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Checking Him Out #2
Taking Him On
It's almost a year since Noah told Matty they needed to cool it, believing it was the sensible thing to do. After all, they were too intense, and they were both failing uni.
Now, with Matty just weeks away from taking up his place at a prestigious London dance academy, Noah is desperate to make the most of the little time they have left. It's only a temporary separation, and they are forever. Or so he'd thought.
A novel about Noah and Matty from Checking Him Out.
Now, with Matty just weeks away from taking up his place at a prestigious London dance academy, Noah is desperate to make the most of the little time they have left. It's only a temporary separation, and they are forever. Or so he'd thought.
A novel about Noah and Matty from Checking Him Out.
250 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2015
7 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2016
I absolutely love the emotional roller-coaster ride that this book was. Such a great story for a couple of young adults. Loved my Noo-Moo. I really hope there is a Jesse-Leigh story, too. <3
Read
January 17, 2016This is my book, so I won't be rating it. :)
I've been trying to figure out how best to number this series, because now there are four stories (and a fifth in progress). I have to say, last year, when I took on a Love's Landscapes prompt, I wasn't intending to write a series at all, but then a few readers mentioned in their reviews that they'd like to know more about the characters - not just about what happens to Sol and Adam after they figure it out, but also what happens with Adam's younger brother, Noah, and Matty. Those comments served as mini prompts that got me thinking...and plotting...and writing.
So, here it is: Taking Him On - book two of Checking Him Out.
Even though the focus of the story is on Noah and Matty, I'm going to keep all of the stories connected by the series title, and in chronological order:
Checking Him Out (Book 1 - Sol and Adam)
Checking Him Out For the Holidays (Book 1.1 - Sol and Adam, with some Matty and Noah)
Hiding Out (Book 1.2 - Matty and Noah - a crossover with my other series Hiding Behind The Couch)
Taking Him On (Book 2 - Noah and Matty)
Checking In (Book 3 - Sol and Adam)
Thanks for reading!
Deb x
I've been trying to figure out how best to number this series, because now there are four stories (and a fifth in progress). I have to say, last year, when I took on a Love's Landscapes prompt, I wasn't intending to write a series at all, but then a few readers mentioned in their reviews that they'd like to know more about the characters - not just about what happens to Sol and Adam after they figure it out, but also what happens with Adam's younger brother, Noah, and Matty. Those comments served as mini prompts that got me thinking...and plotting...and writing.
So, here it is: Taking Him On - book two of Checking Him Out.
Even though the focus of the story is on Noah and Matty, I'm going to keep all of the stories connected by the series title, and in chronological order:
Checking Him Out (Book 1 - Sol and Adam)
Checking Him Out For the Holidays (Book 1.1 - Sol and Adam, with some Matty and Noah)
Hiding Out (Book 1.2 - Matty and Noah - a crossover with my other series Hiding Behind The Couch)
Taking Him On (Book 2 - Noah and Matty)
Checking In (Book 3 - Sol and Adam)
Thanks for reading!
Deb x
July 13, 2016
It's not really a secret that I'm a huge fan of Debbie McGowan's work. I leave every book wishing I had a book club and several weeks to discuss the details. This is no exception.
There's not a lot of dense plot, nor does it read like a traditional romance. Noah and Matty are an established couple, and the emphasis is on their development as characters and within their relationship. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read pretty well as a stand-alone.
I struggled a lot to like Noah, even though the story is in his (first-person) point of view. He seemed incredibly immature to me, and I kept thinking that if he couldn't be realistic about the kind of relationship he was in, he probably wasn't ready for it--and certainly not as a "forever love" thing. He kept talking about having "real" sex with Matty (and referring to everything else as "fooling around"). Plus, he wasn't really able to let Matty lean on him in a grown-up, mature way because Matty's issues were too intense for him to deal with. It was incredibly frustrating.
That said, I felt like Noah experienced a lot of growth. His unlikeablility was not a deterrent from enjoying the story--instead, it made me even more invested. I wanted to see if he developed into a healthier version of himself, and I wasn't disappointed. By the end of the book, I felt like he'd changed for the better, and I really liked the way the whole thing wrapped up.
If you like a book to be heavy on character development with less emphasis on action or romance, this is a good choice.
There's not a lot of dense plot, nor does it read like a traditional romance. Noah and Matty are an established couple, and the emphasis is on their development as characters and within their relationship. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read pretty well as a stand-alone.
I struggled a lot to like Noah, even though the story is in his (first-person) point of view. He seemed incredibly immature to me, and I kept thinking that if he couldn't be realistic about the kind of relationship he was in, he probably wasn't ready for it--and certainly not as a "forever love" thing. He kept talking about having "real" sex with Matty (and referring to everything else as "fooling around"). Plus, he wasn't really able to let Matty lean on him in a grown-up, mature way because Matty's issues were too intense for him to deal with. It was incredibly frustrating.
That said, I felt like Noah experienced a lot of growth. His unlikeablility was not a deterrent from enjoying the story--instead, it made me even more invested. I wanted to see if he developed into a healthier version of himself, and I wasn't disappointed. By the end of the book, I felt like he'd changed for the better, and I really liked the way the whole thing wrapped up.
If you like a book to be heavy on character development with less emphasis on action or romance, this is a good choice.
September 13, 2015
Review to follow
November 18, 2015
Getting together is often the easy part. Staying together through all the challenges and unexpected twists of everyday life can put strain on any relationship, especially when you're young and inexperienced. For the heroes in 'Taking Him On', becoming a couple is only the beginning. They might have taken the important step of confessing their feelings, but they still have a great deal of growing up and soul-searching to endure if they're going to build something that will stand the test of time.
Noah refuses to make the same mistake twice. Almost a year ago, he told the boy he loves that they needed to put their relationship on hold and concentrate on their studies. He nearly lost Matty then, and now they're back together, Noah has no intention of letting him go. They have a whole summer to spend in one another's company before Matty moves to London to take up his position at a renowned dance academy. How their fragile romance will fair long-distance, Noah hardly dares contemplate, but until then he is determined to take advantage of every moment.
Of course, reality is rarely that straightforward. The summer has scarcely begun when family tragedy, withheld secrets, and miscommunication combine to conspire against them. Noah and Matty's plans of hiking and music festivals, surfing and relaxation, falter before they have even come to fruition. Verbalizing his emotions has never been Noah's strong suit, and Matty tends to retreat inside himself when he is troubled. Unless both boys are able to open up and share their hopes and concerns, it could put their entire future in jeopardy.
This is a gentle story, in equal part sweet and sensual, about two young men navigating life's obstacles and learning to trust. Debbie McGowan writes with such warmth and sincerity that I found it impossible not to fall in love with her style as well as her heroes. Anyone can see Noah and Matty are made for each other, so different in temperament, and yet just as strong in their own way. Featuring some likable secondary characters, and the perfect balance of conflict and tenderness, this is a truly wonderful read.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
Noah refuses to make the same mistake twice. Almost a year ago, he told the boy he loves that they needed to put their relationship on hold and concentrate on their studies. He nearly lost Matty then, and now they're back together, Noah has no intention of letting him go. They have a whole summer to spend in one another's company before Matty moves to London to take up his position at a renowned dance academy. How their fragile romance will fair long-distance, Noah hardly dares contemplate, but until then he is determined to take advantage of every moment.
Of course, reality is rarely that straightforward. The summer has scarcely begun when family tragedy, withheld secrets, and miscommunication combine to conspire against them. Noah and Matty's plans of hiking and music festivals, surfing and relaxation, falter before they have even come to fruition. Verbalizing his emotions has never been Noah's strong suit, and Matty tends to retreat inside himself when he is troubled. Unless both boys are able to open up and share their hopes and concerns, it could put their entire future in jeopardy.
This is a gentle story, in equal part sweet and sensual, about two young men navigating life's obstacles and learning to trust. Debbie McGowan writes with such warmth and sincerity that I found it impossible not to fall in love with her style as well as her heroes. Anyone can see Noah and Matty are made for each other, so different in temperament, and yet just as strong in their own way. Featuring some likable secondary characters, and the perfect balance of conflict and tenderness, this is a truly wonderful read.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
December 20, 2015
This was a heavy book. I have read the prior two in this series, but this one focuses on what had been two secondary characters. I have also read a few others from this author, but I read so many books that I don't clearly remember the tone.
Here we have two people in love who are supported by family and friends (or at least most of them). There are so many issues, so much damage, and so much trauma that it is not a day in the park for anyone. There seems to be a chip on the author's shoulder about the unfairness of society that runs throughout. Why are heavy/gay/intersex people picked on so? Why can't every child be loved?
We see it from the perspective of one character, Noah, and we are privy to his thoughts as well as dialogue and action. We see him learning from his previous experience and mature before our eyes.
The love that shines throughout makes it all worth reading.
Here we have two people in love who are supported by family and friends (or at least most of them). There are so many issues, so much damage, and so much trauma that it is not a day in the park for anyone. There seems to be a chip on the author's shoulder about the unfairness of society that runs throughout. Why are heavy/gay/intersex people picked on so? Why can't every child be loved?
We see it from the perspective of one character, Noah, and we are privy to his thoughts as well as dialogue and action. We see him learning from his previous experience and mature before our eyes.
The love that shines throughout makes it all worth reading.
Want to read
September 5, 2015Just in time for my two week reading marathon! :D
July 22, 2017
I appreciate when a couple isn't automatically perfect and fixed just because they're together. They have to work for it, issues happen, life happens. Growing occurs.
July 10, 2017
Sweet story about two young university students who are in love, but each have to grow up a little.
Noah wants to look after Matty, but can't do it all for him, and confuses his role with his brother, Adam's, who is the guardian for Matty.
Matty has some issues due to his parents being drug addicts and having grown up in the foster system. He find it hard to trust that Noah won't leave him, and neither of them are good at sharing their worries.
When Matty's mom dies, it causes a myriad of problems, which makes the boys mature as they learn to trust each other.
Well written, as good as the first book, much better than the short stories.
Noah wants to look after Matty, but can't do it all for him, and confuses his role with his brother, Adam's, who is the guardian for Matty.
Matty has some issues due to his parents being drug addicts and having grown up in the foster system. He find it hard to trust that Noah won't leave him, and neither of them are good at sharing their worries.
When Matty's mom dies, it causes a myriad of problems, which makes the boys mature as they learn to trust each other.
Well written, as good as the first book, much better than the short stories.
September 29, 2015
4 Heart Review by Vicki
Debbie McGowan is a new author to me and I do enjoy new adult stories so I thought I’d give this one a try.
It is the second book in a series, but the description said it could be read as a stand alone. I think that is true for the most part, but there are two characters in it, Sol and Adam, that I assume are from the first book. I wish I had read it to get the background on these two… In fact I’ll probably go read it at some point.
This book is about Matty and Noah. Noah is the younger brother of Adam, they also have a sister named Lily. Their parents are originally from New Zealand living illegally in England. This causes the family to move around quite a bit. At the beginning of the story, Adam and his husband Sol, along with Noah and Matty, are living in a large farm house that Adam and Sol purchased after their parents moved out. Matty is a student that moved in with them a year and a half ago when his drug addicted parents abandonded him yet again. Both of the boys attend a local college, Noah studying English, Matty studying dance. Matty has plans to attend a dance academy in London, possibly leaving Noah behind which is causing some stress between them. Their relationship seems to be rather new, they are together as a couple at the beginning of the book but it felt like a recent thing. Matty has issues stemming from his parents drug abuse, ADHD, short attention span, and some serious trust issues. Noah seems pretty steady, but has issues with his brother and his slightly controlling ways.
So this story rambles along, without a clearly defined plot. I liked it for the most part, but I kept waiting for something to happen. There is some drama involving Matty’s parents, and the boys go on a camping trip that ends in some drama, but it’s a long story that doesn’t really have a beginning, middle and end. I felt like it just started in the middle of an existing story, we follow along for a few months and then we drop out and the story continues.
I did like the characters, especially Matty and Noah, and I loved watching their relationship grow. They are very young and sweet, and falling in love, and experiencing a sexual relationship together. I liked Adam and Sol and the way they attempted to parent the two younger boys. I liked Adam and Noah’s parents, they come in and out of the story frequently adding some interest and drama with Lily the younger sister. Noah’s best friend Jesse was a good addition as well, even the people the boys meet on their trip added to the cast of characters.
Overall I like this book, I like the characters, the writing was good, the committed relationship between Noah and Matty was good, I just wish there was a little more to the plot. If you are looking for a nice easy read, with some interesting characters and good sex, I would recommend this book. If you are looking for an action packed plot, maybe this isn’t the book for you. I will go pick up the first book to get Adam and Sol’s story, and I would probably read other books by this author.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Debbie McGowan is a new author to me and I do enjoy new adult stories so I thought I’d give this one a try.
It is the second book in a series, but the description said it could be read as a stand alone. I think that is true for the most part, but there are two characters in it, Sol and Adam, that I assume are from the first book. I wish I had read it to get the background on these two… In fact I’ll probably go read it at some point.
This book is about Matty and Noah. Noah is the younger brother of Adam, they also have a sister named Lily. Their parents are originally from New Zealand living illegally in England. This causes the family to move around quite a bit. At the beginning of the story, Adam and his husband Sol, along with Noah and Matty, are living in a large farm house that Adam and Sol purchased after their parents moved out. Matty is a student that moved in with them a year and a half ago when his drug addicted parents abandonded him yet again. Both of the boys attend a local college, Noah studying English, Matty studying dance. Matty has plans to attend a dance academy in London, possibly leaving Noah behind which is causing some stress between them. Their relationship seems to be rather new, they are together as a couple at the beginning of the book but it felt like a recent thing. Matty has issues stemming from his parents drug abuse, ADHD, short attention span, and some serious trust issues. Noah seems pretty steady, but has issues with his brother and his slightly controlling ways.
So this story rambles along, without a clearly defined plot. I liked it for the most part, but I kept waiting for something to happen. There is some drama involving Matty’s parents, and the boys go on a camping trip that ends in some drama, but it’s a long story that doesn’t really have a beginning, middle and end. I felt like it just started in the middle of an existing story, we follow along for a few months and then we drop out and the story continues.
I did like the characters, especially Matty and Noah, and I loved watching their relationship grow. They are very young and sweet, and falling in love, and experiencing a sexual relationship together. I liked Adam and Sol and the way they attempted to parent the two younger boys. I liked Adam and Noah’s parents, they come in and out of the story frequently adding some interest and drama with Lily the younger sister. Noah’s best friend Jesse was a good addition as well, even the people the boys meet on their trip added to the cast of characters.
Overall I like this book, I like the characters, the writing was good, the committed relationship between Noah and Matty was good, I just wish there was a little more to the plot. If you are looking for a nice easy read, with some interesting characters and good sex, I would recommend this book. If you are looking for an action packed plot, maybe this isn’t the book for you. I will go pick up the first book to get Adam and Sol’s story, and I would probably read other books by this author.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 29, 2015
Taking Him On is a fabulous exploration of characters we meet in Debbie McGowan's first novel in this story, Checking Him Out, Noah and Matty. While they only play a small part in the first novel (and a somewhat more prominent one in Checking Him Out for the Holidays), they take center stage in this book full of powerful emotions and warmth. The story follows our protagonists through the re-establishment of a relationship that has tried--and failed--before, but not for want of love on either side. Seeing Noah and Matty struggle with the realities of their situation and the decisions that many have to face in young adulthood is charming, and written with a depth and reality that is hard to come by in a lot of books today.
This can be read quite easily as a stand alone novel - taken perhaps as a New Adult M/M foray - or as a part of the series. Personally, I'd recommend reading the first two for the back story, as I believe you'll grow to love and appreciate the characters and their actions as much as I have.
Thank you, again, Debbie McGowan, for getting it spot on.
Now, where's the next book??
This can be read quite easily as a stand alone novel - taken perhaps as a New Adult M/M foray - or as a part of the series. Personally, I'd recommend reading the first two for the back story, as I believe you'll grow to love and appreciate the characters and their actions as much as I have.
Thank you, again, Debbie McGowan, for getting it spot on.
Now, where's the next book??
September 15, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This is such a sweet story. Noah and Matty have their problems but they’re definitely working on them. They grow so much in this story. It’s lovely to see how they go from a sorta unhealthy co-dependence to talking and caring for each other equally. I loved seeing Noah work out his problems with his brother and realize they were mostly in his head to some degree. Adam and Sol are wonderful supports for Noah and Matty both. My favorite scene is where Matty dances for Noah alone in their room. Oh that was so hot! Jesse is a wonderful friend and so sweet. I truly hope he gets a story next; with Leigh preferably. Matty and Noah both have some growing to do, but they are definitely together for the long haul. This is the second book in the series, but you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this one. I haven’t but definitely want to go back and read Adam and Sol’s story!
Four and a half stars!
This is such a sweet story. Noah and Matty have their problems but they’re definitely working on them. They grow so much in this story. It’s lovely to see how they go from a sorta unhealthy co-dependence to talking and caring for each other equally. I loved seeing Noah work out his problems with his brother and realize they were mostly in his head to some degree. Adam and Sol are wonderful supports for Noah and Matty both. My favorite scene is where Matty dances for Noah alone in their room. Oh that was so hot! Jesse is a wonderful friend and so sweet. I truly hope he gets a story next; with Leigh preferably. Matty and Noah both have some growing to do, but they are definitely together for the long haul. This is the second book in the series, but you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this one. I haven’t but definitely want to go back and read Adam and Sol’s story!
September 5, 2015
I received and ACR copy for an honest review of this amazing book. I was so over for moon to see that there was another book out with all these guys. I love the bond between the two boys I think they were meant to find each other and fall in love. This was written perfectly and with heart you can see it in every word from beginning to end. I pray we see lots more from them all as they grow and go through life.
Matty and Noah are just wonderful and they help each other. I love the little moments between them the cute and romantic ones. They really made me smile so big and talking out loud to them.
Cannot wait to see more from them all
Please everyone go buy this and the others and they will reach your heart and stay like they did with me
Matty and Noah are just wonderful and they help each other. I love the little moments between them the cute and romantic ones. They really made me smile so big and talking out loud to them.
Cannot wait to see more from them all
Please everyone go buy this and the others and they will reach your heart and stay like they did with me
September 16, 2015
I really loved Sol and Adam from 'Checking Him Out', so it was great to read more about them, but of course this is Matty & Noah's story, and they really came to life in this book!
It's a great story about two lovely guys, and although I was hoping it would last me for some time into my week off, I found it very hard to put down so it only lasted two days... :(
I hope we can look forward to reading more about these guys!
Oh, I also loved the wee course in Mindfulness, which is something everyone should know about!
It's a great story about two lovely guys, and although I was hoping it would last me for some time into my week off, I found it very hard to put down so it only lasted two days... :(
I hope we can look forward to reading more about these guys!
Oh, I also loved the wee course in Mindfulness, which is something everyone should know about!
February 1, 2019
4.5 stars
February 27, 2016
3.5 - A nice addition to the series. It was particularly nice to have Noah's point of view. Not sure about the ending though....it just seemed as though some pretty big sacrifices were being made, and it seemed a bit of a quick out. I know the next book is back to Sol and Adam but perhaps there will be another focused on Noah and Matty that explains a bit more.
June 17, 2016
3.5 stars
July 15, 2016
great writing
adorable characters
slow read, not meant for one sitting
didn't feel any urgency to finish it
adorable characters
slow read, not meant for one sitting
didn't feel any urgency to finish it
December 3, 2015
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews