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Scarred
Even in paradise, beautiful faces can hide scarred souls.
ONE tropical island.
Placida Island’s gentle ocean breezes and rolling surf beckon to those who wish to reside in remote tropical serenity.
TWO men living in self-imposed exile.
Wearing twisted ropes of mutilated skin on his back and carrying devastating damage in his soul from severe childhood abuse, Matthew North lives alone in a rustic cabin on the shore, avoiding human contact.
Gender fluidity his perceived “crime” against family and friends, Vedie Wilson flees his childhood home so he can freely express his identity.
THREE persecutors seeking their warped view of justice.
Vedie’s past refuses to stay in the faraway city he left behind when family members, intent on forcing him to change, threaten the precious peace he’s found.
TOO MANY scars to count.
Their beautiful faces masking deeply scarred souls, Matt and Vedie live in hiding from the world and each other.
Can they unite and embrace each other’s painful pasts, leaving the scars behind, to find love?
ONE tropical island.
Placida Island’s gentle ocean breezes and rolling surf beckon to those who wish to reside in remote tropical serenity.
TWO men living in self-imposed exile.
Wearing twisted ropes of mutilated skin on his back and carrying devastating damage in his soul from severe childhood abuse, Matthew North lives alone in a rustic cabin on the shore, avoiding human contact.
Gender fluidity his perceived “crime” against family and friends, Vedie Wilson flees his childhood home so he can freely express his identity.
THREE persecutors seeking their warped view of justice.
Vedie’s past refuses to stay in the faraway city he left behind when family members, intent on forcing him to change, threaten the precious peace he’s found.
TOO MANY scars to count.
Their beautiful faces masking deeply scarred souls, Matt and Vedie live in hiding from the world and each other.
Can they unite and embrace each other’s painful pasts, leaving the scars behind, to find love?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
About the author
Mia Kerick
43 books537 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 43 reviews
October 21, 2017
I had the honour of beta reading this book, and I had such a fun as well as an emotional ride that lasted for a few days.
I cried my share of the tears when Vedie's soft, sensitive side got hurt, because when he showcased his soft side, I felt myself respond and my heart got all gooey, too! Vedie has the strong power of molding the reader into the role he himself is feeling at the time, and let me tell you guys that the narrative I strongly connected with is Vedie's. I had embarrassing moments where I was laughing out loud at his sass or smiling at the witty conversations he shared with Matt.
There is a lot of angst, with many events happening throughout the book, and so you don't feel bored for even a single paragraph...and yet it is not SO angsty as to have you sobbing and tearing up and getting you away from the book so that you could get a handle on yourself. In short, it is a good mix of angst and psychological relief from that angst. It walks that fine line between the two.
I cried my share of the tears when Vedie's soft, sensitive side got hurt, because when he showcased his soft side, I felt myself respond and my heart got all gooey, too! Vedie has the strong power of molding the reader into the role he himself is feeling at the time, and let me tell you guys that the narrative I strongly connected with is Vedie's. I had embarrassing moments where I was laughing out loud at his sass or smiling at the witty conversations he shared with Matt.
There is a lot of angst, with many events happening throughout the book, and so you don't feel bored for even a single paragraph...and yet it is not SO angsty as to have you sobbing and tearing up and getting you away from the book so that you could get a handle on yourself. In short, it is a good mix of angst and psychological relief from that angst. It walks that fine line between the two.
February 22, 2017
5 huge stars
Beautiful Souls with Scars
Vedie and Matt
I could clearly hear the sound of Vedie's voice and picture his beautiful figure when he is dressed just how he likes it and how he feels, with his dreads, sometimes in a bun and sometimes loose. It all just shined through the sentences.... awesome to experience it like that.
Beautiful amazing Vedie, dressed how he feels, finally free to do so.
Matt big 'Crazy Matt' when he sees Vedie in a lace shirt with make-up on he is baffled.
Vedie afraid this is a deal breaker is strucked when Matt says something sweet like :
"I-I don’t want you to get your outfit messed up.” Vedie can only blink and blink and blink his tears away...
They both live on a tropical island far away from everybody they known and both have their own reasons.
Vedie works at the local Tiki Hut and Matt works from out his home.
Matt, solitary by choice, thinks he is a big grumpy man but omg he has a warm heart with just the right honest feelings in it.
Vedie thinks he self is the reason of all the shit that happens to him, but o sweet Vedie you are so wrong about that. You are so beautiful and real.
And then at 8% BAM my heart crashed......
I did not just read that....
It's fucking heartbreaking. Life in its cruelest way... it hurts... it's devastating....
Between the pov from both Vedie and Matt there are some heartbreaking parts from hell.
It's life at it worst....
Being feminine or want to cross dress is for some stupid assholes a reason to grab a guy. I'm furious on behalf of Vedie and I want to scratch some eyeballs out.
We get to learn about Vedie and Matt's past and why they are who they are now.
You will not believe your eyes..... because...... read it yourself!
All the self reflections are very well put down, they both come from far.
Life is hunting them badly. Their journey must be heard!
It sounds like all is heavy in this story but let me tell you there are plenty of moving parts that warms your heart when you see both men feel safe and grow, where their hearts melt and they feel loved.
Their lovemaking is sweet and honest but also cautious and thoughtful. As if they never....
It's written in a way like a movie... the accent, the environment... the whole scenery I felt surrounded by it. It hurt, it was moving, it was emotional, it was breathtaking and beautiful.
Strong written with serious issues which are put down in a convincing way.
I felt really connected to them, they were very well developed and I think I felt all the emotions at the right place, the hurt, the anger, the joy, the doubts, the love.
A journey I want to recommend to the readers who can handle triggers like abuse, rape, cruelty.
and can enjoy cross dressing and sweetness and budding love.
There are no miracles happening in this journey, but huge changes and you will love the ride.
This journey deserved to be heard and receive and treated with respect.
It made me cry ugly tears....because these beautiful men deserved so much 'to love and be loved'
"I feel powerful and at the same time tender as I enter the warmest, tightest, safest place in the world."
Behind these words in this one sentence lies a world.... you have to read
Highly recommend !!
- Kindly received an ARC from the author -
Review published on DivineMagazine
https://www.divinemagazine.biz/scarre...
Beautiful Souls with Scars
Vedie and Matt
I could clearly hear the sound of Vedie's voice and picture his beautiful figure when he is dressed just how he likes it and how he feels, with his dreads, sometimes in a bun and sometimes loose. It all just shined through the sentences.... awesome to experience it like that.
Beautiful amazing Vedie, dressed how he feels, finally free to do so.
Matt big 'Crazy Matt' when he sees Vedie in a lace shirt with make-up on he is baffled.
Vedie afraid this is a deal breaker is strucked when Matt says something sweet like :
"I-I don’t want you to get your outfit messed up.” Vedie can only blink and blink and blink his tears away...
They both live on a tropical island far away from everybody they known and both have their own reasons.
Vedie works at the local Tiki Hut and Matt works from out his home.
Matt, solitary by choice, thinks he is a big grumpy man but omg he has a warm heart with just the right honest feelings in it.
Vedie thinks he self is the reason of all the shit that happens to him, but o sweet Vedie you are so wrong about that. You are so beautiful and real.
And then at 8% BAM my heart crashed......
I did not just read that....
It's fucking heartbreaking. Life in its cruelest way... it hurts... it's devastating....
Between the pov from both Vedie and Matt there are some heartbreaking parts from hell.
It's life at it worst....
Being feminine or want to cross dress is for some stupid assholes a reason to grab a guy. I'm furious on behalf of Vedie and I want to scratch some eyeballs out.
We get to learn about Vedie and Matt's past and why they are who they are now.
You will not believe your eyes..... because...... read it yourself!
All the self reflections are very well put down, they both come from far.
Life is hunting them badly. Their journey must be heard!
It sounds like all is heavy in this story but let me tell you there are plenty of moving parts that warms your heart when you see both men feel safe and grow, where their hearts melt and they feel loved.
Their lovemaking is sweet and honest but also cautious and thoughtful. As if they never....
It's written in a way like a movie... the accent, the environment... the whole scenery I felt surrounded by it. It hurt, it was moving, it was emotional, it was breathtaking and beautiful.
Strong written with serious issues which are put down in a convincing way.
I felt really connected to them, they were very well developed and I think I felt all the emotions at the right place, the hurt, the anger, the joy, the doubts, the love.
A journey I want to recommend to the readers who can handle triggers like abuse, rape, cruelty.
and can enjoy cross dressing and sweetness and budding love.
There are no miracles happening in this journey, but huge changes and you will love the ride.
This journey deserved to be heard and receive and treated with respect.
It made me cry ugly tears....because these beautiful men deserved so much 'to love and be loved'
"I feel powerful and at the same time tender as I enter the warmest, tightest, safest place in the world."
Behind these words in this one sentence lies a world.... you have to read
Highly recommend !!
- Kindly received an ARC from the author -
Review published on DivineMagazine
https://www.divinemagazine.biz/scarre...
April 18, 2017
3.75 stars.
Wow. This read was quite an emotional ride. At times, I had to close my eyes, take deep breaths and count to ten due to the author's haunting writing style. The author wrote the story in where we felt the characters pain immediately without knowing the source and that made it that much harder for me because my imagination went haywire. It felt like watching horror film and being afraid to turn the page for fear of what's about to appear.
This book featured two deeply scarred heroes who were barely surviving day to day. When Matt and Vedie paths crossed at the Tiki Hut, it began the process of them facing their traumas. While they were both hiding from family, Vedie and Matt dealt with their pain in different ways. Matt chose to live an almost invisible life while Vedie seemed to be more flashy and in your face. One person didn't want attention or touch, and the other needed to be truly seen and acknowledged.
I had an easier time understanding Matt than I did understanding Vedie but I suspect that was because the author developed that backstory much deeper than Vedie's. I also felt that both heroes were barely a step away from hurting themselves and that kept me on edge even when Vedie and Matt began opening the door to their hearts.
Their times together on the island was quiet, peaceful, loving and healing. I am glad we got to experience those because honestly, those times made this book more bearable. Mia Kerick definite has a visceral way of telling stories. The author's message was clear though, love and acceptance goes a long way to heal broken people. There is no way to finish this book without being amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit.
Wow. This read was quite an emotional ride. At times, I had to close my eyes, take deep breaths and count to ten due to the author's haunting writing style. The author wrote the story in where we felt the characters pain immediately without knowing the source and that made it that much harder for me because my imagination went haywire. It felt like watching horror film and being afraid to turn the page for fear of what's about to appear.
This book featured two deeply scarred heroes who were barely surviving day to day. When Matt and Vedie paths crossed at the Tiki Hut, it began the process of them facing their traumas. While they were both hiding from family, Vedie and Matt dealt with their pain in different ways. Matt chose to live an almost invisible life while Vedie seemed to be more flashy and in your face. One person didn't want attention or touch, and the other needed to be truly seen and acknowledged.
I had an easier time understanding Matt than I did understanding Vedie but I suspect that was because the author developed that backstory much deeper than Vedie's. I also felt that both heroes were barely a step away from hurting themselves and that kept me on edge even when Vedie and Matt began opening the door to their hearts.
Their times together on the island was quiet, peaceful, loving and healing. I am glad we got to experience those because honestly, those times made this book more bearable. Mia Kerick definite has a visceral way of telling stories. The author's message was clear though, love and acceptance goes a long way to heal broken people. There is no way to finish this book without being amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit.
December 31, 2018
An emotionally charged and incredibly powerful book about survival and finding a new normal, Scarred deals with serious issues with sensitivity and empathy.
Both Matt and Vedie are complex characters with fully fleshed out personalities who somehow manage to find the key to unlocking the other.
The plot moves along at a well paced speed, giving time for the reader to absorb each of the many layers being explored in the narrative.
It's not an easy read and I'm not sure I can honestly say I "enjoyed" it in the same way as I would a more traditional romance, but it is a beautiful love story all the same.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Both Matt and Vedie are complex characters with fully fleshed out personalities who somehow manage to find the key to unlocking the other.
The plot moves along at a well paced speed, giving time for the reader to absorb each of the many layers being explored in the narrative.
It's not an easy read and I'm not sure I can honestly say I "enjoyed" it in the same way as I would a more traditional romance, but it is a beautiful love story all the same.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 9, 2017
This book hit all the emotional buttons for me. From the very beginning I felt engulfed by all of it. The characters are so beautiful. Matt and Vedie have a past. Their past is the equivalent of many of our nightmares. It's hard to put it into words and I don't want to spoil anything about it.
Separate these characters are stunning but together they shine. As horrific as their pasts are -and they are really bad- both characters carry it with them and they own it. The insight into their thoughts was truly captivating. There were times I found myself stopping to reflect on something Vedie or Matt said. Even rereading parts because it was like literary silk.
There are trigger. You should heed them too. Rape and abuse both physical and mental. But from the ashes of a crumbled past both Vedie and Matt rise. Their love is beautiful to read. I felt honored to see life through their eyes. I learned from them.
There is levity in this story. I swear. Matt and Vedie have really wonderful moments. So sweet and real that you cry for their happiness. So yeah, you cry for them when they are happy, sad, scared, funny.... It's a roller coaster. But it's worth it!
Separate these characters are stunning but together they shine. As horrific as their pasts are -and they are really bad- both characters carry it with them and they own it. The insight into their thoughts was truly captivating. There were times I found myself stopping to reflect on something Vedie or Matt said. Even rereading parts because it was like literary silk.
There are trigger. You should heed them too. Rape and abuse both physical and mental. But from the ashes of a crumbled past both Vedie and Matt rise. Their love is beautiful to read. I felt honored to see life through their eyes. I learned from them.
There is levity in this story. I swear. Matt and Vedie have really wonderful moments. So sweet and real that you cry for their happiness. So yeah, you cry for them when they are happy, sad, scared, funny.... It's a roller coaster. But it's worth it!
April 12, 2017
Wow – this is an intense and emotional read, packed full of issues, drama and beautiful souls. Matt and Vedie are both broken and scarred for different reasons, but both are amazing individuals who’ve had to overcome so much in their lives. This book was an experience!
When I started this story I thought it was one I wasn’t going to like, it took some time to adjust to Vedie’s way of speaking and the way he thinks, but as I kept reading I found myself more and more attached to him and Matt as well. My heart ached for these two, for different reasons, but Ms. Kerick sucked me into the world that Vedie and Matt live in.
These two couldn’t be more different. Matt is cold and isolated and lives a life devoid of feeling, and this is his choice. Vedie is tired of apologizing for who he is and thinks he’s found a quiet place where he can be both masculine and feminine. He’s outgoing and social. Matt and Vedie should not connect but they do and it changes both of these men.
This story was powerful and painful, there were times when I had to put it down and take a few breaths. It was shocking and there were times it made my angry but above all it was hope and love. (sounds crazy, but that’s what Mia Kerick made me feel!) I loved the connection Matt and Vedie found together, something that goes beyond the pain and fear and even deeper than just acceptance. These are two beautiful souls who deserve to find happiness.
Scarred made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry and made me love! This is a roller coaster of emotion with two imperfect men who find love when they least expect it, or think they can handle it. A great journey!
*I received an advanced copy of this book to review for The Geekery Book Review
When I started this story I thought it was one I wasn’t going to like, it took some time to adjust to Vedie’s way of speaking and the way he thinks, but as I kept reading I found myself more and more attached to him and Matt as well. My heart ached for these two, for different reasons, but Ms. Kerick sucked me into the world that Vedie and Matt live in.
These two couldn’t be more different. Matt is cold and isolated and lives a life devoid of feeling, and this is his choice. Vedie is tired of apologizing for who he is and thinks he’s found a quiet place where he can be both masculine and feminine. He’s outgoing and social. Matt and Vedie should not connect but they do and it changes both of these men.
This story was powerful and painful, there were times when I had to put it down and take a few breaths. It was shocking and there were times it made my angry but above all it was hope and love. (sounds crazy, but that’s what Mia Kerick made me feel!) I loved the connection Matt and Vedie found together, something that goes beyond the pain and fear and even deeper than just acceptance. These are two beautiful souls who deserve to find happiness.
Scarred made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry and made me love! This is a roller coaster of emotion with two imperfect men who find love when they least expect it, or think they can handle it. A great journey!
*I received an advanced copy of this book to review for The Geekery Book Review
March 26, 2017
This is an amazing story...
I'll say that first and foremost because it's a heartbreaking story of being lost and still being lost, even when you're found. It's about betrayal and loneliness and abuse.... so much abuse in so many ways from both of these people. It's about hiding and accepting and running and finding who you are. There are so many pieces to this wonderful story that, I can't even begin to explain them all without telling you every little bit like I want to.
Vedie is running from his past. A family who used to try to beat the "different" out of him. He was used to being berated and looked down on. Used to getting beat up and kicked around because of who he chose to be. But he was so strong, he was who he was and screw you if you had a problem with it. I admired his courage, especially when he had every reason to cower... I just loved him so much.
Then we have Matt..... Matthew.... Vidie's Mateo....The things that man had gone through in his life. Being taken and again, with the abuse. Life after the abuse with parents who didn't know how to help him and just wanted him to forget about it. Can you imagine? going through something like that and then everyone wanting you to just forget it? As if you ever could?
His ordeal and the way in which he needed to cope, the way he forced to cope... all of that was so expertly explained and lived through, I felt like it was a movie I was watching.
I admired so much about Mateo for even being able to open himself up, I loved the way he wanted to love Vedie and how hard he tried. I loved them together and how they needed each other...
Sigh... so sweet....
What I didn't like.... what I downright, LOATHED, is the way these people just got away with everything!!! What the heck? Where was the justice?
Joey got away with sexually assaulting Vedie, but that's okay because he left his wife and kid and moved to a crack house and I guess left him alone.... but, what about the part where he threatened him and forced himself on him????
Mateo's parents were terrible people who looked down on him AND Vedie, talked to them like they were beneath them and weren't at all there for him when he needed them the most? What was that about?? I wish he could've been honest with them and opened their eyes to how horrible they were. I hated that... then we just never heard from them again... but they were sporadic anyway, so who cares, right? WEll, I did, because it wasn't good for Mateo!
Vedies brothers and cousin? Are you kidding me??? They beat him so mercilessly. They tried to beat the different out of him and tortured him in ways that broke him down.... THEN found him, kidnapped him and done it again, and what? Nobody called the police? Nobody got justice for this beautiful man who just wanted to be left alone.....
WHY WAS THERE NO JUSTICE? They both deserved it so much and it never came!
It makes me sick to my stomach.... I kept hoping for more pages with even just an explanation of maybe Vedie telling someone or something, but nope... they just bought a porch swing and that was that.... What if they come back? I mean, they know where he is now... so what's stopping them from coming back? Is Vedie just supposed to hide out at home, forever? I mean, sure that'd be alright because he's with Mateo, but.... that's no life.
Sigh... I wish I had some closure with that, it felt very unfinished for me because of that and I felt like it all happened and nobody cared to do anything about it.
I honestly don't get how everyone else isn't complaining about it too... I guess i"m the only one who gives a crap about karmic justice!
Overall though, it was a beautiful ready. I loved these two and wouldn't mind reading more about them and their stories together.
4 stars from me.
I'll say that first and foremost because it's a heartbreaking story of being lost and still being lost, even when you're found. It's about betrayal and loneliness and abuse.... so much abuse in so many ways from both of these people. It's about hiding and accepting and running and finding who you are. There are so many pieces to this wonderful story that, I can't even begin to explain them all without telling you every little bit like I want to.
Vedie is running from his past. A family who used to try to beat the "different" out of him. He was used to being berated and looked down on. Used to getting beat up and kicked around because of who he chose to be. But he was so strong, he was who he was and screw you if you had a problem with it. I admired his courage, especially when he had every reason to cower... I just loved him so much.
Then we have Matt..... Matthew.... Vidie's Mateo....The things that man had gone through in his life. Being taken and again, with the abuse. Life after the abuse with parents who didn't know how to help him and just wanted him to forget about it. Can you imagine? going through something like that and then everyone wanting you to just forget it? As if you ever could?
His ordeal and the way in which he needed to cope, the way he forced to cope... all of that was so expertly explained and lived through, I felt like it was a movie I was watching.
I admired so much about Mateo for even being able to open himself up, I loved the way he wanted to love Vedie and how hard he tried. I loved them together and how they needed each other...
Sigh... so sweet....
What I didn't like.... what I downright, LOATHED, is the way these people just got away with everything!!! What the heck? Where was the justice?
Joey got away with sexually assaulting Vedie, but that's okay because he left his wife and kid and moved to a crack house and I guess left him alone.... but, what about the part where he threatened him and forced himself on him????
Mateo's parents were terrible people who looked down on him AND Vedie, talked to them like they were beneath them and weren't at all there for him when he needed them the most? What was that about?? I wish he could've been honest with them and opened their eyes to how horrible they were. I hated that... then we just never heard from them again... but they were sporadic anyway, so who cares, right? WEll, I did, because it wasn't good for Mateo!
Vedies brothers and cousin? Are you kidding me??? They beat him so mercilessly. They tried to beat the different out of him and tortured him in ways that broke him down.... THEN found him, kidnapped him and done it again, and what? Nobody called the police? Nobody got justice for this beautiful man who just wanted to be left alone.....
WHY WAS THERE NO JUSTICE? They both deserved it so much and it never came!
It makes me sick to my stomach.... I kept hoping for more pages with even just an explanation of maybe Vedie telling someone or something, but nope... they just bought a porch swing and that was that.... What if they come back? I mean, they know where he is now... so what's stopping them from coming back? Is Vedie just supposed to hide out at home, forever? I mean, sure that'd be alright because he's with Mateo, but.... that's no life.
Sigh... I wish I had some closure with that, it felt very unfinished for me because of that and I felt like it all happened and nobody cared to do anything about it.
I honestly don't get how everyone else isn't complaining about it too... I guess i"m the only one who gives a crap about karmic justice!
Overall though, it was a beautiful ready. I loved these two and wouldn't mind reading more about them and their stories together.
4 stars from me.
Read
February 26, 2017I know, "don't judge a book by its cover." But honestly, this is one of the ugliest covers I have ever seen. Just not eye catching or appealing at all. Horrible photo-shopping job on the guy on the background. Terrible first impression.
March 20, 2017
I had a hard time getting into the whole cross-dressing and feminine/masculine side of Vedie, but I love this author so thought I'd give the book a try. Not really my cup of tea but I gave it 3 stars because I was very intrigued by Mateo's backstory.
February 26, 2017
OMG that is one tough read... because Mia Kerick doesn't steer away from the tough topics... she bangs head first right to the gut of the matter... there are so many emotions... so much pain... but ultimately so much joy and SO MUCH LOVE... Mateo and Vedie have flaws. They are scarred. Everyone has flaws. Everyone has scars... but how these two particular men survive, overcome, live through and live with their scars is ultimately a love story from which we can all learn great lessons. It is an emotional journey which I cannot encourage you enough to take. These are characters that are so fleshed out and so three dimensional that by the end you want to hold in your arms and never let go. There is a quote in the interview with Ms. Kerick at the end of the book from Cool Dudes Publishing that is such a perfect description of this wonderful author's work: "Your homo-fictus is always bigger, better, badder, bolder than real life!!!" Amen to that!!
GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!
GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!
March 10, 2017
3.75 rounded up to four.
Scarred was a terrific book. I fully enjoyed the characters and I shed more than a few tears at the end.
The only thing that bugged me was Vedie's speech. As a black woman, I was annoyed by his abuse of the English language. Although I do feel that some people talk this way, it isn't associated with black people as a whole.
I'm pretty sure this wasn't the author's intention. I have written my characters with slang, but not really in the narration. I enjoyed the story, so after a while I forgot about Vedie's speech. He is a delightful character as is Matthew and I felt for both of them.
Great book!
Scarred was a terrific book. I fully enjoyed the characters and I shed more than a few tears at the end.
The only thing that bugged me was Vedie's speech. As a black woman, I was annoyed by his abuse of the English language. Although I do feel that some people talk this way, it isn't associated with black people as a whole.
I'm pretty sure this wasn't the author's intention. I have written my characters with slang, but not really in the narration. I enjoyed the story, so after a while I forgot about Vedie's speech. He is a delightful character as is Matthew and I felt for both of them.
Great book!
February 13, 2017
3.5 stars. Review to come
December 31, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
I am not a fan of this cover, at all. Too me, it looks more suited to be a zombie apocalypse story. The red background screams 80’s gore/horror. The washed-out, ashen pallor of the model’s complexion and the strange pose all supports the undead theme going on. Based on the cover, I’d not even pick it up to read the synopsis.
And speaking of the synopsis, it did NOT do this story justice. When I received an ARC of this book, I really had no desire to read it based on the cover and synopsis, but since I did receive it, my moral compass urged me to do so… for better or worse.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person
I’m glad I took a chance on it.
This is a complex story with two damaged men with dark subject matter surrounding them.
Matt was abducted off the street at the young age of 7. He was beaten, raped, abused and neglected for eight years before miraculously being set free. Not able to rehash his experiences or fit into anyone’s expected societal norms, he lashed out and closed himself off. Eventually, he moved to a small tropical island away from everyone and anyone and was content living in solitude for the past ten years.
Vedie is a new transplant to the island. He ran from Boston to escape his brothers and their buddy who enjoyed trying to beat the “girl” out of him, unaccepting of the fact that he enjoyed pretty, feminine things sometimes.
The men form a hesitant connection, almost like two lost and wounded souls recognize one another. Their friendship is not without its trials and missteps, for sure. These are two scarred and broken men, only they handle their experiences and adversities much differently.
A scant few secondary characters were worthy of mention, some were cool, a few were not. All added a little depth to the plot as needed. The story itself was well written and the plot had dimensions and dynamics, the journal logs helped give the reader a better feel for Matt as he tried to process his own thoughts. Conflicts were present here and there and were resolved in fitting manners. Predictability was low.
The conclusion was just solid enough to provide a satisfying, implied, HEA.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.25 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I mistakenly received a copy of this book from the promoting host by way of the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
I am not a fan of this cover, at all. Too me, it looks more suited to be a zombie apocalypse story. The red background screams 80’s gore/horror. The washed-out, ashen pallor of the model’s complexion and the strange pose all supports the undead theme going on. Based on the cover, I’d not even pick it up to read the synopsis.
And speaking of the synopsis, it did NOT do this story justice. When I received an ARC of this book, I really had no desire to read it based on the cover and synopsis, but since I did receive it, my moral compass urged me to do so… for better or worse.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person
I’m glad I took a chance on it.
This is a complex story with two damaged men with dark subject matter surrounding them.
Matt was abducted off the street at the young age of 7. He was beaten, raped, abused and neglected for eight years before miraculously being set free. Not able to rehash his experiences or fit into anyone’s expected societal norms, he lashed out and closed himself off. Eventually, he moved to a small tropical island away from everyone and anyone and was content living in solitude for the past ten years.
Vedie is a new transplant to the island. He ran from Boston to escape his brothers and their buddy who enjoyed trying to beat the “girl” out of him, unaccepting of the fact that he enjoyed pretty, feminine things sometimes.
The men form a hesitant connection, almost like two lost and wounded souls recognize one another. Their friendship is not without its trials and missteps, for sure. These are two scarred and broken men, only they handle their experiences and adversities much differently.
A scant few secondary characters were worthy of mention, some were cool, a few were not. All added a little depth to the plot as needed. The story itself was well written and the plot had dimensions and dynamics, the journal logs helped give the reader a better feel for Matt as he tried to process his own thoughts. Conflicts were present here and there and were resolved in fitting manners. Predictability was low.
The conclusion was just solid enough to provide a satisfying, implied, HEA.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.25 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I mistakenly received a copy of this book from the promoting host by way of the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
March 9, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This story was wonderful. It was so full of emotion and made me love Vedie and Matt right from the first page. Ms. Kerick handles some heavy topics in the story and does so respectfully and with attention to detail. If the topics in the book are things that are painful to read or a trigger for you, I suggest you skip this book. While it’s not graphic by any stretch, Ms. Kerick doesn’t pull any punches when talking about the abuse, rape, and kidnapping in the characters’ pasts. That kind of frank honesty is refreshing to see in a romance book.
Vedie is a beautiful soul. He carries most of his hurts inside though he does have his own physical scars. The way he fluctuates between masculine, feminine and somewhere in between from day to day, or sometimes hour to hour, was wonderful to watch. My heart hurt for Vedie when he didn’t feel safe enough to be himself and forced his softer side away. I adored how he figured out what Matt needed quickly and was always willing to be his anchor and safe harbor when Matt drifted. Vedie was such a lively person and truly wanted people to be happy. You couldn’t help but love him right from the start.
Matt was someone so broken at the beginning of the story you truly wondered what a happy ending for him would look like. However Matt surprised me in many ways throughout the story. I wanted to smack him a few times for how he hurt Vedie. However you couldn’t fault him too much since he was genuinely trying to protect himself the best he could those times. I adored the way he grew and healed in the story. I was so proud of Matt with each step he took towards Vedie. By the end of the book, you could tell Matt had found his new normal.
These two were wonderful together right from the beginning. Granted they took a while to get going despite jumping into the sack pretty quickly. But oh my gosh you are cheering for them every single step of the way because you can tell they’re exactly what the other needs at just the right time. Their emotions are beautiful and so real. The way they love each other makes me so freaking happy. Their happy ending just bursts with joy. I want to see more of these two. I want to see them a few years from now to see how they’re doing, how they’re still coping and how they’re still deeply in love. You know they’re going to make it long term, but I would gladly read a sequel.
Four and a half stars!
This story was wonderful. It was so full of emotion and made me love Vedie and Matt right from the first page. Ms. Kerick handles some heavy topics in the story and does so respectfully and with attention to detail. If the topics in the book are things that are painful to read or a trigger for you, I suggest you skip this book. While it’s not graphic by any stretch, Ms. Kerick doesn’t pull any punches when talking about the abuse, rape, and kidnapping in the characters’ pasts. That kind of frank honesty is refreshing to see in a romance book.
Vedie is a beautiful soul. He carries most of his hurts inside though he does have his own physical scars. The way he fluctuates between masculine, feminine and somewhere in between from day to day, or sometimes hour to hour, was wonderful to watch. My heart hurt for Vedie when he didn’t feel safe enough to be himself and forced his softer side away. I adored how he figured out what Matt needed quickly and was always willing to be his anchor and safe harbor when Matt drifted. Vedie was such a lively person and truly wanted people to be happy. You couldn’t help but love him right from the start.
Matt was someone so broken at the beginning of the story you truly wondered what a happy ending for him would look like. However Matt surprised me in many ways throughout the story. I wanted to smack him a few times for how he hurt Vedie. However you couldn’t fault him too much since he was genuinely trying to protect himself the best he could those times. I adored the way he grew and healed in the story. I was so proud of Matt with each step he took towards Vedie. By the end of the book, you could tell Matt had found his new normal.
These two were wonderful together right from the beginning. Granted they took a while to get going despite jumping into the sack pretty quickly. But oh my gosh you are cheering for them every single step of the way because you can tell they’re exactly what the other needs at just the right time. Their emotions are beautiful and so real. The way they love each other makes me so freaking happy. Their happy ending just bursts with joy. I want to see more of these two. I want to see them a few years from now to see how they’re doing, how they’re still coping and how they’re still deeply in love. You know they’re going to make it long term, but I would gladly read a sequel.
March 20, 2017
I had a rough childhood. This is one of the few trauma-oriented romances I've read that acknowledges how long it takes to move on from abuse. Therapy isn't always enough. Time isn't always enough. A supportive partner helps but the individual will still always have issues. So I give the story a lot of credit. As a romance, it felt like the characters were often at cross-purposes ... it was hard to get behind them when they swung so often from feelings to running away even if that fit the story.
April 2, 2017
4 stars
March 10, 2017
Scarred by Mia Kerick
5 Stars – Review by Dawn Honeycutt
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I’ve made no secret in any of my reviews that I absolutely love Mia’s work. When I saw that she had a new release, I instantly emailed her and begged her for an ARC so I could read and review it. With each new release, my expectations grow and this book did not disappoint.
Matt suffered abuse as a young child and into his teen years and subsequently became a recluse so he didn’t have to deal with people or life. He was content to live on Paradise Island with his cats and his online business.
Vedie was bullied as a young child by his family, friends and strangers because he’s a boy that likes to embrace his feminine side by wearing girls clothes and makeup. Vedie ran away to Paradise Island hoping that he could finally be himself and not have to be afraid to live his life as he wants.
Matt and Vedie’s story hit all of my emotional buttons. I’ve found that nearly all of this author’s characters have some trait, some form of abuse or some type of brokenness that I can identify with and Mia is able to put to words feelings that I’ve had but could never say. These two men see the scars each carry on the outside of their bodies, but through the outward scars they also see the scars they each carry inside themselves. It’s as if the scars on the outside are windows to the scars on the inside. They just know. Matt accepts Vedie from the beginning and his acceptance is beautiful. Each tear that Vedie sheds from being accepted by Matt, I’m sure that shed in equal numbers. And Vedie, he can see that Matt is truly broken, he knows there is something deeply wrong with Matt, and yet he just holds on and is strong for Matt in ways that Matt couldn’t imagine until meeting Vedie.
This is a beautiful love story that will absolutely break your heart. That sounds contradictory, but it’s true. I cannot think of a single thing that I didn’t love about this book….well, except the jerks, but they’re necessary to tell this story properly.
5 Stars – Review by Dawn Honeycutt
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I’ve made no secret in any of my reviews that I absolutely love Mia’s work. When I saw that she had a new release, I instantly emailed her and begged her for an ARC so I could read and review it. With each new release, my expectations grow and this book did not disappoint.
Matt suffered abuse as a young child and into his teen years and subsequently became a recluse so he didn’t have to deal with people or life. He was content to live on Paradise Island with his cats and his online business.
Vedie was bullied as a young child by his family, friends and strangers because he’s a boy that likes to embrace his feminine side by wearing girls clothes and makeup. Vedie ran away to Paradise Island hoping that he could finally be himself and not have to be afraid to live his life as he wants.
Matt and Vedie’s story hit all of my emotional buttons. I’ve found that nearly all of this author’s characters have some trait, some form of abuse or some type of brokenness that I can identify with and Mia is able to put to words feelings that I’ve had but could never say. These two men see the scars each carry on the outside of their bodies, but through the outward scars they also see the scars they each carry inside themselves. It’s as if the scars on the outside are windows to the scars on the inside. They just know. Matt accepts Vedie from the beginning and his acceptance is beautiful. Each tear that Vedie sheds from being accepted by Matt, I’m sure that shed in equal numbers. And Vedie, he can see that Matt is truly broken, he knows there is something deeply wrong with Matt, and yet he just holds on and is strong for Matt in ways that Matt couldn’t imagine until meeting Vedie.
This is a beautiful love story that will absolutely break your heart. That sounds contradictory, but it’s true. I cannot think of a single thing that I didn’t love about this book….well, except the jerks, but they’re necessary to tell this story properly.
February 3, 2017
If you like a story with a cast of interesting characters, a bucket load of hurt and a couple of armfuls of angst then this is a book for you. Mia kerick has done a fabulous job with this story, taking two very different characters and showing that however hard the path they'd each travelled was, love can win the day.
Both of these characters were dealing with the pain of abuse. The sources of abuse were different and both were dealing with it in their own way - but there was a common understanding between the two that others couldn't get. Through the story we see Matthew and Vedie battling against the scars of both the past and the present to try and make something, anything, work.
I think Mia Kerick was very clever with her writing of this story. I think it would have been very easy to get caught up in the abduction Matthew suffered as a child and let this overshadow the rest of the book. Kerick was careful though, not to let that happen. We learnt about the abduction, we even had journal entries about it that Matthew had written after the fact, but it never became more than the story between Vedie and Matthew. Matthew's story was about the aftermath of the events from his childhood. How it affected him now. How it made him the reclusive cat lover we are introduced too. It was about his survival and how, with Vedie, he started to live again.
Vedie seemed as opposite to Matthew as it was possible to get. Not just because of his gender-fluidity, but because, where Matthew portrayed as a colour would be a deep, calm blue, Vedie is a vibrant mass of eclectic shades that work together perfectly but can't fail to be noticed. He is so likeable. So strong and vulnerable. I would love to know him, to see the brightness in the world he sees, even though he has so much evidence of pain.
This story was everything I hoped it would be, and more. It focused on the two characters and how their own experiences guided the lives they lived. The lives they had lived and the way to move forward. There are many painful moments in the story, some in the past and some in the now. Of all the pain experienced, I have to say, for me, one of the most hurtful was Matthew's mother. I wonder if this is because I am a mother myself and I cannot, won't even try to, imagine the pain of my child taken from me. I felt enormous pain for her at the start.., but then, how she was with Matthew, with Matthew and Vedie made me so angry. I know if I'd been given a second chance with my child I wouldn't waste a second of it.
A book that is well worth a read.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Both of these characters were dealing with the pain of abuse. The sources of abuse were different and both were dealing with it in their own way - but there was a common understanding between the two that others couldn't get. Through the story we see Matthew and Vedie battling against the scars of both the past and the present to try and make something, anything, work.
I think Mia Kerick was very clever with her writing of this story. I think it would have been very easy to get caught up in the abduction Matthew suffered as a child and let this overshadow the rest of the book. Kerick was careful though, not to let that happen. We learnt about the abduction, we even had journal entries about it that Matthew had written after the fact, but it never became more than the story between Vedie and Matthew. Matthew's story was about the aftermath of the events from his childhood. How it affected him now. How it made him the reclusive cat lover we are introduced too. It was about his survival and how, with Vedie, he started to live again.
Vedie seemed as opposite to Matthew as it was possible to get. Not just because of his gender-fluidity, but because, where Matthew portrayed as a colour would be a deep, calm blue, Vedie is a vibrant mass of eclectic shades that work together perfectly but can't fail to be noticed. He is so likeable. So strong and vulnerable. I would love to know him, to see the brightness in the world he sees, even though he has so much evidence of pain.
This story was everything I hoped it would be, and more. It focused on the two characters and how their own experiences guided the lives they lived. The lives they had lived and the way to move forward. There are many painful moments in the story, some in the past and some in the now. Of all the pain experienced, I have to say, for me, one of the most hurtful was Matthew's mother. I wonder if this is because I am a mother myself and I cannot, won't even try to, imagine the pain of my child taken from me. I felt enormous pain for her at the start.., but then, how she was with Matthew, with Matthew and Vedie made me so angry. I know if I'd been given a second chance with my child I wouldn't waste a second of it.
A book that is well worth a read.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Scarred by Mia Kerick is an intense story about two deeply troubled men. Matt’s scars are much more on the surface, both physically and mentally. His body still bears wounds from his abuse, but he is also just barely functional at an interpersonal level, and often just fades out, disassociating his mind and body. His journey is the hardest, because he has to learn to socialize again, to share his life with someone, and to take steps to almost force himself to adapt as he falls for Vedie and realizes that he wants a life with him. You can’t help but feel for Matt, because he is trying so hard, but the baggage from his past is almost insurmountable. For his part, Vedie is much more lively and sociable, but he has a near constant fear of being rejected, or even hated, for who he is. I am not totally clear on how Vedie would identify himself, if he ever really chose to. I would say gender fluid is the best explanation for the purposes of this review, though Vedie does say he sees himself as a man. He just has a very strong feminine side, one that he has to express at different times, both through dress and through his demeanor. The label isn’t really important here; the point is just that Vedie knows he is different and feels the judgement from others all the time. So he is hiding away from his family and has a hard time letting down his walls with other people.
So both of these guys clearly have issues they are working through, and I enjoyed seeing how they were able to find a sense of ease and comfort, and ultimately love, with one another. You can’t help but be happy for them as they find their way out of dark paths to something better. So I found that rewarding and I think that Kerick does a really nice job establishing these characters and giving us a sense of their fears and passions and what motivates them. I also liked seeing the growth that both of these men go through during the story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Scarred by Mia Kerick is an intense story about two deeply troubled men. Matt’s scars are much more on the surface, both physically and mentally. His body still bears wounds from his abuse, but he is also just barely functional at an interpersonal level, and often just fades out, disassociating his mind and body. His journey is the hardest, because he has to learn to socialize again, to share his life with someone, and to take steps to almost force himself to adapt as he falls for Vedie and realizes that he wants a life with him. You can’t help but feel for Matt, because he is trying so hard, but the baggage from his past is almost insurmountable. For his part, Vedie is much more lively and sociable, but he has a near constant fear of being rejected, or even hated, for who he is. I am not totally clear on how Vedie would identify himself, if he ever really chose to. I would say gender fluid is the best explanation for the purposes of this review, though Vedie does say he sees himself as a man. He just has a very strong feminine side, one that he has to express at different times, both through dress and through his demeanor. The label isn’t really important here; the point is just that Vedie knows he is different and feels the judgement from others all the time. So he is hiding away from his family and has a hard time letting down his walls with other people.
So both of these guys clearly have issues they are working through, and I enjoyed seeing how they were able to find a sense of ease and comfort, and ultimately love, with one another. You can’t help but be happy for them as they find their way out of dark paths to something better. So I found that rewarding and I think that Kerick does a really nice job establishing these characters and giving us a sense of their fears and passions and what motivates them. I also liked seeing the growth that both of these men go through during the story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 9, 2017
A great read.
3.75 rounded to 4. Its a really good read. You feel for the characters because of what they've been through. By the end I was in tears.
A a black woman, Vedie's speech annoyed me, but I was still able to enjoy the book. Well done
3.75 rounded to 4. Its a really good read. You feel for the characters because of what they've been through. By the end I was in tears.
A a black woman, Vedie's speech annoyed me, but I was still able to enjoy the book. Well done
April 14, 2017
4.5 Stars
Matthew has been living as a hermit on the tropical island he now calls home with his four cats as his company, as he tries to heal from the emotional and physical wounds he suffered at the hands of a man who abducted and abused him when he was only 7 years old. Meeting Vedie, a young busboy who treads the line between genders makes him want to be able to connect with someone else and slowly they strike a friendship, which eventually turns into more. However, the past has a way of sneaking into their present.
Matt's story is absolutely heartbreaking. I felt so bad for what he went through when he was just a child and really, I wanted to kill the guy who put him through all that and strangle his parents, especially his mother, for how they handled things once he returned home as a teenager. They had money and resources at their disposal and they still drove Matt away. *shakes head*
I felt bad for Vedie, too, but somehow I found it difficult to connect with him. I'm not sure why. I liked him in all his transgender glory and I loved that he was the catalyst for Matt being able to really start healing and be able to open himself and his heart again. They were a bit awkward at first, which all things considered was very realistic, and it was lovely seeing them grow more comfortable with each other as time went by. They had great chemistry and I loved that Matt could accept Vedie for all he was, researching and standing up for him whenever he needed it and that Vedie could pretty much do the same for Matt in a different way, but equally meaningful.
All in all, this was a really good, angsty read! I'm aware that the theme isn't easy, reading some of Matt's journal entries and the things Vedie had to go through at the hands of his brothers was difficult, to say the least. However, Mia Kerick did a superb job with it, without going overboard, to give us a love story that helped healed even the worse wounds of the soul.
Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Matthew has been living as a hermit on the tropical island he now calls home with his four cats as his company, as he tries to heal from the emotional and physical wounds he suffered at the hands of a man who abducted and abused him when he was only 7 years old. Meeting Vedie, a young busboy who treads the line between genders makes him want to be able to connect with someone else and slowly they strike a friendship, which eventually turns into more. However, the past has a way of sneaking into their present.
Matt's story is absolutely heartbreaking. I felt so bad for what he went through when he was just a child and really, I wanted to kill the guy who put him through all that and strangle his parents, especially his mother, for how they handled things once he returned home as a teenager. They had money and resources at their disposal and they still drove Matt away. *shakes head*
I felt bad for Vedie, too, but somehow I found it difficult to connect with him. I'm not sure why. I liked him in all his transgender glory and I loved that he was the catalyst for Matt being able to really start healing and be able to open himself and his heart again. They were a bit awkward at first, which all things considered was very realistic, and it was lovely seeing them grow more comfortable with each other as time went by. They had great chemistry and I loved that Matt could accept Vedie for all he was, researching and standing up for him whenever he needed it and that Vedie could pretty much do the same for Matt in a different way, but equally meaningful.
All in all, this was a really good, angsty read! I'm aware that the theme isn't easy, reading some of Matt's journal entries and the things Vedie had to go through at the hands of his brothers was difficult, to say the least. However, Mia Kerick did a superb job with it, without going overboard, to give us a love story that helped healed even the worse wounds of the soul.
Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 10, 2019
I'm happy to type that this book has exceeded my expectation. Each MCs carries ginormous emotional scars long after the physical ones have healed. It is not an easy read but the story really don't have explicit on page physical abuse suffered by both characters. The beginning of the story did not grab me. Verdie's speech pattern was a bit of a turn off for me. It just seemed dated and just didn't gel right.
Overall, The goodness of this story has really been slept on. I'm really committed to reading more by this author.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, The goodness of this story has really been slept on. I'm really committed to reading more by this author.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2017
5 / 5 Stars
Beautiful and heart-breaking story of two scarred souls that have a long way to go.
Matt has too many scars, inside out. He has done what he considers best for himself and goes to live alone in a remote island where he doesn't need to pretend to be fine in front of others. Days, months, years pass him by but he hasn't healed completly, a part of himself is lost forever due to the abuse he suffered and his struggle seems to never end.
Vedie hides his scars behind his charming personality and pretty smile. He recognizes a kindred soul in Matt even though he's not sure how deep his pains goes. He can't help but want Matt for something more than friendship and shared pains. But he doesn't believe he's worth the trouble. Not to mention not many would accept the way he feels: his femenine part and masculine part.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It was impossible not to feel Matt and Vedie's pain, their struggle was so difficult and agonizing at times, but they kept going. Well, Matt stumbled several times along the way but Vedie never let him stop. Vedie also has his tough moments, yearning for acceptance and love that he thinks he will never get. Their time together is not easy, they have their ups and downs and the lack of communication affects the way they perceive the other.
It's sad, it can make you cry (I cried) and make you mad at the unfairness of life. But it also shows that things can definitely get better and giving you the happiness you deserve.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book*
Beautiful and heart-breaking story of two scarred souls that have a long way to go.
Matt has too many scars, inside out. He has done what he considers best for himself and goes to live alone in a remote island where he doesn't need to pretend to be fine in front of others. Days, months, years pass him by but he hasn't healed completly, a part of himself is lost forever due to the abuse he suffered and his struggle seems to never end.
Vedie hides his scars behind his charming personality and pretty smile. He recognizes a kindred soul in Matt even though he's not sure how deep his pains goes. He can't help but want Matt for something more than friendship and shared pains. But he doesn't believe he's worth the trouble. Not to mention not many would accept the way he feels: his femenine part and masculine part.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It was impossible not to feel Matt and Vedie's pain, their struggle was so difficult and agonizing at times, but they kept going. Well, Matt stumbled several times along the way but Vedie never let him stop. Vedie also has his tough moments, yearning for acceptance and love that he thinks he will never get. Their time together is not easy, they have their ups and downs and the lack of communication affects the way they perceive the other.
It's sad, it can make you cry (I cried) and make you mad at the unfairness of life. But it also shows that things can definitely get better and giving you the happiness you deserve.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book*
March 12, 2017
Beautiful survivors
Two troubled souls who deserve nothing but good things find each other in this wonderful book. One has gone through life being blamed and attacked for being genderfluid; and the other is afraid to care about anything after spending his formative years being held and abused by the monster who abducted him. They slowly teach each other to love and trust and find their own happy ending, and it's a story I'm so glad I found!
Two troubled souls who deserve nothing but good things find each other in this wonderful book. One has gone through life being blamed and attacked for being genderfluid; and the other is afraid to care about anything after spending his formative years being held and abused by the monster who abducted him. They slowly teach each other to love and trust and find their own happy ending, and it's a story I'm so glad I found!
March 3, 2017
A powerful story of coming to grips with abuse, learning to trust yourself and others, accepting your sexuality.
This story tugs at your heartstrings. Vedie is a vibrant and outgoing young man, trying to embrace his gender fluidity. Young, but with an old soul, that speaks of years of struggles and heartache. He is such a gentle and warm personality. You can’t help falling in love with him.
Matt is a socially awkward man, whose coping strategies resulted in not feeling at all and distancing himself from human contact. His pain is so palpable and heart wrenching, you cry for him.
Two men, both broken, but yet so strong. Two men, who on the surface are opposites, but who deep down have a lot in common. They come together as victims, but end up as survivors.
The author gave each character his own distinctive voice, which enhanced their authenticity. There were parts of Matt’s journals interwoven in the story. It gave a good understanding how much he has suffered, but also how much he has grown.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, that will keep you thinking about it for a long, long time.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This story tugs at your heartstrings. Vedie is a vibrant and outgoing young man, trying to embrace his gender fluidity. Young, but with an old soul, that speaks of years of struggles and heartache. He is such a gentle and warm personality. You can’t help falling in love with him.
Matt is a socially awkward man, whose coping strategies resulted in not feeling at all and distancing himself from human contact. His pain is so palpable and heart wrenching, you cry for him.
Two men, both broken, but yet so strong. Two men, who on the surface are opposites, but who deep down have a lot in common. They come together as victims, but end up as survivors.
The author gave each character his own distinctive voice, which enhanced their authenticity. There were parts of Matt’s journals interwoven in the story. It gave a good understanding how much he has suffered, but also how much he has grown.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, that will keep you thinking about it for a long, long time.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
March 3, 2017
Matthew has scars, inside and out, from being abducted and abused as a young boy, vedie was misunderstood and abused in an attempt to"cure"him. can they help fix each other or are their scars to much to deal with and cause them to push each other away? don't miss this book to find out.
February 24, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Take two troubled men who think nothing can save them and put them together. Vedie loves his girly side and loves fluffy blouses and skirts, but he's also good with his boy side he just goes with how he feels. So many people all of his life have told him that he's wrong and he starts to feel it. Matt who suffered after years of abuse shuts everyone out and thinks his heart is made of ice. These two men together accept each other. Matt loves both sides of Vedie, and Vedie sees past Matt's scars. This is an emotional read and with Matt's journal entries it can be hard reading. Really good book well worth a read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's well worth it!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's well worth it!
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Scarred Mia Kerick
1) This book is a fantastic story about two people who, even though both are scarred physically and emotionally, and carrying enough baggage to fill an airport luggage carrier, are able to find their HEA ending.
2) This one drew me in from the very first sentence. I loved the characters and was fully invested in their arcs within this story.
3) Scarred is not an easy read by any means. The author does not pull her punches with the details of the trauma the 2 MCs have experienced, nor with the emotional backlash following that trauma. The characters are very well drawn and the dynamic between them was great. The secondary characters fitted perfectly into the story, I especially liked the vibe of the Tikki bar and the people who worked there. The development of the MCs relationship was very believable – I really came to care about them.
1) This book is a fantastic story about two people who, even though both are scarred physically and emotionally, and carrying enough baggage to fill an airport luggage carrier, are able to find their HEA ending.
2) This one drew me in from the very first sentence. I loved the characters and was fully invested in their arcs within this story.
3) Scarred is not an easy read by any means. The author does not pull her punches with the details of the trauma the 2 MCs have experienced, nor with the emotional backlash following that trauma. The characters are very well drawn and the dynamic between them was great. The secondary characters fitted perfectly into the story, I especially liked the vibe of the Tikki bar and the people who worked there. The development of the MCs relationship was very believable – I really came to care about them.
May 4, 2017
Scarred is an unusual and engaging story surprisingly full of humor, considering how badly life has treated each of these men. I know little about the damage abduction and abuse cause, so I can't speak to the realism, but I teared up more than once as Matt and Vedie unlock and reveal, mess up and heal and grow. The epilogue was...nice, rather than great.
Minor quibble: As with many pets in stories, the cats were frequently apparently invisible. It is, I suspect, a word-count problem. Sadly.
Regardless, I'm happy to have read this and I'll likely be reading more by Mia Kerick.
Minor quibble: As with many pets in stories, the cats were frequently apparently invisible. It is, I suspect, a word-count problem. Sadly.
Regardless, I'm happy to have read this and I'll likely be reading more by Mia Kerick.
September 27, 2017
This book is not for the faint of heart. Both MCs have been abused throughout their lives and find each other on a small island trying to be left alone. You can honestly see how they find comfort in each other as they speak the same language and can be understanding of each others damage. What worked well for this story is that finding each other was not a magic cure (or magic 'dick') for either of them. Mia Kerick kept the Macs in character throughout the story line, even in the end, they could be happy, but be their type of happy.
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