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Partners
NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Re-released Aug. 2020 as a single volume titled "Off-Balance".
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2014
2 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
83 books822 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 11, 2014
I enjoyed this follow-up to Equals and you really do need to read these in order, as this one starts right after the end of the first book. Stephen and Russ really grow as a couple in this book, with Russ getting a better feel for Stephen when they go back to his hometown for the funeral of his estranged father.
With Stephen's emotional equilibrium being rocked, Russ has to really step up to support him and take some control and in doing so is able to accept what he brings to the relationship. While the return home is difficult, Stephen is reunited with Miss Esther, an old family friend who is like a grandmother to him and has no problem telling it like it is.
If you enjoyed Equals you will definitely want to read Partners. This was a story with a lot of subtleties and a lot of growth for both the men as individuals and as a couple. I would love to see them back at home putting everything they've learned into their everyday relationship.
With Stephen's emotional equilibrium being rocked, Russ has to really step up to support him and take some control and in doing so is able to accept what he brings to the relationship. While the return home is difficult, Stephen is reunited with Miss Esther, an old family friend who is like a grandmother to him and has no problem telling it like it is.
If you enjoyed Equals you will definitely want to read Partners. This was a story with a lot of subtleties and a lot of growth for both the men as individuals and as a couple. I would love to see them back at home putting everything they've learned into their everyday relationship.
September 20, 2014
Well. I grew fond of Russ and Stephen in the first installment "Equals". That book delved into their dynamics and differences well. There was a lot of depth that we were all craving from Brigham. This book? Ugh. This book owned me. So much heartache and turmoil. But, at the same time, so much devotion and passion. In this book you get to experience this event and how it helps shape the way the characters feel about one another. And, the way they feel about themselves. Theres so much growth that happens here and it was an honor to read. And the writing? I was enamored with the imagery and the words Brigham uses to make you FEEL the scene. I love this author dearly. And I can't help but love her characters as well. Bravo, baby. BRAVO.
February 12, 2015
3.5 Stars
Partners is a worthy follow up to Equals and the story picks up immediately after Equals ends. Partners is not a stand alone novel and if you wish to read it, you really should read Equals first.
Stephen has just found out that his estranged father has died and he needs to go back to his home town to deal with all the arrangements. Putnam, GA is not a place Stephen ever wanted to see again, having only been back one time since his parents took their bitterness and bigotry out on him after he came out to them. There are few people in that town that aren't homophobic and Miss Esther is someone I would have loved to known. She knows what it is like to be condemned for whom she loved. Her second marriage was interracial at a time when that wasn't exactly tolerated. She is a good ally to have in a place where it seems that everyone hates you for being you.
Being in Putnam was not easy for Stephen or Russ. Russ offers what support he can and tries to not let the opinions of small minded people get to him. It's tough, though and their time in Putnam is filled with stress and regret.
Partners is a very low steam book. Going back to ones home town to make funeral arrangements for a man that hated your very existence isn't really conducive to getting it on like bunnies with your partner. Both Stephen and Russ grow a lot in the story and both, I think, learn a more about how to rely on the other.
I admit, I skimmed through most of the end when the funeral service and burial for Stephen's father was held. There was way too much religion there for my tastes. I'll wrap the rest in spoiler tags so you can choose whether or not to read about my issues with that part of the book.
After the service, I found Stephen and Russ to be in a good place with each other and the book ended on a good note.
Partners is a worthy follow up to Equals and the story picks up immediately after Equals ends. Partners is not a stand alone novel and if you wish to read it, you really should read Equals first.
Stephen has just found out that his estranged father has died and he needs to go back to his home town to deal with all the arrangements. Putnam, GA is not a place Stephen ever wanted to see again, having only been back one time since his parents took their bitterness and bigotry out on him after he came out to them. There are few people in that town that aren't homophobic and Miss Esther is someone I would have loved to known. She knows what it is like to be condemned for whom she loved. Her second marriage was interracial at a time when that wasn't exactly tolerated. She is a good ally to have in a place where it seems that everyone hates you for being you.
Being in Putnam was not easy for Stephen or Russ. Russ offers what support he can and tries to not let the opinions of small minded people get to him. It's tough, though and their time in Putnam is filled with stress and regret.
Partners is a very low steam book. Going back to ones home town to make funeral arrangements for a man that hated your very existence isn't really conducive to getting it on like bunnies with your partner. Both Stephen and Russ grow a lot in the story and both, I think, learn a more about how to rely on the other.
I admit, I skimmed through most of the end when the funeral service and burial for Stephen's father was held. There was way too much religion there for my tastes. I'll wrap the rest in spoiler tags so you can choose whether or not to read about my issues with that part of the book.
After the service, I found Stephen and Russ to be in a good place with each other and the book ended on a good note.
September 20, 2014
I had the pleasure of beta-reading for Partners. I fell in love with Russ and Stephen in Equals and was pleasantly surprised to see on the cover reveal that it said, “Book One”. Yay!
Partners picks up where Equals left off. Stephen is headed to his childhood hometown to bury his father and Russ is there with him for support. I was pleasantly surprised at how Brigham handled the animosity they felt as a same-sex couple in a small, southern town. It was realistic and that’s all I’ll say about that, except that she surprised me in the end. And it was a pleasant surprise that got me thinking about how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.
In Partners, we are also introduced, very briefly, to a sweet, young, man that I hope to see more of in Book Three. He pretty much stole my heart in his one, short scene.
The book is a little slower than Equals. It doesn’t hold all the angst Equals did. Russ and Stephen have kind of cautiously settled into their relationship, and, while Stephen’s thoughts are focused on what he will face in Putnam, GA, Russ’s focus is on trying to quietly support Stephen as his lover goes about the business of facing old ghosts and homophobic residents, and burying his father. Whether Russ ever realizes it or not, he more proves his worth in this book - not monetarily, but with something much more valuable.
The scene in the cemetery brought me to tears (and is doing so again as I think about it now) and I heard I wasn’t alone. The other betas were moved to tears, just as I was. That scene alone made me respect Russ in a whole new way. It was beautifully written, which should come as no surprise. Brigham’s writing is clear and concise. I am not normally a fan of novellas and short stories. I like big, fat, juicy novels. But Brigham is one of the few exceptions I make because she can write a novel in 30,000 words.
If you haven’t read Equals, go do that now. Then come back and grab Partners so you will be ready for Book Three, which, if my suspicions are correct, is going to be the best one yet.
Partners picks up where Equals left off. Stephen is headed to his childhood hometown to bury his father and Russ is there with him for support. I was pleasantly surprised at how Brigham handled the animosity they felt as a same-sex couple in a small, southern town. It was realistic and that’s all I’ll say about that, except that she surprised me in the end. And it was a pleasant surprise that got me thinking about how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.
In Partners, we are also introduced, very briefly, to a sweet, young, man that I hope to see more of in Book Three. He pretty much stole my heart in his one, short scene.
The book is a little slower than Equals. It doesn’t hold all the angst Equals did. Russ and Stephen have kind of cautiously settled into their relationship, and, while Stephen’s thoughts are focused on what he will face in Putnam, GA, Russ’s focus is on trying to quietly support Stephen as his lover goes about the business of facing old ghosts and homophobic residents, and burying his father. Whether Russ ever realizes it or not, he more proves his worth in this book - not monetarily, but with something much more valuable.
The scene in the cemetery brought me to tears (and is doing so again as I think about it now) and I heard I wasn’t alone. The other betas were moved to tears, just as I was. That scene alone made me respect Russ in a whole new way. It was beautifully written, which should come as no surprise. Brigham’s writing is clear and concise. I am not normally a fan of novellas and short stories. I like big, fat, juicy novels. But Brigham is one of the few exceptions I make because she can write a novel in 30,000 words.
If you haven’t read Equals, go do that now. Then come back and grab Partners so you will be ready for Book Three, which, if my suspicions are correct, is going to be the best one yet.
January 14, 2015
Partners is the follow-up to Equals and continues with Russ and Stephen’s relationship. After the death of Stephen’s father the guys visit Stephen’s ultra conservative and homophobic hometown and it’s heartbreaking to watch Stephen’s struggle with the memories of his hard childhood. I guess without Russ he wouldn’t have the strength to survive the hostility of those bigoted people.
I really liked the book, it’s just beautiful written. The angst, the pain, the heartbreak, the sadness but most of all the love between Russ and Stephen moved me to tears. The scene at the cemetery… OMG… I cried buckets of tears with Stephen.
Partners isn’t a stand-alone, you should have read Equals before starting this one. Definitely recommended. :)
April 24, 2015
This story was a beautiful sequel in the Equals Series!! I became entranced by the love these two men had for each other and the support that Russ gave to his partner, Stephen, after Stephen's father died and their journey to and during the emotional visit to Stephen's home of the past and the funeral of the man Stephen had lost because he was gay. The story was sad and heart wrenching, but loving and emotional. This is a story I'm sure many go through when parents refuse to accept the fact their sons are gay. These two men are meant to be together. Loved it!! I am enjoying their journey through their life together.... A Must Read!!
May 9, 2016
3.5 stars
February 10, 2017
Questo secondo volume della serie riparte esattamente dove si era concluso il precedente. La notizia della morte del padre di Stephen getta un'ombra fosca sulla serenità che i nostri protagonisti avevano appena guadagnato, dopo un acceso confronto e una serie di compromessi a cui entrambi si sono impegnati a sottostare.
Per apprezzare appieno questo volume, è necessario aver letto il precedente, così si potrà cogliere il cammino interiore – singolarmente e come coppia – che entrambi affronteranno in questo libro.
Il ritorno nel piccolo e bigotto paese rurale, in cui Stephen è nato e cresciuto, riporta a galla ricordi dolorosi e insoluti. Russ si rivela fondamentale per sostenerlo, emotivamente e fisicamente, in questo viaggio sia reale sia spirituale, che Stephen deve intraprendere per riacquistare la serenità.
A tormentarli non c'è solo il passato fatto di dolore, rabbia, recriminazioni e sensi di colpa, perché anche nel presente i nostri protagonisti dovranno scontrarsi con l'omofobia onnipresente e pregiudizi vari, ma non saranno soli in questa lotta. Per esempio, un personaggio secondario degno di nota è l'anziana signorina Esther, che si rivela essere una donna adorabile.
Tutto il libro è permeato da un sottile, strisciante tormento, il malessere di Stephen è predominante, con tutto il suo carico luttuoso, anche se non mi è sembrata una lettura angosciante. I suoi turbamenti sono trattati in modo realistico, senza renderlo un libro 'pesante'.
Non mancano neppure i momenti di intimità, parecchio hot, da cui i nostri protagonisti traggono conforto e sostegno reciproco.
Anche se è un viaggio di appena pochi giorni, Stephen e Russ maturano tantissimo dopo quest'esperienza e sono davvero curiosa di leggere il prossimo libro per vedere cosa succederà!
Per apprezzare appieno questo volume, è necessario aver letto il precedente, così si potrà cogliere il cammino interiore – singolarmente e come coppia – che entrambi affronteranno in questo libro.
Il ritorno nel piccolo e bigotto paese rurale, in cui Stephen è nato e cresciuto, riporta a galla ricordi dolorosi e insoluti. Russ si rivela fondamentale per sostenerlo, emotivamente e fisicamente, in questo viaggio sia reale sia spirituale, che Stephen deve intraprendere per riacquistare la serenità.
A tormentarli non c'è solo il passato fatto di dolore, rabbia, recriminazioni e sensi di colpa, perché anche nel presente i nostri protagonisti dovranno scontrarsi con l'omofobia onnipresente e pregiudizi vari, ma non saranno soli in questa lotta. Per esempio, un personaggio secondario degno di nota è l'anziana signorina Esther, che si rivela essere una donna adorabile.
Tutto il libro è permeato da un sottile, strisciante tormento, il malessere di Stephen è predominante, con tutto il suo carico luttuoso, anche se non mi è sembrata una lettura angosciante. I suoi turbamenti sono trattati in modo realistico, senza renderlo un libro 'pesante'.
Non mancano neppure i momenti di intimità, parecchio hot, da cui i nostri protagonisti traggono conforto e sostegno reciproco.
Anche se è un viaggio di appena pochi giorni, Stephen e Russ maturano tantissimo dopo quest'esperienza e sono davvero curiosa di leggere il prossimo libro per vedere cosa succederà!
August 27, 2015
In the second book of this series, Stephen has received news that his father has died. He has to return to his hometown for the funeral even though he has had no relationship with his father for the past 25 years. This trip will bring up all the bad memories, regrets, the homophobic slurs and prejudices of his younger life.
Russ, still craving the equality in their relationship, realises that by standing up beside Stephen in this difficult time, will help him to achieve that. He will support, show his love and also prove to Stephen that his love for him, is nothing like the love Stephen’s mother showed when she walked out on him when he was small.
Though a difficult journey, it cemented the union between these two men. Together they overcome the prejudices of not only being Gay, but also their age difference.
The way the Author wrote the character Miss Esther was excellent, she was the only one to show any affection to Stephen. She understood prejudice herself – in 1964, interracial marriages were against the law. She met and fell in love with a white man. Oh yes, she understood prejudice all right!
Every era has its own prejudices. Stephen and Russ prove that their love was strong enough to survive anything and the future that they were determined to build together.
Overall, the book was sometimes sad, very intimate and certainly introspective.
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
Russ, still craving the equality in their relationship, realises that by standing up beside Stephen in this difficult time, will help him to achieve that. He will support, show his love and also prove to Stephen that his love for him, is nothing like the love Stephen’s mother showed when she walked out on him when he was small.
Though a difficult journey, it cemented the union between these two men. Together they overcome the prejudices of not only being Gay, but also their age difference.
The way the Author wrote the character Miss Esther was excellent, she was the only one to show any affection to Stephen. She understood prejudice herself – in 1964, interracial marriages were against the law. She met and fell in love with a white man. Oh yes, she understood prejudice all right!
Every era has its own prejudices. Stephen and Russ prove that their love was strong enough to survive anything and the future that they were determined to build together.
Overall, the book was sometimes sad, very intimate and certainly introspective.
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
September 20, 2014
Partner's is a story of growth. Not only of love, but of a relationship. Russ & Stephen are amazing together and perfectly compliment one another.
The emotions and feels I got from Brigham's characters were there and then some! I could feel Stephen's hurt, anger, confusion, and tragedy throughout. My heart broke and then was sealed back up by the love and support Russ gave him. Sooo soo good!
I think it's the perfect continuation of Russ and Stephen's lives coming together. If you read Equal's, you definitely want to read Partner's! How can you not want more of these two guys??
The emotions and feels I got from Brigham's characters were there and then some! I could feel Stephen's hurt, anger, confusion, and tragedy throughout. My heart broke and then was sealed back up by the love and support Russ gave him. Sooo soo good!
I think it's the perfect continuation of Russ and Stephen's lives coming together. If you read Equal's, you definitely want to read Partner's! How can you not want more of these two guys??
January 2, 2015
More like 3.5 stars
Overall a very good continuation of Stephan and Russ' story, only the end got a bit on my nerves,
All in all I have to say, somehow I compared both books - and probably also #3, which I'll read next - with my all-time-favorite Elkin series. Which results in 3.5 stars rating.
Sorry, books!
Overall a very good continuation of Stephan and Russ' story, only the end got a bit on my nerves,
All in all I have to say, somehow I compared both books - and probably also #3, which I'll read next - with my all-time-favorite Elkin series. Which results in 3.5 stars rating.
Sorry, books!
December 5, 2016
Anche questo secondo capitolo ha saputo conquistarmi. Russ e Stephen hanno fatto molti passi avanti nella loro storia e, in questo libro, affrontano episodi importanti e profondi, stando insieme e portando la loro relazione a un gradino superiore. Russ dimostrerà di essere un uomo in grado di affrontare le varie difficoltà, nonostante sia più giovane di Stephen. Quest'ultimo capirà quanto il sostegno del compagno gli sia di aiuto in questa situazione così triste. Trarranno conforto l'uno dall'altro e dimostreranno al mondo che la differenza d'età non conta niente davanti al vero amore. Naturalmente per poter comprendere bene questo libro, dovete assolutamente leggere il primo, e avrete modo di apprezzare pienamente questa serie così bella di cui non vedo l'ora di leggere il seguito. Una storia d'amore in cui vengono affrontati tanti temi delicati e tristi, quali la morte, l'omofobia e i sensi di colpa verso un passato che ormai non si può più cambiare, il tutto raccontato delicatamente e in modo tale da coinvolgere il lettore. Apprezzato tanto quanto il primo libro e mi ha lasciato una gran voglia di leggere il seguito! Consigliato!
April 4, 2020
I'm not sure what it was but something was missing, that's not to say I didn't enjoy it though.
TAGS
-- not a stand alone -- established couple -- age difference -- met at work -- returning home -- homophobia -- grief -- likeable MCs... Russ & Stephen -- liked this but it didn't knock my socks off -- continues in next book -- looking forward to the next book in the series
TAGS
-- not a stand alone -- established couple -- age difference -- met at work -- returning home -- homophobia -- grief -- likeable MCs... Russ & Stephen -- liked this but it didn't knock my socks off -- continues in next book -- looking forward to the next book in the series
August 8, 2020
Review soon.
July 25, 2022
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October 26, 2014
Partners is the sequel to Equals and it is important to read them in order to get the best enjoyment from Partners. This part of Stephen Parker and Russ Bishop's story begins a few months after Equals ends. They are headed to Stephen's hometown in Georgia for the first time since his father kicked him out when he came out to him. The only reason they are traveling there now is for Stephen's dad's funeral. There is no other family, so Stephen has to plan it and be the one at the front of the room accepting condolences for the death of a man who hated Stephen as much as Stephen hated him.
Everyone in town has heard rumors over the years about Stephen being gay. When he and Russ arrive, their first stop is the home of the one family friend his father had, Miss Esther. She insists they stay with her instead of at the motel they have reserved. This turns out to be a good decision as she is a wealth of memories and mementoes that help Stephen remember that there were good times with his dad. It becomes the one thing that makes him feel something other than anger at his father.
They go next to the funeral home where they receive their first of many encounters with homophobia from the wife of the funeral director. They have decided not to hide their relationship, but instead to be open about it but not overtly affectionate. Stephen inexplicably allows himself to be talked in to having a viewing for his father. The only reason for this plot development that I can fathom is to show just how homophobic the town is. Stephen is a strong, smart, and decisive man. This forced choice seems to be out of character for him. While reading it, I saw nothing in it to move the plot forward. It only reinforced Stephen's already deep-rooted hatred for the town, its inhabitants, and his father. I don't claim to be a writer, but if I were, I'm not sure I would have included this in the book.
Stephen is usually the stronger, more "in control" partner in his relationship with Russ, but his despondency allows him to open up a little bit and let Russ take care of him and comfort him. They tour the town and Stephen shows Russ the old, now deserted, farm where he grew up. They have a beautiful, sweet time there and it made me feel so good that Stephen was able to make some good memories in a place that before represented only pain for him.
Miss Esther feeds them good southern cooking and informs them that she has the photo albums from Stephen's family home. When his father was going into assisted living and they were going to be trashed, she grabbed them thinking that someday Stephen might want them. Through them and Miss Esther's stories, Stephen remembers some good times as a child and Russ comes to understand the man he loves on a deeper level.
I believe that by the end of Patners, Russ and Stephen are actually more Equals than at the beginning. Seeing where Stephen came from opens up insight into him that Russ didn't have before. The pain it caused Stephen allowed him to acknowledge his need to be comforted and taken care of by Russ. The reversal of their usual relationship roles truly put them on equal footing.
Everyone in town has heard rumors over the years about Stephen being gay. When he and Russ arrive, their first stop is the home of the one family friend his father had, Miss Esther. She insists they stay with her instead of at the motel they have reserved. This turns out to be a good decision as she is a wealth of memories and mementoes that help Stephen remember that there were good times with his dad. It becomes the one thing that makes him feel something other than anger at his father.
They go next to the funeral home where they receive their first of many encounters with homophobia from the wife of the funeral director. They have decided not to hide their relationship, but instead to be open about it but not overtly affectionate. Stephen inexplicably allows himself to be talked in to having a viewing for his father. The only reason for this plot development that I can fathom is to show just how homophobic the town is. Stephen is a strong, smart, and decisive man. This forced choice seems to be out of character for him. While reading it, I saw nothing in it to move the plot forward. It only reinforced Stephen's already deep-rooted hatred for the town, its inhabitants, and his father. I don't claim to be a writer, but if I were, I'm not sure I would have included this in the book.
Stephen is usually the stronger, more "in control" partner in his relationship with Russ, but his despondency allows him to open up a little bit and let Russ take care of him and comfort him. They tour the town and Stephen shows Russ the old, now deserted, farm where he grew up. They have a beautiful, sweet time there and it made me feel so good that Stephen was able to make some good memories in a place that before represented only pain for him.
Miss Esther feeds them good southern cooking and informs them that she has the photo albums from Stephen's family home. When his father was going into assisted living and they were going to be trashed, she grabbed them thinking that someday Stephen might want them. Through them and Miss Esther's stories, Stephen remembers some good times as a child and Russ comes to understand the man he loves on a deeper level.
I believe that by the end of Patners, Russ and Stephen are actually more Equals than at the beginning. Seeing where Stephen came from opens up insight into him that Russ didn't have before. The pain it caused Stephen allowed him to acknowledge his need to be comforted and taken care of by Russ. The reversal of their usual relationship roles truly put them on equal footing.
October 2, 2014
I read ‘Equals’ just under three months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. As I wrote at the time, I was delighted to discover Stephen and Russ’s story wasn’t finished yet and looked forward to finding out how their relationship would develop.
‘Partners’ starts more or less where ‘Equals’ ended. Stephen has been informed his estranged father has died and travels to the hometown he hasn’t visited in about 20 years to organize the funeral. This is a difficult time for Stephen. His parents rejected him when he came out and never reconsidered that decision. The anger he feels towards his father is mixed with the knowledge that now the man has died the situation can truly never be resolved. Combine that with the attitude towards homosexuality in his small and very religious hometown, and Stephen is facing a very stressful time. But he’s not facing it alone.
Russ knows his place is next to Stephen. He may be twenty years younger than the man he loves, he has no doubt he can and will support Stephen during this time of emotional upheaval. While he struggled with feelings of inferiority in the first book, there’s little to no trace of that issue left in this book. With Stephen struggling with all his conflicting emotions, Russ comes into his own as the steady presence at Stephen’s side, always there with a supporting word, look or touch.
I once again enjoyed my time with Stephen and Russ and shared their frustration with the small-mindedness of Stephen’s hometown. It was wonderful to get a better insight into what makes Stephen tick and to discover the feelings hiding under his usually rather polished veneer.
Russ visibly grew in this book. Moment by uncomfortable moment he discovers how important he is to Stephen. While the difference in age and status between him and Stephen caused him pain and insecurity in the first book, he now knows he is indeed an equal partner in this relationship and important to Stephen’s happiness and sanity.
I loved Miss Esther. As secondary characters go she was one of the best and a joy to read.
“Love don’t always make sense. It don’t always follow laws. It just is.”
I always like it when I encounter my own thoughts or feelings in a fictitious character and there were two things Stephen and I are in complete agreement about. His thoughts about religion mirror my own exactly.
“I don’t have a problem with God, I have a problem with religion.” – Stephen
As does his idea about the way an ideal relationship works.
“But somehow, being with Russ was like all the good things about being alone with none of the bad.”
Brigham Vaughn once again pulled me into her story and amazed me with her wonderful way with words. Reading her books is pure pleasure and I’m looking forward to indulging in quite a few more of them. The knowledge that Stephen and Russ will return in a third book is a very tasty cherry on top of an already delicious cake.
‘Partners’ starts more or less where ‘Equals’ ended. Stephen has been informed his estranged father has died and travels to the hometown he hasn’t visited in about 20 years to organize the funeral. This is a difficult time for Stephen. His parents rejected him when he came out and never reconsidered that decision. The anger he feels towards his father is mixed with the knowledge that now the man has died the situation can truly never be resolved. Combine that with the attitude towards homosexuality in his small and very religious hometown, and Stephen is facing a very stressful time. But he’s not facing it alone.
Russ knows his place is next to Stephen. He may be twenty years younger than the man he loves, he has no doubt he can and will support Stephen during this time of emotional upheaval. While he struggled with feelings of inferiority in the first book, there’s little to no trace of that issue left in this book. With Stephen struggling with all his conflicting emotions, Russ comes into his own as the steady presence at Stephen’s side, always there with a supporting word, look or touch.
I once again enjoyed my time with Stephen and Russ and shared their frustration with the small-mindedness of Stephen’s hometown. It was wonderful to get a better insight into what makes Stephen tick and to discover the feelings hiding under his usually rather polished veneer.
Russ visibly grew in this book. Moment by uncomfortable moment he discovers how important he is to Stephen. While the difference in age and status between him and Stephen caused him pain and insecurity in the first book, he now knows he is indeed an equal partner in this relationship and important to Stephen’s happiness and sanity.
I loved Miss Esther. As secondary characters go she was one of the best and a joy to read.
“Love don’t always make sense. It don’t always follow laws. It just is.”
I always like it when I encounter my own thoughts or feelings in a fictitious character and there were two things Stephen and I are in complete agreement about. His thoughts about religion mirror my own exactly.
“I don’t have a problem with God, I have a problem with religion.” – Stephen
As does his idea about the way an ideal relationship works.
“But somehow, being with Russ was like all the good things about being alone with none of the bad.”
Brigham Vaughn once again pulled me into her story and amazed me with her wonderful way with words. Reading her books is pure pleasure and I’m looking forward to indulging in quite a few more of them. The knowledge that Stephen and Russ will return in a third book is a very tasty cherry on top of an already delicious cake.
October 15, 2014
4.5 stars
The Cover: I like the cover. It shows the support and love and teases a difficult journey.
The Title: The title ‘Partners’ shows that there has been a big step up since the two main protagonists were struggling for an equal relationship in the previous book ‘Equals’
The Story: There is a huge shift in the story since ‘Equals’. It has only been one day, but the big event that overshadowed everything else in the previous book and made the main protagonists’ problems seem less important in comparison, really brings them together. I must admit, it’s almost too quick for me. There were such struggles for an ‘equal’ partnership and just within one day they become such strong partners in one of the most tense visits home. It is nice to see, but I didn’t completely expect that it would go so fast.
HOWEVER, I think personal tragedies often bind two people together much faster and much more permanently than anything else. This story has a big dynamic shift. The focus is no longer on the self-confident Stephen as he tries to make his relationship work with his lover Russ. It is on a crumbling and heartbroken Stephen, who has to face the demons of the past and needs his partner Russ at his side to survive it.
This is not a story of high angst nor are there real, human monsters that await the two in Stephen’s home town. The story is much more subtle than that. I loved how real that made the story feel. It does not need to artificially create drama, it uses the very real problems that two men, openly together, have to face in a small town. Some openly hostile people, most hiding disgust and disapproval barely under the surface. Others showing support, love and indifference.
At it’s heart it is a story about loss and grief for a person that was estranged. Stephen’s father had disowned him and cut off contact, when he found out his son was gay. Now he is dead and the confusion about how he is supposed to feel, the tense atmosphere in the small town and the struggle to get to terms with the past and say good bye are very well written and it was beautiful to see Russ firmly at Stephen’s side through it all.
A beautiful sequel, at times heartbreaking, but always full of love and hope. You can feel the support and the love between the partners and how it makes this whole trip bearable. This novel is more a quiet whisper than a scream. No sensationalism, no over the top plot. Brigham lets true feelings speak for themselves and I believed every one of them. A brilliant, subtle story!
The Cover: I like the cover. It shows the support and love and teases a difficult journey.
The Title: The title ‘Partners’ shows that there has been a big step up since the two main protagonists were struggling for an equal relationship in the previous book ‘Equals’
The Story: There is a huge shift in the story since ‘Equals’. It has only been one day, but the big event that overshadowed everything else in the previous book and made the main protagonists’ problems seem less important in comparison, really brings them together. I must admit, it’s almost too quick for me. There were such struggles for an ‘equal’ partnership and just within one day they become such strong partners in one of the most tense visits home. It is nice to see, but I didn’t completely expect that it would go so fast.
HOWEVER, I think personal tragedies often bind two people together much faster and much more permanently than anything else. This story has a big dynamic shift. The focus is no longer on the self-confident Stephen as he tries to make his relationship work with his lover Russ. It is on a crumbling and heartbroken Stephen, who has to face the demons of the past and needs his partner Russ at his side to survive it.
This is not a story of high angst nor are there real, human monsters that await the two in Stephen’s home town. The story is much more subtle than that. I loved how real that made the story feel. It does not need to artificially create drama, it uses the very real problems that two men, openly together, have to face in a small town. Some openly hostile people, most hiding disgust and disapproval barely under the surface. Others showing support, love and indifference.
At it’s heart it is a story about loss and grief for a person that was estranged. Stephen’s father had disowned him and cut off contact, when he found out his son was gay. Now he is dead and the confusion about how he is supposed to feel, the tense atmosphere in the small town and the struggle to get to terms with the past and say good bye are very well written and it was beautiful to see Russ firmly at Stephen’s side through it all.
A beautiful sequel, at times heartbreaking, but always full of love and hope. You can feel the support and the love between the partners and how it makes this whole trip bearable. This novel is more a quiet whisper than a scream. No sensationalism, no over the top plot. Brigham lets true feelings speak for themselves and I believed every one of them. A brilliant, subtle story!
November 8, 2018
I can safely say I have never read a book as far ahead of a scheduled posting as I did Partners. As soon as I received the ARC, I went right to reading it and have been chomping at the bit to tell my review. AMAZING!!! Stepehn and Russ touch your heart in every way possible. To say I loved them is putting it mildly and, if I may add, stating the obvious. There were a few times where I could have reached in and throttled Stephen though, usually when he put voice to his doubts over Russ "settling" for an older man.
I can't even begin to imagine what Stephen is feeling having to return to his hometown after his father's death considering how things had been between the two men, but Miss Vaughn handles is beautifully. I'll admit that at times some of the characters were a bit on the preachy side but anything less and it wouldn't have been fitting of the story, the characters, or the author. I look forward to see what the future has in store for both Stephen and Russ (I hope) and Miss Vaughn.
I can't even begin to imagine what Stephen is feeling having to return to his hometown after his father's death considering how things had been between the two men, but Miss Vaughn handles is beautifully. I'll admit that at times some of the characters were a bit on the preachy side but anything less and it wouldn't have been fitting of the story, the characters, or the author. I look forward to see what the future has in store for both Stephen and Russ (I hope) and Miss Vaughn.
February 25, 2015
Partners is a second book in Brigham Vaughn's Equals series. It continues right of where Equals left the story. This book tells you about Stephen Parker and Russ Bishop. Stephen is 47 year old and succesful in his work and Russ is 28 and still trying to carve out his path in his work life. This story is about their relatioship and the emotional support Russ gives Stephen when he faces returning to his homophopic hometown after his father dies! I liked this book alot. It's beautifully written and carachters are so strong in their love and it just continues to grow during the book. Oh ok and the hot sex doesn't hurt lol. I must say that it's not often that I like the second book in the series better than the first one but in this case it was just so! My only complaint was that it was only 120 pages long. I would have loved to read more about theri relationship and how they dealt with challanges in the life when returning to Atlanta and their normal life again!! I hope there is more books coming to his series @AuthorBVaughn?
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Partners is not a love story, well at least not in the traditional sense. It is the continuation and growth of the love we saw blossom in book one, Equals. It is also about forgiveness, forgetting, and moving on. It is about rising above the hatred and bigotry one faces just for existing. It is about overcoming and abandoning one’s past so that they are free to move forward. All through the eyes of Russ and Stephen, whom we met in Equals.
For the full review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
Partners is not a love story, well at least not in the traditional sense. It is the continuation and growth of the love we saw blossom in book one, Equals. It is also about forgiveness, forgetting, and moving on. It is about rising above the hatred and bigotry one faces just for existing. It is about overcoming and abandoning one’s past so that they are free to move forward. All through the eyes of Russ and Stephen, whom we met in Equals.
For the full review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
April 27, 2015
Sad and Beautiful
This sequel centers around the funeral of Stephen's father and the trip back to his hometown. Russ is there for him every step of the way. This was a test of their relationship. Going back to the town he left 25 years before, after coming out to his parents, and only being back a handful of times. Facing old demons and coming to terms with his feelings about his father. Russ there with him, quietly by his side, loving him and being his Partner in every way. Their love grows deeper and deeper...
This sequel centers around the funeral of Stephen's father and the trip back to his hometown. Russ is there for him every step of the way. This was a test of their relationship. Going back to the town he left 25 years before, after coming out to his parents, and only being back a handful of times. Facing old demons and coming to terms with his feelings about his father. Russ there with him, quietly by his side, loving him and being his Partner in every way. Their love grows deeper and deeper...
March 31, 2017
Very sad
This was a sad, bittersweet story of saying goodbye. I'm sure too many children have had to experience disapproval and rejection from their families. For having a different sexuality, for having ambitions or desires that do not match a parent's expectations. This was a wonderful depiction of facing the loss of that parent, especially when the rifts were never mended. It was also the disapproval and rejection of strangers, judging a person for something they perceive as wrong. A lot to face in the moments of confusion and grief. Very moving and written very well
This was a sad, bittersweet story of saying goodbye. I'm sure too many children have had to experience disapproval and rejection from their families. For having a different sexuality, for having ambitions or desires that do not match a parent's expectations. This was a wonderful depiction of facing the loss of that parent, especially when the rifts were never mended. It was also the disapproval and rejection of strangers, judging a person for something they perceive as wrong. A lot to face in the moments of confusion and grief. Very moving and written very well
February 20, 2016
Boring!!!! And ridiculous. Why would you have a body viewing that you didn't want to have, so that others can come and judge you? He didn't owe anybody anything nor did he live in that town. Why would you stay around taking that shit from people? And all of the theatrics over age differences and people being gay feels dated. It's 2016. Yes, bigotry still exists, but it only has the power that you give it, and I'm speaking as a black woman married to a white man, who also lives in the south.
October 12, 2014
The follow up to the first book in the series, Equals, is just excellent. I really love reading about Stephen and Russ and how solid their relationship is in this book. Lots of emotion, character growth, and angst, and love between these two. I don't know if there is more planned in this series, but I can definitely read more!
September 23, 2014
I love the saga of Steven and Russ! They are sweet and loving, trying to live in a world where their love is not recognized. Back in Stevens home town to bury his father, they both learn a lot about each of their inner selves and Steven comes to terms with his past and future. This is a very satisfying story!
September 30, 2014
good continuation really in depth emotion
October 2, 2014
Delightful sequel to Equals.
January 10, 2016
2.5 stars
January 5, 2015
Book 2 a little slow.
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