Audiobook Series Tour: The Midwest Series (Books 1 and 2) by Brigham Vaughn

Join author Brigham Vaughn and Gay Book Promotions today as they share info on the first two audiobooks from the sports romance Midwest series, Bully & Exit  (#1) and Push & Pull (#2)! Check it out!

AUDIOBOOK SERIES TOUR

The Midwest Series by Brigham Vaughn (Books 1 and 2)

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (self-published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Series Tagline 

It was more than a decision, it was serendipity. 

Series Blurb 

A former college hockey star’s 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 who's 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   

BOOK 1

Book Title: Bully & Exit

Narrator: James Edward Jones

Length: 78 986 words/ 264 pages

Release Date: First edition – July 9, 2015 Second edition – June 30, 2020

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, Sports Romance

Tropes: Jock/geek, opposites attract, second chance

Themes: Coming out, forgiveness

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link  |  Audible US  |   Audible UK  

 It's time to leave college and the closet behind.

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.

BOOK 2

Book Title: Push & Pull

Narrator: James Edward Jones

Length: 91 467 words/ 316 pages

Release Date: October 24, 2018

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, Sports Romance

Tropes: Opposites attract, enemies to lovers, road trip

Themes: Coming out, acceptance

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link  |  Audible US  |   Audible UK  

 It was just supposed to be a road trip.

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.

BOOK 3

Book Title: Touch & Go

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (self-published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Length: 101 817 words/ 410 pages

Release Date: September 27, 2019

Genres: Contemporary m/m romance, bisexual romance, sports romance

Tropes: Opposites attract, hurt comfort

Themes: Redemption, pride, coming out

Goodreads

Universal Buy Link - eBook only - Kindle Unlimited

 It was supposed to be a secret fling.

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.

BOOK 4

Book Title: Advance & Retreat

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (self-published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Length: 105 980 words/368 pages

Release Date: July 14, 2020

Genres: Contemporary m/m romance, sports romance, bisexual romance

Tropes: Opposites attract, age gap

Themes: Acceptance, coming out

Goodreads

Universal Buy Link - eBook only - Kindle Unlimited

Olympic-size dreams come at a price.

 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.

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.

Author Links

Blog   |   Facebook Author Page  |   Twitter  

  Newsletter sign-up  |  Instagram  |   Pinterest   |  BookBub

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Series Tour + Giveaway: Naughty in Pendleton by Brigham Vaughn

Author Brigham Vaughn and Gay Book Promotions drop by with the Naughty in Pendleton series tour! Discover more about both books and enter in the $25 Amazon gift card giveaway!

SERIES TOUR 

Naughty in Pendleton by Brigham Vaughn

BOOK 1

Book Title: Date in a Pinch

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (Indie/Self-Published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Length: 72 681 words/ 252 pages

Release Date: February 11, 2021

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, BDSM romance

Tropes: Workplace romance, small town romance, friends with benefits romance, kinky tutor 

Themes: Letting go of the past, believing in love, healing power of love

Heat Rating: 4 flames    

Although the books follow in chronological order, each book features a different couple and can be read as a standalone

Add on Goodreads 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

 A sweet geek and an experienced Dom: someone’s about to learn their lesson …

Blurb 

When chemistry teacher Neil Greene gets an unexpected delivery at Pendleton High, he's mortified when his fellow teacher and crush sees the contents that hint at the adventurous love life he’s dying to explore. Curious but inexperienced, Neil has no idea how to live out his fantasies until the hot lit teacher offers a helping hand.

Alexander Ford likes to be in charge in the bedroom and he’s happy to tutor Neil in all things naughty. But when Neil asks him to pretend to be his date for the Sweetheart’s Game at Pendleton Bay’s Love Fest, Neil may be the one teaching Alexander about love.

Warning: Date in a Pinch includes impact play, bondage, and a Dom who isn’t quite ready to admit he’s found the love of his life. 

BOOK 2 - NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Embracing His Shame

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (Indie/Self-Published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Length:   87 471 words/ 337 pages

Release Date: May 21, 2021

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance, Bisexual Romance, BDSM Romance

Tropes: Opposites attract romance, small town romance, friends with benefits romance

Themes: Letting go of the past, believing in love, healing power of love

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Although the books follow in chronological order, each book features a different couple and can be read as a standalone

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

 A bad boy mechanic and a kinky accountant: can an indecent proposal lead to love?

Blurb 

Though Forrest Patton looks like a tweedy, uptight accountant, he’s anything but. Underneath the fussy bow ties and love of color-coded spreadsheets lies a man searching for someone to peel back the layers and fulfill his shameful fantasies. Eavesdropping at the diner in town leads him to wonder if the local mechanic might just be the man for the job.

Jarod Keener likes it rough, and he makes no secret of that. But he never expects to be approached with an offer to trade accounting advice for some dirty, risky fun. Always up for a challenge, Jarod dives in head first but Forrest doesn’t trust anyone to give him the humiliation he needs once feelings start to get in the way. 

When a secret about Jarod’s family upends everything, Forrest will have to decide if he’s willing to give Jarod a chance to show him that he can have love and the kink he longs for. 

Warning: Embracing His Shame includes: mild humiliation play, small-town gossip, and two men falling in love despite their best efforts.

Excerpt

“I have a proposal for you.” Forrest squared his shoulders and fought the urge to fuss with his bow tie. He'd figured he might as well show up in Full Forrest Mode so Jarod would know what he was getting into. Forrest had tried to pretend he was someone he wasn’t in the past and that had never worked out well. He was never going to be anything but a tall, skinny cycling nut who dressed like somebody’s grandpa. He just had to hope that would do it for Jarod. 

“A proposal, huh?” Jarod smirked. 

Forrest had heard plenty of rumors about Jarod since he’d arrived in town. That he was a hell of a mechanic. That he was an unrepentant man-whore. That he was a kinky deviant. It was the last two Forrest was really, really banking on.

“Yes.” Forrest cleared his throat, the scent of grease, oil, and metal teasing at his nostrils again. “I’ve outlined a plan.” He stepped closer and thrust out his hand, papers trembling a little.

Jarrod blinked down at the slightly rustling sheets. “Why don’t ya’ spell it out for me. I don’t go much for reading.”

“Pretty sure the dog-eared Isaac Azimov book I saw you reading at The Good Yolk the other morning says otherwise,” Forrest blurted out. He’d spotted it on the table as he’d left last weekend. All part of the reconnaissance work he’d done.

“Seems like you’ve been payin’ real close attention to me,” Jarod said, raising a single eyebrow. He took a step closer and the scents of the garage were replaced with something rich and deep. Animalistic, with hints of tobacco and cinnamon, and something warm and sweet that lingered in Forrest’s nostrils. “Funny. I don’t know who you are.”

“Forrest Patton.” He squared his shoulders. “I’m an accountant in town.”

“Huh. Yeah, your name does ring a few bells. Can’t say as I’ve ever seen you before though.” Jarod’s gaze flicked up and down his body. This morning, Forrest wore dark green trousers, a gray cardigan, a white and gray check button down shirt, and a bow tie he’d had to re-tie three times before it would lay flat. He tried not to squirm as he imagined Jarod staring at him like that while he was naked. 

“Well, I’ve got work to do now,” Jarod said as he turned away and ambled toward the car, picking up a wrench of some sort along the way. At least Forrest was pretty sure it was a wrench. “I’ll work. You talk. You can read the damn paperwork aloud if you want.”

Damn it, that ruined Forrest’s whole approach of not talking about things. 

Jarod bent over the engine again, focused and intent as he reached in with the tool. His hands were already a little grimy from the work he’d been doing this morning. Shit, that was sexy too.

Forrest cleared his throat and plunged forward, trying to regroup. “I want to do the books for your business in exchange for various kinky sexual favors.”

Jarod straightened abruptly, his head smacking the hood of the car with a painful-sounding thud. A moment later the metallic clatter of the wrench hitting the concrete echoed around them. 

Jarod swore as he backed up, rubbing his head. He squinted at Forrest “What?”

“I know you’re a Dom or Top of some sort.” Forrest lifted his chin. “And I want you to dominate me.”

Jarod let out a noise of disbelief. “You do, do you?”

“Yes, I do.” 

Unlikely of a pair as they were, Forrest was dead serious about this. Most Doms took one look at him and assumed he was only the sweet, innocent accountant the world saw him as. They refused to see that underneath the sweater vests and the bow ties and the tweed was someone who longed to be treated with more than kid gloves. Forrest was tired of polite. Tired of being treated like he was made of spun glass. He wanted to feel shame crawling hot over his skin and revel in it. And he was convinced Jarod was the man to do it.

“You think you have what it takes to keep up with a guy like me?” Jarod asked. There was a dangerous glitter in his eyes that made Forrest’s breath go shallow. 

“I’m not a virgin in any sense. I’ve had sex with plenty of men. I’m not particularly submissive but I love being forced to do something. I’ve never found anyone who can handle what I want. I think some of the things I’ve fantasized about would make even you think twice,” he said defiantly. 

“Alright, I’ll admit, you have me curious.” Jarod stepped up into his space, clearly trying to intimidate him. Forrest squared his shoulders, refusing to back down. “Tell me what you want. What makes your motor rev?”

“Humiliation,” Forrest said. His heart thumped in his chest as he said the words aloud. “Degradation. The dirtier the better. I want you to use me.”

“Well, well, well,” Jarod drawled as a slow smile spread over his face. “Who’d have thought Pendleton Bay’s accountant was such a filthy fuck?”

Even those relatively tame words sent heat spiraling through Forrest. His knees went weak, his palms got sweaty, and his cock twitched in anticipation of what was to come. Oh yes, this was exactly what he’d been looking for. 

“You ready to find out just how deep that filth goes?” Forrest asked, lifting his chin.

Jarod chuckled and grabbed his hair, sending stinging pain through Forrest’s body that settled low in his groin, throbbing in time with his heartbeat. 

“Oh, I’m ready. But I think you may have bitten off more than you can chew, boy,” Jarod said and the warning in his voice sent another thrill through Forrest’s body.

Forrest titled his head defiantly. “Try me.”

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.

Author Links

Blog   |   Facebook Author Page  |   Twitter  

  Newsletter sign-up  |  Instagram  |   Pinterest   |  BookBub

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3961b99c10/

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts here

Release Blitz: Love in the Balance (The Peachtree Series #2) by Brigham Vaughn

Author Brigham Vaughn and Gay Book Promotions host today's release blitz for Love in the Balance (The Peachtree Series #2)! Discover more today!

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Love in the Balance (The Peachtree Series Book 2)

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (Indie/Self-Published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Release Date: August 24, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: May/December, age gap, hurt comfort,

rich man poor man, workplace romance

Themes: Marriage equality, family acceptance/homophobia, exploring light kink,

friends and chosen family, emotional baggage.

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 92 658 words/ 364 pages

Goodreads | BookBub

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Love isn’t always enough.

Blurb

Russ Bishop and Stephen Parker are in love. They’ve settled into their relationship and are both happy. But Russ wants more than what they have now, he wants forever.

To him that means marriage, but for Stephen that has never been an option. Marriage equality still isn't recognized in Georgia so why want what he can't have?

When Stephen’s ex re-appears, they’ll have to decide once and for all if they’re ready to commit to a lifetime together.



Excerpt

He reached out and squeezed his thigh. “Speaking of commitment, I know we’ve talked about this before, but I’d like to make an appointment with a lawyer to draw up all the power of attorney and living will paperwork soon. If something happened to you … Well, I don’t want to find myself in the position I was in with Jeremy. Alan is wonderful, so I know he wouldn’t keep me away, but we might as well have all of the legal protection in place.”

Russ nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. We should do that soon.”

They had essentially already made the commitment to each other, so why not formalize it? Even if Stephen lost every penny or became sick or injured, Russ wasn’t going anywhere, and he knew Stephen felt the same. There was no question in his mind that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Stephen. And after meeting his mom, he no longer had the smallest doubt that he was capable of serious commitment. He wasn’t her, and he never had been. He was in this relationship for the long haul with Stephen, and the law should recognize that.

It seemed so cold and soulless to go to a lawyer’s office to draw up paperwork though. It felt like too big a moment to treat that way. He knew some couples had parties after, to celebrate, but that didn’t seem right. No, what he wanted was to publicly declare his feelings for his partner and show the rest of the world how much Stephen mattered to him.

He didn’t want to sign a few sheets of paper and pretend as if it weren’t one of the biggest moments in his life. He wanted more than that. He wanted … Russ stilled as it hit him what he truly desired. He wanted marriage. He blinked, trying to absorb the enormity of that realization. For a guy who’d struggled with the idea of long-term commitment, he knew he had come a long way. Maybe it was time he showed Stephen how serious he was about their relationship. Hell, he wouldn’t be surprised if Stephen had wanted it for a while and had been hesitating because he was worried Russ wasn’t ready.

He glanced over at Stephen and pictured standing in front of an officiant, their friends, and family and telling all of them that he wanted to spend the rest of his life making Stephen happy. He could picture it so clearly, and it felt right.

Maybe Georgia was light-years behind other states when it came to marriage equality and all it would legally recognize was signatures on a power of attorney form. But there was no reason they couldn’t go out of state to get married. And someday, when Georgia finally recognized it, they’d be married there too.

Husband. Russ tested the word out in his head, and something about it felt so right. He felt a surge of giddy elation as he imagined sliding a ring onto Stephen’s finger as they promised to spend the rest of their lives together.

He was going to do this. He was going to ask Stephen to marry him.

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.

Author Links

Blog | Facebook Author Page | Twitter

Newsletter sign-up | Instagram | Pinterest | BookBub

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Release Blitz: Off-Balance (Peachtree #1) by Brigham Vaughn

Author Brigham Vaughn and Gay Book Promotions host today's release blitz for Off-Balance (Peachtree #1)! Learn more about the age gap, office romance today!

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Off-Balance

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Two Peninsulas Press (Indie/Self-Published)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Release Date: August 3, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: May/December, age gap, hurt comfort, 

rich man poor man, workplace romance

Themes: Grief, family acceptance/homophobia, exploring light kink, 

friends and chosen family, emotional baggage.

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: 104 535 words/ 260 pages

It is the first book in a new series

Goodreads 

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

Love doesn’t always add up.

Blurb

Russell Bishop is a rising star at Vantage Marketing.

Stephen Parker is the company’s CFO.

A spilled cup of coffee gives them an opportunity to act on the mutual attraction they’ve both been trying to ignore. But attraction isn’t enough with an almost twenty-year age gap and clashing expectations about their relationship.

Fiercely independent, Russ isn't sure he's ready for long-term commitment and Stephen is afraid history is repeating itself.

Their relationship reaches a crossroads when the death of Stephen’s father forces them to visit his hometown in southern Georgia. Estranged from his family, Stephen must come to terms with his past and say goodbye to the father whose expectations he could never live up to. The small, conservative town provides its own challenges as Russ must find the strength to be the man Stephen desperately needs. 

Excerpt

“Hopefully, I’m not keeping you from a hot date tonight or something.”

Stephen let out a small snort of amusement. “Russ, I can’t remember the last time I had a hot date. Frankly, it’s been months since I’ve had a date of any sort. And they were lukewarm at best. If you’re asking if I’m single, the answer is yes.”

Embarrassed, Russ cleared his throat. “I was curious.”

“Nothing wrong with curiosity.”

“I’m single too,” Russ said. He cringed internally. Jesus. He’d had game once. Okay, maybe not game because he’d never had time to really develop it, but he used to be at least slightly smooth. This … whatever this was, was truly pathetic.

But Stephen didn’t seem too put out by his awkwardness. “Haven’t met the right person or no time to date?”

“Maybe a little of both,” Russ admitted. “It can be hard to meet men when you’re working fifty, sixty hours a week.” There. He’d at least managed to work the fact that he was gay into the conversation without doing it in the most cringey way possible.

“Absolutely,” Stephen said. “Though, from what I hear, you’re doing very well at Vantage.”

Russ blinked. He had no idea Stephen had even known who he was, much less that he’d been paying attention to how he was doing. “I had no idea you’d noticed me at work.”

“Oh, I noticed.” Stephen gave him a slow smile. “You needn’t worry about proving your worth, if that’s why you’re working those kind of hours.”

“I like to be thorough,” Russ said.

“Thoroughness is good.”

Was it Russ’s imagination or was there a hint of heat in Stephen’s eyes now and a faint rasp to his voice? “I like to make sure I take my time and fully grasp a topic,” Russ countered. “Get a real grip on it.”

“Traits like that will certainly allow you to get far at whatever you choose to do.”

Including with you? Russ wondered. “I’m trying to get ahead.”

The corner of Stephen’s mouth curved up even further. “That much is clear.”

“Think I’ll succeed?”

“I suppose it depends on what you’re trying to succeed at.”

“You don’t know?”

“I try not to make any assumptions about anything until I’m sure.”

Goddamn it. They were talking in circles and getting nowhere. Maybe Russ needed to try a different approach.

“I appreciate all of your help today,” Russ said. “I seriously can’t thank you enough.”

Stephen looked away from the TV again and shook his head, glancing at Russ with a small smile. “It’s the least I could do. I feel responsible for what happened.”

Russ smiled back, Stephen’s earnestness relaxing him. “Let’s call it even then, I guess. Or we could be up all night with this.”

Stephen quirked an eyebrow up at him, eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. Fuck, what a turn on. Why older men were such an attraction for him, Russ would never be sure, but he’d realized it in college. He’d had a brief fling with a professor named Jack Burns after the semester was over. It wasn’t the forbidden aspect of it—they’d both waited until after Russ was no longer his student—but he liked the age difference.

A man with a fit body, handsome face, graying hair, and a killer smile always got Russ going. Hell, his head and ankle ached and he was still thinking about what Stephen would be like in bed. And was he flirting? God, Russ hoped so. “Well, being up all night isn’t always a bad thing.”

Stephen’s lips turned up at the corners in amusement. “You don’t think so?”

Russ shrugged. “It depends on the reason, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, I suppose it does,” Stephen murmured. He shifted to face Russ. “I’m afraid all of the best reasons are off the table at the moment though, aren’t they?”

“Too bad.”

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.

Author Links

Blog | Facebook Author Page | Twitter

Newsletter sign-up | Instagram | Pinterest | BookBub

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Blog Tour + Giveaway: With a Twist (The Speakeasy Series) by K. Evan Coles & Brigham Vaughn

K. Evan Coles & Brigham Vaughn, along with Vibrant Promotions, visit to promote With a Twist (The Speakeasy Series) today! Learn more through today's tour stop and enter in the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!

With a Twist

The Speakeasy Series

K. Evan Coles & Brigham Vaughn

Contemporary M/M Romance

Book Length (word count): 95,822

RELEASE DATE: 09.25.18

BLURB

Nursing a broken heart, Will Martin throws himself into teaching classes at NYU and writing. An invite from his ex-boyfriend to an uptown speakeasy called Under surprises Will by beginning to heal his bruised spirit, and he finds himself enjoying both the drinks and the company.

Soon after, Will is shaken by news that his father, Republican New York State Senator Bill Martin, has been diagnosed with cancer. Will and his father have been estranged since Will’s coming out, but he reluctantly returns to the family’s home in Garden City, Long Island, to support his family as Bill recovers from surgery.

Senator David Mori is a colleague and mentee of Bill Martin’s. Bill’s conservative views sometimes conflict with David’s more moderate politics and his status as both mixed race and openly gay, but each respects and likes each other, and the men have built a friendship.

Sparks fly when Will and David meet, though Will’s liberal views lead to clashes with David. Will is looking for a no-strings-attached fling and David is leery of getting involved with his mentor’s son, so they keep their affair a secret, in spite of their deepening feelings.

As Senator Martin’s health worsens, Will elects to remain in Garden City where he finds solace with David and continued trips to Under to seek the support of his friends. After David finally admits his feelings have grown beyond a casual sexual encounter, both men must decide how to bridge the divide to create a future together.

Reader Advisory: This book contains expressions of homophobia and racism by multiple secondary characters, references to disownment, and descriptions of terminal illness and death of secondary characters.

Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/with-a-twist

EXCERPT

“Senator Mori, please, come in.”

Greta sounded very pleased as she welcomed David into the house. Will stifled a sigh and set his tablet on the side table in the sunroom. The man was handsome, but, with the exception of LGBTQ issues, he frequently voted like a typical moderate Republican robot. Will hadn’t worked out exactly how he’d been roped into having dinner with his father’s colleague, but, unfortunately, he couldn’t back out now.

Actually, Will mused, I know exactly how I was roped into this. Agnes Martin had said they were having a small dinner and insinuated it would be rude of him not to join them. By the time Will realized his mother had invited David, he couldn’t refuse. Even if Will had had been able to, he owed David an apology. He had been rude to David the first time they’d met.

Will had also googled him and been relieved to learn David wasn’t ultra-conservative but he still couldn’t wrap his head around a gay man aligning himself with a political party actively trying to damage their community. If Will was being honest, David’s relationship with Will’s father bothered him more. He was envious and resentful of the closeness they had. And hurt. Why did his father appear so much more accepting of David’s sexuality than Will’s? The rejection stung bitterly and made Will want to lash out and make David feel as terrible as he did.

But no matter how he felt, it didn’t excuse his behavior. He stood and headed for the foyer.

Will caught a glimpse of David, who stood talking with Greta. If only the man weren’t so infuriatingly good-looking. Will couldn’t think of the last time he’d found a man so attractive, even Riley.

To Will’s surprise, David wasn’t alone. A medium-sized black and white dog with fawn- colored stripes on its legs and a tail that curled up onto its back stood by David’s side. He held the leash loosely in one hand.

“Hello, David.” Will stuck out a hand for him to shake. David’s expression was friendly and his hands were large and strong around Will’s long, narrow fingers.

“Nice to see you, Will.”

“You as well.” Ignoring how good David’s skin felt against his, Will dropped his hand.

Greta patted his arm. “I’m going to go help your mother get food on the table.”

“Thanks, Greta. I’ll walk David back to the patio in a moment.” After Greta disappeared down the hallway, Will turned his attention to the animal sitting calmly at David’s feet.

“I see you brought a date,” Will said with a small smile. He was such a sucker for dogs. Not to mention hot men with dogs. He crouched and held out a hand. “Hello there, gorgeous.”

“Her name’s Mabel.”

She sniffed him delicately before pushing her snout into his hand in greeting. He laughed and looked up at David as he scratched Mabel behind the ears. David stared down at them with an expression both perplexed and amused.

“She’s beautiful,” Will murmured. “Husky mix?”

David nodded. “Husky and Shiba-Inu mix. Or so said the guy I got her from. She’s mixed like me.”

Will blinked at him and David laughed softly. “Sorry. I’m Japanese on my father’s side, and a whole range of European countries on my mom’s. My brother-in-law is always on me about the jokes my sister and I make about being mixed race. The jokes make him uncomfortable.”

“Your candor took me by surprise.” Will cleared his throat. “How old is Mabel?”

“Two—no, two and a half. I’ve had her since she was a pup.”

Mabel let out a whine and licked Will’s forearm as if pointing out he’d stopped petting her. Will chuckled and resumed.

“Do you have any pets, Will?”

He shook his head and gave Mabel a final pat before he stood. “I live in Manhattan and my building doesn’t allow it.”

David nodded. “I think she’s enjoying the move from Queens to Long Island. She seems to like the beaches and canals quite a bit.”

“When did you move from Queens?”

“A few years ago. On your father’s recommendation, actually.”

“Hmm.” Will made a noncommittal noise. He wasn’t sure what to make of the relationship his father and David had. David’s race wasn’t an issue. Neither of his parents had ever shown themselves to be racially intolerant, although Will had a vivid memory from high school of arguing with his parents about why using the term ‘Oriental’ was really, really inappropriate. At worst, they were occasionally clueless, but even then, they’d listened to his argument and made an effort to change.

Sexuality was a different story, however. How could Bill be vehemently against his own son’s sexual orientation but have no problem working side-by-side with a gay man? And inviting him to his house for meals? Will bristled, but he forced himself to tamp down the irritation. That reminded him, he still needed to apologize to David.

Will cleared his throat. “Uh, before we head back to the patio, I wanted to say I’m sorry about the way I behaved when you were here earlier this week. My temper got the better of me, and I hope you can forgive me.”

“Of course. No hard feelings.” David gave him a warm, open smile.

“Thank you.”

Will’s mother appeared before he could say anything else. “What on earth are you two still doing in the foyer? Let David in, Will.”

“I was getting to know his dog, Mabel,” Will said, feeling slightly abashed. Apparently, all of his manners did go out of the window when he encountered David.

Agnes regarded the dog with a soft sound of delight. “Oh, she is lovely. Even prettier than the pictures you sent me. I am so glad you asked to bring her. You probably felt like you needed a guard dog to fend off the cats. I am so embarrassed Fluffers used your shoe as a litter box.”

A laugh escaped Will before he could stop it. “That old thing is still alive? I haven’t seen him around outside and I assumed he’d died.”

Agnes frowned at him. “Fluffers is very much alive. Just getting a bit senile these days. Thankfully, David was very gracious about it.”

David chuckled. “One should always expect the unexpected when it comes to pets and kids.”

“You are correct.” Agnes smiled at him. “Now, I want both of you to come back to the patio. Appetizers are on the table.”

K. Evan Coles is a mother and tech pirate by day and a writer by night. She is a dreamer who, with a little hard work and a lot of good coffee, coaxes words out of her head and onto paper.

K. lives in the northeast United States, where she complains bitterly about the winters, but truly loves the region and its diverse, tenacious and deceptively compassionate people. You’ll usually find K. nerding out over books, movies and television with friends and family. She’s especially proud to be raising her son as part of a new generation of unabashed geeks.

K.’s books explore LGBTQ+ romance in contemporary settings.

Blog — http://kevancoles.tumblr.com/

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Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. 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. They explore gay, lesbian, and polyamorous romance in contemporary settings.

Email: brighamvaughn@gmail.com

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Tidal Series

Wake - https://amzn.to/2xKpY1w

Calm - https://amzn.to/2zp6PE8

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Review: The Soldier Next Door by Brigham Vaughn

Sometimes, love is right next door.

All twenty-seven-year-old Travis Schultz is supposed to do is keep an eye on the kid next door for a few weeks while his parents are out of town. Eighteen-year-old Owen Wheeler has other plans. Newly graduated, with plans to enlist in the Army, Owen wants to get laid before he ships out and he’s had a crush on Travis for years.

The age difference and the responsibility he’s been entrusted with make Travis hesitant, but the attraction is too much to deny. When the casual one-night stand turns into something more, Travis has no idea how to tell Owen how he feels. He misses his opportunity before Owen leaves and is left at home with a broken heart when Owen cuts off all contact.

When they meet again years later, Owen is in the midst of recovery from being injured in the line of duty and Travis will have to decide if he can forgive Owen and try again.

Reader Advisory: This book contains brief mentions of PTSD and war-related injuries.

Holy short story Batman!! I didn’t even know I was at the end until I turned the page at 84% and hit an excerpt for another book. Umm... ok? The good news is that I was interested in reading more. The bad news was the ending was rushed and many parts throughout were glossed over, which compromised the completeness of the story.

Owen is an 18 year old recent high school grad that enlisted in the Army. He’s also a virgin and wants to cash in his v-card before he ships out for basic in a month. When his parents go on vacation and ask Travis, the next door neighbor to keep an eye on Owen, he decides that close, penetrating contact will be the best course of action. Repeatedly. Travis, being such a nice guy, is willing to help Owen out and take one for team USA.

What started as a cherry popping turned into a month long sex-fest. The men get to know each other as more than just neighbors and when Owen ships out, they continue their “relationship” during stolen moments through basic and even into Owen’s first duty station. Feelings become involved and then Owen goes radio silent and leaves behind a heartbroken Travis.

It isn’t until a July 4th BBQ five years later that the men see each other again.

So then what happens? I don’t know. It ended. They got a HEA or maybe it was a HFN? Or it’s whatever blow jobs and fire works equate to?

There was a story there and could have definitely been expanded to be a longer novella if not novel. I enjoyed the bones of the story and the characters were likable. I wouldn’t mind a reworking to add length, a fully realized plot, and added depth to the characters beyond the shallow details that we were given. The potential is there but this is more of the CliffsNotes version than an actual, fully fleshed out story.

Review: Calm (Tidal #2) by K. Evan Coles & Brigham Vaughn

A love worth the wait.

When Riley Porter-Wright comes out as bisexual and confesses his feelings for Carter Hamilton, it severs their friendship. Carter’s rejection forces Riley to move on and he’s shocked to learn Carter’s marriage has fallen apart.

Overwhelmed by his failure as a husband and father, Carter misses Riley, but feels guilty for disappearing after Riley’s coming out. After Riley extends an olive branch, the former friends agree to repair their relationship. Slowly, Carter pieces together a new life, admits his attraction to men and confesses his feelings for Riley.

Leery of Carter’s initial rejection, Riley turns his focus to a new man, Will Martin.

Disappointed, Carter fosters new friendships with men like Jesse Murtagh and Kyle McKee, while also navigating new waters with his ex-wife, Kate, as their children learn their parents are dating other people.

As they rebuild their friendship, both Carter and Riley draw strength from each other, hoping the choices they’ve made are for the best.

Reader Advisory: This book contains expressions of homophobia by multiple secondary characters, divorce, references to parental neglect, disownment, references to adultery and m/m/f threesomes.

In the aftermath of Riley’s revelation, and Carter’s personal decision to come clean to his wife, the friends are no longer speaking. Riley has come to terms with the fact that he is never going to be with Carter the way he wants, so he is moving on, and living his truth out in the open. He has found someone he wants to move on with, but unfortunately he still holds a flame for Carter, and it is causing him to hold back with his new man, Will. Will is trying to be patient, but it is difficult to fall in love while the object of that love is still pining for someone else.

Carter is getting divorced, trying to forge a new path with his ex-wife and children, and is exploring his bisexuality by dating. His easygoing personality is a little tarnished, and he isn’t as joyful as he was before. He has depression, and sometimes everything is just too hard.

Part 2 is both frustrating and well balanced. The stars have not aligned for Carter and Riley, and they are both in very different places in life. This part of their journey is inevitable as they clean up their mess, but the distance is also secured by their inability to communicate, and Carter’s resentment of Riley’s choice to come out and turn what Carter thought he knew on it’s head. Stubbornness is a good word for Carter. While wallowing in his own misery, he maintains the distance he created by ignoring Riley for a while. Thankfully they eventually get it together enough to get back their friendship but there is still a distance between them as their lives develop in different ways.

Kate is understandably angry in this story. I really felt for her. I think it was important for her character to not be as accepting and easy for Carter to just brush off. She deserves her time on the page, with all her fiery bitterness at the secret life her husband decided to keep. What makes her a hero in this story is that she tries. She tries not to let the anger consume her and turn her into someone bitter and twisted. Her life is a mess, but she is still going to make the most of her situation and not let her broken heart impact her children’s relationship with their father. She also does what most people wouldn’t, and tries to be okay with Riley.

I enjoyed this story as much as I did the first part. The additional characters are all well developed and bring something to Carter and Riley’s life. Everything is not all roses and soft landings. It can’t be. The decisions Carter and Riley made and continue to make impact those around them, and each other in a big way that is not clean, and requires work to move past.

Between the two parts of this story, it is long. Especially when factoring in timeline. But it is so balanced and there is nothing slow about it. Every part of the story is a part of the character’s development, and each point of view provides another part of the whole.

I still wanted these two together, but about halfway through I almost accepted that they would not be the couple they should have been. Almost. I mean what’s the point of all of this if they aren’t together right? But sometimes friendship is enough, and stronger than a relationship with so much baggage.

The authors did a magnificent job of making all the characters in this story loveable in their own way. It isn’t all serious and sad. There is a lot of joy between these pages, and some hard won happiness. I am in no way disappointed with any of this and I highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys complex relationships and a good dose of feels.

A review copy was provided for an honest opinion.