Vaughn's Pride

California Cowboys #2

by Selena Laurence

Vaughn Jenkins is the youngest in a long line of proud men. But he was only seventeen when his parents were killed during a storm on a California highway. Seven years later, another stormy night nearly took Vaughn's life. Now he's half a leg lighter, full of shame and doubt, and taking it out on everyone around him, even the woman he's loved most ofl his life.

T.J. Brisco is the girl next door. She and Vaughn grew up together, inseparable friends, then high school sweethearts. But when tragedy strikes, Vaughn retreats and this time is no different. When he refuses to see T.J. she gets assigned as his physical therapist, determined to help him recover from his devastating amputation. But Vaughn's not going to make it easy, and when his anger becomes to much for T.J.'s shattered heart, she decides that their story is over for good.

Now Vaughn is faced with the rest of his life--as an amputee, as a brother, as a man. He misses T.J. deeply, but he's not sure he can be the person she deserves. As T.J. moves on, however, Vaughn falls farther and farther behind. Can he learn to run fast enough to catch up to the only woman he'll ever love? Or will his pride stand in their way forever?

ebook

Published August 21, 2017

About the author

Romance Author | Coffee Drinker | Breaker of Tropes | Mother of Doodles

Selena Laurence is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of One of a Kind Romance. She has published books in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. She’s also a curated contributor in non-fiction on Medium as SE Reed.

Selena lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with her family, her Goldendoodle, and Demon Cat. Her favorite city is Edinburgh, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite shoes are Converse.

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaughn’s Pride is not just a journey of two people to HEA. It’s waaaaaaay more than that. It’s a story of personal growth and development and acceptance of what is and not what could be. It’s the story of perseverance. It’s a story of loss and it’s a story of gain. Two people who knew each other practically their whole lives were on a path and then life happened and those two people were never the same …. But always kismet <3

That’s really all I’m going to tell you about this story because it is a story best read without prejudice. It needs to be experienced with a blank slate. Which leads me to the last thing I want to mention…the greatness that is Selena Laurence. I want to take a minute and praise this woman for her words. No, more than that, I want to pay tribute to Selena and this book.

I read a lot. So much so that sometimes I can’t remember details of a book a few days later. And I also juggle a lot of things in my life and my mind can only hold so many details. But I enjoy drowning in romance fiction. It makes me happy. So I read constantly. Over 400 books yearly. So when I make this statement, understand the enormity of what I am saying.

Vaughn’s Pride is by far the best written “childhood friends to adulthood” book that I have ever read . The format and time that Selena used to take us back and forth in time was unique and fresh and so full of heart. Every moment of this book touched my heart (but that’s more about the story). I want to pay tribute to the unfolding of the story. The mechanics of it, if you will. Every ‘past’ scene was specific and drove the story in a path in the present. It was just outstanding.

So well done Selena. And thank you for a beautifully written story of growth, redemption, family and love <3 There is no detail of this book I will likely forget. Ever.

Copy provided for blog tour review

[Maria]

Deep love, yet one-night stands and an annoying back and forth, toxic relationship. Did not finish.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is EXACTLY what this installment is about .. PRIDE ! These two individuals have such a connection with each other that one doesn't see what they are doing to the other because they think it would be better to just step back and let them live there life because they are not good enough for the other .. which it not the case.

But when you are a young child and tragedy strikes you will do anything to protect yourself so nothing happens to break your heart ever again. By pushing your first love .. the love of your life .. AWAY is not what you should do.

When tragedy strikes again you have to think that nothing will ever go your way but when your family pushes and pushes you because they know what is BEST you might want to listen before your last chance is gone ..

The chemistry between Vaughan and T.J. Is off the charts !! The heat and love just rolls off them and everyone sees it but Vaughan .. will be let T.J. In or will the 7 years of heart ache break her enough to say enough is enough ??

Selena will rope you in with this one !! Loved it !! Can't wait for Ty book no to see everyone again !!

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone in Big Sur knows Vaughn Jenkins and T.J. Brisco are meant to be together, but life has a way of slapping a man down and putting him in his place. First was the death of Vaughn’s parents when he was seventeen, and now the loss of part of his leg once again pushes him away from the love of his life. Vaughn will never be the man T.J. deserves to have by her side.

T.J.’s loved only one man her whole life—Vaughn. She’d do anything for him. Anything except get pushed away yet again and be expected to sit around and wait for Vaughn to realize he’s worth her love. The sensible head on her shoulders says it’s time to move on. If only her heart would fall in line with that plan.

Can Vaughn figure out what he needs in his own life before he loses TJ for good? Can he overcome his own doubts about the man he thinks he is and become the man everyone knows he can be?

A man's pride can make him lose everything because he becomes stuck in place over his pride.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaughn's Pride reads like a bad love song. Broken hearts, shattered dreams and foolish pride are abundant. It's the common sense that's lacking. John Mayer said it best: " When dreaming with a broken heart, waking up proves the hardest part." T.J. and Vaughn lived those words. Love brought them together, but pride is keeping them apart. Can love survive grief, fate, pride and distance? With nostalgia, heart and faith, Ms. Laurence shows the power of love and the reason for hope. Vaughn's Pride, may be my first Selena Laurence novel but definitely not my last.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.

*I was provided a copy of Vaughn’s Pride by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*

Everyone in Big Sur knows Vaughn Jenkins and T.J. Brisco are meant to be together, but life has a way of slapping a man down and putting him in his place. First was the death of Vaughn’s parents when he was seventeen, and now the loss of part of his leg once again pushes him away from the love of his life. Vaughn will never be the man T.J. deserves to have by her side.

T.J.’s loved only one man her whole life—Vaughn. She’d do anything for him. Anything except get pushed away yet again and be expected to sit around and wait for Vaughn to realize he’s worth her love. The sensible head on her shoulders says it’s time to move on. If only her heart would fall in line with that plan.

Vaughn’s Pride is the second book in the California Cowboys series and can be read as a standalone, but book one was so good you might want to read Cade’s Loss first anyway. The stories surround three brothers who tragically lost their parents and inherited one of the biggest ranches in California. Vaughn is the youngest brother and lives his life working the land. Someday he wants to be able to have a farm of his own for himself and T.J., but when an accident takes part of his lower leg and he’s unable to lead the active life he once led, he has nothing left to give her. Pride keeps him from letting her back into his life.

I loved these characters, both past and present versions of them. The author gave glimpses of their history at the beginning of each chapter, which added to the connection I felt to them and their relationship. Vaughn’s pride might’ve felt misplaced at times, but having witnessed their history of best friends turned lovers and their ultimate childhood downfall gave clearer insight into just how devoted he was to T.J. and why he couldn’t let her love him when he didn’t feel he had anything to offer her.

Seeing things from T.J.’s perspective made it even harder to watch him push her away, but character growth continually fueled their connection. Watching them recognize the changes in themselves and each other brought a warm satisfaction you don’t find in every second chance romance.

One of the key factors in any 5-star read for me is the ability of the author to draw me in immediately and keep me invested in the lives of the characters. Ms. Laurence delivered in spades. I hurt for and loved both Vaughn and T.J., turning page after page right up until the end. And having been the second book in the series I couldn’t put down, I’m highly anticipating the final book about the middle Jenkins brother, Ty.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Selena Laurence. Filled with emotion, this second chance romance hits all the right spots and delivers a story that has you not only rooting for the characters to get their HEA with each other, but also to make peace with themselves and their past.

Vaughn and T.J. have such a history. From best friends as children to dating in high school, these two have always been meant for each other. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and pulls them apart. Of course, Vaughn could never really let go of T.J., but neither could he commit. These two…it’s clear they should be together, and both of them want each other, but, like the title says, Vaughn’s pride gets in his way, which leads T.J. to think that maybe they don’t have a future and it truly is time to move on. When Vaughn realizes he might lose her forever it was wonderful watching him try to win her back. I loved watching these two try to find a new beginning to their story, and once they commit to trying to find their way back to one another they quickly realize that maybe going back isn’t what is going to help them go forward.

As usual, the author brings an emotion into the story that is real and relatable. From Vaughn’s frustration to T.J.’s heartbreak, you can really feel what these characters are going through. And the use of the flashbacks added so much to this story, adding additional layers of heart and emotion.

We didn’t get to spend a lot of time with the rest of the Jenkins and Brisco families, but they both played an important part in telling T.J. and Vaughn’s story. I do love a strong family bond, and both families have that – within themselves and with each other. And the other supporting characters also added to the story.

If you are looking for a book with lots of emotion and heart, with great “real” characters who can make you laugh, smile, and cry, then this book is for you.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book received from the author.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaughn Jenkins is pushing everyone close to him away after losing half of his leg in an accident. That includes his ex-best friend/girlfriend TJ Briscoe, his physical therapist.

As TJ vows to help Vaughn recover from his injuries she tries to fight him pushing her away continually until it all gets too much and she chooses to finally put herself ahead of Vaughn.

Can Vaughn figure out what he needs in his own life before he loses TJ for good? Can he overcome his own doubts about the man he thinks he is and become the man everyone knows he can be?

This was a great story about trying to discover who you are when you have a lost a huge part of yourself and you no longer think you can be the man that everyone expects you to be.

With losing part of his leg Vaughn really struggled to identify with the "new" him. He truly felt like he was less of a person and needed to overcome it all mentally to become the person he needed to be. He was so angry and frustrated through a lot of the book and had a super hard time dealing with what he has lost - including his parents. I honestly loved the change in him through the book and who he became at the end of the book.

I completely understood why TJ had enough with Vaughn. Yet she wanted him to be the old Vaughn and constantly compared him to the man he was when he had two legs and not the man he had become with one. She had rules for Vaughn and thought he was going to break her heart again and therefore she put up her own walls with him.

The two of them together were awesome but they each had things they needed to get over in order to move onto a future together.

I loved how Vaughn was able to get over things when it became absolutely necessary and it was awesome to see the change within himself.

Great story!!

[Heather (Bake•Craft•Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaughn’s Pride by the amazing Selena Laurence is breathtaking, wonderful and the perfect summer read. This is the second installment in the California Cowboys series that follows members of the Jenkins family. Vaughn’s Pride is the story of Vaughn and T.J. They both struggle with issues of dignity, honour and humility which triggers rifts in their relationship - whether that relationship is friendship or that of lovers is something that ultimately depends on their pride.

Vaughn Jenkins, the youngest Jenkins, lost his parents at the age of seventeen. T.J. Brisco is the ultimate girl next door; Vaughn’s childhood friend and highscool sweetheart. When tragedy hits he retreats into himself and pushes everyone away, especially T.J. But seven years later when Vaughn experiences more tragedy and becomes an amputee he is forced to face T.J. and deal with all the doubt, guilt and regret that has burdened him for all those years. He comes face to face with the reality of losing T.J. forever all because of his stupid pride.

“He’d missed it all because of his stupid pride.”

The connection between T.J. and Vaughn is tangible, you can feel their love and affection towards each other with the turn of every page. The bond between these two is intense, deep and so passionate.

“My God but he was an idiot.
The sweetest, most beautiful idiot on the planet, but still an idiot.”

I could not put this book down. Love, love, loved it! Selena Laurence did a phenomenal job at putting these two characters together and crafting this second chance romance perfectly with just the right amount of angst and steam. Vaughn’s Pride is a definite read and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

*Arc provided in an exchange for an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sand and surf off Pacific Coast Highway in California is a unique setting for this coming-of-age story of Vaughn, who is the youngest member of the three Jenkins brothers who own a successful organic cattle ranch in Big Sur. Seven years ago they became the sole heirs of their multimillion-dollar spread when their parents were killed in a car accident and to this day life has never been the same for Vaughn, his brothers and his best friend Theodora Jane. Today T.J. is a talented physical therapist and Vaughn, who recently lost a leg in a ranching accident is her surly and cantankerous patient. He's bitter and moody, taking verbal jabs at her until she decides she's had enough. Frankly, I think she should have walked away years ago for her mental health and well being, but TJ's heart won't let her forget how wonderful it felt to be Vaughn's best friend for 20 years. The first half of the story was a little slow and made me really dislike our hero but I really liked the flashbacks scenes between TJ and Vaughn through the years was a great idea. The second half was much better and the climax of the story was loaded with suspense that kept me glued to my Kindle. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This story is full of heartbreak, pain, lost love and second chance love. But does Vaughn really deserve a second chance with T.J.?
Vaughn has been through so much and T.J. has always been by his side. They have been best friends since they were five years old. While he doesn't think he deserves T.J., he doesn't want to see her with anyone else. But he wants her to be happy. For years he would spend time with her and then go out with other girls.
T.J. has finally decided that she is tired of having her heart broken by Vaughn. She has given him too many chances and thinks he will not change and she wants to be happy. When she finally meets a man that might help her move forward, there is one problem. Although he is nice, kind, and gentle but he is not Vaughn.
Will they finally see that they should give it one more chance? Can Vaughn stop hurting her and make her happy? Will T.J. give him another chance with her heart?
This is a great story with a HEA and is a standalone. I need to go back and read book 1, Cade's Loss, to see what I have missed with Vaughn's brother. If you are looking for a great story, you can't co wrong with any of the stories from Selena Laurence, she is awesome at telling stories.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**

[We Like them Dark Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey this book takes you on! Vaughn Jenkins is trying to emotionally heal after loosing his leg. He has pushed everyone away from him-thinking he doesn't deserve to live life happy because he can't provide the same ranch help and stability he once thought he could offer his childhood friend turned lover-TJ. TJ is hired as a physical therapist to help rehab Vaughn, but quickly realizes that their relationship ended for a reason-and she needs to stop pinning over someone that blatantly disrespects her and won't give in to his desires to her.
When TJ finally decides she needs to move on with her life-she's met with a new Vaughn. A Vaughn that's willing to go into things headfirst with TJ, and give her the courting she so deserves after being put through the ringer with him for so many years. Is TJ ready to accommodate Vaughn in his wishes to try things out again? Will Vaughn be able to get himself to a spot emotionally where he can let go of the past?
This book is a beautiful journey between the two characters. Although it's a very slow burn, and at times you really want to shake both Vaughn and TJ, you can't help but love everyone in the California Cowboys world. I absolutely will be reading the next book in this series! Can't wait!

Reviewed for KFA

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Vaughn, you crazy, sensitive, misguided man. Vaughn and T.J. have been best friends, and probably soul mates, since they first met as kids. But then puberty hits and Vaughn is a typical guy which hurts T.J. Just as these two find a way back to each other as a couple, tragedy strikes sending Vaughn into a tailspin and once again pushing away his best friend/love of his life. They had found a way back to being friends then a new tragedy hits Vaughn pushing him back into his darkness. When T.J. finally has enough, Vaughn has to face the reality that he may lose her for good. What a rocky road for these two. Vaughn is full of insecurities which causes him to push away those he loves the most, especially after losing his parents. I felt so bad for T.J., she kept reaching with the olive branch and he kept burning it. I loved how Vaughn’s family was always supportive and when the time was right, knew when to push and help him wake up. I got all the feels from this book – joy, sorrow, anger, grief, fear but most of all love. Truly a breathtaking ride. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Selena Laurence what a fantastic job again u made me cry again I don't know how u do it but u do just the right amount of emotional drama to the joy an happiness you really do shatter my heart into a million prices when I read your books then you glue it back together in time for the hea at the end

Vaughn's is feeling like his life is ending from his recent accident still morning the loss of his parents the loss of his lower leg an the loss of the love of his life since he was a child an he can't seem to get out of that spin his brother are pushy an try to help him his best friend who is also the love of his life is also doing her best but he just jeeps pushing them all away he thinks he is no longer a whole man an not worthy of anyone until she walks away to move on with her life once an for all.
Can Vaughn change his ways ?
Can he change the way he thinks?
Can he really let tj walk out his life for good?
Its don't seem like he has a choice how ever will Vaughn survive without her? Only one way to find out 5* must read

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena never disappoints! Vaughn story is just what the title says - Vaughn's Pride! Vaughn has so much that sometimes it gets in the way of his life. He's hurting - physically and emotionally. He dealing with a lot and while he's hurting, he's also hurting the one who has loved him most of his life. Vaughn and his next door neighbor TJ have been inseparable friends, then lovers, to friends again. Through the years TJ has had her heart broken so many times, seeing him with other girls and also the two times he has shut her out - during his parents death and his amputation. As TJ tries to help him with his physical therapy, he hurts her again. When she starts to move on, Vaughn realizes he may lose his one. Vaughn's Pride is his emotional ride of life, fighting through all the pain and pride to get his happiness. I loved how Selena gave us flashbacks of Vaughn and TJ's memories of their years growing up together to give the readers their whole story. Now I'm waiting on Ty's story and more from the Jenkins!!!
ARC provided by author - this is a voluntary review

[Jess Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vaughn's Pride is the second book in the California Cowboys series. This is a first Selena Laurence book for me. Its a lesson on pride and the twist and turns it can take you throughout life. This is the tale of Vaughn and T.J. a second, third, and fourth chance story as well as a friends to relationship romance.

Vaughn has been through some pretty horrible times. He pushes people away instead of letting those that love him be close. Vaughn refuses to see that he is the cause of his very own misery as well as T.J.'s. He feels she will always be there no matter what, but will she continue to endure the verbal abuse of a man she has loved since she was five?

T.J. is a physical therapist whom has loved Vaughn for as long as she can remember. She can't seem to make herself walk away from all the torture he continues to throw her way or put her through. Will she ever realize she deserves so much more than waiting on the sidelines for Vaughn's pride to wonder off?

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaughn's Pride is one of the best friends to lovers or second chance romances that I have read. It had everything that I love in books - surprises, angst, love, and a HEA. Vaughn and his two brothers are running the family farm since their parents died when he was a teenager. TJ was his best friend, and when his parents died he pushed her away and shut down emotionally. Years later they are brought back together when tragedy strikes and he loses his leg. His anger was directed at everyone around him, but when TJ is assigned his case for rehab the sparks fly and they start to return to their old habits. His attempts to push her away hurt both of them, but in the end they get their happily every after. This book made me sad, happy, and hopeful. The characters and story line felt so real. Selena Laurence has quickly become a favorite author for her great series'. Bring on TY!

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dealing with being an amputee is not something Vaughn is happy about, nor anyone helping him. He even turns TJ away the love of his life, even though he won't admit it.
TJ is a physical therapist and she is tired of Vaughn's crap. If he can't see beyond where life has him at the moment she is moving on.
TJ's moving on brings Vaughn to reality, he can't stand her dating other people. He has to devise a plan to win her back for good.
Entertaining is the word to describe this book. Yo udon't want to feel sorry for Vaughn at all or TJ either. You want to call them both idiots and tell them to look in front of them and see what they have.

** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the California Cowboys series and the first one I have read but you can count on me reading the first one now that I have read this great Love story. Vaughn’s Pride is the best title for this great book of Vaughn Jenkins an amputee after an accident tries to readjust to his changing life. You don’t really find out how the accident happened but I am sure if I read the first book Cade's Loss I will find my answer. This book had me reading it all in one day as I could just not put it down and needed to find out if Vaughn could overcome his many issues to keep his pride in himself. I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review.

Read my full review at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com

[Ann Mathewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaughn's Pride is a book about coming to grips with one's pride. The characters are real. It deals with loss, both emotional and physical.
It is the story of Vaughn and T.J. These two have known each other since age 5. They were best friends torn apart by Vaughn's pride.
T.J. was always there for Vaughn, even when Vaughn sends her away. Due to an accident, Vaughn looses part of the leg and doesn't want to let T.J. see him not perfect. His pride almost causes him to loose the best thing in his life.
Selena Lawrence takes us through Vaughn's life and struggle to grow and accept all life has thrown at him. It is a wonderful read.

[Donna Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vaughn is hurting, both emotionally and physically. He lost his lower leg in an accident and now he doesn't think he is worth a whole lot. TJ is the girl next door, and Vaughn's physical therapist, who has been in love with Vaughn most of her life. He cut her out of his life and left town, and now he is back and she has to make him see that he is worthy of love.

This is the second installment of the California Cowboys series. It's a stand alone, no cliffhangers, and there is an HEA. Selena Lawrence is a wonderful writer who sucks you in to the story and keeps you transfixed until the very last word. I highly recommend all of her books, but this one especially.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lead almost doesn't deserve his happy ending, he frustrated me to no end!
I loved that Vaughn had to overcome his personal demons to find the happiness that has always been right under his nose, with the delightful, strong and sassy TJ.
A story of pride, love and loss, beautifully written with fantastic character development. I loved the emotional roller coaster that Selena took me on.
This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, the story is so much better if you read 'Cade's Loss' first.
I can't wait for Ty's story.
Highly recommended!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read in the California Cowboys series and I have say thoroughly enjoyed it. This Childhood love to adult second chance love is perfect with just the right amount of angst, hurt and stubbornness you expect from two head strong individuals afraid to admit their feelings are more than just friendship. From the very beginning you just want to shake Vaughn and tell him to stop thinking he doesn’t deserve T.J. and realize how much he does. A HEA standalone read that you will not regret. Now I will back tracking to read Cade’s Loss. Thank you Selena you have hooked me on another series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book which I voluntarily reviewed.
Selena Laurence is one of my favourite authors but somehow I missed the first book in this series but this book stands on it's own very well.
Vaughn and TJ have been friends since meeting as kids, but tragedy and heartbreak has seen Vaughn push her away time after time. The youngest of the Jenkins boys, Vaughn lost part of his leg after an accident and is not coping well as an amputee. TJ is a qualified physio and is assigned to her ex best friend. The story of how they finally come to terms with their feelings is a heartwarming one and leaves you wanting more , just as it should be :)

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The words flowed so well that I felt like I was watching a movie or one of the characters in the story. Selena Laurence has become one of my favorite go-to authors. Even though I loved this book, I had a hard time pulling for T.J. & Vaughn as a couple in the beginning. That may be the reason I liked the story so much. Real life isn't flowers & romance all the time, and I prefer that most of the time to fantasy. The 2 characters were best friends as children which later turned into more. However, when Vaughn needed T.J. most, he pushed her away. There's more to the story though, and you start to learn why he is how he is and why she loves him so much. Does that mean they deserve a future together? Read and decide for yourself.

[Cynthia Tatum reichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is boom two in the series and its TJ and Vaughn's story. Once I started I could not put down. I loved the ups and downs and at the end wanted more. I read book one and fell in love with Selena and an author. This book just sealed it for me. I am a true fan and will read all of her books.

You don't have to read book one for this book but yet book one sets the story up and what happened to Vaughn's leg. It also tells the story of their parents a little. This book is a book you will read cover to cover and not feel like it was hours.

This review was written for KFA

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read an ARC cover to cover when I should have been sleeping! This family and their perseverance is a thing to behold! I laughed, I got pissed off a few times, had to fan myself because Vaughn is YUM, and even ugly cried a couple of times! Vaughn and TJ were seriously trying to knock Cade's Loss out of my #1 spot. They came VERY close! ( I've read Cade's story several times and he's where it all started so he stays at the top.) Selena Laurence is a truly gifted storyteller! I loved that this story wasn't sugar coated at all. Vaughn had to work hard to overcome both his physical injuries and his personal demons. He and TJ also had to work at their relationship (something that I often find lacking in romance novels) which is something I truly enjoyed reading about. The little details, the character development, the beautiful story...all so well done! I'm already looking forward to reading the book again!

[evieo17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels. It just broke my heart for what T.J. went through with Vaughn. I hurt just as much as she did because of Vaughn's fears and pride. I just wanted to smack him but I at the same time I just loved him too. I also loved that she made him work on getting her back in his life and didn't make it easy on him. Such a beautiful love story. I hope we don't have to wait too long for Ty's story. I am really looking forward to it.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! This is Vaughn and TJ's story. It will have you feeling all sorts of emotions. I was sucked in from the beginning. It's heartwarming, sweet and steamy. It's beautifully written. The chemistry between Vaughn and TJ is off the charts sizzling. I loved Vaughn and TJ's journey as they overcome their obstacles and insecurities as they heal and love again. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, inspiring story of love, betrayal and loss. I felt a part of the story, like they were my own family. I fell in love with Vaughn and TJ on their romantic roller coaster of a journey. I had my heart broken, I laughed, I cried. I wanted to smack Vaughn for his prideful foolish actions, and I wanted to help mend TJ's bruised heart.

The second story in the California Boys series, I can't wait for book 3.

I received an ARC of Vaughn's Pride and this is my honest review.