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Breaking Faith #1
Breaking Faith
Soon-to-be medical student Brett Derwent thinks he has everything all planned out. That is, until he meets Tommy Hawks. Over the course of one incredible summer in Northern Montana, this easy-going, kind-hearted guy turns Brett's life upside down...but Tommy isn't everything he seems.
Brutalized by his violent father, desperate to protect his mother and four siblings, and terrified of losing the love he never expected to find, Tommy is pushed to the edge.
When Tommy's father is found dead, Brett must face some impossible questions: how much is he willing to sacrifice for Tommy, and will having faith in him be enough?
violence, disturbing themes, sexual content)
This title is no longer available from Freya's Bower. As if March 2010, second edition published by Alpheratz Press".
Brutalized by his violent father, desperate to protect his mother and four siblings, and terrified of losing the love he never expected to find, Tommy is pushed to the edge.
When Tommy's father is found dead, Brett must face some impossible questions: how much is he willing to sacrifice for Tommy, and will having faith in him be enough?
violence, disturbing themes, sexual content)
This title is no longer available from Freya's Bower. As if March 2010, second edition published by Alpheratz Press".
234 pages, ebook
First published October 7, 2008
4 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
M. King
54 books35 followersM. King writes gay fiction with an emphasis on romance and erotica.
She lives in a damp and verdant corner of south west England, where she may usually be found behind a vat of coffee and a keyboard.
As of 2011, if you enjoy M. King's style, you can also check out her work as Anna Reith - non-explicit cross-genre fiction.
Visit her at:
http://thenakednib.com
www.twitter.com/mkingauthor
www.facebook.com/mkingauthor
She lives in a damp and verdant corner of south west England, where she may usually be found behind a vat of coffee and a keyboard.
As of 2011, if you enjoy M. King's style, you can also check out her work as Anna Reith - non-explicit cross-genre fiction.
Visit her at:
http://thenakednib.com
www.twitter.com/mkingauthor
www.facebook.com/mkingauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 13, 2013
4,5 stars
It started liked that, just the simple beginning of a friendship
Breaking Faith features two characters who are teens/young adults for the most part of the book but it definitely will call out to you as an adult. My civil status says I am one and I swallowed lumps in my throat repeatedly, sniffled, cooed (discretely and too rarely), had incredible fits of rage and mulled over endless questions.
The story opens on casual facts of life : Brett is 19 years old, preparing med school, cherished by his parents and safe in his life, angsting about his sexuality. Tommy is 20, working for the time being in a store, trapped between an abusive father and a mother who relies on him to help her to hold the whole family together and safe.
They meet on the common ground of youth and attraction and the casual writing of the very beginning increases in evocative power while they steal moments from their parallel lives. Friendship turns into love, bringing comfort, purpose, questions and complications, Brett and Tommy reveal themselves as both fiercely loyal and stubborn.
The power moves up a notch while everything goes downhill at the 50% mark and they’re more ”something to focus on, something to hold on to” than lovers, yet still in love.
Breaking Faith is a love story that doesn’t happen in a bubble. It is an intricate story about young men, families and realities of life, very well served by a strong, yet sensitive writing that doesn’t sugar things nor overdo them.
It is harsh, honest, emotional and beautiful.
It started liked that, just the simple beginning of a friendship
Breaking Faith features two characters who are teens/young adults for the most part of the book but it definitely will call out to you as an adult. My civil status says I am one and I swallowed lumps in my throat repeatedly, sniffled, cooed (discretely and too rarely), had incredible fits of rage and mulled over endless questions.
The story opens on casual facts of life : Brett is 19 years old, preparing med school, cherished by his parents and safe in his life, angsting about his sexuality. Tommy is 20, working for the time being in a store, trapped between an abusive father and a mother who relies on him to help her to hold the whole family together and safe.
They meet on the common ground of youth and attraction and the casual writing of the very beginning increases in evocative power while they steal moments from their parallel lives. Friendship turns into love, bringing comfort, purpose, questions and complications, Brett and Tommy reveal themselves as both fiercely loyal and stubborn.
The power moves up a notch while everything goes downhill at the 50% mark and they’re more ”something to focus on, something to hold on to” than lovers, yet still in love.
Breaking Faith is a love story that doesn’t happen in a bubble. It is an intricate story about young men, families and realities of life, very well served by a strong, yet sensitive writing that doesn’t sugar things nor overdo them.
It is harsh, honest, emotional and beautiful.
February 13, 2013
I think probably 3.5 stars for this one from me for Brett and Tommy.
I won't go into all the details of the book, but we have GFY, prison
, a complete shithead of a dad, a dead shithead of a dad
, and a love that lasts all the time one of the guys is in jail, which I have to say I found a little improbable given their young age. Not a keeper I'm afraid.
October 20, 2016
It was one of those terribly exhausting books when you hate everything that happens there, you don't like the characters so much - and yet not to the extent that you can justify dropping it. There were so many ugly things happening in this book - hell, almost everything in it was ugly. Realistically ugly, I must admit but - you know... You can open a site to check your mail - and ten headlines about ugly things that people do to each other will immediately spring on you, can't be more realistic than that. So no, I don't need a reminder that there are ugly people who do ugly things, and I don't think it is the point of writing a book anyway.
Agh, Tommy's mother was really the worst! I'm not sure I've ever hated a character more than her. Sure, Tommy's father was a monster - but she was f*cking endorsing everything that was happening! She was letting him abuse her elder children and kept bringing more children into the misery they all lived in! And then she dared to blame Tommy for what he did! What kind of animal love is it? She is just like those women who keep living with their husbands/boyfriends sexually abusing their children and then weep on TV shows saying "But I didn't do anything because I loved him!" It was this close to Martin starting sexually abusing Lila - and I bet Mei would have just let it slide, like everything else. Would have born him another child possibly, that's what she did best, after all.
Everything about their family was dislikable. Even the way they hated on Karen for being the only opportunity to Scott to have a normal life. It was like they were all drowning and wanted others to drown with them. And Tommy was just the same in it. I can barely believe he did what he did, it was so much not in his character.
Yeah, I didn't particularly liked Tommy. Why? After all, he was so kind and self-sacrificing, wasn't he? Right, he was making a martyr out of himself at EVERY opportunity, when needed and when not, selling himself so cheap... it was just so annoying.
Now I must say I totally admire Brett's choice and what he did. If there was anything right in this book, it was this. But it is also that... I didn't feel quite connected to Brett either. That's the problem, I think. I didn't feel connected to the main characters. Their love didn't make my heart beat faster. I was very bored during the first half of the book. And later...
You need to balance extremes with extremes. With so many ugly things this book includes - you need to balance them with equally strong beautiful things. And there was none of them in this book.
Even things that should've been beautiful - Brett's loyalty, Tommy's coming home - they didn't feel cathartic. Maybe it was because the author was so afraid to let the readers feel good even for two pages that she kept stuffing problems and bad feelings even in those scenes. I don't know. Well, if there are "feel-good" books - this was a complete "feel-bad" book.
When I was buying those books, I knew I was in for a heavy read, so I had my doubts. But then I thought: what if I don't read them and I will miss something, I won't learn some lesson I could possibly find in those books. Now, after reading the first one, I can definitely say my life wouldn't be worse without reading it; it probably would be better if I spent that time reading something else.
And I still have the sequel; maybe I'll read it some time, I'm not sure.
Agh, Tommy's mother was really the worst! I'm not sure I've ever hated a character more than her. Sure, Tommy's father was a monster - but she was f*cking endorsing everything that was happening! She was letting him abuse her elder children and kept bringing more children into the misery they all lived in! And then she dared to blame Tommy for what he did! What kind of animal love is it? She is just like those women who keep living with their husbands/boyfriends sexually abusing their children and then weep on TV shows saying "But I didn't do anything because I loved him!" It was this close to Martin starting sexually abusing Lila - and I bet Mei would have just let it slide, like everything else. Would have born him another child possibly, that's what she did best, after all.
Everything about their family was dislikable. Even the way they hated on Karen for being the only opportunity to Scott to have a normal life. It was like they were all drowning and wanted others to drown with them. And Tommy was just the same in it. I can barely believe he did what he did, it was so much not in his character.
Yeah, I didn't particularly liked Tommy. Why? After all, he was so kind and self-sacrificing, wasn't he? Right, he was making a martyr out of himself at EVERY opportunity, when needed and when not, selling himself so cheap... it was just so annoying.
Now I must say I totally admire Brett's choice and what he did. If there was anything right in this book, it was this. But it is also that... I didn't feel quite connected to Brett either. That's the problem, I think. I didn't feel connected to the main characters. Their love didn't make my heart beat faster. I was very bored during the first half of the book. And later...
You need to balance extremes with extremes. With so many ugly things this book includes - you need to balance them with equally strong beautiful things. And there was none of them in this book.
Even things that should've been beautiful - Brett's loyalty, Tommy's coming home - they didn't feel cathartic. Maybe it was because the author was so afraid to let the readers feel good even for two pages that she kept stuffing problems and bad feelings even in those scenes. I don't know. Well, if there are "feel-good" books - this was a complete "feel-bad" book.
When I was buying those books, I knew I was in for a heavy read, so I had my doubts. But then I thought: what if I don't read them and I will miss something, I won't learn some lesson I could possibly find in those books. Now, after reading the first one, I can definitely say my life wouldn't be worse without reading it; it probably would be better if I spent that time reading something else.
And I still have the sequel; maybe I'll read it some time, I'm not sure.
January 7, 2018
This really wasn’t what I was expecting but it was a fairly good story. It was much heavier than I thought it would be and had a lot of mature themes about abuse, terrible families, drugs/alcohol, and young attraction. I liked both Tommy and Brett but the romance left a lot to be desired for me. I was looking for a couple that got my heart beating and they just didn’t connect for me. In the beginning, as they were just discovering each other it was very sweet and I enjoyed it, but I found it a bit unlikely that Brett would actually wait that long for Tommy while he was in prison.
Tommy was Brett’s first real relationship and it wasn’t even that long (definitely under a year if I remember) and he stayed in love that whole time, with just a phone call and supervised visit here and there?
It almost felt like they were with each other simply out of stubbornness and in Brett’s case it felt like it was out of some kind of sense of duty and not love, because Tommy had protected Brett from getting any jail time.
In a way it almost felt like the author couldn’t give us any moments of true happiness, because the entire book was always shrouded with angst. While others found Tommy and Brett inspiring I found the whole thing quite sad and even the ending didn’t give me that ‘happily-ever-after’ feeling even though Tommy was released from prison and with Brett again, which should have been such a happy ending to the novel…
If you are in the mood for a sad and angsty novel then I do recommend this, as it was well written and the characters were engaging, but if you are looking for a strong romance I don’t suggest this.
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Tommy was Brett’s first real relationship and it wasn’t even that long (definitely under a year if I remember) and he stayed in love that whole time, with just a phone call and supervised visit here and there?
It almost felt like they were with each other simply out of stubbornness and in Brett’s case it felt like it was out of some kind of sense of duty and not love, because Tommy had protected Brett from getting any jail time.
In a way it almost felt like the author couldn’t give us any moments of true happiness, because the entire book was always shrouded with angst. While others found Tommy and Brett inspiring I found the whole thing quite sad and even the ending didn’t give me that ‘happily-ever-after’ feeling even though Tommy was released from prison and with Brett again, which should have been such a happy ending to the novel…
If you are in the mood for a sad and angsty novel then I do recommend this, as it was well written and the characters were engaging, but if you are looking for a strong romance I don’t suggest this.
|Featherbrained Books Blog | Twitter |
December 5, 2012
It was not what I had been expecting. I did not enjoy this book at all. So I can only give it 2 stars. :)
July 3, 2018
This book was gripping, engaging, heart-breaking, yet uplifting by the end. It makes you wonder just how much you would give up for someone you love. And I'm not talking about someone you've known forever or with whom you have a deeply established bond. Brett Derwent met Tommy Hawks in the ski shop that Tommy worked in where Brett was a ski instructor in Northern Montana. Brett has plans to go to med school at the end of the summer but over the summer, the two find an incredible love for each other. It's very sweet how they fall in love. There is immediate attraction, but this isn't one of those fall into bed together right away stories. While they dance around each other, it becomes obvious to Brett that Tommy's home life is less than stellar and that his father is the source of the problems, and Tommy's bruises, but Tommy refuses to talk about any of it. Tommy is a rock for his little brothers and sisters though, helping is mother with their care. Tommy loves Brett, but knowing that he's leaving for college, he doesn't want to drag him into his problems.
When Tommy can't take any more of his father's brutality, he reaches the breaking point, and events change both of their lives. Brett does some pretty amazing and crazy things for the man he loves. His decisions also bring about the questions, how long would you put your life on hold for someone that, although you loved desperately at the moment, you only knew for a few months? Can you really know the impact of your choices when you are 18? How willing would you be to change your entire life for the love another person? How much faith can you have in someone or in yourself when you start doubting?
Brett is one of the strongest and most awe inspiring characters I've ever read. I felt very badly for he had Tommy, for what they had to go through, because Tommy was also a really sweet guy who was dealt a really crappy hand in life. This does have a bit of angst, in what Brett and Tommy have to go through in being apart. This one doesn't so much end on a happily ever after as it does on a happily for now, but even so, it's a great ending that leads you to believe that they are set for a happily ever after. It would be interesting to read more on their life together, even if it is just a short story, because they are such a loving and inspiring couple, as is the story. This is definitely one for my favorites shelf and will be one that I will read again, and recommend to others over and over again.
When Tommy can't take any more of his father's brutality, he reaches the breaking point, and events change both of their lives. Brett does some pretty amazing and crazy things for the man he loves. His decisions also bring about the questions, how long would you put your life on hold for someone that, although you loved desperately at the moment, you only knew for a few months? Can you really know the impact of your choices when you are 18? How willing would you be to change your entire life for the love another person? How much faith can you have in someone or in yourself when you start doubting?
Brett is one of the strongest and most awe inspiring characters I've ever read. I felt very badly for he had Tommy, for what they had to go through, because Tommy was also a really sweet guy who was dealt a really crappy hand in life. This does have a bit of angst, in what Brett and Tommy have to go through in being apart. This one doesn't so much end on a happily ever after as it does on a happily for now, but even so, it's a great ending that leads you to believe that they are set for a happily ever after. It would be interesting to read more on their life together, even if it is just a short story, because they are such a loving and inspiring couple, as is the story. This is definitely one for my favorites shelf and will be one that I will read again, and recommend to others over and over again.
January 20, 2009
This is one of the best, most realistic portrayals of a gay erotic romance which I have ever read. The emotions are very real, and heartrending. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about two people in love and up against amazing odds. Excellent book!
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October 9, 2012
Extremely heavy story. Very sad and hard to shake off. I guess that says a lot about the talent of the writer. It's not a pretty story, but one that unfortunately is too common.
October 20, 2011
A heartbreaking story, but a beautiful one at the same time. I read a few books about abuse and damaged characters, but this one is probably the most realistic. Or at least that's how it felt to me. Often in romance, even when a difficult subject like abuse is front and center, authors choose to make things less ugly, to give their characters easy and positive ways out. Not this author and not this book: everything about Tommy and Brett's journey is so difficult and so heartbreaking and actions do have consequences that the two guys have to fully suffer. So it's not an easy story to read. In spite of all that, one thing remains strong and positive and amazing throughout the story and that's the love Tommy and Brett have for each other. I loved both characters: Tommy's fear to screw up Brett's life and willingness to give him up and Brett's unwavering decision to stick by Tommy instead make even the very difficult part of their story worth reading.
August 2, 2014
I liked this book how Brett stayed with Tommy despite him going to prison. I know there is a second bbok in the series and maybe it will be explored there but I thought it was a little easy how Tommy came out of prison and seemed to adjust to life on the outside.
November 20, 2011
Overall
A powerful, moving story that follows two young men as they face cruel realities and the struggles of love and trust. While this tale starts off innocently as two first meet and begin to explore one another, it expands into something more, as a simple young romance is tested by external and internal forces. I enjoyed both parts of the ride, from the young love blooming to the rocky ride that follows.
A well-written and constructed piece filled with enjoyable, human (and flawed) characters and compelling emotional turmoil, this is a story that doesn't let you know until the very end if its going to have a happy ending.
Strengths
These flawed characters face difficult circumstances and while some are due to their own choices--or perhaps all are due to their own choices--they hardly complain about the situation, just work to get out of it. The lengths they go to to protect one another is touching, even if it means wanting to smack them on the head.
The struggles these characters endure and survive are more than I can imagine, and hopefully will never have to experience. But the despair and desperate hope they feel is something that most people can relate to. Because so much of this novel is a struggle against the inevitable, Brett's determination is beautiful and inspiring, a thread of silk for Tommy to hold onto when he's had to fend for himself for most his life. What are you willing to risk for love? It's a question Brett faces and answers, with surprising results. Although his attempts are not always victorious, his strength and spirit made me smile, even while I felt the same aches he did as it happened.
The emotional pull of this novel is perhaps what made me enjoy it the most as the combination of characters, situation and writing sucked me into the story and held me there, anxiously reading what happens next.
Weaknesses
I didn't really feel this book had any weaknesses, although there are two points that I would caution to readers who are one, looking for a bright, cheery book or two, hate anything that could possibly resemble dramatic life choices based on a lover you haven't known nearly long enough.
This story is not a completely happy one. There is a lot of trouble and hard emotions (I wouldn't say angst, though). For much of the later half of the book the reader is fighting (along with the characters) for their relationship but it's not clear if they will survive. It makes for a great read, but not if you're looking for a pick-me-up! I felt the resolution was pretty clear, but with everything that happened in the novel, there is always some flexibility with how it's interpreted.
Also, while the story doesn't have Insta-Love, it does have teen love that goes to some pretty far extremes (which I felt were reasonable, considering they are teens and it is pointed out within the story context). Just a warning, if this is a problem for the reader.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
A powerful, moving story that follows two young men as they face cruel realities and the struggles of love and trust. While this tale starts off innocently as two first meet and begin to explore one another, it expands into something more, as a simple young romance is tested by external and internal forces. I enjoyed both parts of the ride, from the young love blooming to the rocky ride that follows.
A well-written and constructed piece filled with enjoyable, human (and flawed) characters and compelling emotional turmoil, this is a story that doesn't let you know until the very end if its going to have a happy ending.
Strengths
These flawed characters face difficult circumstances and while some are due to their own choices--or perhaps all are due to their own choices--they hardly complain about the situation, just work to get out of it. The lengths they go to to protect one another is touching, even if it means wanting to smack them on the head.
The struggles these characters endure and survive are more than I can imagine, and hopefully will never have to experience. But the despair and desperate hope they feel is something that most people can relate to. Because so much of this novel is a struggle against the inevitable, Brett's determination is beautiful and inspiring, a thread of silk for Tommy to hold onto when he's had to fend for himself for most his life. What are you willing to risk for love? It's a question Brett faces and answers, with surprising results. Although his attempts are not always victorious, his strength and spirit made me smile, even while I felt the same aches he did as it happened.
The emotional pull of this novel is perhaps what made me enjoy it the most as the combination of characters, situation and writing sucked me into the story and held me there, anxiously reading what happens next.
Weaknesses
I didn't really feel this book had any weaknesses, although there are two points that I would caution to readers who are one, looking for a bright, cheery book or two, hate anything that could possibly resemble dramatic life choices based on a lover you haven't known nearly long enough.
This story is not a completely happy one. There is a lot of trouble and hard emotions (I wouldn't say angst, though). For much of the later half of the book the reader is fighting (along with the characters) for their relationship but it's not clear if they will survive. It makes for a great read, but not if you're looking for a pick-me-up! I felt the resolution was pretty clear, but with everything that happened in the novel, there is always some flexibility with how it's interpreted.
Also, while the story doesn't have Insta-Love, it does have teen love that goes to some pretty far extremes (which I felt were reasonable, considering they are teens and it is pointed out within the story context). Just a warning, if this is a problem for the reader.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
August 5, 2011
Currently out of print but set for re-release @ Dreamspinner Press in Oct 2011
This book had been sitting on my TBR for ages, since 2008 to be precise. I'm so glad I finally read it. While it's not the typical M/M romance it is a wonderfully written story about two young men falling in love and dealing with some very difficult situations. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance this won't be the book for you but anyone wanting to read a well-written, emotional love story that also incorporates the effects of child/spousal abuse, homophobia and the harsh realities of life for an inmate and his loved ones then I definitely recommend Breaking Faith.
The end of their story left me wanting more as it's really a new beginning for them and I wanted to see how they adjust to finally being together after having been apart for most of their relationship. I'm looking forward to the sequel which is to be released hopefully later this year or early next year.
This book had been sitting on my TBR for ages, since 2008 to be precise. I'm so glad I finally read it. While it's not the typical M/M romance it is a wonderfully written story about two young men falling in love and dealing with some very difficult situations. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance this won't be the book for you but anyone wanting to read a well-written, emotional love story that also incorporates the effects of child/spousal abuse, homophobia and the harsh realities of life for an inmate and his loved ones then I definitely recommend Breaking Faith.
The end of their story left me wanting more as it's really a new beginning for them and I wanted to see how they adjust to finally being together after having been apart for most of their relationship. I'm looking forward to the sequel which is to be released hopefully later this year or early next year.
December 19, 2011
Reviewed by Stacey: This book was gripping, engaging, heart-breaking, yet uplifting by the end. It makes you wonder just how much you would give up for someone you love. And I'm not talking about someone you've known forever or with whom you have a deeply established bond. Brett Derwent met Tommy Hawks in the ski shop that Tommy worked in where Brett was a ski instructor in Northern Montana. Brett has plans to go to med school at the end of the summer but over the summer, the two find an incredible love for each other. It's very sweet how they fall in love. There is immediate attraction, but this isn't one of those fall into bed together right away stories. While they dance around each other, it becomes obvious to Brett that Tommy's home life is less than stellar and that his father is the source of the problems, and Tommy's bruises, but Tommy refuses to talk about any of it. Tommy is a rock for his little brothers and sisters though, helping is mother with their care. Tommy loves Brett, but knowing that he's leaving for college, he doesn't want to drag him into his problems.
When Tommy can't take any more of his father's brutality, he reaches the breaking point, and events change both of their lives. Brett does some pretty amazing and crazy things for the man he loves. His decisions also bring about the questions, how long would you put your life on hold for someone that, although you loved desperately at the moment, you only knew for a few months? Can you really know the impact of your choices when you are 18? How willing would you be to change your entire life for the love another person? How much faith can you have in someone or in yourself when you start doubting?
Brett is one of the strongest and most awe inspiring characters I've ever read. I felt very badly for he had Tommy, for what they had to go through, because Tommy was also a really sweet guy who was dealt a really crappy hand in life. This does have a bit of angst, in what Brett and Tommy have to go through in being apart. This one doesn't so much end on a happily ever after as it does on a happily for now, but even so, it's a great ending that leads you to believe that they are set for a happily ever after. It would be interesting to read more on their life together, even if it is just a short story, because they are such a loving and inspiring couple, as is the story. This is definitely one for my favorites shelf and will be one that I will read again, and recommend to others over and over again.
A+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
When Tommy can't take any more of his father's brutality, he reaches the breaking point, and events change both of their lives. Brett does some pretty amazing and crazy things for the man he loves. His decisions also bring about the questions, how long would you put your life on hold for someone that, although you loved desperately at the moment, you only knew for a few months? Can you really know the impact of your choices when you are 18? How willing would you be to change your entire life for the love another person? How much faith can you have in someone or in yourself when you start doubting?
Brett is one of the strongest and most awe inspiring characters I've ever read. I felt very badly for he had Tommy, for what they had to go through, because Tommy was also a really sweet guy who was dealt a really crappy hand in life. This does have a bit of angst, in what Brett and Tommy have to go through in being apart. This one doesn't so much end on a happily ever after as it does on a happily for now, but even so, it's a great ending that leads you to believe that they are set for a happily ever after. It would be interesting to read more on their life together, even if it is just a short story, because they are such a loving and inspiring couple, as is the story. This is definitely one for my favorites shelf and will be one that I will read again, and recommend to others over and over again.
A+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2011
This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm
This is what the book is about.
Brett Derwent thinks he has life all planned out. With the freedom of college life just months away, Brett’s eagerly awaiting some fun and independence… until he meets Tommy Hawks. Over the course of one northern Montana summer, an intense romance blooms between the young men, but Tommy has a painful secret—one that even first love can’t mitigate. Continually brutalized by his violent father, Tommy is pushed to the edge, torn between the desire to protect his mother and four siblings, and his fear of losing the love he never expected to find.
When the unthinkable happens and Tommy’s father is found dead, Brett is afraid to learn the truth. Appalled to think that his lover may be responsible, Brett must face impossible questions: how much of his life—of his youth—is he willing to sacrifice for Tommy, and will having faith in him be enough?
This is what I thought about it.
This was an emotional journey that was well worth taking.
This is the story of a relationship made complicated by a prison term. It was believable because doubts were voiced and issues were worked through. I think what I liked most about this book was that everything didn't really turn out all rosie. The worst did happen and they had to work though it and adapt to it, this was a great human observation story and was skilfully done making the feelings of brett and tommy real and the tie up leaves it so you feel like they might just make it, and the author does it by keeping believable.
This is what the book is about.
Brett Derwent thinks he has life all planned out. With the freedom of college life just months away, Brett’s eagerly awaiting some fun and independence… until he meets Tommy Hawks. Over the course of one northern Montana summer, an intense romance blooms between the young men, but Tommy has a painful secret—one that even first love can’t mitigate. Continually brutalized by his violent father, Tommy is pushed to the edge, torn between the desire to protect his mother and four siblings, and his fear of losing the love he never expected to find.
When the unthinkable happens and Tommy’s father is found dead, Brett is afraid to learn the truth. Appalled to think that his lover may be responsible, Brett must face impossible questions: how much of his life—of his youth—is he willing to sacrifice for Tommy, and will having faith in him be enough?
This is what I thought about it.
This was an emotional journey that was well worth taking.
This is the story of a relationship made complicated by a prison term. It was believable because doubts were voiced and issues were worked through. I think what I liked most about this book was that everything didn't really turn out all rosie. The worst did happen and they had to work though it and adapt to it, this was a great human observation story and was skilfully done making the feelings of brett and tommy real and the tie up leaves it so you feel like they might just make it, and the author does it by keeping believable.
September 5, 2014
Brett - thinks he is hard done to, but really all he has to do is keep quiet until college, then he can explore his sexuality.
Tommy - is hard done to, living in an abusive household with the pressure of being the eldest child (shared with his twin who is getting out).
The first half of the story is them meeting and gradually getting closer, though I did feel all the love and hope was foreshadowed by a sense of doom. Like all crashes, you know it is coming and can't stop it.
When the incident occurs, I did have to do the 'calm down, it's not real' thing as I was so upset about Tommy being f**ked by the system, with only Brett and his scant resources to help.
Brett was the star for me, being the one stable rock for Tommy, even above his family. Whether it would actually happen, well who knows. People in relationships go to prison all the time after all. Though whilst it seems odd to say, I'm glad the author added Nick, as it did seem impractical that Brett would have no-one.
Anyway, now I am wrung out from all the drama, hoping for their hopefully ever after!
Tommy - is hard done to, living in an abusive household with the pressure of being the eldest child (shared with his twin who is getting out).
The first half of the story is them meeting and gradually getting closer, though I did feel all the love and hope was foreshadowed by a sense of doom. Like all crashes, you know it is coming and can't stop it.
When the incident occurs, I did have to do the 'calm down, it's not real' thing as I was so upset about Tommy being f**ked by the system, with only Brett and his scant resources to help.
Brett was the star for me, being the one stable rock for Tommy, even above his family. Whether it would actually happen, well who knows. People in relationships go to prison all the time after all. Though whilst it seems odd to say, I'm glad the author added Nick, as it did seem impractical that Brett would have no-one.
Anyway, now I am wrung out from all the drama, hoping for their hopefully ever after!
March 12, 2014
This book was an excellent read for me. It kept me up past my bedtime to read. This isn't a hearts and flowers type read. Its pretty dark and depressing dealing with parental abuse, murder, and separation. I loved the contrast between the two characters with Brett, although not from a wealthy family, still well off with plans for college and Tommy coming from an abusive family where he works to help support them. Bret at times seems really naive but that helps me believe that he could be able to stick it out with Tommy through all the trouble that he went through. This was a pretty ansgty book but I really liked how not everything turned out perfect. Bret didn't get his shining future or Tommy get off easily for what happened. Very little had a cookie cutter shape to it which made it an excellent read for me.
November 7, 2012
From the first pages I was completely and utterly invested in the characters of Brett and Tommy. The emotions they experienced in their lives, their love ,their struggles were everything from heart soaring to gut wrenching - and all so earnestly and realistically presented. The writing was beautiful and precise in immersing the reader into the thoughts and surroundings of the characters. Faith- the exploration of it, the emotions it incites - is exactly what this book is about. Faith in one's self, faith in those closest to us, and faith in all relationships that intertwine. An overall stunning read and one that is certainly going to stay with me as a favorite.
(The sequel, "Passing Shadows" is available and I started it immediately)
(The sequel, "Passing Shadows" is available and I started it immediately)
October 18, 2011
I really enjoyed Breaking Faith, as much as it could be considered a love story, it was also inspirational. Brett and Tommy's relationship is put to the test when Tommy is sentenced to ten years in prison. Brett doesn't just walk away, but instead remains a constant by Tommy's side. I wish the author would have gone into more of the stigma placed on people who are involved with convicts, but she does touch on it enough to get the general idea. If you're very into physical romances, this book is NOT for you. This is a story about faith and there is not a whole lot of physical romance here. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more gay fiction from this author.
October 26, 2011
What a really good book that explores first love and trying to stay together through tragedy and years apart. The two MCs were very believable and very likable together. I felt more emotionally involved with this book then I have with any books that I've read lately. My only complaint was I wish we could have seen more of their life together at the end. This was a beautifully told story about love, loss, abuse and trying to keep sane while everything around them seems to be keeping them apart.
April 21, 2010
This novel might not be the best structured gay romance I've ever read, mainly because the ending is given short shrift. But I was absolutely captured by it from the very beginning and didn't want to put it down for anything. I found it haunting and effective. It's one of the very few gay romance novels I read in 2009 that I remember very, very well. I think of it now and then, and that's a huge compliment in my book. Kudos to the author for fearless writing.
October 17, 2011
Oh gosh what an hard plotted story... and so deeply emotional... I felt really sad about Tommy fate and his childhood years. How awful... Good he had Brett through his prison years otherwise he would be all alone... I believe, that without Brett, Tommy's family wouldn't keep in touch with Tommy, okay Scott would... Damn, this was really hard plotted story. I really, really hope for some happiness in upcoming sequel...
Scott and Brett really need some happy years...
Scott and Brett really need some happy years...
April 20, 2012
This is a plot-driven novel that left me pleasingly sapped of energy by end. The characters' stories take center stage, written in detail with the gut-wrenching poignancy of a Truman Capote true crime drama. The romance holds it together and creates the crushing impact. Yet, despite the NSHE, I was left with an inspirational sense that life can be good if we take the correct path. Highly recommend.
October 15, 2012
2.5/5
Started out strong and I was into Brett and Tommy. The first part of the book would have been a 3 or 4 star rating. After Tommy's father died, the book took a huge turn. I wasn't feeling it after that. I wasn't even rooting for Brett and Tommy to be together any more. The ending felt really rushed. The last part of the book was more like a 1.5 or 2 star rating for me. Starting out so good and ending the way it did left me feeling it was just an OK book.
Started out strong and I was into Brett and Tommy. The first part of the book would have been a 3 or 4 star rating. After Tommy's father died, the book took a huge turn. I wasn't feeling it after that. I wasn't even rooting for Brett and Tommy to be together any more. The ending felt really rushed. The last part of the book was more like a 1.5 or 2 star rating for me. Starting out so good and ending the way it did left me feeling it was just an OK book.
April 2, 2014
3.5
This book had some pacing issues, but I was easily captured by Tommy and Brett and the real life difficulties that they were facing.
I caught myself saying "seriously" many times throughout the book, yet still remained captivated.
In the end, it was really the character depth of Tommy that kept me reading and invested in the story. I just felt for him throughout and really want some happiness for him!
This book had some pacing issues, but I was easily captured by Tommy and Brett and the real life difficulties that they were facing.
I caught myself saying "seriously" many times throughout the book, yet still remained captivated.
In the end, it was really the character depth of Tommy that kept me reading and invested in the story. I just felt for him throughout and really want some happiness for him!
October 28, 2014
I wish I could say that this was better than Brokeback Mountain for me...but, I didn't really like Brokeback Mountain that much either. I think the characters in this one were better but I never got really attached to any of them. I don't feel the characters really grew over the course of the story.
October 16, 2011
I though the characters (Brett and Tommy)were well developed and believable. The story was somewhat sweet and intense, but was kinda drawn out as it progressed. I loved how it depicted love if it is strong it's strong, so the reason for four stars instead of three.
Want to read
October 26, 2011NetGalley ARC
Want to read
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October 9, 2012
This was a difficult one to read, only because reality is so painful. 100% through and through a great book on every level.
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