than that. Oh god, so much feels. I love the story, the characters. They're likable. At first, they're so awkward but it just makes them so adorable. This is my first-time book from the author. I think I should check her other works.
Oh, my. I really loved this. I thought at the beginning this is erotica. Silly me. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I love good erotica too. But this is so much more than that. Oh god, so much feels. I love the story, the characters. They're likable. At first, they're so awkward but it just makes them so adorable. This is my first-time book from the author. I think I should check her other works.
November 27, 2016
✨✨✨✨✨4.5 My Beautiful Lucci Stars✨✨✨✨✨
Wow what a unique but so believable story! My heart broke for Lucci and didn't mend until the end! What that poor boy had to go through at the hands of twisted, sadistic Mr. Gotham was horrific. It began by being sold as a young boy to be Mr. Gotham's 'son'. Even as he grew to become a young man, he was forced to 'behave' in certain ways and if he didn't, well, his punishments were very cruel!
Then, a miracle appeared in the name of Prin, William Prinzing, a local college student working as a groundskeeper for Mr. Gotham. Prin was intrigued by the young man he heard singing and playing his flute. When he came upon Lucci outside playing a beautiful melody, but wearing a blindfold, he was stunned at how innocent he was.
I don’t like bright lights shining in my eyes, but I love to run through the grass with bare feet in the sun.”
He soon discovered how innocent Lucci really was. He introduced him to ice cream and even took him to a college party, all without Mr. Gotham's knowledge. The outside world was opening up to Lucci, and Prin began to fall for the beautiful man.
I’m not officially gay.
Kissing Lucci would be on the other side of hook-up, the place where romance grows.
But what happens when 'Father' discovers what his son has been doing? I absolutely loved how Ms. Kerick let this story unfold until the most perfect ending. You will fall in love with Lucci and Prin, they will stay in your hearts for a long time!
✨✨✨✨✨
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
✨✨✨✨✨
Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
Wow what a unique but so believable story! My heart broke for Lucci and didn't mend until the end! What that poor boy had to go through at the hands of twisted, sadistic Mr. Gotham was horrific. It began by being sold as a young boy to be Mr. Gotham's 'son'. Even as he grew to become a young man, he was forced to 'behave' in certain ways and if he didn't, well, his punishments were very cruel!
Then, a miracle appeared in the name of Prin, William Prinzing, a local college student working as a groundskeeper for Mr. Gotham. Prin was intrigued by the young man he heard singing and playing his flute. When he came upon Lucci outside playing a beautiful melody, but wearing a blindfold, he was stunned at how innocent he was.
I don’t like bright lights shining in my eyes, but I love to run through the grass with bare feet in the sun.”
He soon discovered how innocent Lucci really was. He introduced him to ice cream and even took him to a college party, all without Mr. Gotham's knowledge. The outside world was opening up to Lucci, and Prin began to fall for the beautiful man.
I’m not officially gay.
Kissing Lucci would be on the other side of hook-up, the place where romance grows.
But what happens when 'Father' discovers what his son has been doing? I absolutely loved how Ms. Kerick let this story unfold until the most perfect ending. You will fall in love with Lucci and Prin, they will stay in your hearts for a long time!
✨✨✨✨✨
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
✨✨✨✨✨
Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
November 21, 2016
As you may know if you have read other reviews of mine... I LOVE MIA KERICK!!!! Her books are always wonderful... but I have to say this is at the top of the list of wonderful... WOW... a gay retelling of RAPUNZEL and so creative, so heartfelt and heartwrenching, happy and hopeful ... now there is some ugly behavior in this story but Mia has never shied away from the tough topics and that is NOT meant to discourage you from reading it is simply the catalist to the story by a secondary character apart from our heroes. Lucci and Prin (play on words... delightful!!) although I hate the name LUCCI as I simply do not know how to pronounce it... but I got sidetracked... the story is familiar and brand new, timeless and terrific; the characters are lovely and lovelorn, beautiful and flawed, fun and flirty and so lucky to have been able to find each other and fight for their happy ending. JUST BUY THE DAMN BOOK AND READ IT... and I'm telling you this had better be the first in a long series of reimagined fairy tales from this amazingly talented lady ... did I mention you should buy this book? Read it. Love it. And tell your friends about it!!! MORE MAMA MIA MORE!!! Cinderella? Snow White? Hansel and Gretel? Peter and The Wolf?
November 8, 2016
2.5 stars
This modern day gay Rapunzel story started out wonderfully. Lots of hurt/comfort potential. But the last 25% totally ruined the book for me.
Lucci is 12 years old when his parents sell him to the rich Mr. Gotham. Mr. Gotham now considers himself Lucci’s new father. He locks Lucci up in his mansion and ‘educates’ him how to be the most proper son for him.
William Prinzing, Prin, has been hired to mow the lawn of Mr. Gotham’s esate. It’s not long before he sees a beautiful young man through a window. When they finally meet it is clear to Prin that something is wrong, because the beautiful Lucci is not allowed to leave or to have contact with anyone outside of the mansion. But when Lucci’s father is away, Prin and Lucci keep seeing each other, since they cannot seem to keep their distance.
I loved the hurt/comfort part of this. I loved how weird the relationship between Lucci and his ‘father’ really was. So creepy… I was all ready for Prin to come rescue Lucci! But then the last 25% happened….. Such a huge let down.
Huge spoiler for the ending.
That ending really sucked.
This modern day gay Rapunzel story started out wonderfully. Lots of hurt/comfort potential. But the last 25% totally ruined the book for me.
Lucci is 12 years old when his parents sell him to the rich Mr. Gotham. Mr. Gotham now considers himself Lucci’s new father. He locks Lucci up in his mansion and ‘educates’ him how to be the most proper son for him.
William Prinzing, Prin, has been hired to mow the lawn of Mr. Gotham’s esate. It’s not long before he sees a beautiful young man through a window. When they finally meet it is clear to Prin that something is wrong, because the beautiful Lucci is not allowed to leave or to have contact with anyone outside of the mansion. But when Lucci’s father is away, Prin and Lucci keep seeing each other, since they cannot seem to keep their distance.
I loved the hurt/comfort part of this. I loved how weird the relationship between Lucci and his ‘father’ really was. So creepy… I was all ready for Prin to come rescue Lucci! But then the last 25% happened….. Such a huge let down.
Huge spoiler for the ending.
That ending really sucked.
November 11, 2016
This story made me sad and angry. The way Lucci was locked away from everyone, heartbreaking. I mean first he's sold by his parents then he's locked in a mansion with only the man who bought him and a few servants to interact with. He's told what to think, what to wear, what to eat, and how to act. If he felled to do any of this or didn't do it up to standards he was tortured. How can someone, especially a kid, not be completely broken after that. Thank God for Prin, he was Lucci's knight in shining armor. He showed him how to live and smile again. Prin gave Lucci something to treasure. I'm so glad they got their HEA. I just wish "father" would have got what he deserved, life in a prison cell, 4.7 stars. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
November 11, 2016
Lucci Grimley is indeed alluring—crowned with a mane of long blond hair, and blessed with an enchanting musical talent that draws a brave rescuer to a high tower hidden in the forest.
However, this modern-day Rapunzel is a young man, sold as a child to the wealthy and childless Damien Gotham for the price of a fast car and a pile of cash. And Lucci’s heroic prince is William “Prin” Prinzing, a handsome college student and star soccer player, hired to care for the grounds of the lavish Tower Estate. Prin climbs an extension ladder rather than a long golden braid to gain access to Lucci’s second floor bedroom window, ultimately penetrating the secrecy surrounding the cloistered young man.
Friendship, and soon romance, blooms. The tower captive eagerly gives his loving innocence to his brave rescuer, which sends the strict and reclusive Gotham into a frenzy of jealous rage. With Prin, Lucci gets a taste of real life, and he wants more. Together, the young men must face Gotham’s ruthlessness and pay the price of liberating Lucci.
Rating: 3.75/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: fluffy, steamy, adorable romance; I'm branching out again!; a disturbing, dark take on Rapunzel; seriously, the "father" was terrifying; quick read with lots of adorable, quirky moments; I love?! this relationship; diverse read!
Huge thanks to Mia Kerick, Evernight Publishing, and YA Bound Book Tours for sending me a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
As I sing, the face of a young man I was never supposed to see appears in my mind. Dark curly hair, tan skin from time spent beneath the sun, light eyes that flash... and a body that is strong and athletic. I was interested. I wanted to study the muscles that shaped his forearms and those that carved his legs. And he was calling for me.
But I ran. I ran because I know the rules.
As per usual lately, I want to start with a trigger warning for sensitive readers: there are some violent scenes, and there is abuse (mostly emotional/mental), present in this book. Please be careful, and keep yourselves safe!
Also, this book explores some very mature themes/ideas. There are several explicit M/M sex scenes. Ideas like abuse, human trafficking, self-discovery, self-harm, and diverse love all play a role in this read. If these upset you or make you uncomfortable, this is probably not the right fit for you. Keep that in mind!
Prin: I need you to come and scrape me off the grass outside of Lucci's window.
Gil: Um... WHAT?
Prin: I took a small fall.
Gil: Holy shit! Are you hurt?
Prin: I'm not sure, but I'm not getting any better as I LIE HERE ON THE GROUND!
All that being said: I REALLY enjoyed this journey! The characters are endearing and adorable. I easily empathized with and found myself rooting for them both, in very different ways. I feel like the romance itself might have been just a little bit rushed, though. Given how little Lucci was allowed to experience the world, the insta-love on his end makes sense--Will is the first person to actually interact with and treat Lucci decently, so of course he'd be star-struck and infatuated. Will, after all, represents hope for Lucci. But I'm not sure it's entirely believable, especially on Will's end of things. He accepts his feelings toward Lucci almost TOO easily, in my opinion (having never been interested in anyone prior to this), and he doesn't seem to struggle with it at all. Perhaps he's just super resilient and adaptable, but I had a hard time believing it.
This was a quick read with some gorgeously written moments. I sat down intending to only read a small part of this...and ended up finishing it off within a couple of hours. The plot is well-paced, and I adored the ways Mia Kerick wove inspiration from Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel throughout the story. It's a darker take, though--Lucci especially, while coming out stronger and standing on his own at the end, remains traumatized. So if you're going into this read expecting a "magical happily ever after"...well, you won't find it here. The ending is happy, of a sort, but it's not all magically better.
When I finally close my eyes, I see a handsome young man sitting beside me in a small white truck. His light eyes flash at me, but not with frustration or disgust. He is intrigued. He thinks I am a mystery rather than an oddity.
To Prin, I am a maze, unexplored and intriguing.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. The characters were mixed parts snarky and endearing; the plot was driven and easy to slip into; and the subject matter was just dark enough to test my comfort zone. I will be keeping an eye out for Mia Kerick in the future--I can't wait to see where she leads readers next! I recommend this to readers of diverse romance, journeys that make a statement, and stories inspired by fairy tales. This was exactly the adorable, steamy, dark romance I've been craving! Now, on to the next one.
October 23, 2016
I was given a PDF ARC in exchange for a fair review. At no time did the author promise me money, chocolate, funding for my children's college education, or a free trip to Aruba.***
Oh, and the review. Well, take a couple of classic fairytales--Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel--gussy them up with modern sensibilities, swap the genders out and you have In A Gilded Cage by Mia Kerick. The story concerns Lucci, a slender, blond (with flowing hair, no less) and very cloistered young man, sold by a trailer-trash couple to a very wealthy and controlling older man who owns a pharmaceutical company, doles out scholarships to schools, and lives in a somewhat secluded estate.
On the other side of the tracks, as it were, you have Will ("Prin") Prinzing, a gifted athlete who is somewhat confused at first about his sexual orientation, but comes to terms with it. As he works on the estate where Lucci lives--actually is trapped--he chances upon him one evening, and then curious, steals into Lucci's room one night not via the ol' Rapunzel locks, but by a ladder. Soon friendship and then love results.
Had anyone else written this retelling of the old tales of finding true love, this would have been pap, but in Ms. Kerick's more than capable hands it actually works. I don't read M/M as a rule, but the narrative--done in first-person style and shown from Lucci's as well as Prin's POVs--is more than solid. There's no info dumping, the pace is fast and I thought the story offbeat, but worthy of five stars.
I did have a couple of issues, though. Minor ones, to be sure, but here they be. Lucci's way of speaking through much of the story is really soooooo old-fashioned. I realize that he's been dominated by his 'father' for much of his life, but he goes from being a redneck trailer-trash kid to a 'royal' speaking the Queen's English. Near the end, he loosens up a bit, but still sounds formal.
The second thing is the abusive relationship of Lucci's scumbag of an adoptive father. There's no other word for it. He is scum supreme...but everyone seems to turn a blind eye. Really, would they do so in real life? Are the rich THAT entitled? Maybe so. I've read real-life stories where children were locked away for years, so yes, anything is possible.
A word to the prudish. There be sex, fairly explicit, but it's not exploitative in any way. And while there's foul words a'plenty, they are not gratuitous. The relationship between Prin and his parents, particularly when he comes out to them, seems natural enough, but I wonder if the average set of parents would be so accepting. It is to Ms. Kerick's credit that she makes them sympathetic side characters, along with other supporting members of the cast such as Gil.
For those who love M/M, recommended. For those who are open-minded enough to read something that dares to be different, also recommended.
***Chocolate would have been a bonus, but was not involved at all in the making of this review.
Oh, and the review. Well, take a couple of classic fairytales--Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel--gussy them up with modern sensibilities, swap the genders out and you have In A Gilded Cage by Mia Kerick. The story concerns Lucci, a slender, blond (with flowing hair, no less) and very cloistered young man, sold by a trailer-trash couple to a very wealthy and controlling older man who owns a pharmaceutical company, doles out scholarships to schools, and lives in a somewhat secluded estate.
On the other side of the tracks, as it were, you have Will ("Prin") Prinzing, a gifted athlete who is somewhat confused at first about his sexual orientation, but comes to terms with it. As he works on the estate where Lucci lives--actually is trapped--he chances upon him one evening, and then curious, steals into Lucci's room one night not via the ol' Rapunzel locks, but by a ladder. Soon friendship and then love results.
Had anyone else written this retelling of the old tales of finding true love, this would have been pap, but in Ms. Kerick's more than capable hands it actually works. I don't read M/M as a rule, but the narrative--done in first-person style and shown from Lucci's as well as Prin's POVs--is more than solid. There's no info dumping, the pace is fast and I thought the story offbeat, but worthy of five stars.
I did have a couple of issues, though. Minor ones, to be sure, but here they be. Lucci's way of speaking through much of the story is really soooooo old-fashioned. I realize that he's been dominated by his 'father' for much of his life, but he goes from being a redneck trailer-trash kid to a 'royal' speaking the Queen's English. Near the end, he loosens up a bit, but still sounds formal.
The second thing is the abusive relationship of Lucci's scumbag of an adoptive father. There's no other word for it. He is scum supreme...but everyone seems to turn a blind eye. Really, would they do so in real life? Are the rich THAT entitled? Maybe so. I've read real-life stories where children were locked away for years, so yes, anything is possible.
A word to the prudish. There be sex, fairly explicit, but it's not exploitative in any way. And while there's foul words a'plenty, they are not gratuitous. The relationship between Prin and his parents, particularly when he comes out to them, seems natural enough, but I wonder if the average set of parents would be so accepting. It is to Ms. Kerick's credit that she makes them sympathetic side characters, along with other supporting members of the cast such as Gil.
For those who love M/M, recommended. For those who are open-minded enough to read something that dares to be different, also recommended.
***Chocolate would have been a bonus, but was not involved at all in the making of this review.
October 29, 2016
Mia has written a story about a 12 year old boy that was sold by his parents to a very rich man. This man broke his spirit and tried to mold him into the perfect son as far as he was concerned. The boy fought at the beginning but through punishments that no one should have to endure he eventually make him into what he wanted. The boy Lucci, has no outside interaction and did everything his father wanted him to. Until he mets Prin, Prin is the gardener at the estate and is working one day when he comes upon Lucci. They form a bond of friendship but Prin who is straight finds himself falling for Lucci. Lucci is so innocent and doesnt understand the ways of the world. Lucci is about 18 now and so innocent. They fall in love even though if they get caught Lucci father will be mad. It was so cute to see this relationship grown, Mia wrote a dark story about love and what happens when you try to overcome. Prin realizes that life isnt all about money and power, it is about love. Lucci's father finds out what is going on and sends him away. He makes sure Lucci understands what will happen if he comes back to town to him and Prin. Prin tries to find out what is going on but is left in the dark. They both move on as best they could but never forget about each other. A year later Prin hears a song and he swears it is his Lucci so he goes to see him. Needless to say they find each other again and work through their past and fall in love again. I enjoyed reading about these 2 young men and how they really didnt give up on each other. the love they shared was so pure it made me smile. This was a different take on a fairytale and I enjoyed it.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
November 9, 2016
Well, one thing this story did for sure-it broke my heart with how Lucci was treated. Not by Prin, but by his so-called "Father". It made me want to climb right into the pages and permanently rescue Lucci myself, while at the same time giving his father a lesson he'd never forget.
Kept sequestered away from the rest of the world for so many years, Lucci's level of innocence is startlingly high. It was hard though for me to reconcile Lucci as the young boy we see in the opening scene with Lucci the young man in the present day of the story. The two personalities are oceans apart-but this just further testifies to the lengths his father went through to try and mold Lucci into who and what he wanted. Prin is well-meaning, though a bit wrapped up in his life and schooling at the start. I thought his character went through the most growth during the story as he discovers just what is truly important in life the closer he grows to Lucci.
The story is both horrifying and yet hopeful at the same time, and the sweet relationship that develops between Prin and Lucci is one I found myself fervently wishing would come out in the end. Watching the two of them as they explored their friendship (emotionally and physically) was the bright spot in a truly disturbing existence for Lucci. The ending I got felt a bit anti-climactic considering the lengths Lucci's father was willing to go through to keep Lucci exactly as he wanted him, but it was still a satisfying end to the story.
3.5 stars for In A Gilded Cage, and I'd recommend this story for M/M romance fans in the new adult range. The story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.
Kept sequestered away from the rest of the world for so many years, Lucci's level of innocence is startlingly high. It was hard though for me to reconcile Lucci as the young boy we see in the opening scene with Lucci the young man in the present day of the story. The two personalities are oceans apart-but this just further testifies to the lengths his father went through to try and mold Lucci into who and what he wanted. Prin is well-meaning, though a bit wrapped up in his life and schooling at the start. I thought his character went through the most growth during the story as he discovers just what is truly important in life the closer he grows to Lucci.
The story is both horrifying and yet hopeful at the same time, and the sweet relationship that develops between Prin and Lucci is one I found myself fervently wishing would come out in the end. Watching the two of them as they explored their friendship (emotionally and physically) was the bright spot in a truly disturbing existence for Lucci. The ending I got felt a bit anti-climactic considering the lengths Lucci's father was willing to go through to keep Lucci exactly as he wanted him, but it was still a satisfying end to the story.
3.5 stars for In A Gilded Cage, and I'd recommend this story for M/M romance fans in the new adult range. The story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.
October 17, 2016
I received an ARC for a review of this book.
I don’t usually read New Adult fiction, but I’m never disappointed in Mia Kerick. Between the wordsmithing, characters, and plot, I’m always transported headlong into a world with characters I haven’t been able to relate to (in fiction) since I was a new adult myself. ;)
Gilded Cage is a modern fairy tale, a Hansel and Gretel according to Ms. Kerick’s dedication, but during the reading, I was going more with Rapunzel. Maybe a mix, then, of fairy tale elements: an abandoned child, the prince in the tower, and the hero who comes to his rescue. Ms. Kerick never hits the reader over the head with her writing, but it comes upon me as a reader subtly, which for me, packs more of a punch.
Mr. Gotham has bought himself a son named Lucci from a greedy couple in a trailer park at the age of twelve or so. Mr. Gotham is very rich, runs a pharmaceutical company, and does lots of things for the locals, like scholarships and jobs (that sweet house made of candy and cake in the middle of the woods).
He remakes poor Lucci into his “son,” and his methods are cruel and abusive. He locks Luc into the house, his tower, forbidding him the outside world.
Until Prin comes along. College senior Prin is doing the landscaping at Mr. Gotham’s mansion, studying hard at the Gotham Business School, and hoping for that dream job at Gotham Pharmaceuticals. One day he looks up at the window where Luc is, doesn’t like what he sees, and everything changes…
I consider myself a pretty jaded reader, and I couldn’t put this story down.
I don’t usually read New Adult fiction, but I’m never disappointed in Mia Kerick. Between the wordsmithing, characters, and plot, I’m always transported headlong into a world with characters I haven’t been able to relate to (in fiction) since I was a new adult myself. ;)
Gilded Cage is a modern fairy tale, a Hansel and Gretel according to Ms. Kerick’s dedication, but during the reading, I was going more with Rapunzel. Maybe a mix, then, of fairy tale elements: an abandoned child, the prince in the tower, and the hero who comes to his rescue. Ms. Kerick never hits the reader over the head with her writing, but it comes upon me as a reader subtly, which for me, packs more of a punch.
Mr. Gotham has bought himself a son named Lucci from a greedy couple in a trailer park at the age of twelve or so. Mr. Gotham is very rich, runs a pharmaceutical company, and does lots of things for the locals, like scholarships and jobs (that sweet house made of candy and cake in the middle of the woods).
He remakes poor Lucci into his “son,” and his methods are cruel and abusive. He locks Luc into the house, his tower, forbidding him the outside world.
Until Prin comes along. College senior Prin is doing the landscaping at Mr. Gotham’s mansion, studying hard at the Gotham Business School, and hoping for that dream job at Gotham Pharmaceuticals. One day he looks up at the window where Luc is, doesn’t like what he sees, and everything changes…
I consider myself a pretty jaded reader, and I couldn’t put this story down.
June 3, 2023
Let me start by saying that this was a beautiful cover!!!
I am trying to think of an emotion that I didn't feel while reading this story... nope, can't think of one.
The main characters were so "real" that my heart broke... more than once. I felt fleeting moments of joy and many instances of rage. But, being honest, I will have to say that I found myself not enjoying the story for the most part. I couldn't have asked for better MCs, I just could never read this again... my heart just wouldn't make it! 😭
I am trying to think of an emotion that I didn't feel while reading this story... nope, can't think of one.
The main characters were so "real" that my heart broke... more than once. I felt fleeting moments of joy and many instances of rage. But, being honest, I will have to say that I found myself not enjoying the story for the most part. I couldn't have asked for better MCs, I just could never read this again... my heart just wouldn't make it! 😭
November 14, 2016
Fairy tale retellings usually add a twist into the story - sometimes major; sometimes minor - but Mia Kerick's approach is darker and more striking than usual as she takes the Rapunzel story and adds a notably tragic element which embraces everything from a child's sale (a strange kind of "win-win" situation which gives his needy parents both money and a better life for their son) to the evolution of a strange relationship that can only be changed by a handyman's intervention.
The vision of Rapunzel as being a young man in need of rescue is indeed quite a different perspective, and as the story line evolves, readers will come to realize that a change in gender isn't the only difference between this Rapunzel and its classic predecessor.
From insights on dysfunctional family relationships and the experience of being a victim in a gilded cage (which also holds its benefits) to the efforts of an outsider to change the destiny and entrapped position of the alluring, damaged Lucci Grimley, In a Gilded Cage requires of its readers a flexibility and liberal outlook. Those without such attributes who unsuspectingly pick up the novel might find its tenants challenging and possibly offensive; but Mia Kerick's intention isn't to shock or disgust; but to provide a powerful story that winds family relationships, interpersonal connections, and the concept of a gilded cage's allure and dangers into a compellingly different vision of the Rapunzel mythos.
If you never leave your mansion-cave, what could you possibly need or desire outside of it? As an evolving friendship brings with it deeper questions, both characters move out of their self-imposed gilded cages and into uncharted territories.
Readers who pick up In a Gilded Cage expecting another predictable retelling of a fairy tale will be amazed - and delighted - by how far this author stretches the original story line's concepts in a dark social and psychological challenge to the innocence of the original Rapunzel story of seduction and love.
The vision of Rapunzel as being a young man in need of rescue is indeed quite a different perspective, and as the story line evolves, readers will come to realize that a change in gender isn't the only difference between this Rapunzel and its classic predecessor.
From insights on dysfunctional family relationships and the experience of being a victim in a gilded cage (which also holds its benefits) to the efforts of an outsider to change the destiny and entrapped position of the alluring, damaged Lucci Grimley, In a Gilded Cage requires of its readers a flexibility and liberal outlook. Those without such attributes who unsuspectingly pick up the novel might find its tenants challenging and possibly offensive; but Mia Kerick's intention isn't to shock or disgust; but to provide a powerful story that winds family relationships, interpersonal connections, and the concept of a gilded cage's allure and dangers into a compellingly different vision of the Rapunzel mythos.
If you never leave your mansion-cave, what could you possibly need or desire outside of it? As an evolving friendship brings with it deeper questions, both characters move out of their self-imposed gilded cages and into uncharted territories.
Readers who pick up In a Gilded Cage expecting another predictable retelling of a fairy tale will be amazed - and delighted - by how far this author stretches the original story line's concepts in a dark social and psychological challenge to the innocence of the original Rapunzel story of seduction and love.
November 17, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
n a Gilded Cage is a perfect example of a fractured fairy tale with a gay romance twist. Mia Kerick draws on all the expected elements of the traditional genre in her retelling of Rapunzel, including Lucci as the trapped protagonist, Prin as the romantic hero, and Mr. Gotham as the twisted villain. The abuse Lucci is subjected to elevates In a Gilded Cage from a childhood bedtime story to one suited to a more mature audience, whilst the ages of Lucci and Prin and their relative innocence mean the novel is appropriate for new adult readers.
Aside from In a Gilded Cage being classified as a fairy tale retelling it is unclear where it falls in the gay fiction genre. Whilst Kerick makes it clear that Prin has had sexual experiences with girls, Prin himself asserts that he is not interested in a relationship with a member of the opposite sex, though he also admits that his feelings for Lucci confuse him.
In a Gilded Cage‘s real beauty lies with the vulnerability of Lucci and Prin and the way that Kerick allows them to express themselves, moving seamlessly between their narratives, but at the same time keeping their voices very individual. Lucci is childlike in his wonder, having been locked away from the world for eight years, with only Mr. Gotham and his three servants as Lucci’s other companions. Ironically, he is also eloquent, “proper,” and very straightforward. I think that the reason we do not find the details of his abuse more traumatic is because Lucci is detached from the events.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
n a Gilded Cage is a perfect example of a fractured fairy tale with a gay romance twist. Mia Kerick draws on all the expected elements of the traditional genre in her retelling of Rapunzel, including Lucci as the trapped protagonist, Prin as the romantic hero, and Mr. Gotham as the twisted villain. The abuse Lucci is subjected to elevates In a Gilded Cage from a childhood bedtime story to one suited to a more mature audience, whilst the ages of Lucci and Prin and their relative innocence mean the novel is appropriate for new adult readers.
Aside from In a Gilded Cage being classified as a fairy tale retelling it is unclear where it falls in the gay fiction genre. Whilst Kerick makes it clear that Prin has had sexual experiences with girls, Prin himself asserts that he is not interested in a relationship with a member of the opposite sex, though he also admits that his feelings for Lucci confuse him.
In a Gilded Cage‘s real beauty lies with the vulnerability of Lucci and Prin and the way that Kerick allows them to express themselves, moving seamlessly between their narratives, but at the same time keeping their voices very individual. Lucci is childlike in his wonder, having been locked away from the world for eight years, with only Mr. Gotham and his three servants as Lucci’s other companions. Ironically, he is also eloquent, “proper,” and very straightforward. I think that the reason we do not find the details of his abuse more traumatic is because Lucci is detached from the events.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
October 30, 2016
So this was a twisted dark tale of rapunzel. I really enjoyed it. It started with dark things like being ok with selling your son... then I kind of wish it had elaborated on what did happen to him with gotham but through the story you kind of piece it together and it wasn't as dark as you thought it would be. I loved Prin's parents.. they were totally amazing and wonderful.. and the end.. omg the ending caught me and held me and make me smile soo much. I was so happy with how it ended because I was afraid it might go a different way but i was so glad it didnt. Very good story and I'm so glad i got to review it
December 15, 2016
2.75 stars.
Totally rushed ending...so many questions left unanswered. Frustrated the hell out of me.
Totally rushed ending...so many questions left unanswered. Frustrated the hell out of me.
February 7, 2017
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
Prin is a boy with a mission: to succeed in life. After a childhood with barely enough food to eat, Prin is ready to the next step of life: college, working, getting famous and getting rich. Not necessarily in that order, as he really needs the money as soon as possible.
To make sure he’ll have the necessary funds to move to Boston once he graduates and that he won’t be a burden to his awesome loving parents, Prin arranges a job as the gardener of Damien Gothan’s ridiculously large Estate. With soccer practice, his college classes and assignments and a world of lawn to mow, one would expect Prin to have his head completely focused on his life goals.
Well, Prin had managed to accomplish that until he lays eyes on Lucci, Damien’s heavily guarded son. What began with a giggling and playful race across Gothan’s gardens soon becomes an obsession to Prin. Who is Lucci and why no one seems to know him? Why does Damien guard him so fiercely?
More importantly: How will Prin manage to see Lucci again?
The Review
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
Soooo, I had been dying to read a fairy tale retelling with a gay couple. I was just talking about how authors NEEDED to make this happen with an offline friend when I saw the invitation for this tour and I was like OMG THE BOOK GODS HEARD ME! *squeals, signs up and bothers Giselle, from Xpresso Book Tours, until she assured me my name was confirmed for the tour*
While I loved this book and enjoyed a lot this new experience, there were some serious plot roles and unbelievable responses from key characters at critical situations that prevented it to make to the big 5 stars rating. Kerick involves her reader in the story and makes our hearts ache for her characters, but I missed some more polishing on her work – she’s got a lot of potential, so I can’t wait to read another book from her sooner than later, but I can’t ignore In A Gilded Cage’s flaws. All in all, it was an awesome 4 stars read!
The narrative switched points between Lucci and Prin in first person style. I personally LOVED both Lucci and Prin, as they are very different boys experiencing the same thing together: a colorful friendship, haha! Given my very public reservations about first person styled books, I must say that this isn’t where Kerick went wrong with me, as both boys are different as sun and moon and the reader could pick them up even without the name labels in the beginning of each chapter, haha! I also liked how fluid the writing is, simple but rich and enticing ❤
The plot had all the potential in the world. A hidden boy, forbidden romance, psychological torture and games, the hope for a new beginning… Then, enter the flaws. The end felt absurdly rushed for me, like the author stopped and said: “wait, I need to finish this book in the next five minutes!”. Also, many resolutions didn’t make any sense, as they didn’t agree with the modus operandi constructed for the characters during the book.
Now, back to my undying love with this bookwhat, to the characters! /o/
Lucci was a delight – it is really rare to find modern young men so pure as Lucci was! I usually have zero patience with naïve characters, but I think that his whole social situation – being trapped into that mansion with a sick man torturing him and all – made me more accepting of his wonder at discovering how magical life could be. And, while many would say that Prin was responsible for Lucci’s development as a regular teenage boy, I say that Lucci has all the credit. Prin was just key sliding into Lucci’s lockunderstand this metaphor as you please ❤ , not the one to inspire the changes. Lucci had it inside him all the time, just wanting to be free again.
Prin was your regular boy next door teenage student with a knack for obsessing over weird things. I was surprised to find him so funny and likeable, as I usually prefer my boys more mean and all. Well, I guess there’s an exception for every bookish taste rule indeed, haha! One of the best parts in this read was to see how both Lucci and Prin reacted to their blossoming romance and Prin struggling to not hut Lucci’s feelings with the insecurities that a relationship during teenage can bring ❤
Also, both the villain and the side kicks were amazingly constructed – I just wish Kenrick had kept the good work towards the end of the book and not thrown it all through the window as she did :/ And, as I’m complaining again, I’m just going to make a quick comment to say I’m not this cover’s number one fan. I don’t feel it represents the story, besides the not-being-easy-on-my-panda-eyes deal, oops!
Noooow, quote time! Because this is the best way to force convince you guys that this book deserves a chance nevertheless!
And this lovely and killer passage from Lucci’s point of view:
Overall, if you love fairy tale retellings, gay romance and deep and emotional books, you just have to check In a Gilded Cage! ❤
That’s it! Thanks so much for reading my review and thanks again to Xpresso Book Tours for my review copy!
I received this copy from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
Prin is a boy with a mission: to succeed in life. After a childhood with barely enough food to eat, Prin is ready to the next step of life: college, working, getting famous and getting rich. Not necessarily in that order, as he really needs the money as soon as possible.
To make sure he’ll have the necessary funds to move to Boston once he graduates and that he won’t be a burden to his awesome loving parents, Prin arranges a job as the gardener of Damien Gothan’s ridiculously large Estate. With soccer practice, his college classes and assignments and a world of lawn to mow, one would expect Prin to have his head completely focused on his life goals.
Well, Prin had managed to accomplish that until he lays eyes on Lucci, Damien’s heavily guarded son. What began with a giggling and playful race across Gothan’s gardens soon becomes an obsession to Prin. Who is Lucci and why no one seems to know him? Why does Damien guard him so fiercely?
More importantly: How will Prin manage to see Lucci again?
The Review
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
Soooo, I had been dying to read a fairy tale retelling with a gay couple. I was just talking about how authors NEEDED to make this happen with an offline friend when I saw the invitation for this tour and I was like OMG THE BOOK GODS HEARD ME! *squeals, signs up and bothers Giselle, from Xpresso Book Tours, until she assured me my name was confirmed for the tour*
While I loved this book and enjoyed a lot this new experience, there were some serious plot roles and unbelievable responses from key characters at critical situations that prevented it to make to the big 5 stars rating. Kerick involves her reader in the story and makes our hearts ache for her characters, but I missed some more polishing on her work – she’s got a lot of potential, so I can’t wait to read another book from her sooner than later, but I can’t ignore In A Gilded Cage’s flaws. All in all, it was an awesome 4 stars read!
The narrative switched points between Lucci and Prin in first person style. I personally LOVED both Lucci and Prin, as they are very different boys experiencing the same thing together: a colorful friendship, haha! Given my very public reservations about first person styled books, I must say that this isn’t where Kerick went wrong with me, as both boys are different as sun and moon and the reader could pick them up even without the name labels in the beginning of each chapter, haha! I also liked how fluid the writing is, simple but rich and enticing ❤
The plot had all the potential in the world. A hidden boy, forbidden romance, psychological torture and games, the hope for a new beginning… Then, enter the flaws. The end felt absurdly rushed for me, like the author stopped and said: “wait, I need to finish this book in the next five minutes!”. Also, many resolutions didn’t make any sense, as they didn’t agree with the modus operandi constructed for the characters during the book.
Now, back to my undying love with this book
Lucci was a delight – it is really rare to find modern young men so pure as Lucci was! I usually have zero patience with naïve characters, but I think that his whole social situation – being trapped into that mansion with a sick man torturing him and all – made me more accepting of his wonder at discovering how magical life could be. And, while many would say that Prin was responsible for Lucci’s development as a regular teenage boy, I say that Lucci has all the credit. Prin was just key sliding into Lucci’s lock
Prin was your regular boy next door teenage student with a knack for obsessing over weird things. I was surprised to find him so funny and likeable, as I usually prefer my boys more mean and all. Well, I guess there’s an exception for every bookish taste rule indeed, haha! One of the best parts in this read was to see how both Lucci and Prin reacted to their blossoming romance and Prin struggling to not hut Lucci’s feelings with the insecurities that a relationship during teenage can bring ❤
Also, both the villain and the side kicks were amazingly constructed – I just wish Kenrick had kept the good work towards the end of the book and not thrown it all through the window as she did :/ And, as I’m complaining again, I’m just going to make a quick comment to say I’m not this cover’s number one fan. I don’t feel it represents the story, besides the not-being-easy-on-my-panda-eyes deal, oops!
Noooow, quote time! Because this is the best way to force convince you guys that this book deserves a chance nevertheless!
“There’s nothing that’s forbidden to think about. Maybe there are things you’re forbidden to do – like murdering people and stealing shit – but you can think about whatever you want.” – Prin’s wisdom
“His [Lucci’s] words make no sense, so I guess I’m doing this right.” – Prin
And this lovely and killer passage from Lucci’s point of view:
“She [Miss Gladys] shakes her head, and mutters, “There’s far too much pressure on you to be a perfect person, not that anybody asked for my opinion.”
I agree, but no one asked for my opinion either.
Overall, if you love fairy tale retellings, gay romance and deep and emotional books, you just have to check In a Gilded Cage! ❤
That’s it! Thanks so much for reading my review and thanks again to Xpresso Book Tours for my review copy!
May 21, 2017
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fair warning: this is going to be a rant.
I went into In A Gilded Cage fully expecting to love it, as the description makes it sound like exactly my type of book. Not only is it a modern-day retelling of Rapunzel, it’s also a male/male romance. What more could I possibly ask for, right?
Well, for starters, I’m not sure “romance” is the right word for the relationship between the book’s two protagonists, Prin and Lucci. To me it’s less a love story and more the story of one person taking complete advantage of another person’s vulnerability and innocence. Allow me to explain.
Lucci is the adopted son of a ridiculously wealthy – and hideously controlling – business mogul by the name of Damien Gotham. Gotham is a total creep and actually bought Lucci from his parents when he was a young boy so he could “lift [Lucci] out of squalor and place (him) in surroundings befitting [his] beautify and potential.” To Gotham, lifting Lucci from squalor essentially means imprisoning Lucci in Gotham’s mansion and controlling every single move he makes for the rest of his life.
Gotham isn’t just your run-of-the-mill, over-protective helicopter parent – he’s legitimately crazy and abusive. Lucci is isolated from the world, with only Gotham for company. Gotham dictates how Lucci spends every minute of his day, how he talks, what he eats, even how much water he may drink. His standards for “appropriate” behavior are unattainably high, and the punishments he doles out when Lucci can’t measure up are imaginative and horrible. And don’t even get me started on how far over the line his physical relationship with Lucci is. Yick.
I hoped things would look up for poor, victimized Lucci when his “prince charming” showed up…but nope. The relationship that develops between William “Prin” Prinzing and Lucci makes me cringe just thinking about it. Even though Lucci’s almost 21 during the main events of the book, his isolated upbringing has left him so innocent and naïve that the relationship between him and Prin feels like the relationship between an adult and a child.
Lucci doesn’t understand what friendships are, let alone sexual encounters. At one point when Prin is sticking his tongue in Lucci’s mouth, Lucci pulls back and innocently asks, “Is this the way of friendship, Prin?” He honestly has no idea what's going on. Lucci doesn’t even know the names for his various pieces of anatomy – he calls them his “man parts,” for crying out loud. It’s such an unequal relationship, where Prin has all the knowledge and power and Lucci is just trustingly going along with whatever Prin tells him.
Prin knows something’s not right with Lucci’s home life, but is rescuing Lucci his first priority? No, of course not. He’s more concerned with how far he’s able to get with Lucci sexually. He’s basically like, “Hey, I know you’re being abused, and you have zero concept of the world beyond your creepy dad’s house and his carefully-selected servants, but rather than doing anything REAL to help you, I’m going to feel you up in my truck instead. ‘Kay?”
The sexual scenes are intensely uncomfortable because they almost feel like instances of statutory rape. It doesn’t help that every time Prin and Lucci have a sexual encounter, Lucci compares the experience to his interactions with his adopted father. For example, there’s a scene where Lucci runs his hands over Prin’s bare chest while envisioning his father’s chest hair. And then there’s this gem from one of Lucci’s POV chapters:
I felt like screaming at Prin for so much of this book. It's like, dude - can we remember that Lucci’s father makes him cuddle with him in bed at night, naked? And that he withdraws food and water from Lucci if he feels Lucci is not appropriately affectionate during those cuddle sessions? And forces Lucci to kneel on a grate for hours as punishment for other minor “infractions”? With all this in mind, do you really think sexing him up is your best course of action? As opposed to, oh, I don’t know – HELPING HIM ESCAPE?!
Even if Lucci and Prin were both happy, healthy, well-adjusted people, I'd still wince at their love scenes, which are mega-awkward and not sexy or sensual in any way. Please, share in my horror and discomfort with this quote about Lucci’s second-ever erection:
And how about this:
The scene that really pushes me over the edge, though, is the one where Prin takes his sock off and wipes Lucci’s mouth with it after fellatio. Yes, you read that right – he uses his dirty sock, which was just on his sweaty-ass foot while he was doing yard work, and uses it to WIPE LUCCI’S MOUTH. *Gags*
If there’s one saving grace in In A Gilded Cage, it’s the presence of Prin’s awesome parents. They don’t have a huge role in the book, but the few scenes they’re in are pretty great. What I appreciate about Prin’s mom and dad is that they’re fantastically supportive of Prin and very much in love with each other. Their lives aren't easy – they got pregnant and married at 17, live in a trailer and work long hours as custodians – and yet they’re blissfully happy and still full of love for one another after so many years and hardships.
Still, my fondness for Prin's parents isn't nearly enough to redeem the rest of the book in my eyes. The serious issues with the supposed "romance," as well as the amount of cringing I did while reading, make In A Gilded Cage an absolute "no" for me.
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
Fair warning: this is going to be a rant.
I went into In A Gilded Cage fully expecting to love it, as the description makes it sound like exactly my type of book. Not only is it a modern-day retelling of Rapunzel, it’s also a male/male romance. What more could I possibly ask for, right?
Well, for starters, I’m not sure “romance” is the right word for the relationship between the book’s two protagonists, Prin and Lucci. To me it’s less a love story and more the story of one person taking complete advantage of another person’s vulnerability and innocence. Allow me to explain.
Lucci is the adopted son of a ridiculously wealthy – and hideously controlling – business mogul by the name of Damien Gotham. Gotham is a total creep and actually bought Lucci from his parents when he was a young boy so he could “lift [Lucci] out of squalor and place (him) in surroundings befitting [his] beautify and potential.” To Gotham, lifting Lucci from squalor essentially means imprisoning Lucci in Gotham’s mansion and controlling every single move he makes for the rest of his life.
Gotham isn’t just your run-of-the-mill, over-protective helicopter parent – he’s legitimately crazy and abusive. Lucci is isolated from the world, with only Gotham for company. Gotham dictates how Lucci spends every minute of his day, how he talks, what he eats, even how much water he may drink. His standards for “appropriate” behavior are unattainably high, and the punishments he doles out when Lucci can’t measure up are imaginative and horrible. And don’t even get me started on how far over the line his physical relationship with Lucci is. Yick.
I hoped things would look up for poor, victimized Lucci when his “prince charming” showed up…but nope. The relationship that develops between William “Prin” Prinzing and Lucci makes me cringe just thinking about it. Even though Lucci’s almost 21 during the main events of the book, his isolated upbringing has left him so innocent and naïve that the relationship between him and Prin feels like the relationship between an adult and a child.
Lucci doesn’t understand what friendships are, let alone sexual encounters. At one point when Prin is sticking his tongue in Lucci’s mouth, Lucci pulls back and innocently asks, “Is this the way of friendship, Prin?” He honestly has no idea what's going on. Lucci doesn’t even know the names for his various pieces of anatomy – he calls them his “man parts,” for crying out loud. It’s such an unequal relationship, where Prin has all the knowledge and power and Lucci is just trustingly going along with whatever Prin tells him.
Prin knows something’s not right with Lucci’s home life, but is rescuing Lucci his first priority? No, of course not. He’s more concerned with how far he’s able to get with Lucci sexually. He’s basically like, “Hey, I know you’re being abused, and you have zero concept of the world beyond your creepy dad’s house and his carefully-selected servants, but rather than doing anything REAL to help you, I’m going to feel you up in my truck instead. ‘Kay?”
The sexual scenes are intensely uncomfortable because they almost feel like instances of statutory rape. It doesn’t help that every time Prin and Lucci have a sexual encounter, Lucci compares the experience to his interactions with his adopted father. For example, there’s a scene where Lucci runs his hands over Prin’s bare chest while envisioning his father’s chest hair. And then there’s this gem from one of Lucci’s POV chapters:
“‘I notice that [Prin’s] hands are trembling as Father’s often do when he gives in to his need to touch me.’”
I felt like screaming at Prin for so much of this book. It's like, dude - can we remember that Lucci’s father makes him cuddle with him in bed at night, naked? And that he withdraws food and water from Lucci if he feels Lucci is not appropriately affectionate during those cuddle sessions? And forces Lucci to kneel on a grate for hours as punishment for other minor “infractions”? With all this in mind, do you really think sexing him up is your best course of action? As opposed to, oh, I don’t know – HELPING HIM ESCAPE?!
Even if Lucci and Prin were both happy, healthy, well-adjusted people, I'd still wince at their love scenes, which are mega-awkward and not sexy or sensual in any way. Please, share in my horror and discomfort with this quote about Lucci’s second-ever erection:
"'It is happening to me again, Prin.’ I take his hand in mine and press it to the stiffness of my private part.”
And how about this:
“I pull him down so his privates dangle before my face, and I open my mouth more eagerly than does a baby bird to his mother.”
The scene that really pushes me over the edge, though, is the one where Prin takes his sock off and wipes Lucci’s mouth with it after fellatio. Yes, you read that right – he uses his dirty sock, which was just on his sweaty-ass foot while he was doing yard work, and uses it to WIPE LUCCI’S MOUTH. *Gags*
If there’s one saving grace in In A Gilded Cage, it’s the presence of Prin’s awesome parents. They don’t have a huge role in the book, but the few scenes they’re in are pretty great. What I appreciate about Prin’s mom and dad is that they’re fantastically supportive of Prin and very much in love with each other. Their lives aren't easy – they got pregnant and married at 17, live in a trailer and work long hours as custodians – and yet they’re blissfully happy and still full of love for one another after so many years and hardships.
Still, my fondness for Prin's parents isn't nearly enough to redeem the rest of the book in my eyes. The serious issues with the supposed "romance," as well as the amount of cringing I did while reading, make In A Gilded Cage an absolute "no" for me.
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
October 18, 2016
a sexy and magical fairy tale retelling!!
October 31, 2016
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Lucas “Lucci” Grimley has long beautiful blond hair, a voice that is sweet, and a musical talent that is enchanting. The town bad guy, Damien Gotham, buys Lucci when he’s twelve and Lucci’s parents happily give him away for a new car and loads of cash. Mr. Gotham locks Lucci away in the tower of his mansion so he is not soiled by the outside world.
William Prinzing or Prin as his friends call him grew up in a trailor park with poor parents, but an abundance of love. He’s working his way through college and is very focused and driven. He has a plan for his future and nothing is going to get in his way. Until the day he’s doing the landscaping at Tower Estate and hears the most beautiful sound coming from inside the maze. He calls out to the boy, but receives only a giggle or two and soon sees a person running across the lawn. Prin is so curious that he investigates and soon meets Lucci and is absolutely enchanted. Prin doesn’t understand Lucci’s life, but it doesn’t take him long to realize that Lucci is a prisoner or sorts and Prin wants desperately to rescue him.
Their friendship soon turns to romance and then love and both men come to rely on one another. Lucci is so innocent and accepting that Prin is able to admit he’s gay and accept it. In return, Prin shows Lucci life outside of Tower Estate.
Ms. Kerick’s books never cease to take me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I’ve come to look forward to the ups and downs, twists and turns and I never start a book of hers without a box of tissues. Her words always shoot straight to my heart and hold me captive until I’ve finished the last word. This book is no different. My heart hurt for Lucci while Prin gave me hope. I was left speechless for a while after I finished their story. I hope you’ll take the time to read it. It’s definitely worth it.
Lucas “Lucci” Grimley has long beautiful blond hair, a voice that is sweet, and a musical talent that is enchanting. The town bad guy, Damien Gotham, buys Lucci when he’s twelve and Lucci’s parents happily give him away for a new car and loads of cash. Mr. Gotham locks Lucci away in the tower of his mansion so he is not soiled by the outside world.
William Prinzing or Prin as his friends call him grew up in a trailor park with poor parents, but an abundance of love. He’s working his way through college and is very focused and driven. He has a plan for his future and nothing is going to get in his way. Until the day he’s doing the landscaping at Tower Estate and hears the most beautiful sound coming from inside the maze. He calls out to the boy, but receives only a giggle or two and soon sees a person running across the lawn. Prin is so curious that he investigates and soon meets Lucci and is absolutely enchanted. Prin doesn’t understand Lucci’s life, but it doesn’t take him long to realize that Lucci is a prisoner or sorts and Prin wants desperately to rescue him.
Their friendship soon turns to romance and then love and both men come to rely on one another. Lucci is so innocent and accepting that Prin is able to admit he’s gay and accept it. In return, Prin shows Lucci life outside of Tower Estate.
Ms. Kerick’s books never cease to take me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I’ve come to look forward to the ups and downs, twists and turns and I never start a book of hers without a box of tissues. Her words always shoot straight to my heart and hold me captive until I’ve finished the last word. This book is no different. My heart hurt for Lucci while Prin gave me hope. I was left speechless for a while after I finished their story. I hope you’ll take the time to read it. It’s definitely worth it.
February 12, 2017
**I received a DRC in exchange for an honest review**
This book had potential.
I mean, a LGBTQ, modern-day Rapunzel retelling? Sign me up! But I couldn't get past the third page. There is SO much profanity and colloquialisms and just harsh treatment of family members- between Lucci's parents, towards Lucci, etc- that I couldn't go through. There is so little familial love and so much verbal abuse that, as good as the premise sounded, no. Quite a good deal of what I read was slang and I couldn't even understand it.
This book had potential.
I mean, a LGBTQ, modern-day Rapunzel retelling? Sign me up! But I couldn't get past the third page. There is SO much profanity and colloquialisms and just harsh treatment of family members- between Lucci's parents, towards Lucci, etc- that I couldn't go through. There is so little familial love and so much verbal abuse that, as good as the premise sounded, no. Quite a good deal of what I read was slang and I couldn't even understand it.
Read
November 20, 2016DNF ..too disturbing for me
November 29, 2016
Not sure about the plot, but I liked the characters. Will expand when I get the mood
November 16, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement. ***
Prin is a very goal-oriented young man, trying to best in all he does, be it at college or soccer. The last thing he expected was to have all his dreams fade away when he meets the son of the man he hopes to work for someday. Lucci is beautiful and Prin is confused by his feelings for the younger man, and by the things Lucci has to endure at the hands of his so-called father, but he can't stay away. A friendship is forged and soon it blossoms into more, but what will happen when Lucci's father learns of their relationship?
I usually love re-tellings of fairy tales, however, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. While I loved Prin, who was a great character, with many layers and who showed growth throughout the book, I didn't feel as connected with Lucci. Yes, I felt bad for him for how his parents sold him out to Damian Gotham, for the psychological abuse he had to endure until his will was broken, but I don't know, I would've liked to see more of a spark in him. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy his scenes with Prin, but that was mostly because Prin always went out of his way to do nice things for him, like taking him to try the strawberry sundae for the first time and asking for extra strawberry sauce for him, or just trying to be there for Lucci.
All in all, it was an entertaining book. It was well-written, albeit a bit too formal for my taste, but the author had me on tenterhooks as I went through it wondering what other twist and turn she would take me through. Recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars
Prin is a very goal-oriented young man, trying to best in all he does, be it at college or soccer. The last thing he expected was to have all his dreams fade away when he meets the son of the man he hopes to work for someday. Lucci is beautiful and Prin is confused by his feelings for the younger man, and by the things Lucci has to endure at the hands of his so-called father, but he can't stay away. A friendship is forged and soon it blossoms into more, but what will happen when Lucci's father learns of their relationship?
I usually love re-tellings of fairy tales, however, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. While I loved Prin, who was a great character, with many layers and who showed growth throughout the book, I didn't feel as connected with Lucci. Yes, I felt bad for him for how his parents sold him out to Damian Gotham, for the psychological abuse he had to endure until his will was broken, but I don't know, I would've liked to see more of a spark in him. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy his scenes with Prin, but that was mostly because Prin always went out of his way to do nice things for him, like taking him to try the strawberry sundae for the first time and asking for extra strawberry sauce for him, or just trying to be there for Lucci.
All in all, it was an entertaining book. It was well-written, albeit a bit too formal for my taste, but the author had me on tenterhooks as I went through it wondering what other twist and turn she would take me through. Recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars
May 20, 2019
3.75 stars - The happy ending is a little soured for me as there were no consequences for the villain of this story. There is a hopeful message here about not bringing baggage forward in life, but it smacks a little too much of a fairy tale ending to be real life.
February 28, 2017
Well !! My hearty goes out for Lucci. I loved how the author displayed the innocence of the 'LITTLE GANGSTA'. This was my first book by this author. Throughout the book all I wanted to do was crush the Father's face.
I don't have much to say about this book. Will catch ya'll later...
Byeee... :)
I don't have much to say about this book. Will catch ya'll later...
Byeee... :)
February 3, 2017
Hauntingly beautiful. You feel for Lucci in a way that has your heart ache and bleed for him. He has gone through so much and to survive he has basically become a shell of a person. That is until Prin comes along.
Prin is cocky but not arrogant. Sweet, fun, kind and generous. He is also driven. He is one that has a goal and sticks to it not letting things get in his way. that is until he sees the mysterious Lucci. Lucci who captures his heart and soul. As he unravels the mystery of Lucci he sees things in his life differently. He gains perspective of the different way life can be. He sees that Lucci does indeed live in a cage that has beauty but no love. A cage that has luxury but isn’t home. He realizes how lucky he is. Prin also begins to fall in love. As does Lucci. What starts as a tentative friendship turns into more. Something more meaningful and vibrant. But this does come with a price and the price is horrendous.
This is the beautiful and haunting story of how Prin and Lucci find each other. How they learn to fight for each other and themselves. How they sacrifice for love. How they learn about themselves and each other. How one lives in a cage that may seem beautiful but is ugly and sinister. How one escapes the cage only to be in another. One that if defied can cause harm to others. Of how two young men fall in love and fight for one another only to almost lose it all. A fight that is sad and lonely at times but one that builds the characters up and gives them freedom. The freedom to be and find their way back to one another. Such a amazingly wonderful and sad yet beautiful and loving story of love. Mia Kerick has given us a gift of seeing love in all its real forms with the tale of Prin and Lucci and how they find one another and fight to survive and be together.
Prin is cocky but not arrogant. Sweet, fun, kind and generous. He is also driven. He is one that has a goal and sticks to it not letting things get in his way. that is until he sees the mysterious Lucci. Lucci who captures his heart and soul. As he unravels the mystery of Lucci he sees things in his life differently. He gains perspective of the different way life can be. He sees that Lucci does indeed live in a cage that has beauty but no love. A cage that has luxury but isn’t home. He realizes how lucky he is. Prin also begins to fall in love. As does Lucci. What starts as a tentative friendship turns into more. Something more meaningful and vibrant. But this does come with a price and the price is horrendous.
This is the beautiful and haunting story of how Prin and Lucci find each other. How they learn to fight for each other and themselves. How they sacrifice for love. How they learn about themselves and each other. How one lives in a cage that may seem beautiful but is ugly and sinister. How one escapes the cage only to be in another. One that if defied can cause harm to others. Of how two young men fall in love and fight for one another only to almost lose it all. A fight that is sad and lonely at times but one that builds the characters up and gives them freedom. The freedom to be and find their way back to one another. Such a amazingly wonderful and sad yet beautiful and loving story of love. Mia Kerick has given us a gift of seeing love in all its real forms with the tale of Prin and Lucci and how they find one another and fight to survive and be together.
February 3, 2017
In A Gilded Cage was hauntingly beautiful story about Lucci, who had been abused for years by his father figure Damien Gotham, and Prin, who's very ambitious jock. Prin was so knightly character, loved his courage and gentleman manners, although at the beginning of the story, Prin was very focused in his studies and getting the internship he yearned for. However, he learned that sometimes there are more important things than studies and internships when it comes to life. Lucci was adorable and such a poor boy who deserved so much better than what he had to endure! I really felt for Lucci and his situation, and kept rooting for him. Damien Gotham was creepy and definitely the villain and gods I hated him. The only thing I missed at the end was actual motive for what Gotham did, but it was never really clarified.
The romance was nicely done, and I liked how adorable Lucci and Prin were together, and I wished all the happiness for them from the very beginning. I just wished a little more happy scenes for them at the end but overall I'm happy about the storyline.
Writing style left the story a bit more telling and not showing which made the story a bit distant. However, that was the only minus, and I liked the drama and hurt and the journey to liberate Lucci of all his prisons. The story actually felt and read like a modern day fairytale, which was really nice.
The romance was nicely done, and I liked how adorable Lucci and Prin were together, and I wished all the happiness for them from the very beginning. I just wished a little more happy scenes for them at the end but overall I'm happy about the storyline.
Writing style left the story a bit more telling and not showing which made the story a bit distant. However, that was the only minus, and I liked the drama and hurt and the journey to liberate Lucci of all his prisons. The story actually felt and read like a modern day fairytale, which was really nice.
February 7, 2017
4.25 Stars*
Please note that this review will only be up on blog on the 27th of January 2017
If you would like to see all my thoughts on this book, be sure to check out the review on my blog:
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down and when I did, it consumed my thoughts. I loved reading every moment of this book. Just a quick warning, this book does contain sexual content so please be advised when picking this book up. I recommend this book to people who want an interesting and modern twist on the classic story.
Please note that this review will only be up on blog on the 27th of January 2017
If you would like to see all my thoughts on this book, be sure to check out the review on my blog:
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down and when I did, it consumed my thoughts. I loved reading every moment of this book. Just a quick warning, this book does contain sexual content so please be advised when picking this book up. I recommend this book to people who want an interesting and modern twist on the classic story.
February 8, 2017
4 Stars!
This story sort of broke my heart. Lucci is sold as a 12 year old boy for money and possessions. He is locked away in a tower. Lucci is has a magical voice and is heard by Prin, a college student and soccer star who was hired by Gotham to care for the grounds of the estate. Prin hears Lucci and climbs a ladder to get to this man with the magical voice.
This modern day take on Rapunzel is captivating and emotional. Lucci broke my heart and the brave Prin put it back together again. Gotham was a brilliant villain!
A beautiful take on an old fairytale!
This story sort of broke my heart. Lucci is sold as a 12 year old boy for money and possessions. He is locked away in a tower. Lucci is has a magical voice and is heard by Prin, a college student and soccer star who was hired by Gotham to care for the grounds of the estate. Prin hears Lucci and climbs a ladder to get to this man with the magical voice.
This modern day take on Rapunzel is captivating and emotional. Lucci broke my heart and the brave Prin put it back together again. Gotham was a brilliant villain!
A beautiful take on an old fairytale!
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