Before falling madly in love with the boy of his dreams at sixteen, Justin Reed’s childhood had been complicated. Meeting Niall Casey had turned Justin’s life around, and with Niall by his side, Justin felt sure he could cope with whatever the world threw at him.
Ten years on, as Justin and Niall begin to think of marriage and starting their own family, cracks begin to appear in their perfect world. Justin’s father has remarried and this latest addition to the Reed family has some very strange ideas. To make matters worse, Niall’s mother begins to edge her way back into his life. Niall tries hard to believe she has changed but can’t quite leave behind the painful memories of religious intolerance and rejection.
Justin and Niall’s lives are taken over by events they can’t control. Just as it seems that their plans for a family lie in tatters, they are forced to revisit the past and lay some ghosts to rest once and for all.
I live in Reading in the South of England with my partner of 26 years. We celebrated our civil partnership in 2006; something we never thought would be possible when we first met. When I'm not writing, I teach English Language to overseas students at a language school I run in Berkshire. I've been a fanatical reader ever since my parents first took the five year old me along to that magical place - our public library.
This book is the fantastic sequel to Breaking Out and it was lovely to catch up with Justin and Niall and see how their relationship has developed over the years. While I've read a few M/M books where one partner already has children, this is (I think) the first one I've read that covers adoption, and it was really interesting to gain an insight into all the ups and downs of the whole adoption process. You really feel for Justin and Niall every step of the way.
It is a very gentle book about ordinary people so if you are looking for high drama with car chases and puppies being rescued from burning buldings (and tons of steamy sex) then this probably won't be for you. But, if you want a sweet, believable story about a lovely couple, and family life then you won't be disappointed.
The sequel to " Breaking out" continues the story of Justin & Niall. 10 years have past and they are more in love than ever. A lot happens in this book, it will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. I am not ashamed of the fact that it reduced me to a blubbering wreck at times. If a story can do this then it is well worth the 5 stars that I give it. I am hoping that maybe Garry will continue this and turn it into a Trilogy. There has to be a terrific story with Archie & Sam ..... Who you ask? Read the book and find out :)
Haven't been a big fan of M/M sequels before, but I hope there is at least maybe a short story to follow with a little of what happens after the boys go home.
I weatherization a couple of years ago and loved it so was really amazing to randomly come across the sequel on a late night book hunt. This one tugged on the heartstrings just like the first book and it was interesting to see where everyone ended upturn years later. A adorable novel about how family isn't always about DNA. I read this in one sitting and if your looking for a duology about coming of age, family, growing up and life in general, then this is an amazing, touching novel that gets All the stars. For the record I usually only read supernatural themed novels so it's rare I enjoy one that has no supernatural element to it whatsoever.
A couple of weeks ago a book popped up as a recommendation based on what I have read lately and what I have liked in the past. It was called "Breaking Out". Putting aside all the usual about what a great book and story it is, and it is. This story hit me to my soul. I read the first book in a matter of days and immediately found the sequel.The emotions that you have made me remember,... well thanks. As a gay man happily married to my partner of 18 years, I truly appreciate and relate to the characters and feelings brought forth in these books. You have brought voice to my own memories, hopes and fears that have made us all vulnerable to society at large. Thanks you for bringing out the notion that "Love is Love" no matter who you are, no matter where you are. With each new chapter, the story made dread and yet anticipate what would happen next in the lives of Justin and Niall. ..I can truly picture these two loving men as parents that we can all look to for guidance and an example of the future that is still ahead of us all. Thank You once again for making cry :) Todd M. Hewitt Ohio USA
Reading this book gave me great pleasure because I felt like I was enveloped in the embrace of a loving family. Garry Tuckwell is quite simply a wonderful story teller. The plot isn’t driven by erotic sexual exchanges, by adrenaline pounding suspense or even by the inclusion of unpredictable twists in the story line. Instead, it’s a highly enjoyable story about Justin and Niall’s relationship. It describes the trials and tribulations of being in love while simultaneously juggling the expectations of immediate family, dealing with the heartache of losing a loved one, meeting the challenges of professional obligations and navigating the obstacles that gay couples are confronted with when they’re considering adopting children. I absolutely loved this book and felt like every time I reached for it to continue reading, I was welcoming special friends back into my home. If you’re looking for the pleasure of reading a heartfelt, wonderful story I recommend “A Family Matter” with my highest endorsement!
Garry's second book is the sequel to Breaking Out. It returns to Justin and Niall a few years after the first book finished, when they are happily settled down together. The book introduces several new characters, some of whom form part of Justin and Niall's changing family.
The book is well written and is faster paced than its predecessor. Garry's writing style is more relaxed and shows his development as a writer.