Review: The Art of Hero Worship by Mia Kerick


Note: This ARC was provided by Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

The Art of Hero Worship is an M/M new adult romance from author Mia Kerick, and it also happens to be my first ever read from her. The story is about freshman Jason Tripp and junior Liam Norwell, who end up becoming survivors of and witnesses to a mass shooting at a theater. Liam is the one who rescues Jason from what would have quite possibly been the last day he would have been alive had the shooter gotten his way, but Liam refuses to see himself as any sort of hero. The two form a bond a rare few could possibly ever fully comprehend. They not only become friends but their brushes with death have made what they have evolve into something neither one has any experience or knowledge of--falling in love with another man. Will what they share last in light of a burden that lays heavily on Liam, one that may end up with Jason realizing that the hero he worships with every ounce of his being may need to be some saving of his own? The question is: does Liam want to be saved, or by the time Jase steps in, will it be too late for them?

To have the story begin with such a horrific event was a guaranteed attention grabber, but I'm cynical enough to wonder with books like these if it'll be able to hold my attention all throughout. Fortunately, The Art of Hero Worship did, giving me an interesting story and two main characters that were easy to feel some form of empathy for. I admit that there were times that Jason frustrated the heck out of me, especially with his treatment of Liam during two separate points in the story. Of course, the confusion over how he was feeling and reacting toward Liam was understandable, and I did like that both guys didn't feel it necessary to label their relationship or their sexuality, especially after Jason made peace with all the thoughts bouncing around in his head. There were times that their connection was really strong and it left little doubt as to how these two felt about each other; however, there were also a couple of moments were I myself questioned if what they shared between them was nothing more than a temporary entanglement.

The thing with this story and with both Jason and Liam is just when a bit of doubt or disbelief hits me, I'm pulled back in, making it difficult to not become even a tad invested in what happens with these two. Everything seems perfectly fine between them, but with Liam's past still torturing him--and it pained me to learn what happened to him as a child because adult Liam was so selfless and put everyone else first--it was clear that something had to give sooner or later. Overall, I did enjoy the book and I really liked both Jase and Liam, and Jase's overprotective mother gets kudos for being such a standout supporting character who surprised me with her insight when things were rocky for the couple. I will say, though, that there was a point where Jason's roommate's and his roommate's girlfriend's reaction to a breakdown Jase was having was absolutely weird, as was the uncomfortable and awkward reunion turned confrontation with a fellow shooting survivor. All things considered, The Art of Hero Worship was a good four-star read. ♥

Note: The synopsis for the book has Liam as Liam Norcross, but since he was Liam Norwell in the copy I had, that's the name I used for this review.

Release Date: February 14, 2016

Date Read: February 14, 2016

Learn more about Mia Kerick.

Purchase The Art of Hero Worship on Amazon.

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