Series: The Midwest Series
Volume: 4/4Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (self-published)
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, Sports Romance
Length: 105 980 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✮
Ian lost his parents and his best friend in a short period of time. It has been very hard for him and he couldn't count on his brother or his swimming coach. There's still no one who could help him deal with that tremendous loss. Sport is the only thing left for him, but even swimming is no longer the same, since there is no one to share his joy and sorrow with. Ian also has a secret he can't reveal to anyone as it's related to drag queens, especially one of them – Rosie. When due to a few coincidences the boy finally gets to know Rosie, who on a daily basis is Ricky, a hotel manager, his life becomes beautiful again. But will Ian be able to find a place in his life for both Ricky and Rosie?
I have no doubt that "Advance & Retreat" is a really unique novel as it conquered my heart in the blink of an eye. What's so special about it? Drag queens, my friends. What's important, they are not just side characters, acquaintances or friends of the main characters, because one of the leading characters in this novel is a drag queen. And that's one of the reasons why the story focuses not only on the topic of love, sports career, drama, but also on the life of a person who is a drag queen, on the pros and cons associated with it, daily ups and downs, the reaction of society. What's more, we also get an insight into the feelings and doubts of a person who's attracted to drag queens. Such topics are still rare in the M/M romance novels, or even generally in novels concerning LGBTQ + community. That's why I really love the fact that Brigham Vaughn took up this subject in her novel. To me it's even more important as for many reasons this topic is really close to my heart.
"Advance & Retreat" is naturally a love story, so I must also mention love, or at least one of its aspects, which we see in this novel even at the very beginning. To some people love comes just like that, without any major problems, while others must fight for it. To some one look or gesture is enough and before they even know it, they are a happy couple for many years, while others experience many disappointments that do not necessarily bring the expected result. In "Advance & Retreat" Brigham Vaughn shows just those hard to find feelings that the characters must fight for, that bring joy, sadness, disappointment, that are a constant struggle and must overcomes countless obstacles. No less important is the fact that some people have it easy from the beginning to the end, while others sometimes must face some strangers with closed minds who want to destroy their love. Yes, in this novel we see this type of love, which is so difficult to get because it has to overcome hatred, prejudice and fear.
I think that a very important issue raised in the novel is also pain that lasts for years after losing someone close and special. The author shows us how difficult it is to fight such a loss alone, when the soul needs time for mourning, but for various reasons it can't afford it. This pain experienced alone is juxtaposed with pain that is shared with another person. Do you know the saying that shared joy is a double joy and shared sorrow is half sorrow? This is exactly what we see in "Advance & Retreat". Although the author doesn't spare our characters the pain of disappointment, at the same time she also allows them to experience the happiness and peace of mind when they finally have someone who understands them to some extent. This need is particularly strong in Ian's case as after losing his best friend he has no one to talk to or share his pain with. What he went through moved me to tears and is the reason why I admire him very much. This boy is really strong.
To sum up, "Advance & Retreat" is a really beautiful, deeply moving novel that makes the reader cry. Brigham Vaughn tells us a great story about healing the soul, need to come to terms with the loss of loved ones, starting a new life, unconditional acceptance, overcoming one's own fear of the opinion of other people. It's really an amazing book.
Headcanon: Ian teaches Ricky and the rest of their friends to swim in all types of swimming styles.
Fanfiction idea: Ian and Ricky decide to co-write a guide with some date ideas and suggestions where to go on a date. Ian and Rosie check each place and idea to make sure it's enjoyable.
AU idea: Sailor Moon!AU, Ricky is Sailor Moon, Ian is Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask and their friends are other Sailors.
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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 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
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.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
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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.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
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.
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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