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The Midwest Series #1
Bully & Exit
A college hockey player and a theater geek with a grudge … a tragedy waiting to happen or a fated love story?
Nathan Rhodes is a star hockey player for Western Michigan University, hiding in the closet and still desperately in love with his high school boyfriend.
Caleb Stockwell is an openly bisexual theater student, hiding a broken heart behind a string of casual relationships.
No one knew about their secret high school romance, but now, Nathan’s determined to make amends for the mistakes he made four years ago. Terrified of being hurt again, Caleb resists his apologies and refuses to admit he still has feelings for Nathan.
With less than a month left before graduation, Nathan must make a grand gesture and risk everything to win Caleb back or lose him forever.
Win or lose, everything is on the line.
Bully & Exit contains a determined jock, a stubborn actor, meddling friends, and one last shot at forgiveness.
Nathan Rhodes is a star hockey player for Western Michigan University, hiding in the closet and still desperately in love with his high school boyfriend.
Caleb Stockwell is an openly bisexual theater student, hiding a broken heart behind a string of casual relationships.
No one knew about their secret high school romance, but now, Nathan’s determined to make amends for the mistakes he made four years ago. Terrified of being hurt again, Caleb resists his apologies and refuses to admit he still has feelings for Nathan.
With less than a month left before graduation, Nathan must make a grand gesture and risk everything to win Caleb back or lose him forever.
Win or lose, everything is on the line.
Bully & Exit contains a determined jock, a stubborn actor, meddling friends, and one last shot at forgiveness.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2015
160 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
78 books739 followersBrigham 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.
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August 3, 2015
3.5 stars
Awwwwwww…
This is a back-to-the-basics new adult story. Meaning we’ve got the well-worn trope of closeted-jock and bullied-theater-geek, the school where stereotypes run rampant, where the fear of getting caught leads to all misunderstandings, and where you hope our mismatched couple can somehow find a way to make it work in the end.
I adore these books.
What makes Bully & Exit a bit different is that it takes place 4 years later. And second-chances love stories are my crack. Yes, there are alternating flashback, alternating POV’s, and for some, this doesn’t work. But, I didn’t mind it. Not once did I feel confused or get lost. In fact, I was totally engrossed in each chapter as the story unfolded. The author did a really good job of giving clues as to what happened both in history and present.
The characters of Nathan, the closeted hockey player with the overbearing father, and Colin, the bisexual theater geek who trusted and fell with all his heart, were both so endearing. The combination of the two made me feel emotions deeply and though I knew how the story would end (we ALWAYS know how the story will end in these books, right?), I still felt anxious and devoured the pages to get to the HEA.
Admittedly, the story wound itself up and figured itself out very quickly…too rushed in the end. And how very convenient that all worked out as it did. But, I’m not too bothered by it…because they worked for it. It wasn’t an easy path and that made it worth it.
I really liked this author’s writing as well. Looking forward to reading more…both in this series and from the author as a whole.
January 4, 2023
I liked this once the couple actually got together, BUT it could have easily been 100 pages shorter, maybe more.
The first 75% is constant rehashing of the same event - literally just the words were in a different order each time!
Then there was the whole public declaration of love, but then right after Nathan's internal monologue says he's actually not in love, but he could be easily?! Plus Caleb is adamant he'll never forgive, but then folds ridiculously fast when his mum says he should??
The whole book is how I imagine a 13yr olds brain to work when it comes to their first crush! Literally just round and round in circles, constantly going back and forth on decisions. It was just frustrating and distracting 🤷🏼♀️
The first 75% is constant rehashing of the same event - literally just the words were in a different order each time!
Then there was the whole public declaration of love, but then right after Nathan's internal monologue says he's actually not in love, but he could be easily?! Plus Caleb is adamant he'll never forgive, but then folds ridiculously fast when his mum says he should??
The whole book is how I imagine a 13yr olds brain to work when it comes to their first crush! Literally just round and round in circles, constantly going back and forth on decisions. It was just frustrating and distracting 🤷🏼♀️
January 19, 2025
Theater loving Caleb and hockey star Nathan were hot and heavy in high school, but Then Nathan screwed everything up at their senior prom leaving Caleb utterly heartbroken.
I have really enjoyed this author as she writes stories set in a place that I am very familiar with. They're almost all set in Michigan, but this one mostly takes place in Kalamazoo, just 12 miles from my town of Battle Creek. The story is 90% about the pain of first love and all the mistakes we make when immaturity, hormones, and expectations all combine into us making wrong and sometimes, seemingly unforgivable decisions. It’s also a story about second chances and the power of forgiveness.
This story begins in 2013 with several chapters flashing back to 2009, that shows us the events that led up to the present and how the two main characters, Calab and Nathan, remember it. We didn't get any idea of the event or WHY what happened; happened at all, until a lot later in the story. That was a bit frustrating, but it 100% changed the reader's conception of events and their feelings when we finally got both characters version of the very important event starting with their previous relationship in high school. I could see how it absolutely effected Calab like it did...it was heart-breaking to an adult, so I could imagine what it did to a "kid" still in high school who was in his first real relationship, and a gay relationship at that.
I did enjoy the story. The characters are well portrayed as they aged in the storyline. They both had their faults, and they were both right, but at the same time, they were both wrong. Nevertheless, I was rooting for them. The way the story is told reveals information in such a way that you’re never quite sure whose side you’re on in their previous break up, but the way the character of Nathan is written...made me eager for Caleb to forgive him. This is not by any means a low angst story...and it took almost the entire book for things to be righted between Nathen and Caleb, hence the 4.5-star rating.
I have really enjoyed this author as she writes stories set in a place that I am very familiar with. They're almost all set in Michigan, but this one mostly takes place in Kalamazoo, just 12 miles from my town of Battle Creek. The story is 90% about the pain of first love and all the mistakes we make when immaturity, hormones, and expectations all combine into us making wrong and sometimes, seemingly unforgivable decisions. It’s also a story about second chances and the power of forgiveness.
This story begins in 2013 with several chapters flashing back to 2009, that shows us the events that led up to the present and how the two main characters, Calab and Nathan, remember it. We didn't get any idea of the event or WHY what happened; happened at all, until a lot later in the story. That was a bit frustrating, but it 100% changed the reader's conception of events and their feelings when we finally got both characters version of the very important event starting with their previous relationship in high school. I could see how it absolutely effected Calab like it did...it was heart-breaking to an adult, so I could imagine what it did to a "kid" still in high school who was in his first real relationship, and a gay relationship at that.
I did enjoy the story. The characters are well portrayed as they aged in the storyline. They both had their faults, and they were both right, but at the same time, they were both wrong. Nevertheless, I was rooting for them. The way the story is told reveals information in such a way that you’re never quite sure whose side you’re on in their previous break up, but the way the character of Nathan is written...made me eager for Caleb to forgive him. This is not by any means a low angst story...and it took almost the entire book for things to be righted between Nathen and Caleb, hence the 4.5-star rating.
September 16, 2018
3.5*
This is a really solid young adult second chance college romance with characters who have flaws but who I was rooting for throughout.
I do love me a good second chance romance and this one delivered it up with a little bit of angst but no overly dramatic plot points or dramady.
Both Caleb and Nathan read as their ages, mature but still young enough to not be perfectly assured with their lives and their feelings.
It's not all hearts and flowers and it felt like an honestly expressed exploration of how you can learn to move on from great pain and find the spark again.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a really solid young adult second chance college romance with characters who have flaws but who I was rooting for throughout.
I do love me a good second chance romance and this one delivered it up with a little bit of angst but no overly dramatic plot points or dramady.
Both Caleb and Nathan read as their ages, mature but still young enough to not be perfectly assured with their lives and their feelings.
It's not all hearts and flowers and it felt like an honestly expressed exploration of how you can learn to move on from great pain and find the spark again.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 30, 2015
This was my first book by this author. Overall, I'm impressed. I enjoyed the dialogue, the secondary characters and the premise. The flashbacks are perfectly timed to fill the readers in on what exactly happened between Nathan and Caleb back in high school, especially the fateful prom night that was said to be the end of their relationship.
It's an entertaining, enjoyable read but at times I was annoyed with caleb's melodrama and lack of maturity. On the other hand, Nathan is swoon-worthy at every turn. He may join my club of favorite leading men.
There was also a lot of repetitive internal dialogue, which supports my "Caleb, please cut the crap already" claims. In his head, he is justifying the same thing over and over again.
Really cannot wait to get my hands on the love triangle of Brent/Lowell/Micah. Brent and Lowell were so amazing in this book. Bye, Micah!
3.5 stars!
It's an entertaining, enjoyable read but at times I was annoyed with caleb's melodrama and lack of maturity. On the other hand, Nathan is swoon-worthy at every turn. He may join my club of favorite leading men.
There was also a lot of repetitive internal dialogue, which supports my "Caleb, please cut the crap already" claims. In his head, he is justifying the same thing over and over again.
Really cannot wait to get my hands on the love triangle of Brent/Lowell/Micah. Brent and Lowell were so amazing in this book. Bye, Micah!
3.5 stars!
October 11, 2018
Timing can be EVERYthing...and I think I missed my window for this story.
I honestly believe I would have really enjoyed it several years ago.
But now? It fell short from my expectations.
I used to be quite a star slut...giving out stars galore but I've since raised my book bar.
A lovely coming of age, coming out, and a second chance at first love story.
Jock and the drama geek. It's been done before and I have no doubt it'll be done another bazillion times. I just couldn't connect to the guys. And when we discover what it was that Nathan said to Caleb that horrid night, well, I was just as hurt as Caleb.
Loved the Michigan setting. Always a joy seeing familiar places in stories.
Bumming that I didn't catch this one a few years ago.
Cuz...a lot can change in a couple of years.
I honestly believe I would have really enjoyed it several years ago.
But now? It fell short from my expectations.
I used to be quite a star slut...giving out stars galore but I've since raised my book bar.
A lovely coming of age, coming out, and a second chance at first love story.
Jock and the drama geek. It's been done before and I have no doubt it'll be done another bazillion times. I just couldn't connect to the guys. And when we discover what it was that Nathan said to Caleb that horrid night, well, I was just as hurt as Caleb.
Loved the Michigan setting. Always a joy seeing familiar places in stories.
Bumming that I didn't catch this one a few years ago.
Cuz...a lot can change in a couple of years.
August 3, 2021
Bully & Exit stars out and proud drama major Caleb, and the quinesstential jock; Nathan Rhodes. The two men have not had any contact with each other for four years; after Nathan broke Caleb's heart in high school. Now with college graduation upon them Nathan decides he is sick of hiding who he is and he's desparate for another chance with Caleb. But Caleb isn't making this easy on Nathan. With a little help from some friends and some big romantic gestures Nathan is going to have to put a lot on the line to prove to Caleb that he can trust him again and it's not just Caleb's heart on the line.
I wasn't too impressed with this novel. I think the plot itself was fine, but I was really questioning the second chance romance between Nathan and Caleb. I really wasn't buying their romantic connection this time around. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend this book.
SPOILERS
First, Nathan corners Caleb at a party and urges him to give them another chance and then he kisses him. I found so many things wrong about these scene. For one, why now - yes Nathan is apparently ready to come out, but just to automatically jump back in with Caleb. For that matter, it's not fair for Caleb either; to just assume he wants to be with Nathan and to randomly kiss him like that. After Caleb storms off Nathan basically tells his whole life story to Lowell and this was just very weird. Realistically I wouldn't believe that a virtual stranger would go up to someone and confess his sordid past. I understand Nathan felt that maybe with Lowell's help he could win Caleb back but at this point it's been four years; does he even know who Caleb is anymore? A person changes a lot in college and as we see throughout the novel Caleb is not the shy boy he was in high school.
Second, I found it odd again when Harper agreed to help Nathan and his quest to get Caleb back. Here, Nathan did the same thing as he had done with Lowell; he revealed his past history with Caleb. I just don't like this, I cannot frame my mind around being approached by someone you don't know to win someone else back. Plus to reveal all those intimate details about your relationship it just feels unnatural.
Third, the reason why Nathan was so cruel to Caleb- personally I think it was ridiculous. Yes his dad was so-to-speak verbally and emotionally abusive. This was hard to fanthom because we don't know a lot about the man. We know he had some physical altercation with a driver and he berated Nathan when he saw him watching gay porn; but I just felt like there wasn't enough to warrant Nathan's complete and total fear that his father would harm Caleb in some way. Even if there was some cause to warrant this assumption the way that Nathan ended His relationship with Caleb was so cruel. Telling Caleb it was all a ruse and nothing was real was for Nathan. Nathan said he couldn't break up with him nicely because it would be too hard on him, it would provide him with some hope of still being with Caleb. So, Nathan treated Caleb like crap; stomped on his heart and basically had him distrustful of being in relationships all for really his own selfish purposes. Frankly, all signs point to Nathan being a grade a jerk.
Frankly, this second chance romance flopped for me. If I was Caleb I wouldn't get back together with Nathan. Nathan did too many unforgiving things and for all selfish reasons. Caleb deserves someone better then Nathan. I would pass on this one.
I wasn't too impressed with this novel. I think the plot itself was fine, but I was really questioning the second chance romance between Nathan and Caleb. I really wasn't buying their romantic connection this time around. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend this book.
SPOILERS
First, Nathan corners Caleb at a party and urges him to give them another chance and then he kisses him. I found so many things wrong about these scene. For one, why now - yes Nathan is apparently ready to come out, but just to automatically jump back in with Caleb. For that matter, it's not fair for Caleb either; to just assume he wants to be with Nathan and to randomly kiss him like that. After Caleb storms off Nathan basically tells his whole life story to Lowell and this was just very weird. Realistically I wouldn't believe that a virtual stranger would go up to someone and confess his sordid past. I understand Nathan felt that maybe with Lowell's help he could win Caleb back but at this point it's been four years; does he even know who Caleb is anymore? A person changes a lot in college and as we see throughout the novel Caleb is not the shy boy he was in high school.
Second, I found it odd again when Harper agreed to help Nathan and his quest to get Caleb back. Here, Nathan did the same thing as he had done with Lowell; he revealed his past history with Caleb. I just don't like this, I cannot frame my mind around being approached by someone you don't know to win someone else back. Plus to reveal all those intimate details about your relationship it just feels unnatural.
Third, the reason why Nathan was so cruel to Caleb- personally I think it was ridiculous. Yes his dad was so-to-speak verbally and emotionally abusive. This was hard to fanthom because we don't know a lot about the man. We know he had some physical altercation with a driver and he berated Nathan when he saw him watching gay porn; but I just felt like there wasn't enough to warrant Nathan's complete and total fear that his father would harm Caleb in some way. Even if there was some cause to warrant this assumption the way that Nathan ended His relationship with Caleb was so cruel. Telling Caleb it was all a ruse and nothing was real was for Nathan. Nathan said he couldn't break up with him nicely because it would be too hard on him, it would provide him with some hope of still being with Caleb. So, Nathan treated Caleb like crap; stomped on his heart and basically had him distrustful of being in relationships all for really his own selfish purposes. Frankly, all signs point to Nathan being a grade a jerk.
Frankly, this second chance romance flopped for me. If I was Caleb I wouldn't get back together with Nathan. Nathan did too many unforgiving things and for all selfish reasons. Caleb deserves someone better then Nathan. I would pass on this one.
July 18, 2021
I can't decide between 2 and 3 stars, buy I am going to go with three. So this is the story of Caleb and Nathan, it's a second chance romance but Caleb got hurt really badly by Nathan the first time. There is so much hurt that I found the reconnection really difficult to believe. But in the end they make a cute couple.
November 8, 2021
With time and effort, things can get better.
Sometimes the things that seem to be inevitable take longer than they should and are harder than expected. But secrets, anger, and dealing with absent or abusive parents can create much more difficulty for each other. Even if things are perfect, but much more of a problem.
Sometimes friends can point out the best path and introduce the right people, but we can still be unsure. The best of friends have problems. As you get farther removed, the problems get worse and harder to solve. But with love and respect, the problems can be resolved. Helping friends find themselves and their lives is not easy. It may not work at all. Yet the effort has rewards and friends with benefits can be beneficial to many more than expected. Just be open to change and love.
Sometimes the things that seem to be inevitable take longer than they should and are harder than expected. But secrets, anger, and dealing with absent or abusive parents can create much more difficulty for each other. Even if things are perfect, but much more of a problem.
Sometimes friends can point out the best path and introduce the right people, but we can still be unsure. The best of friends have problems. As you get farther removed, the problems get worse and harder to solve. But with love and respect, the problems can be resolved. Helping friends find themselves and their lives is not easy. It may not work at all. Yet the effort has rewards and friends with benefits can be beneficial to many more than expected. Just be open to change and love.
August 7, 2015
Ehhhhhhhh... I wanted to really love this one. Truly. But four years? Come on.
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January 8, 2021
I love Brigham Vaughn. Her books usually make me so happy. This book did not make me happy. Instead of being this wonderful uplifting story it was depressing and full of angst. It spent so much time repeating over and over the same thing that I wanted to scream. Even after they made up Caleb continued to say the same things in his head. I did love the epilogue and it’s the reason I decided to round up to three stars. If I had read this a year ago I might have liked it more, but right now I only want to read books that are distracting or uplifting and not depressing.
July 11, 2015
Bully: A call used to start or restart play in ice hockey.
Exit: Stage direction. The action of leaving the stage.
Is any break-up harder to recover from than the very first one? Not for Caleb Stockwell, that’s for sure. Four years after Nathan Rhodes broke his heart, Caleb still isn’t completely over it. And while that isn’t an issue as long as he doesn’t have to spend time around Nathan, it becomes increasingly painful once Nathan re-enters Caleb’s life and insists he wants the opportunity to make up for the hurt he caused all those years ago.
Thus starts a story told both from a present day perspective and through flashbacks to Nathan and Caleb’s last few months in high school. The transitions from past to present are fluent and fit perfectly in the context of the present day narrative. Nathan’s return into Caleb’s life and his persistence when it comes to trying to woe Caleb, revive memories Caleb has been trying to suppress for four years. It is through these memories we get to see first the sweet and beautiful coming together of young Nathan and Caleb and later the brutal and heartbreaking end of the their fledgling relationship.
While I adored this entire story, I found myself more fascinated with the flashbacks than the present for most of it. The author conveyed beautifully how intense and all-consuming emotions are when we are that young and in the throes of first love and lust. No love has ever been stronger than the one a teenager experiences, nor has any heartbreak ever been more devastating. It is hardly surprising Caleb still feels the pain four years later, and it is both understandable and recognisable.
Brigham Vaughn has a special gift when it comes to making her (this) reader connect with her charactersThey are real people rather than ideal and perfect caricatures. I found myself falling for Nathan and Caleb, wanting to slap them occasionally and desperate to hug them at other times. Neither man is perfect, which made them all the more endearing, and both of them tug at your heartstrings.
In fact, Brigham Vaughn is an amazing writer in every possible way; she writes gripping stories about characters who will come alive for the reader, using beautiful, sparse yet descriptive language that will place you right in the middle of the action. I really can’t recommend her books highly enough. And that’s the reason I’m very glad this is the first book in a series. I can’t wait for what I imagine will be the story of Lowell and Brent’s coming together. And who knows, there may even be a happy ending for Micah in the making. All I can do is wait and see what might come next.
Exit: Stage direction. The action of leaving the stage.
Is any break-up harder to recover from than the very first one? Not for Caleb Stockwell, that’s for sure. Four years after Nathan Rhodes broke his heart, Caleb still isn’t completely over it. And while that isn’t an issue as long as he doesn’t have to spend time around Nathan, it becomes increasingly painful once Nathan re-enters Caleb’s life and insists he wants the opportunity to make up for the hurt he caused all those years ago.
Thus starts a story told both from a present day perspective and through flashbacks to Nathan and Caleb’s last few months in high school. The transitions from past to present are fluent and fit perfectly in the context of the present day narrative. Nathan’s return into Caleb’s life and his persistence when it comes to trying to woe Caleb, revive memories Caleb has been trying to suppress for four years. It is through these memories we get to see first the sweet and beautiful coming together of young Nathan and Caleb and later the brutal and heartbreaking end of the their fledgling relationship.
While I adored this entire story, I found myself more fascinated with the flashbacks than the present for most of it. The author conveyed beautifully how intense and all-consuming emotions are when we are that young and in the throes of first love and lust. No love has ever been stronger than the one a teenager experiences, nor has any heartbreak ever been more devastating. It is hardly surprising Caleb still feels the pain four years later, and it is both understandable and recognisable.
Brigham Vaughn has a special gift when it comes to making her (this) reader connect with her charactersThey are real people rather than ideal and perfect caricatures. I found myself falling for Nathan and Caleb, wanting to slap them occasionally and desperate to hug them at other times. Neither man is perfect, which made them all the more endearing, and both of them tug at your heartstrings.
In fact, Brigham Vaughn is an amazing writer in every possible way; she writes gripping stories about characters who will come alive for the reader, using beautiful, sparse yet descriptive language that will place you right in the middle of the action. I really can’t recommend her books highly enough. And that’s the reason I’m very glad this is the first book in a series. I can’t wait for what I imagine will be the story of Lowell and Brent’s coming together. And who knows, there may even be a happy ending for Micah in the making. All I can do is wait and see what might come next.
July 14, 2015
This is a story about forgiving. It’s a story that shows us the strength of love. When we were in high school we did stupid things. Even though we thought we knew it all. Nathan and Caleb are living their lives, in college, unable to let go of one gigantic mess that happened in high school. They pretty much coast through 4 years. Study, build for a future. But they aren’t whole. They can’t be until they sit down, and talk.
The flashbacks explain the turmoil they are currently in. We get glimpses of the happy times and what inevitably made it all go wrong. But 4 years later, going to the same college, only weeks from graduation, it finally comes to a head. I was mad at past Nate. Irritated with present Caleb. But I cheered them on. I hoped they could make it.
Brigham tortures us slowly. Giving us the cookies but hiding the milk. Bringing it out at the perfect moment. I don’t usually go for flashback books. It usually ruins the continuity of a story for me. However, these were vital and equally as emotional and entertaining as the present time.
I can’t wait to read book 2… I am pretty sure I know what characters will be in attendance. I think you will too. These secondary characters are just as important and entertaining.
This is a terrific story about growing up. Facing the demons, tackling them, and being pleasantly surprised in humanity. It’s a love story, built on a pothole covered road. You’ll make it to the end on flat tires if you have to, couple of dings in the bumper, but you’ll make it!
The flashbacks explain the turmoil they are currently in. We get glimpses of the happy times and what inevitably made it all go wrong. But 4 years later, going to the same college, only weeks from graduation, it finally comes to a head. I was mad at past Nate. Irritated with present Caleb. But I cheered them on. I hoped they could make it.
Brigham tortures us slowly. Giving us the cookies but hiding the milk. Bringing it out at the perfect moment. I don’t usually go for flashback books. It usually ruins the continuity of a story for me. However, these were vital and equally as emotional and entertaining as the present time.
I can’t wait to read book 2… I am pretty sure I know what characters will be in attendance. I think you will too. These secondary characters are just as important and entertaining.
This is a terrific story about growing up. Facing the demons, tackling them, and being pleasantly surprised in humanity. It’s a love story, built on a pothole covered road. You’ll make it to the end on flat tires if you have to, couple of dings in the bumper, but you’ll make it!
August 9, 2015
I wanted to like this more than I did. I think I needed more together time. There were times when I really felt for Caleb, the prom scene broke my heart and I just cried and cried. Then again there were times when I wanted to punch him in the throat for being a stubborn bastard. I mean, I can see the first couple times of walking away, but repeatedly? If a guy (or girl) wasn't being sincere do you think they'd come back for more rejection over and over again? No!
I really liked Nathan. I liked his determination to make Caleb listen. I just liked him.
I normally don't read sports themed books, but this one wasn't focused on hockey. There's only one time when Nathan is actually on the ice.
Overall, not too shabby. I'm kinda hoping for a Lowell/Brent book next :)
I really liked Nathan. I liked his determination to make Caleb listen. I just liked him.
I normally don't read sports themed books, but this one wasn't focused on hockey. There's only one time when Nathan is actually on the ice.
Overall, not too shabby. I'm kinda hoping for a Lowell/Brent book next :)
September 3, 2021
This is a new author for me. I absolutely loved this story!
Yes, it has bullying which is NEVER acceptable. But it also has a love that was severely tested, 2 hearts were shattered and some major trust issues developed. But in the end the love wins.
The friendships both men have with their best friends are what got them through college and also helped them reunite.
There is a lot going on on this book. Some extremely hard to read times, some sexy, SEXY times, some much needed conversations.
There was a few ppl I would have loved to give a quick punch to the throat but at the end of the day, Love won out over the bad.
I am a huge new fan of this author . I am so looking forward to Brent and Lowell's story.
This story is very real, heartbreaking, spicy, sexy and wonderful.
I highly recommend this book.
You will cry, laugh, and fan yourself throughout.
Yes, it has bullying which is NEVER acceptable. But it also has a love that was severely tested, 2 hearts were shattered and some major trust issues developed. But in the end the love wins.
The friendships both men have with their best friends are what got them through college and also helped them reunite.
There is a lot going on on this book. Some extremely hard to read times, some sexy, SEXY times, some much needed conversations.
There was a few ppl I would have loved to give a quick punch to the throat but at the end of the day, Love won out over the bad.
I am a huge new fan of this author . I am so looking forward to Brent and Lowell's story.
This story is very real, heartbreaking, spicy, sexy and wonderful.
I highly recommend this book.
You will cry, laugh, and fan yourself throughout.
July 1, 2020
I knew I would love this book as soon as I saw it and man, was I right.
I love second chances and this one was a great second chance novel.
The MC’s mer in high school, fell in love and then circumstances happend that made the two MC’s fall apart badly.
Fast forward 4 years and they meet again. This time the mc who hurt the other one has to work really hard to get the love of his life back.
The only problem I had with this book was, okay actually I had two.
There was more showing than telling Which make it feel a little shallow at times.
And the MC’s inner dialogues went on forever and ever at times.
I recived an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I love second chances and this one was a great second chance novel.
The MC’s mer in high school, fell in love and then circumstances happend that made the two MC’s fall apart badly.
Fast forward 4 years and they meet again. This time the mc who hurt the other one has to work really hard to get the love of his life back.
The only problem I had with this book was, okay actually I had two.
There was more showing than telling Which make it feel a little shallow at times.
And the MC’s inner dialogues went on forever and ever at times.
I recived an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2020
I’ve read this author before. This is a mm contemporary story set in college in the USA. Second chance love for Caleb and Nathan. I had no real connection with the main characters. They had known each other in high school that didn’t end well and they wait 4 years to try again. I’ll read more from this author.
September 24, 2015
Caleb and Nate met in their senior year of high school. Caleb wasn’t sure of his sexual orientation, but he knew he was sometimes attracted to guys and girls. Nate was pretty sure he was gay, but was in no way prepared to act upon his desires.
When Caleb catches Nate’s eye, they begin a hidden affair – mostly innocent – that ends in disaster on Prom night.
Now, it’s four years later and though they’ve been at the same university, they’ve not met up again. Until now. It’s one month before graduation and when Nate sees Caleb at a party he just knows he has to do what he can to both let Caleb know how much he’s changed, how sorry he is and how much he’d like to start over again.
Caleb has been carrying around a lot of pain and anger from the incident in high school and can’t let it go. With the urging of his friends and family and a relentless pursuit by Nate, he finally agrees to sit down and hear Nate’s side of the story.
In the end we get a very solid HFN that looks promising and a very satisfying end to the pursuit.
**
I really liked this book. I was worried because I don’t like “second chance loves” as a general rule. (For me that first meet is what really pushes my buttons) but in a way we get that too as a series of flashbacks into the boy’s high school life.
There is lots of talk of sex and some uncomfortable discussions of past lovers, but only one real sex scene between the MCs. So, to me, this reads as just barely a NA book and almost a YA book.
I appreciated, however, that the reactions of both guys felt pretty authentic and age-appropriate.
If you are a fan of second chances, college romance and geek/jock pairings – give this one a try!
4.5 of 5 stars
When Caleb catches Nate’s eye, they begin a hidden affair – mostly innocent – that ends in disaster on Prom night.
Now, it’s four years later and though they’ve been at the same university, they’ve not met up again. Until now. It’s one month before graduation and when Nate sees Caleb at a party he just knows he has to do what he can to both let Caleb know how much he’s changed, how sorry he is and how much he’d like to start over again.
Caleb has been carrying around a lot of pain and anger from the incident in high school and can’t let it go. With the urging of his friends and family and a relentless pursuit by Nate, he finally agrees to sit down and hear Nate’s side of the story.
In the end we get a very solid HFN that looks promising and a very satisfying end to the pursuit.
**
I really liked this book. I was worried because I don’t like “second chance loves” as a general rule. (For me that first meet is what really pushes my buttons) but in a way we get that too as a series of flashbacks into the boy’s high school life.
There is lots of talk of sex and some uncomfortable discussions of past lovers, but only one real sex scene between the MCs. So, to me, this reads as just barely a NA book and almost a YA book.
I appreciated, however, that the reactions of both guys felt pretty authentic and age-appropriate.
If you are a fan of second chances, college romance and geek/jock pairings – give this one a try!
4.5 of 5 stars
July 14, 2020
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.
September 17, 2019
A sweet and sexy second chance romance with plenty of angst and some coming out as an athlete drama. In high school, the hot hockey star fell for the cute, theatre geek, messed it all up, and now, years later, he’s desperately trying to win him back. Or, at the very least, earn his forgiveness for the mistakes that haunt them both and hold them back from letting anyone close enough to love again. The future looms, uncertain but full of possibility, for forgiveness and maybe a second chance. This story moves back and forth between their secret high school romance and the prospect of rekindling the fire between them before college life draws to a close and all chances of redemption are lost.
September 18, 2019
Have you ever read a book where you're torn between wanting to hug the MCs, and wanting to smack some sense into them? Well, this fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, intense, emotionally charged, gripping, and totally awesome tale did it for me. Caleb and Nate had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would DEFINITELY recommend getting it for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2018
4.25 stars
Oh Nathan and Caleb! This was a first-time author for me and I enjoyed the writing and pacing of this story. The author did a great job of lining up the past and present chapters to help build the story perfectly. Nathan and Caleb were both easy to like MCs and reading about their past just gave me emotions! They were super sweet with each other and it was lovely to see the young excitement and love between the two of them. Later on, we obviously see the falling out from when they were younger and that broke my heart a bit with how well it was written and how much the emotion came off the page.
This book definitely has some angst and we do not really get a resolution until the end of it, but it really worked for me. The timing was true to the characters, especially Caleb, and I think that it flowed really well. The side characters were also great and I am ready to jump into Lowell and Brent's book!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Oh Nathan and Caleb! This was a first-time author for me and I enjoyed the writing and pacing of this story. The author did a great job of lining up the past and present chapters to help build the story perfectly. Nathan and Caleb were both easy to like MCs and reading about their past just gave me emotions! They were super sweet with each other and it was lovely to see the young excitement and love between the two of them. Later on, we obviously see the falling out from when they were younger and that broke my heart a bit with how well it was written and how much the emotion came off the page.
This book definitely has some angst and we do not really get a resolution until the end of it, but it really worked for me. The timing was true to the characters, especially Caleb, and I think that it flowed really well. The side characters were also great and I am ready to jump into Lowell and Brent's book!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
August 26, 2021
Brigham Vaughn is a new author to me, but I quite enjoyed her first book in this series. I liked her writing style, which is pleasant and fluid.
The story is told alternately from the point of view of Nathan and Caleb. In between there are flashbacks to the past every now and then. This mixture of present and past I liked quite well.
When Nathan was with Caleb, he was the one who ended the relationship. Now it's a month until graduation and then they go their separate ways. Until then, Nathan had always preferred hockey, but now he wants to win Caleb back and time is running out.
The theater freak Caleb was then deeply hurt by Nathan, his heart is broken into a thousand pieces. He has covered up his heartbreak with casual acquaintances. Caleb loves drama on stage, but in his personal life he no longer needs drama.
I took Caleb to my heart right from the start, he is likeable and incredibly sweet. Nathan, on the other hand, I had my problems with in the beginning. But the more you learn about Nathan's background, the more you can understand him and his behavior.
But do they still have a chance? Can Caleb get involved with Nathan a second time?
I was well entertained by the audio book and I liked the development the story took.
James Edward Jones is a new narrator for me and he did a good job. He has a pleasant voice and he read the different characters in such a way that you could distinguish them well. You could clearly feel the emotions as well.
I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Book Promotions and this is my honest review.
An interesting and beautiful story about a second chance that makes you want to read more books by this author!
The story is told alternately from the point of view of Nathan and Caleb. In between there are flashbacks to the past every now and then. This mixture of present and past I liked quite well.
When Nathan was with Caleb, he was the one who ended the relationship. Now it's a month until graduation and then they go their separate ways. Until then, Nathan had always preferred hockey, but now he wants to win Caleb back and time is running out.
The theater freak Caleb was then deeply hurt by Nathan, his heart is broken into a thousand pieces. He has covered up his heartbreak with casual acquaintances. Caleb loves drama on stage, but in his personal life he no longer needs drama.
I took Caleb to my heart right from the start, he is likeable and incredibly sweet. Nathan, on the other hand, I had my problems with in the beginning. But the more you learn about Nathan's background, the more you can understand him and his behavior.
But do they still have a chance? Can Caleb get involved with Nathan a second time?
I was well entertained by the audio book and I liked the development the story took.
James Edward Jones is a new narrator for me and he did a good job. He has a pleasant voice and he read the different characters in such a way that you could distinguish them well. You could clearly feel the emotions as well.
I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Book Promotions and this is my honest review.
An interesting and beautiful story about a second chance that makes you want to read more books by this author!
September 20, 2019
Bully & Exit was my first book by Brigham Vaughn and I really liked it. The story was great and I loved the characters. I can't wait for the next book.
Want to read
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December 21, 2020
3.5 stars
July 30, 2021
I really like second chance mixed with redemption but I found Nate really hard to like. He was only 18 when he made his mistake, but I didn’t feel like he respected Caleb’s feelings when he tried to reconnect.
June 20, 2024
Grovel done nicely.
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