SERIES REVIEW TOUR
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.
Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (self-published)
Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn
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BOOK 1
Book Title: Bully & Exit
Length: 78 986 words/ 264 pages
Release Date: First edition – July 9, 2015 Second edition – June 30, 2020
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, Sports Romance
Trope/s: Jock/geek, opposites attract, second chance
Themes: Coming out, forgiveness
It is a standalone story.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
It's time to leave college and the closet behind.
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.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
I read Bully & Exit several years ago and I remember loving it then. Upon re-reading this romance by Brigham Vaughn, I am once again in love with Nate and Caleb.
College is ending, and Nathan wants to get Caleb back. It's been four years since they've been together, or even friends, as Nathan wanted to stay closeted.
But Nathan can't hide anymore, as it's slowly killing him.
Through the use of flashbacks, we learn about their hidden affair in high school. I love the way this was done, as we go back and forth between the present and the past, using the flashbacks to slowly reveal their past. Through these slow reveals, it not only keeps the reader intrigued and invested, but also helps us to realize why Caleb is so hurt and bitter.
Bully & Exit is a fantastic coming of age story that involves bravery and the power of forgiveness. Brigham Vaughn does a wonderful job with showing how difficult it can be to make amends, as well as giving us the beauty of a closeted athlete wanting to be their true self.
College is ending, and Nathan wants to get Caleb back. It's been four years since they've been together, or even friends, as Nathan wanted to stay closeted.
But Nathan can't hide anymore, as it's slowly killing him.
Through the use of flashbacks, we learn about their hidden affair in high school. I love the way this was done, as we go back and forth between the present and the past, using the flashbacks to slowly reveal their past. Through these slow reveals, it not only keeps the reader intrigued and invested, but also helps us to realize why Caleb is so hurt and bitter.
Bully & Exit is a fantastic coming of age story that involves bravery and the power of forgiveness. Brigham Vaughn does a wonderful job with showing how difficult it can be to make amends, as well as giving us the beauty of a closeted athlete wanting to be their true self.
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BOOK 2
Book Title: Push & Pull
Length: 91 467 words/ 316 pages
Release Date: October 24, 2018
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, Sports Romance
Trope/s: Opposites attract, enemies to lovers, road trip
Themes: Coming out, acceptance
It is a standalone story.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
It was just supposed to be a road trip.
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.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Push & Pull is the second book in Brigham Vaughn's Midwest Series. As I loved book one, Bully & Exit, I was super excited to get to read this one, and it held up to my expectations.
In this book, we are treated to a fun and exciting romance between Brent and Lowell. As complete opposites, they get off to a rough start together. But, as luck would have it, they end up taking a road trip together.
Brent's spent his life as a closeted hockey player. Out now, he's still weary of spending time with the out and proud Lowell, who's graceful, likes makeup and is super rich. Personally, I love the over the top, dramatic, force of nature that is Lowell.
I found myself enjoying every second of their trip together, liking the slow way in which they start talking about their pasts, and trying to put it behind them.
Their trip is full of flirting, teasing, and some major sexual tension. Unfortunately, they also face awkwardness, confusion, grief, and avoidance.
I absolutely love Push & Pull. Brigham Vaughn does a fantastic job of taking such difference men and having them slowly fall in love. It is fun, entertaining, riveting and had me unable to put it down. It's a definite recommendation for me.
In this book, we are treated to a fun and exciting romance between Brent and Lowell. As complete opposites, they get off to a rough start together. But, as luck would have it, they end up taking a road trip together.
Brent's spent his life as a closeted hockey player. Out now, he's still weary of spending time with the out and proud Lowell, who's graceful, likes makeup and is super rich. Personally, I love the over the top, dramatic, force of nature that is Lowell.
I found myself enjoying every second of their trip together, liking the slow way in which they start talking about their pasts, and trying to put it behind them.
Their trip is full of flirting, teasing, and some major sexual tension. Unfortunately, they also face awkwardness, confusion, grief, and avoidance.
I absolutely love Push & Pull. Brigham Vaughn does a fantastic job of taking such difference men and having them slowly fall in love. It is fun, entertaining, riveting and had me unable to put it down. It's a definite recommendation for me.
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BOOK 3
Book Title: Touch & Go
Length: 101 817 words/ 410 pages
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Genre/s: Contemporary m/m romance, bisexual romance, sports romance
Trope/s: Opposites attract, hurt comfort
Themes: Redemption, pride, coming out
It is a standalone story.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
It was supposed to be a secret fling.
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.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Touch & Go, the third book in The Midwest series, is another great sports romance by Brigham Vaughn. A closeted baseball player falling for his physical therapist? Yes please!
Micah's a complex player. He's terrified of being outed. He's put a tremendous amount of pressure on himself to make it big in baseball, determined to help his family financially. As well, his potential injury is killing his attitude. It does bring him closer to his PT though.
Micah and Justin are two men who have both known loss and grief up close. Their story has sexual tension and sneaking around. Their story includes shame, and an abusive coach. In the end, it's a tale with wonderful character growth. Their relationship isn't easy, but they are perfect together. I love every moment of their journey towards a happily ever after.
Micah's feelings about Lowell are terrible and yet completely understandable. It makes for a painful, yet interesting read though.
Oh, and the young kid talking to Micah brought a whole lot of tears to my eyes.
I love the author's writing style. The characters are lovable and flawed. The storyline is wonderful, keeping me completely intrigued. I couldn't put this story down.
Touch & Go, although the third book in the series, takes place at the same time as book two, Push & Pull. As a fan of the series, and of book two, I enjoy this aspect. I love this Brigham Vaughn story and series as a whole.
Micah's a complex player. He's terrified of being outed. He's put a tremendous amount of pressure on himself to make it big in baseball, determined to help his family financially. As well, his potential injury is killing his attitude. It does bring him closer to his PT though.
Micah and Justin are two men who have both known loss and grief up close. Their story has sexual tension and sneaking around. Their story includes shame, and an abusive coach. In the end, it's a tale with wonderful character growth. Their relationship isn't easy, but they are perfect together. I love every moment of their journey towards a happily ever after.
Micah's feelings about Lowell are terrible and yet completely understandable. It makes for a painful, yet interesting read though.
Oh, and the young kid talking to Micah brought a whole lot of tears to my eyes.
I love the author's writing style. The characters are lovable and flawed. The storyline is wonderful, keeping me completely intrigued. I couldn't put this story down.
Touch & Go, although the third book in the series, takes place at the same time as book two, Push & Pull. As a fan of the series, and of book two, I enjoy this aspect. I love this Brigham Vaughn story and series as a whole.
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BOOK 4
Book Title: Advance & Retreat
Length: 105 980 words/368 pages
Release Date: July 14, 2020
Genre/s: Contemporary m/m romance, sports romance, bisexual romance
Trope/s: Opposites attract, age gap
Themes: Acceptance, coming out
It is a standalone story.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Olympic-size dreams come at a price.
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.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Wow! Advance & Retreat is another stellar book by Brigham Vaughn. The fourth book in the Midwest Series, it's the perfect addition to this series of sports romances.
Ian is a wonderfully developed character. He's an openly gay Olympic-quality swimmer, but he knows he can't let people find out he's attracted to drag. As in, he's attracted to drag queens. He comes with some serious baggage. His best friend died and his coach is misogynistic. His backstory is heartbreaking and had me falling for him early on.
And Ricky. I love Ricky. He's Rosie when he's in drag, and he has a one night stand with Ian. Ricky has confidence issues, as it isn't easy finding men who like both the Ricky and the Rosie sides of him. He's always rejected the morning after. His struggles are real and his story is emotional.
Ian and Ricky are fabulous together. Their developing relationship is one of confusion and anger, as well as guilt, grief, and shame. Each man has a interesting story to tell, and together their story is spectacular.
The author's writing style is wonderful, with some great characters, an easy flow, and a worthy storyline. The continued appearance by former characters is fabulous. I love seeing Lowell and the others again.
Advance & Retreat is a definite must read for any sports romance fans. And for those you don't love sports, but love to read about drag queens, read this book. Brigham Vaughn excels in combining two completely opposite worlds and giving the reader a memorable romance.
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.
Ian is a wonderfully developed character. He's an openly gay Olympic-quality swimmer, but he knows he can't let people find out he's attracted to drag. As in, he's attracted to drag queens. He comes with some serious baggage. His best friend died and his coach is misogynistic. His backstory is heartbreaking and had me falling for him early on.
And Ricky. I love Ricky. He's Rosie when he's in drag, and he has a one night stand with Ian. Ricky has confidence issues, as it isn't easy finding men who like both the Ricky and the Rosie sides of him. He's always rejected the morning after. His struggles are real and his story is emotional.
Ian and Ricky are fabulous together. Their developing relationship is one of confusion and anger, as well as guilt, grief, and shame. Each man has a interesting story to tell, and together their story is spectacular.
The author's writing style is wonderful, with some great characters, an easy flow, and a worthy storyline. The continued appearance by former characters is fabulous. I love seeing Lowell and the others again.
Advance & Retreat is a definite must read for any sports romance fans. And for those you don't love sports, but love to read about drag queens, read this book. Brigham Vaughn excels in combining two completely opposite worlds and giving the reader a memorable romance.
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.
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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.
Author Links
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