Series: The Midwest Series
Volume: 2/4Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (self-published)
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, Sports Romance
Length: 91 467 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✬
A road trip Brent has dreamed of for years is at his fingertips or rather was, because his best friend who was supposed to go with him changes his mind and decides to stay with his boyfriend. The fact that the solution Brent was given is his only option doesn't help the whole situation. He has no other choice but to agree and go with Lowell, a guy who represents everything Brent had to resist for years, namely being openly gay. Slowly between Brent and Lowell some deeper feelings start to bloom, but they are quickly put to the test.
"Push & Pull", the second volume in "The Midwest Series" by Brigham Vaughn, is a novel I have been waiting for from the moment I met the two characters, Lowell and Brent, for the first time in the previous installment of the series. The tension between them is immediate, but in this sweet, funny way that we can't resist. And all because Lowell and Brent differ from each other in many ways, although in my opinion the most important is the fact that a confident athlete unexpectedly turns out to be a bit shy when it comes to our flamboyant Lowell. As the story presented in this volume moves forward, it turns out that both characters have a lot more to offer as there's more to them than meets the eye. Both of them hide their sensitive souls, childlike curiosity or complicated family relationships beneath the exterior of a tough and confident person. Lowell and Brent have conquered my heart in the first volume of the series and, to be honest, in this installment they are equally amazing, so if possible I love them even more than before.
As for the story the author tells us in this volume, it is undoubtedly interesting, sometimes sweet, sometimes serious, and above all different than I expected. I will be totally honest with you, before reading "Push & Pull" I expected a kind of a road novel. I thought Brent and Lowell would be traveling around the country and learning more about the places they would be visiting while also getting to know each other. But the plot of this novel looks a bit different, because although the boys actually travel and explore a little while getting to know each other, their adventure ends quite quickly. And all because the story unexpectedly becomes more serious when Micah-the-Villain reappears in our characters' lives. And this guy knows how to make a mess! Because of him Lowell and Brent's story takes an 180 degree turn. I admit, the author surprised me with this plot twist. I thought the novel would focus on the road trip, but in reality the third person's personal drama suddenly pulls our main characters into its vortex. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing, but it certainly was unexpected.
Old friendship vs. new feeling is an extremely interesting motif, which the author presents in her novel in a truly unique way. I think in this case it is important that the "old friend" is someone Brent and Lowell know quite well, but their relationship with this person is completely different. This fact complicates the whole situation which our main characters unexpectedly have to face. This case is not about the usual dilemma that probably every person being in a new relationship struggles with – spending time with a boyfriend/girlfriend vs. spending time with a best friend. To this popular motif, the author adds some health problems, old relationships, bullying, apologizing, feelings that haven't really had time to develop yet. From a seemingly simple topic, Brigham Vaughn created something great, serious, deep and truly fascinating. The reader is really involved in the characters' problems, experiences them as if the characters were someone close to them, a friend, and this is a huge advantage of this story.
Taking the first step after coming out of the closet is yet another very interesting topic raised in the novel. I really liked the fact that the author showed Brent as a chick who follows the hen, Lowell, and learns to function in this world full of new, amazing things. The way Brent devours with his whole being all new things, all that he had to avoid to hide his sexual orientation is simply charming. The world around him has not changed just because Brent had openly admitted his orientation, but to him it seems completely different, full of surprises and unexplored places. The way in which this character was built sometimes reminds me of a child, who is full of innocence and natural curiosity. I really liked it. Even more so as these features perfectly match Brent we met in the first volume, who was blushing and stuttering when he was talking to Lowell. So how can we not love this guy?
In summary, "Push & Pull" is a really good novel, strongly addictive, interesting, full of deep, serious subjects. Reading it, we experience the same emotions as those of the main characters, with whom we fall in love in the blink of an eye. This novel is really worth reading.
Headcanon: Every time Brent and Lowell disagreed over something, they play a PS game. Whoever wins has the last word.
Fanfiction idea: Lowell and Brent's skating date.
AU idea: Little Red Riding Hood - an alternative version!AU, Brent is Little Red Riding Hood, while Lowell is a Wolf, and Micah is a sick grandmother.
Here's some more about:
BOOK 1
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
The Midwest Series by Brigham Vaughn
It was more than a decision, it was serendipity.
A former college hockey stars decision to come out of the closet and reunite with his high school boyfriend does more than change the direction of their lives.
It sets into motion events that will lead to their respective best friends, a former hockey player and a psychology major, being stuck on a summer road trip together.
They cross paths with another old friend, an injured pro baseball player whose been forced to move in with his physical therapist. Old hurts are healed and the six become close friends.
When a night out for the guys leads to their meeting an Olympic hopeful swimmer who is fascinated by a drag queen it’s clear that none of their lives will ever be the same.
They are standalone stories featuring four different couples. Reading in order is helpful but not required.
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 4 flames: Detailed love scenes, graphic description of anatomy and of sexual acts.
It was more than a decision, it was serendipity.
A former college hockey stars decision to come out of the closet and reunite with his high school boyfriend does more than change the direction of their lives.
It sets into motion events that will lead to their respective best friends, a former hockey player and a psychology major, being stuck on a summer road trip together.
They cross paths with another old friend, an injured pro baseball player whose been forced to move in with his physical therapist. Old hurts are healed and the six become close friends.
When a night out for the guys leads to their meeting an Olympic hopeful swimmer who is fascinated by a drag queen it’s clear that none of their lives will ever be the same.
They are standalone stories featuring four different couples. Reading in order is helpful but not required.
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 4 flames: Detailed love scenes, graphic description of anatomy and of sexual acts.
BOOK 2
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Book Title: Push & Pull
Author: Brigham Vaughn
Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn
Length: 91 467 words/ 316 pages
Release Date: October 24, 2018
Trope/s: Opposites attract, enemies to lovers, road trip
Themes: Coming out, acceptance
It is a standalone story.
Add on Goodreads
It was just supposed to be a road trip.
Blurb
Blurb
Former hockey player Brent Cameron has a plan now that he's out of the closet. He'll take a summer road trip, find a job, and settle down with a fellow jock. Lowell Prescott is not part of that plan, but when Brent’s travel companion bails, he’s the only option.
Out and proud, Lowell has a love of sports, a flair of fashion, and a disdain for anything conventional. Burned by past relationships, he’s wary of jocks who want to change him—and that includes Brent Cameron.
Tempers flare and sparks fly as the miles disappear behind them. Just as it seems they might be on a journey to something more than Lake Superior, Brent receives a phone call that could change everything.
Will Brent stay with Lowell and ignore a friend in need, or go sit by the bedside of the man who broke Lowell's heart?
The stakes are high when you play for keeps.
Out and proud, Lowell has a love of sports, a flair of fashion, and a disdain for anything conventional. Burned by past relationships, he’s wary of jocks who want to change him—and that includes Brent Cameron.
Tempers flare and sparks fly as the miles disappear behind them. Just as it seems they might be on a journey to something more than Lake Superior, Brent receives a phone call that could change everything.
Will Brent stay with Lowell and ignore a friend in need, or go sit by the bedside of the man who broke Lowell's heart?
The stakes are high when you play for keeps.
BOOK 1
Book Title: Bully & Exit
Author: Brigham Vaughn
Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn
Length: 78 986 words/ 264 pages
Release Date: First edition – July 9, 2015 Second edition – June 30, 2020
Trope/s: Jock/geek, opposites attract, second chance
Themes: Coming out, forgiveness
It is a standalone story.
It's time to leave college and the closet behind.
Blurb
Blurb
Nathan Rhodes has put hockey first for most of his life, but as graduation looms, he has a different goal in mind. He needs to come out and reclaim his first love. If only Caleb will believe him...
Theater geek Caleb Stockwell gave up on love when his boyfriend chose the closet over being with an openly bisexual guy. Now, he hides his heartbreak behind a string of casual hookups. He loves the drama on stage, but he’s done with the drama of Nathan Rhodes. For good.
Nathan is determined to right the wrongs of four years ago, but the clock is ticking.
One month until he and Caleb go their separate ways. One month to take a final shot at winning Caleb's heart back.
Win or lose, everything is on the line.
Theater geek Caleb Stockwell gave up on love when his boyfriend chose the closet over being with an openly bisexual guy. Now, he hides his heartbreak behind a string of casual hookups. He loves the drama on stage, but he’s done with the drama of Nathan Rhodes. For good.
Nathan is determined to right the wrongs of four years ago, but the clock is ticking.
One month until he and Caleb go their separate ways. One month to take a final shot at winning Caleb's heart back.
Win or lose, everything is on the line.
BOOK 3
Book Title: Touch & Go
Author: Brigham Vaughn
Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn
Length: 101 817 words/ 410 pages
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Trope/s: Opposites attract, hurt comfort
Themes: Redemption, pride, coming out
It is a standalone story.
It was supposed to be a secret fling.
Blurb
Blurb
Micah Warner spent his whole life dreaming of pitching in the big leagues. Signing with a minor-league team near Chicago puts him one step closer to making that a reality. But there are no out players in pro ball, so any involvement with a man must be discreet.
Physical therapist Justin Lamb loves his job with the Cougars. A romantic at heart, he wants to find lasting love—with a man or woman—but traveling with the team makes it difficult to maintain a long-term relationship.
Micah offers Justin a no-strings-attached way to blow off some steam, and Justin reluctantly agrees. It doesn’t take long before they’re both in over their heads but falling in love will risk everything.
With their careers and relationship hanging in the balance, they have one last play to make.
It’s time to take a swing for real and lasting love.
Physical therapist Justin Lamb loves his job with the Cougars. A romantic at heart, he wants to find lasting love—with a man or woman—but traveling with the team makes it difficult to maintain a long-term relationship.
Micah offers Justin a no-strings-attached way to blow off some steam, and Justin reluctantly agrees. It doesn’t take long before they’re both in over their heads but falling in love will risk everything.
With their careers and relationship hanging in the balance, they have one last play to make.
It’s time to take a swing for real and lasting love.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
mybook.to/TouchGo
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mybook.to/AdvanceRetreat
BOOK 4
Book Title: Advance & Retreat
Author: Brigham Vaughn
Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn
Length: 105 980 words/368 pages
Release Date: July 14, 2020
Trope/s: Opposites attract, age gap
Themes: Acceptance, coming out
It is a standalone story.
Olympic-size dreams come at a price.
Blurb
Blurb
Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington feels like he's fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold.
Ricky Chavez has just about everything he wants in life: a great career, a supportive family, and a side gig as drag queen Rosie Riveting. The only thing he's missing is a partner to share it all with.
When the two men connect after Rosie’s performance, they're immediately drawn to one another. But it's never that simple. Ricky isn't the type of man to hide, and with Ian's coach breathing down his neck, he can't openly love a drag queen without making waves.
They'll have to brave deep waters to make it to the finish line.
Ricky Chavez has just about everything he wants in life: a great career, a supportive family, and a side gig as drag queen Rosie Riveting. The only thing he's missing is a partner to share it all with.
When the two men connect after Rosie’s performance, they're immediately drawn to one another. But it's never that simple. Ricky isn't the type of man to hide, and with Ian's coach breathing down his neck, he can't openly love a drag queen without making waves.
They'll have to brave deep waters to make it to the finish line.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Excerpt from Bully & Exit
Nathan’s voice was soft when he spoke, gentle like it’d always been. “Caleb Stockwell. I’ve been looking for you.”
Caleb cleared his throat and ignored him, tipping the bottle up for another long drink. He licked the spiciness from his lips as he debated making another run for it. There was a shrub blocking his way in one direction and a hockey player in the other. Even if he hadn’t been drinking, the odds weren’t in his favor. “Nathan Rhodes,” he managed.
“Damn I can’t believe it’s you!” Nathan leaned in and Caleb pulled back, uncomfortable with him being so close.
Caleb laughed bitterly. “It’s me. Now that you’ve satisfied your curiosity, you can run along.” He motioned with his hand, encouraging Nathan to leave.
“It’s really good to see you,” Nathan said, ignoring him. He took a seat on the pile of discarded construction materials, his knees brushing Caleb’s as he lowered himself down. Caleb pulled away as if scorched.
“Yeah? Too bad I can’t say the same,” he muttered, his head swimming as the alcohol began to hit him. He eyed Nathan’s long, long legs and the way he was pinned in by them, remembering the way they’d felt tangled with his as they came, panting shallowly against each other’s skin. It brought it all back; the scent of Nathan’s cologne, the taste of his skin, the way Caleb’s heart raced in his chest when Nathan held him close. It brought back the memories the ones he’d worked so hard to run from. The good and the bad. The sharp, intense happiness of falling for Nathan. The aching, crushing hurt that paralyzed Caleb for months after Nathan was no longer in his life. Everything he’d buried four years ago and vowed never to touch again.
He caught the first glimpse of doubt on Nathan’s face. “Are you okay, Caleb?”
“Oh, I’m mother fucking peachy,” he snarked and took another long drink. “I’ve made it through four fucking years trying to ignore the fact we’re on the same campus and with barely a month left in my senior year, I thought maybe I’d managed to pull it off. But nooo, Lowell had to drag me to this goddamn party, and of course you showed up too. Just my fucking luck.”
He raised the bottle again, but Nathan wrapped a hand around the neck and tugged. He was stronger than Caleb, so Caleb let go, afraid he’d end up getting pulled into Nathan’s lap if he didn’t. Nathan took a drink and passed the bottle back, licking the taste of rum off his lips before he spoke. “You’re so angry at me.”
“Ya think?” Caleb snarled. “Didn’t it ever occur to you I would be? What the hell makes you think you can waltz in here and pretend like all the shit that went down between us didn’t happen?” He tried to stand, but Nathan’s dark denim-clad knees were on either side of his, pinning him in place. He pried the bottle from Caleb’s suddenly limp fingers and set it aside.
“I don’t think that,” Nathan protested. “I was just glad to see you and I … I wanted a chance to apologize. I didn’t … I wanted …”
Caleb’s lips parted in surprise as cool fingers framed his face and for the first time in four long years, Nathan’s lips were pressed to his again. Involuntarily, Caleb closed his eyes, feeling a rush of heat wash over him, taking him right back to the first time. Before Nathan broke his heart.
About the Author
Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time author. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
Her books range from short stories to novellas to novels. They explore gay, bisexual, lesbian, and polyamorous romance in contemporary settings.
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