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If I Fell #1
Hide Your Love Away
Too young.
Too damaged.
Too close to Cole’s enormous secret for comfort.
Rough and tumble Edgewater University maintenance man Colton Ledger should keep his distance from the sleek and snarky college junior who has caught his attention. After all, Timmy is half his age, not to mention that Cole has a secret life he can’t afford to reveal. So why is he compelled to undermine the young man’s cocky game and lure him into his private life?
As the product of an unwanted late-life pregnancy, Timmy Hale has been emotionally shattered by a loveless upbringing. After years of desperate attempts to garner attention from his apathetic parents fail, young adult Timmy changes course. He hides his feelings of vulnerability behind meaningless sex, endless partying, and a big, bad attitude. Until Cole comes along…
When trouble finds Timmy in the form of a dangerous and relentless stalker, Cole must decide if Timmy is worth the risk of coming clean about the confidence he’s obliged to keep, as Timmy weighs the potential havoc falling in love could wreak on his heart.
Hide Your Love Away is Book One in the IF I FELL Series.
Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Keeping Secrets, Opposites Attract, College Setting Adult Contemporary MM Romance.
Too damaged.
Too close to Cole’s enormous secret for comfort.
Rough and tumble Edgewater University maintenance man Colton Ledger should keep his distance from the sleek and snarky college junior who has caught his attention. After all, Timmy is half his age, not to mention that Cole has a secret life he can’t afford to reveal. So why is he compelled to undermine the young man’s cocky game and lure him into his private life?
As the product of an unwanted late-life pregnancy, Timmy Hale has been emotionally shattered by a loveless upbringing. After years of desperate attempts to garner attention from his apathetic parents fail, young adult Timmy changes course. He hides his feelings of vulnerability behind meaningless sex, endless partying, and a big, bad attitude. Until Cole comes along…
When trouble finds Timmy in the form of a dangerous and relentless stalker, Cole must decide if Timmy is worth the risk of coming clean about the confidence he’s obliged to keep, as Timmy weighs the potential havoc falling in love could wreak on his heart.
Hide Your Love Away is Book One in the IF I FELL Series.
Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Keeping Secrets, Opposites Attract, College Setting Adult Contemporary MM Romance.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2021
5 people are currently reading
52 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 70 reviews
November 1, 2021
Timmy at twenty-one is far from happy, unwanted, and feels unloved, he hides his hurt behind a big, bad, snarky, and bratty attitude. It works, at some height. Thank goodness for real friends!
No guy can hold his attention, he only does one-night stands, until he meets the forty-two years old Colton, the maintenance man from the university.
Colton can’t seem to keep Timmy at distance, they are smitten with each other. Timmy is half his age, way too young, only, the attraction is too strong. Cole wants to keep their relationship secret, for now.
Timmy is unaccustomed to real attention and court, to trust Cole’s honesty about his feelings, took him some time.
Cole is an easy-going guy, knows what he’s doing and why. He has quite a confession to make and tries to work out how to tell Timmy about it. He’s afraid it will be a dealbreaker.
There’s a stalker who’s getting more and more dominating and it scares Timmy immensely.
Secrets, secrets, I was afraid for their relationship, you can’t build anything on loose sand. Thank goodness the sand wasn’t that loose.
It’s a delicate story, a slow burn. I had to warm up to the characters, after I got more into their characters and relationship I felt much more connected with them.
A captivatingly written story, convincingly build. I’m heading right over to book 2
No guy can hold his attention, he only does one-night stands, until he meets the forty-two years old Colton, the maintenance man from the university.
Colton can’t seem to keep Timmy at distance, they are smitten with each other. Timmy is half his age, way too young, only, the attraction is too strong. Cole wants to keep their relationship secret, for now.
Timmy is unaccustomed to real attention and court, to trust Cole’s honesty about his feelings, took him some time.
Cole is an easy-going guy, knows what he’s doing and why. He has quite a confession to make and tries to work out how to tell Timmy about it. He’s afraid it will be a dealbreaker.
There’s a stalker who’s getting more and more dominating and it scares Timmy immensely.
Secrets, secrets, I was afraid for their relationship, you can’t build anything on loose sand. Thank goodness the sand wasn’t that loose.
It’s a delicate story, a slow burn. I had to warm up to the characters, after I got more into their characters and relationship I felt much more connected with them.
A captivatingly written story, convincingly build. I’m heading right over to book 2
July 13, 2021
This book was a really sweet read, but I was really challenged with connecting to the story and characters. It’s an age-gap story between a custodian at a private university and a student. The student is bratty, inconsistent, and is basically a human cat in the way he responds to people. The custodian is a repressed man who has sacrificed his entire life to pay for his child, out of some sort of over-inflated guilt.
There’s a bit of an issue with another student who’s acting a little over the top, and some suspense when the relationship comes to light, but ultimately, it’s a really fast burn, fairly easily won HEA.
It was a bit melodramatic, somewhat overworked, but ultimately a quick, cute read.
There’s a bit of an issue with another student who’s acting a little over the top, and some suspense when the relationship comes to light, but ultimately, it’s a really fast burn, fairly easily won HEA.
It was a bit melodramatic, somewhat overworked, but ultimately a quick, cute read.
July 15, 2021
this was so gooood and sweet. i love how the relationship developed and the chemistry between Cole and Timmy was great.
July 26, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This was a sweet story about two very lonely men with problematic home situations that connect unexpectedly. Timmy’s deep yearning for affection is palpable, and Colt, the consummate caregiver, sees past the snark to the hurt and need Timmy harbors. His tenderness breaks through Timmy’s walls, but his secret is tough to take—because Timmy thinks it’s about him being not good enough to meet his son. Both of these men have had to hide their love away for years now, and it’s tough hiding the growing affection between them to keep the peace and Colt’s job. I liked how they worked through their issues, and how Robbie stopped being a leech, helping his dad and new friend find their way back to one another, luckily, when the stalker was at his worst.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This was a sweet story about two very lonely men with problematic home situations that connect unexpectedly. Timmy’s deep yearning for affection is palpable, and Colt, the consummate caregiver, sees past the snark to the hurt and need Timmy harbors. His tenderness breaks through Timmy’s walls, but his secret is tough to take—because Timmy thinks it’s about him being not good enough to meet his son. Both of these men have had to hide their love away for years now, and it’s tough hiding the growing affection between them to keep the peace and Colt’s job. I liked how they worked through their issues, and how Robbie stopped being a leech, helping his dad and new friend find their way back to one another, luckily, when the stalker was at his worst.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
January 9, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this, even if I did not find the chemistry so off the charts as I have hoped. I'll continue book 2 for a proper review
August 6, 2021
This was a very nice story. It had a bit more insta-love feel than I expected but at the same time I think Cole and Timmy were the first to ever really see the other and to take the time to get to know them. While Robbie (Cole’s son) redeemed himself in the end, I couldn’t help but not really like him or his mom for how they treated Cole and what they put him through over the years. Timmy has basically been ignored by his parents forever (never really got to hear about the older siblings) and does his best to keep everyone at arm's length but Cole just burrows his way closer. It took a little misunderstanding but they came out so strong on the other side and I loved the glimpse of them getting settled into their home.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
July 23, 2021
3-3.5 stars...Hide Your Love Away is a good hurt/comfort, age-gap, slow burn, bit of a mystery read. My first read by this author, I get the feeling they are more comfortable writing the mystery aspect than the romance aspect. The romance felt a bit forced in order to get to the mystery. I admit I did not like Timmy at all in the beginning. I wasn’t really sure I was going to keep reading but as the author digs in to his past and peels off his layers, he totally grew on me and the book takes off from there. This book is as insta as it gets, which doesn’t really bother me when the story is good. I guess I had a hard time with a 42 yr old man falling in love with a 21ish yr old character in less than 2 weeks. They do not spend that much time together on page in that short time to convince me Cole was head over heels which also didn’t really need to happen in the the first quarter of the book.…As the story evolves, it all falls in to place nicely. There is a good amount of UST but the book is light on graphic sex which fits nicely again with the hurt/comfort theme.
July 31, 2021
3.25 stars
I generally enjoy this author’s writing and bank on her ability to tell moving stories while uncovering some raw vulnerabilities in her characters. Even so, I went into Hide Your Love Away with minimal preconceptions beyond hoping for a good story with some angst and emotion. Unfortunately, the stars didn’t quite align for me and I spent much of the book struggling to connect to the characters or become more invested in their relationship.
Age gap romances can be tricky, especially considering the dynamic between Timmy and Cole and their positions at the university Timmy attends. While there were times I felt as though Timmy was looking to Cole for a pseudo-father figure role and protective energy, they made for an interesting couple and generally worked well together. I definitely didn’t find their difference in age to be a huge factor when considering their relationship. What didn’t precisely work for me was the speed at which both men fell for each other. In fact, the relationship and the men’s commitment to one another was really only complicated by extenuating external factors. Although I am not opposed to easy relationships in my romances, it felt like things between Cole and Timmy moved almost too fast and with minimal development, especially considering the amount of history and emotional weight both men entered the relationship carrying.
Beyond the relationship failing to really hook me, I also struggled a bit with the perceived angst and drama in Hide Your Love Away. I think my inability to really connect with the characters and their story made all the conflict with Timmy’s family, Cole’s obligations to his son, and Timmy’s stalker feel overdone. Unfortunately, as this conflict intensified in the latter part of the book, I felt myself pulling away from the story rather than being drawn into it. Overall, I would term Hide Your Love Away a blend of a sweet age-gap romance with some hurt-comfort elements and would recommend it to those who like some high drama in their stories, but don’t necessarily want that conflict to be between the main characters.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I generally enjoy this author’s writing and bank on her ability to tell moving stories while uncovering some raw vulnerabilities in her characters. Even so, I went into Hide Your Love Away with minimal preconceptions beyond hoping for a good story with some angst and emotion. Unfortunately, the stars didn’t quite align for me and I spent much of the book struggling to connect to the characters or become more invested in their relationship.
Age gap romances can be tricky, especially considering the dynamic between Timmy and Cole and their positions at the university Timmy attends. While there were times I felt as though Timmy was looking to Cole for a pseudo-father figure role and protective energy, they made for an interesting couple and generally worked well together. I definitely didn’t find their difference in age to be a huge factor when considering their relationship. What didn’t precisely work for me was the speed at which both men fell for each other. In fact, the relationship and the men’s commitment to one another was really only complicated by extenuating external factors. Although I am not opposed to easy relationships in my romances, it felt like things between Cole and Timmy moved almost too fast and with minimal development, especially considering the amount of history and emotional weight both men entered the relationship carrying.
Beyond the relationship failing to really hook me, I also struggled a bit with the perceived angst and drama in Hide Your Love Away. I think my inability to really connect with the characters and their story made all the conflict with Timmy’s family, Cole’s obligations to his son, and Timmy’s stalker feel overdone. Unfortunately, as this conflict intensified in the latter part of the book, I felt myself pulling away from the story rather than being drawn into it. Overall, I would term Hide Your Love Away a blend of a sweet age-gap romance with some hurt-comfort elements and would recommend it to those who like some high drama in their stories, but don’t necessarily want that conflict to be between the main characters.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 25, 2021
Hide Your Love Away is the first book in the If I Fell series by Mia Kerick.
This story has so much going for it. It's an age gap tale between Cole and Timmy. This is a unique to me idea, as Cole is a college employee who falls for one of the students.
I love the sneaking around they have to do, as well as why. Cole's working at the college to pay the tuition for his son. His son who happens to be friends with Timmy.
The dynamics between Cole and his son are so damn tough to read at times. In the end, it all makes sense, but oh god, it's hard to read. Poor Cole. My heart hurt so much for him. And it isn't easy to like his son at all.
The stalker aspect is an addition that adds a lot of tension and danger, as his presence is felt throughout the story.
Cole and Timmy are just so damn sweet together. They can't ignore their chemistry and neither can the reader. They're certainly hot together. I actually enjoy the way Cole handles everything, although it's a little hard to believe Timmy would go along with all of it at first.
I love the author's writing style, but I would have enjoyed more background on Timmy. It's hard to get to know him properly, although it's easy to feel bad for him.
Hide Your Love Away is a nice age gap romance. I was definitely invested in this Mia Kerick tale from the start, and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. There's enough angst to keep things intriguing, even if you don't care about age gap romances. As for now, I am left excited to see what happens next in this series.
This story has so much going for it. It's an age gap tale between Cole and Timmy. This is a unique to me idea, as Cole is a college employee who falls for one of the students.
I love the sneaking around they have to do, as well as why. Cole's working at the college to pay the tuition for his son. His son who happens to be friends with Timmy.
The dynamics between Cole and his son are so damn tough to read at times. In the end, it all makes sense, but oh god, it's hard to read. Poor Cole. My heart hurt so much for him. And it isn't easy to like his son at all.
The stalker aspect is an addition that adds a lot of tension and danger, as his presence is felt throughout the story.
Cole and Timmy are just so damn sweet together. They can't ignore their chemistry and neither can the reader. They're certainly hot together. I actually enjoy the way Cole handles everything, although it's a little hard to believe Timmy would go along with all of it at first.
I love the author's writing style, but I would have enjoyed more background on Timmy. It's hard to get to know him properly, although it's easy to feel bad for him.
Hide Your Love Away is a nice age gap romance. I was definitely invested in this Mia Kerick tale from the start, and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. There's enough angst to keep things intriguing, even if you don't care about age gap romances. As for now, I am left excited to see what happens next in this series.
July 26, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the blurb, I was looking forward to this book and it didn't bother me that there was going to be quite a large age gap between the main characters... sadly, in reality it did not live up to my expectations. My biggest issue was that I just didn't bond with the characters. From the outset, Timmy irritated me and it took absolutely ages for me to warm to him at all. Similarly, Cole also underwhelmed me as all I seemed to get from him was that he was a divorced man who's spent his life feeling guilty and therefore spoiling his son and ex-wife, giving them all the money he can. There's a brief comment when he meets Timmy about how young he is (younger than his son) but the next thing, they're meeting in a bar and that's no longer such an issue. Some of the action jumped around a bit too much for me, making it seem a bit jarring and I just didn't sink into the story like I wanted to.
Some positives: the author did make it very clear that these two characters need each other and balance one another out. There was some chemistry between them and I like that (eventually) we got to see the vulnerable side of Timmy which made me like him more. And there is, of course, the HEA to look forward to. Overall, this book simply wasn't for me. However, this doesn't mean that others won't enjoy it as it is, at the end of the day, quite a sweet romance story.
From the blurb, I was looking forward to this book and it didn't bother me that there was going to be quite a large age gap between the main characters... sadly, in reality it did not live up to my expectations. My biggest issue was that I just didn't bond with the characters. From the outset, Timmy irritated me and it took absolutely ages for me to warm to him at all. Similarly, Cole also underwhelmed me as all I seemed to get from him was that he was a divorced man who's spent his life feeling guilty and therefore spoiling his son and ex-wife, giving them all the money he can. There's a brief comment when he meets Timmy about how young he is (younger than his son) but the next thing, they're meeting in a bar and that's no longer such an issue. Some of the action jumped around a bit too much for me, making it seem a bit jarring and I just didn't sink into the story like I wanted to.
Some positives: the author did make it very clear that these two characters need each other and balance one another out. There was some chemistry between them and I like that (eventually) we got to see the vulnerable side of Timmy which made me like him more. And there is, of course, the HEA to look forward to. Overall, this book simply wasn't for me. However, this doesn't mean that others won't enjoy it as it is, at the end of the day, quite a sweet romance story.
July 27, 2021
This is a quick hurt/comfort, age gap read. Although the story is pretty straightforward, I would have loved more details about a lot of aspects of the plot. The story actually has three "hidden" relationships in it, but I don't want to go into more details due to spoilers.
Jimmy's character was fickle, but from the history given, there are reasons. However, I found it very strange how easily he changed around the older man, Cole. Cole seems like a genuinely good man that has been dealt a rotten hand, but he's made the best of what he has.
The "suspense" was revealed early on, and other than the "what next" aspect, I didn't think it added that much to the story other than the opportunity to be saved.
I liked the fact that Timmy made friends with a character that was in common with both he and Cole, although Cole was unaware of the friendship between the two boys. Due to the length of this book, I really can't say much more without spoilers.
The book was entertaining, but not something I would ever do a reread of in the future. As I mentioned before, I would have loved to see more details about the characters and their histories. The slow burn romance was nice, but I would have almost rather not have had the sexual culmination when it came. It seemed out of place with the rest of the romance. The story ends with a happily ever after and lessons learned.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
Jimmy's character was fickle, but from the history given, there are reasons. However, I found it very strange how easily he changed around the older man, Cole. Cole seems like a genuinely good man that has been dealt a rotten hand, but he's made the best of what he has.
The "suspense" was revealed early on, and other than the "what next" aspect, I didn't think it added that much to the story other than the opportunity to be saved.
I liked the fact that Timmy made friends with a character that was in common with both he and Cole, although Cole was unaware of the friendship between the two boys. Due to the length of this book, I really can't say much more without spoilers.
The book was entertaining, but not something I would ever do a reread of in the future. As I mentioned before, I would have loved to see more details about the characters and their histories. The slow burn romance was nice, but I would have almost rather not have had the sexual culmination when it came. It seemed out of place with the rest of the romance. The story ends with a happily ever after and lessons learned.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
July 27, 2021
*3/3.5*
I was looking forward to reading my first book by Mia Kerick but it was a little bit hit and miss for me. I think I got into it more in the second half of the book when things kick up a gear for Timmy and his stalker and decisions are made regarding his relationship with Cole. It's a slow burn, age gap romance with a darker element to it.
Timmy is a student at EU and gets some help from Cole, the on site maintenance man, to carry his bags to his room. There's flirting and a little bit of connection between them that Timmy tries to build on but Cole is aware that he is older and works for the university.
It gets complicated when someone starts harassing and stalking Timmy. It affects his confidence and mentality and it doesn't take long for things to take a dark turn. This part was the most well written part as it built up the tension and fear that Timmy was feeling, and for his friends who worry about him.
The relationship between Cole and Timmy could have been great but I just didn't feel a connection to them and emotion seemed to develop a lot quicker than I felt it for them. Cole also has a secret that he's keeping from Timmy and I can kind of understand why but in that regard, I thought that Timmy and Robbie both come across as a little immature.
I would recommend trying this story as everyone loves different things about books and while the stalker aspect worked for me, the relationship was a little off the mark.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I was looking forward to reading my first book by Mia Kerick but it was a little bit hit and miss for me. I think I got into it more in the second half of the book when things kick up a gear for Timmy and his stalker and decisions are made regarding his relationship with Cole. It's a slow burn, age gap romance with a darker element to it.
Timmy is a student at EU and gets some help from Cole, the on site maintenance man, to carry his bags to his room. There's flirting and a little bit of connection between them that Timmy tries to build on but Cole is aware that he is older and works for the university.
It gets complicated when someone starts harassing and stalking Timmy. It affects his confidence and mentality and it doesn't take long for things to take a dark turn. This part was the most well written part as it built up the tension and fear that Timmy was feeling, and for his friends who worry about him.
The relationship between Cole and Timmy could have been great but I just didn't feel a connection to them and emotion seemed to develop a lot quicker than I felt it for them. Cole also has a secret that he's keeping from Timmy and I can kind of understand why but in that regard, I thought that Timmy and Robbie both come across as a little immature.
I would recommend trying this story as everyone loves different things about books and while the stalker aspect worked for me, the relationship was a little off the mark.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 29, 2021
A snarky undergrad and a stoic maintenance worker sounds like it might be a rom com, but this is not that. This is a somewhat fraught story about people with deep emotional scars who have to weather a fair amount of additional trauma in order to be together. I both loved and hated how deeply the characters in this book seem to feel things— their level of emotional engagement is intense, and instantaneous. I respected the complexity of the dynamics between Cole and Timmy and Cole and his son, who is, for most of the novella, a spoiled little monster before a miraculous (and also quite quick) transformation. Cole’s need to be a caretaker, which leads him to want to give more than he can afford, on any number of levels, and Timmy’s need for someone, anyone, to love him, could have made for a truly toxic codependency, but, fortunately, that’s not the vibe that comes through here: they’re both deeply needy, in different ways, but they’re good for and to each other, and that’s a saving grace. Timmy makes a lot of bad choices, but they’re understandable, and he’s navigating some really scary stuff and he’s used to not having a support system, so I can empathize even as I’m deeply frustrated. There’s plenty of feeling and turmoil here, and if that sounds like your cup of tea, give this one a try.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2021
In my mind, daddy son relationships have always felt rooted in unsatisfied needs. An unmet need for a nurturing adult male presence in the younger man’s life, and an unmet need for filial affection in the life of the older partner.
Having read a couple M/M book recently with age differences and some daddy-son fantasies, this tale appealed to me as being somewhat different… while still confirming my ideas. Here the “daddy” wasn’t necessarily a “sugar daddy” in that he was blue collar, while the younger man was in college. It also intrigued me that the younger man here was looking for a nurturing quality in a relationship that he’d apparently NOT gotten when he was growing up as the youngest in a brood of five.
Finding out that the older man had a son of his own who’d been spoiled a bit, put me in mind of Able Magwich and Philip Pirrup, and reminded me that some issues never change.
I was a bit surprised that the "smart and snarky" younger man insisted on being called Timmy. I suppose its a generational thing, but I’ve always associated that name with the Lassie shows from my childhood. Names do often carry odd connotations. Not surprisingly the somewhat older diamond in the rough here is named Cole. I did chortle when Tim took joy in pointing out early on that the boy who was cruising him (and who Tim knew from past experience was poorly endowed) was named Lance.
While it was “convenient” that Timmy, and Cole’s son, Robbie, were classmates, it wasn’t all that unbelievable. I’ve encountered more unlikely developments in fiction of late. Seeing straight boy Robbie’s character arc was a nice touch as well. Seeing how stoically Cole fended off Robbie’s more licentious demands robbed this relationship of much of the “ick” factor that some age gap scenarios can engender.
Of course, the downside of that is that this book contains fewer actual “naughty bits” than many books in this genre. But after so much exposure to the more graphic oohs and ahhs and “tab A goes into slot B” descriptions in other works; sweetness, kindness, and making a loved one feel like he’s worth loving, is a satisfying change.
I am curious to see how this couple would evolve once their initial needs are met. And, with this book identified as the first in a series, I may well get that curiosity satisfied. Let’s hope so. This author has proven that she can tell an engrossing tale with likable characters that I enjoyed spending time with.
Having read a couple M/M book recently with age differences and some daddy-son fantasies, this tale appealed to me as being somewhat different… while still confirming my ideas. Here the “daddy” wasn’t necessarily a “sugar daddy” in that he was blue collar, while the younger man was in college. It also intrigued me that the younger man here was looking for a nurturing quality in a relationship that he’d apparently NOT gotten when he was growing up as the youngest in a brood of five.
Finding out that the older man had a son of his own who’d been spoiled a bit, put me in mind of Able Magwich and Philip Pirrup, and reminded me that some issues never change.
I was a bit surprised that the "smart and snarky" younger man insisted on being called Timmy. I suppose its a generational thing, but I’ve always associated that name with the Lassie shows from my childhood. Names do often carry odd connotations. Not surprisingly the somewhat older diamond in the rough here is named Cole. I did chortle when Tim took joy in pointing out early on that the boy who was cruising him (and who Tim knew from past experience was poorly endowed) was named Lance.
While it was “convenient” that Timmy, and Cole’s son, Robbie, were classmates, it wasn’t all that unbelievable. I’ve encountered more unlikely developments in fiction of late. Seeing straight boy Robbie’s character arc was a nice touch as well. Seeing how stoically Cole fended off Robbie’s more licentious demands robbed this relationship of much of the “ick” factor that some age gap scenarios can engender.
Of course, the downside of that is that this book contains fewer actual “naughty bits” than many books in this genre. But after so much exposure to the more graphic oohs and ahhs and “tab A goes into slot B” descriptions in other works; sweetness, kindness, and making a loved one feel like he’s worth loving, is a satisfying change.
I am curious to see how this couple would evolve once their initial needs are met. And, with this book identified as the first in a series, I may well get that curiosity satisfied. Let’s hope so. This author has proven that she can tell an engrossing tale with likable characters that I enjoyed spending time with.
July 30, 2021
Ms. Kerick is a new-to-me-author and I was interested in how her story will pan out. I am an avid reader of age-gap romance and that was the main reason I picked up this book.
It had an intriguing arc because although it is an age-gap trope, the actual situation between the main characters is something new to me. A college student and an older maintenance in-charge of the university where the younger man goes to. Add to that the fact that the college student is friends with the older man's own son. the situation certainly sets the play for a little bit of drama.
Both main characters are in need of personal love in their respective situations. They are both craving for it, although it varies in the degree that they need it. But overall, it was a good read for me and I got to know Ms. Kerick a little bit through it. I am looking forward to more from her and this series.
It had an intriguing arc because although it is an age-gap trope, the actual situation between the main characters is something new to me. A college student and an older maintenance in-charge of the university where the younger man goes to. Add to that the fact that the college student is friends with the older man's own son. the situation certainly sets the play for a little bit of drama.
Both main characters are in need of personal love in their respective situations. They are both craving for it, although it varies in the degree that they need it. But overall, it was a good read for me and I got to know Ms. Kerick a little bit through it. I am looking forward to more from her and this series.
August 1, 2021
This was an engrossing story of the healing power of love. Timmy never felt cared for by his parents, so he developed a shell he never let anyone penetrate. He wasn't very likable at the beginning of the book, but it all made sense once I understood the reasons for his behavior. Luckily, Colton quickly saw through the attitude Timmy showed the world. They were an unlikely but lovable couple. Colton's relationship with his son, as well as Timmy's psycho stalker, caused stress and drama that affected the romance. However, that never stopped the feelings between these two from growing stronger.
I enjoyed this book and really wanted Colton and Timmy to find a happy place together. The author did a great job of keeping me engrossed and rooting for the couple. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed this book and really wanted Colton and Timmy to find a happy place together. The author did a great job of keeping me engrossed and rooting for the couple. I look forward to the next book in this series.
July 30, 2021
Exceptional book. Couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen next. An age gap love story with many obstacles to overcome. Cole is a man stuck in an unwanted job as Mr. Fixit at the University his son attends so that he can receive reduced tuition in order to pay his son's way. He is in the closet and has to settle to random out of town sex. The one thing Cole wants is a relationship. Timmy grew up in a loveless family life that has left him damaged. They meet when Cole helps Timmy move his belongings into the dorm. There is an immediate attraction. Cole's son and Timmy become friends. Timmy also is being stalked by a one of his one night stands. Timmy and Cole's lives come crashing together as events unfold and the two become closer. I highly recommend.
July 26, 2021
3.5 stars...
If you are looking for a sweet MM romance with a touch of mystery/suspense and is emotional at times, Hide Your Love Away is the one for you. It has a little of everything, and the mystery aspect of it was intriguing for me. I'm going to be honest though, the characters were hard to connect with at first, but you will eventually see through all of the walls and smoke to see what is under the surface. There is so much more there than you think in the beginning. I enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing what else Mia Kerick has coming. Until then, I recommend reading this book. 3.5 stars. One-click today!
If you are looking for a sweet MM romance with a touch of mystery/suspense and is emotional at times, Hide Your Love Away is the one for you. It has a little of everything, and the mystery aspect of it was intriguing for me. I'm going to be honest though, the characters were hard to connect with at first, but you will eventually see through all of the walls and smoke to see what is under the surface. There is so much more there than you think in the beginning. I enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing what else Mia Kerick has coming. Until then, I recommend reading this book. 3.5 stars. One-click today!
July 30, 2021
Hide Your Love Away is a May/December, instant attraction, romance, between Timmy and Colton. Colton is an older, janitor working at Edgewater University where his son and Timmy attends school. Timmy is younger, a college student a player, has a stalker and is instantly attracted to Colton the first moment he sees him. Colton will do anything for his son and basically put his life on hold since he was born. Timmy is immature, doesn't have a great relationship with his parents, and have great friends.
Their relationship has issues including Timmy's stalker and Colton's son but despite it all, they get their happily ever after. The book is funny, has some angst, intense moments, is sweet, romantic, and had my attention from start to finish and I enjoyed this book.
Their relationship has issues including Timmy's stalker and Colton's son but despite it all, they get their happily ever after. The book is funny, has some angst, intense moments, is sweet, romantic, and had my attention from start to finish and I enjoyed this book.
July 7, 2021
This is the first book of Mia's that I've read.Timmy is a student at Edgewater University. Cole (Colton) is currently the campus' Mr. Fix-it in order to receive employee discounted tuition costs for his son. They meet as Timmy's dad literally dumps Timmy & his luggage off at school. Cole sees Tim needs a little help & offers it. There is insta-like between them despite the age difference, and Timmy tries to play it as usual - hit it & walk away, however, Cole refuses to play that way. Read along as Mia takes us on their journey to acceptance, love, and a HEA despite parents that don't care, a son who hides his father, and a highly disturbed stalker. No cliffhanger.
July 11, 2021
This was a slow burn, very caring and tender age gap romance. Cole was such a sweet man and great father to his college age son Robbie. Cole was working on the college campus in maintenance to get a deal on tuition for his son Robbie to go to a better college. I really disliked Robbie for most of the book I have to say. Cole gave up everything for his son.. but now it is finally almost time for Cole to get his own life back and have a chance at love! I liked how Timmy was realistically a bit immature and confused about what he really wanted from a romance. His personality, thoughts and actions really portrayed his age and situation perfectly! So definitely did not like all of the decisions he made, but given his family life you come to understand him. He definitely needed a man like Cole in his life and Cole needed Timmy too because caring and nurturing is imbedded in Cole's very nature! Despite the age gap and their different pasts Cole and Timmy were both experiencing real love together for the first time. There are some outside factors causing negative situations for them , a stalker and the secret of who Cole really is due to his job. I received an ARC of this book and I recommend for those who enjoy a more low steam romance that is about growing and coming to care for someone else no matter what the obstacles! There is a HEA Epilogue too!!
July 21, 2021
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This is my first read from this author and it won’t be the last. Timmy’s a brat, Cole is nearly too good to be true. But they work together well, and I loved the author’s writing style. I just wish there had been more of their backgrounds, particularly Timmy’s, to explain the choices they had made to this point and why they might choose to change those ways for each other. Completely a personal preference, and the story *on* the page was great - I just wanted more there.
I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. This is my honest review.
This is my first read from this author and it won’t be the last. Timmy’s a brat, Cole is nearly too good to be true. But they work together well, and I loved the author’s writing style. I just wish there had been more of their backgrounds, particularly Timmy’s, to explain the choices they had made to this point and why they might choose to change those ways for each other. Completely a personal preference, and the story *on* the page was great - I just wanted more there.
I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. This is my honest review.
July 30, 2021
Sweet age gap
Timmy has not had a great childhood.
His parents have been cold, distant and taught him not to depend on others.
Cole is suffering silently believing that he owes his family anything they ask for out of fear and guilt.
Timmy is initially a defensive brat because that's his default in order to protect himself but slowly Cole breaks through his defenses.
Cole also lives in fear of disappointing his family and Timmy helps him realize a life half lived is only existing.
I loved how the books characters showed such great development.
Timmy has not had a great childhood.
His parents have been cold, distant and taught him not to depend on others.
Cole is suffering silently believing that he owes his family anything they ask for out of fear and guilt.
Timmy is initially a defensive brat because that's his default in order to protect himself but slowly Cole breaks through his defenses.
Cole also lives in fear of disappointing his family and Timmy helps him realize a life half lived is only existing.
I loved how the books characters showed such great development.
July 30, 2021
I came for the university setting and stalker plot, but I stayed for the wonderful characters of Cole and Timmy. These two men have both been almost irreparably damaged by their families. Imbued with a sense of guilt and lack of care for any needs they might have. They've dealt with this in different ways, but the hurt is remarkably similar. When they find each other, they slowly realize how to help each other and themselves heal, move on and have a full life together. There are some deep emotions here as these guys have to go to and come out of some dark places emotionally but the trip is so worth it both for the characters and the reader.
August 17, 2021
WONDERFUL SLOW BURN
This is a FANTASTIC slow burn, so worth the wait story. Colton "Cole" is a hard working maintenance man at a University . Timmy is a Junior year student. He has a painful relationship with his parents. Cole has a son in his Senior year at the University. This makes for some interesting situations for these two men. I found this story beautiful. Things get tough for these two but everything is done to protect the other. When who you care about is threatened you will do what is necessary to save them. I loved this Book and I'm very glad to have found MIA KERICK. I enjoy her characters. I'm looking forward to more of her work. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
This is a FANTASTIC slow burn, so worth the wait story. Colton "Cole" is a hard working maintenance man at a University . Timmy is a Junior year student. He has a painful relationship with his parents. Cole has a son in his Senior year at the University. This makes for some interesting situations for these two men. I found this story beautiful. Things get tough for these two but everything is done to protect the other. When who you care about is threatened you will do what is necessary to save them. I loved this Book and I'm very glad to have found MIA KERICK. I enjoy her characters. I'm looking forward to more of her work. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
July 23, 2021
This is the first book that I read from this author and really enjoyed it. Timmy came back to college after a summer working at his parents farm. When he gets to school he meets Colton, who is the custodian and agrees to his help to bring in his bags. You see the sparks fly from Timmy and you find out later in the story that Cole is just as affected. This is a cute slow burn romance with age gap and a bit of angst. Looking forward to book 2.
I received a copy of this book for my review
I received a copy of this book for my review
July 28, 2021
This was a sweet age-gap read with a moderately intense plot and interesting characters. While I did enjoy the story, its main focus was character growth and frankly I didn't see much of it. In some cases it was too easy, like flipping a coin. In Timmy's case it was a bit awkward and very fragmented. Most of the time he was acting like a child, which did not appeal to me. While there was some growth in him, it wasn't all it could be, let's put it like that. Overall, it was a good, short, sweet read with enough drama and angst to keep it going smoothly.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
July 29, 2021
I have never read any books by Mia Kerick before so I was looking forward to reading this book.I am happy to say,that I thoroughly enjoyed this and,as such,I am happy to recommend it!
A lovely sweet romance,with just the right amount of suspense and emotional turmoil.
I am not going to give spoilers for this,I want to give readers the chance to discover how delightful this story is.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
A lovely sweet romance,with just the right amount of suspense and emotional turmoil.
I am not going to give spoilers for this,I want to give readers the chance to discover how delightful this story is.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
August 16, 2021
He Doesn't Believe He Is Loveable.
MM age gap, hurt/comfort, opposites attract contemporary romance. Easy to read page-turner with angst and lots of self doubt. Timmy has always known he was the product of an unwanted late life pregnancy and he's never had a close loving relationship with his family, he finds it hard to believe that anybody could love him after a lifetime of inattention. He meets Colton as soon as he returns to College as Colton works for the University and is based in Timmy's dorm. Insta attraction leading to a sweet HEA.
MM age gap, hurt/comfort, opposites attract contemporary romance. Easy to read page-turner with angst and lots of self doubt. Timmy has always known he was the product of an unwanted late life pregnancy and he's never had a close loving relationship with his family, he finds it hard to believe that anybody could love him after a lifetime of inattention. He meets Colton as soon as he returns to College as Colton works for the University and is based in Timmy's dorm. Insta attraction leading to a sweet HEA.
July 25, 2021
Mia Kerick is a new to me author, this book , Hide Your Love Away is slow burn romance.
College student Timmy arrives back after a summer vacation with his parents.
Cole helps Timmy with his luggage, there it begins a beautiful May/ December love story with an age gap, that I loved .
An extremely sweet read with characters that knew what / who they want .
College student Timmy arrives back after a summer vacation with his parents.
Cole helps Timmy with his luggage, there it begins a beautiful May/ December love story with an age gap, that I loved .
An extremely sweet read with characters that knew what / who they want .
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