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Husbands
NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Re-released Aug. 2020 as a single volume titled "Love in the Balance".
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2015
2 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
82 books778 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 4, 2015
This was a lovely end to the series. Both Stephen and Russ have grown and changed since the first book, but that doesn't mean that some of the same old insecurities don't continue to rise up, especially when Russ asks Stephen to marry him. As if that isn't enough stress, someone who had a lot to do with the way Stephen approached his relationship with Russ in the early days is back in Stephen's life. Stephen isn't the only one facing his past either as Russ decides to track down the mother who left him so many years ago.
I've really enjoyed this series and this last book has everything I've come to expect and a few things that would not have worked in the very beginning (phone sex people!). It's not smooth sailing, but Russ and Stephen finally get to their HEA. I am glad to see that there will be a spin off book for Evan and Jeremy as well. Maybe that means we haven't seen the very last of these two.
I've really enjoyed this series and this last book has everything I've come to expect and a few things that would not have worked in the very beginning (phone sex people!). It's not smooth sailing, but Russ and Stephen finally get to their HEA. I am glad to see that there will be a spin off book for Evan and Jeremy as well. Maybe that means we haven't seen the very last of these two.
April 25, 2015
Looks like their story wasn't finished!
So, it was nice to visit Russ and Stephen again! Great story, no over the top drama, but problems to solve that felt real.
While thinking about the rating, I asked myself: what's missing for 5 stars? Answer: nothing!
And I'm glad to learn that there will be Evan's story, called 'Connection' - hopefully soon!
So, it was nice to visit Russ and Stephen again! Great story, no over the top drama, but problems to solve that felt real.
While thinking about the rating, I asked myself: what's missing for 5 stars? Answer: nothing!
And I'm glad to learn that there will be Evan's story, called 'Connection' - hopefully soon!
April 25, 2015
If you haven’t read the first books in this series (Equals, Partners, Family) go do that now. I’ll wait – I guarantee you’ll be back.
I was honored to be a beta reader for this story, and let me tell you, Brigham makes being a beta reader an easy job. Her writing in Husbands, as always, is crisp, clear and to the point. Her stories are always realistic and believable. She is not one to create catastrophic conflicts at the expense of her storyline. More than once she has surprised me by not having a dramatic moment where I expected it. That said, the very opening of Husbands blew my mind. WHAT?? NO!!!!
This, in my opinion, is the angstiest (I’m making that a word) of the four books, which, of course, makes it my favorite one. My heartstrings were tugged and yanked more than once, often by what wasn’t said, rather than by what was. My beta notes had quite a few “Awww’s” and “Oh”s with tearful, frowny faces, mostly on Russ’ behalf, but there’s a few for Stephen as well.
I literally gasped when Jeremy made a poorly timed appearance, but I’ve gotta’ say, he intrigued me right from the start and I could totally see why Stephen was attracted to him. I’m glad to know we will get to see more of him in future works by Ms. Vaughn.
Don’t misunderstand – the overall feel of the story is not one of angst. There are still plenty of heart-warming moments between Stephen and Russ and, of course, the intimate moments between them are hot as heck, including my personal favorite: Russ talking a slightly awkward Stephen through his first phone sex.
Although the title of the book assured me Stephen and Russ would find their HEA, while reading, it didn’t stop me from feeling all the hurt and pain they each felt as they worked their way toward it. In the end, I can look back at their entire journey and know that all the trials and tribulations they’ve worked through have built the foundation they now stand on and it’s strong enough to last forever. I’m also tickled pink that they make more than just a cameo appearance in Connection – the spinoff novel from this series.
I was honored to be a beta reader for this story, and let me tell you, Brigham makes being a beta reader an easy job. Her writing in Husbands, as always, is crisp, clear and to the point. Her stories are always realistic and believable. She is not one to create catastrophic conflicts at the expense of her storyline. More than once she has surprised me by not having a dramatic moment where I expected it. That said, the very opening of Husbands blew my mind. WHAT?? NO!!!!
This, in my opinion, is the angstiest (I’m making that a word) of the four books, which, of course, makes it my favorite one. My heartstrings were tugged and yanked more than once, often by what wasn’t said, rather than by what was. My beta notes had quite a few “Awww’s” and “Oh”s with tearful, frowny faces, mostly on Russ’ behalf, but there’s a few for Stephen as well.
I literally gasped when Jeremy made a poorly timed appearance, but I’ve gotta’ say, he intrigued me right from the start and I could totally see why Stephen was attracted to him. I’m glad to know we will get to see more of him in future works by Ms. Vaughn.
Don’t misunderstand – the overall feel of the story is not one of angst. There are still plenty of heart-warming moments between Stephen and Russ and, of course, the intimate moments between them are hot as heck, including my personal favorite: Russ talking a slightly awkward Stephen through his first phone sex.
Although the title of the book assured me Stephen and Russ would find their HEA, while reading, it didn’t stop me from feeling all the hurt and pain they each felt as they worked their way toward it. In the end, I can look back at their entire journey and know that all the trials and tribulations they’ve worked through have built the foundation they now stand on and it’s strong enough to last forever. I’m also tickled pink that they make more than just a cameo appearance in Connection – the spinoff novel from this series.
April 25, 2015
This was a beautiful ending to an amazing story!! Stephen and Russ have been having their struggles...heavy work load, Stephen's ex, Jeremy, comes back into Stephen's life, and Russ asks Stephen to marry him....Unfortunately Russ was shocked and extremely hurt when Stephen said no. The tension and anxiety mounts between them....it seemed they were drifting apart. Unfortunately, Stephen's past and his insecurities about being 20 years older than Russ keep Stephen from wanting to get married. This has an emotional roller coaster ride. You find yourself feeling everything they are feeling.... these two men are so in love with each other that it scares them both. It took Jeremy to straighten Stephen's thinking out....Loved this story. The ending was so perfect for an amazing series.....Talking about sailing off into the sunset, literally!!!! This series is a Must Read. You will love it!!!
April 25, 2015
Fabulous fabulous final chapter in the series. I've enjoyed this series so much. I REALLY like how Stephen's marriage issues were handled realistically and he wasn't bludgeoned over the head by it (as romance authors are wont to do with characters who don't consider themselves the marrying kind). As someone who isn't the marrying kind, I like the way the character took care in their choices. I just REALLY have mad respect for how Brigham Vaughn handles this series all the way through to the end. Kudos. I'm glad I took a chance on Stephen & Russ.
April 27, 2015
Wonderful ending!
So, we have been following Stephen and Russ on their relationship journey. In this final chapter, Russ asks Stephen to marry him, and instead of saying yes, Stephen wants to think about it. Russ is devastated and so hurt. I was gutted for him. Thrown into this is Jeremy, Stephen's ex, who they run into and Stephen then has to come to terms with that relationship and how it ended. Turns out, Jeremy has some great advice for him and Stephen realizes his own internal homophobia has played a huge part in how he feels about marriage.
Russ too has his own issue as well as he visits the mother who abandoned him when he was young. Happy he did it, he was able to voice to her his feelings and see her for real and not the ideal he had carried with him all these years.
The trip to their hea was bumpy, filled with some angst, in the end though it was oh so worth it. I truly enjoyed this series, loved every aspect of it, Stephen and Russ are such a great couple!!
So, we have been following Stephen and Russ on their relationship journey. In this final chapter, Russ asks Stephen to marry him, and instead of saying yes, Stephen wants to think about it. Russ is devastated and so hurt. I was gutted for him. Thrown into this is Jeremy, Stephen's ex, who they run into and Stephen then has to come to terms with that relationship and how it ended. Turns out, Jeremy has some great advice for him and Stephen realizes his own internal homophobia has played a huge part in how he feels about marriage.
Russ too has his own issue as well as he visits the mother who abandoned him when he was young. Happy he did it, he was able to voice to her his feelings and see her for real and not the ideal he had carried with him all these years.
The trip to their hea was bumpy, filled with some angst, in the end though it was oh so worth it. I truly enjoyed this series, loved every aspect of it, Stephen and Russ are such a great couple!!
April 23, 2015
Husbands starts with a bang and throws you straight into the angst. We are with Russ as he deals with the devastation he feels when Stephen doesn’t enthusiastically accept his marriage proposal. To say it pulled me straight back into Stephen and Russ’s world would be a gross understatement.
I’ve come to love Stephen and Russ while reading Equals, Partners and Family (click the titles for my thoughts on those books) and couldn’t wait for them to achieve their official happy ever after. They didn’t make it easy on themselves or on me.
After the prologue we see Stephen and Russ happy together and I have to admit this threw me for a little while. For some reason I assumed chapter one would take up the story where the prologue ended and it took me a chapter or two to figure out we had actually moved back to an earlier time in their relationship. But, on reflection, I’m glad the story was told the way it was. Seeing Stephen and Russ’s journey to that heartbreaking moment in full detail meant both men’s reactions made perfect sense.
What I really like about these books, and what makes me admire Brigham Vaughn’s writing so much, is that she writes about realistic and recognisable relationships in which the partners go through issues we can all recognise and relate to. There’s nothing contrived about the issues Stephen and Russ run into and that means their problems and the way they deal with pull all the harder on the reader’s heartstrings.
Husbands deals with every question the previous three books may have left the reader with- there’s no lose thread left by the end of the book. Stephen's fifteen year old issues with Jeremy are dealt with, Russ faces the mother who deserted him and both men have to come to terms with what commitment means to them and how they view the future, especially taking into account the age difference between them.
Like the previous three books, Husbands is at times rather hot too. Being together for over a year hasn’t diminished the physical attraction between Russ and Stephen; if anything, the strengthening of their relationship has also improved their sex life. The scene where Russ introduces Stephen to the delights of phone sex was as charming as it was scorching. But, if I’m honest, the physical contact that really got to me were the tiny touches, the quick squeeze of a hand or thigh to show support or acknowledge the other’s presence. They, more than anything, showed how well matched this couple is.
No, their journey to wedded bliss was anything but a smooth ride. It was a fascinating, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting story though. Having become rather attached to these two men I am very grateful that Husbands, while the last book in the series, isn’t quite the end of their fictional life. They are set to make an appearance in Connection; a spin-off novel to be published later this year. All I can say is; bring it on.
I’ve come to love Stephen and Russ while reading Equals, Partners and Family (click the titles for my thoughts on those books) and couldn’t wait for them to achieve their official happy ever after. They didn’t make it easy on themselves or on me.
After the prologue we see Stephen and Russ happy together and I have to admit this threw me for a little while. For some reason I assumed chapter one would take up the story where the prologue ended and it took me a chapter or two to figure out we had actually moved back to an earlier time in their relationship. But, on reflection, I’m glad the story was told the way it was. Seeing Stephen and Russ’s journey to that heartbreaking moment in full detail meant both men’s reactions made perfect sense.
What I really like about these books, and what makes me admire Brigham Vaughn’s writing so much, is that she writes about realistic and recognisable relationships in which the partners go through issues we can all recognise and relate to. There’s nothing contrived about the issues Stephen and Russ run into and that means their problems and the way they deal with pull all the harder on the reader’s heartstrings.
Husbands deals with every question the previous three books may have left the reader with- there’s no lose thread left by the end of the book. Stephen's fifteen year old issues with Jeremy are dealt with, Russ faces the mother who deserted him and both men have to come to terms with what commitment means to them and how they view the future, especially taking into account the age difference between them.
Like the previous three books, Husbands is at times rather hot too. Being together for over a year hasn’t diminished the physical attraction between Russ and Stephen; if anything, the strengthening of their relationship has also improved their sex life. The scene where Russ introduces Stephen to the delights of phone sex was as charming as it was scorching. But, if I’m honest, the physical contact that really got to me were the tiny touches, the quick squeeze of a hand or thigh to show support or acknowledge the other’s presence. They, more than anything, showed how well matched this couple is.
No, their journey to wedded bliss was anything but a smooth ride. It was a fascinating, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting story though. Having become rather attached to these two men I am very grateful that Husbands, while the last book in the series, isn’t quite the end of their fictional life. They are set to make an appearance in Connection; a spin-off novel to be published later this year. All I can say is; bring it on.
November 8, 2018
I don't even know where to begin. Russ and Stephen had me from their first spilled coffee and being able to see their relationship grow, mature, and evolve has been a joy and has earned a prominent spot in my personal library. Brigham Vaughn has a way with the written word, she conveys so much emotion and detail with a relatively limited number of words. I'll admit that there are moments that I would sit and imagine what was going on between the pages, yes they would have added to the story but truth is that there is nothing lacking from Russ and Stephen's story without those moments. Sometimes, readers need to read certain points and others you just need to imagine and for me, Miss Vaughn has given us a perfect blend of visual and imagined nuggets.
Husbands is a perfect conclusion to this couple's tale, I can't say "ending" because that elicits too much sadness but it definitely wraps this romance up in a neat little bow. Now, having said that, it's not a sugary sweet, no problems kind of ride, the bumps are there and one bump is Jeremy, Stephen's ex. I was glad that we finally got to meet Jeremy and his part is not the cliche "ex wants back in". Calling Jeremy a "bump" is not giving him the credit he deserves on my part but there are some tense moments, even if it's mostly inner monologue. Yep, if you have been following Russ and Stephen's story, you just can't miss Husbands. And if you haven't read the Equals series, well, what are you doing sitting here reading my review, check it out because you won't regret it. I can't wait to see what the mind of Brigham Vaughn brings next.
Husbands is a perfect conclusion to this couple's tale, I can't say "ending" because that elicits too much sadness but it definitely wraps this romance up in a neat little bow. Now, having said that, it's not a sugary sweet, no problems kind of ride, the bumps are there and one bump is Jeremy, Stephen's ex. I was glad that we finally got to meet Jeremy and his part is not the cliche "ex wants back in". Calling Jeremy a "bump" is not giving him the credit he deserves on my part but there are some tense moments, even if it's mostly inner monologue. Yep, if you have been following Russ and Stephen's story, you just can't miss Husbands. And if you haven't read the Equals series, well, what are you doing sitting here reading my review, check it out because you won't regret it. I can't wait to see what the mind of Brigham Vaughn brings next.
April 25, 2015
What can I say about this book?
Oh how about....angst, love, and not only does it put you through your paces, but Brigham has made these guys work for it from the beginning of the series up until the end.
She made me yell at her right off the bat when I started Husbands. ;)
#MyRuss I love him so!
Each guy has a back story they want and need to have closure with, before they can fully have their happily ever after. While they both love and support one another, they each had to work through those times. She has come full circle with Russ and Stephen and they ended it with a bang! My favorite part was the last couple of chapters.
So, if you have read any of the Equals series at all, you definitely want to pick this one up to see how it all ends. <3
Oh how about....angst, love, and not only does it put you through your paces, but Brigham has made these guys work for it from the beginning of the series up until the end.
She made me yell at her right off the bat when I started Husbands. ;)
#MyRuss I love him so!
Each guy has a back story they want and need to have closure with, before they can fully have their happily ever after. While they both love and support one another, they each had to work through those times. She has come full circle with Russ and Stephen and they ended it with a bang! My favorite part was the last couple of chapters.
So, if you have read any of the Equals series at all, you definitely want to pick this one up to see how it all ends. <3
April 5, 2020
It was so nice to see these guys finally get their sweet HEA!
So glad there is an Evan and Jeremy story, I can't wait to get started.
TAGS
-- established couple -- age difference -- misunderstanding -- never give up -- sweet -- family/friends -- a wedding -- swoon worthy HEA
So glad there is an Evan and Jeremy story, I can't wait to get started.
TAGS
-- established couple -- age difference -- misunderstanding -- never give up -- sweet -- family/friends -- a wedding -- swoon worthy HEA
August 8, 2020
Review soon.
October 16, 2015
This is the last book of “Equals” series. In this beautiful series we saw Russ & Stephen fall in love, Stephen say goodbye to his painful past with the death of his father and a new family built of Russ’ father Alan and Russ’s sister, so what is missing?
Well, Russ feels he has to have a closure with his mother. After everything that has happened, he wants to understand why she left two children and never came back. Maybe what he finds out is not what he expected it to be, but finally, he can let go.
In my review of the third book, I stated how much I liked Alan (Russ’s father). This book confirmed that I was right in that judgement, once again he showed what a wonderful father he was, he did whatever he had too, he did all this for the sake of his children. Okay, he wasn’t perfect and made mistakes, but who hasn’t? But we were left knowing that he truly loved them.
And there’s still one last thing……..he wants to marry his Stephen. He can’t think of anything else, he knows how strong their love is and is so sure that it is the right way to go, but…….he never expected Stephen to utter the word “no” or better, “I’m going to think about it” – to Russ it’s all the same!
At this stage, I really wanted to strangle Stephen and my heart bled for Russ.
In the meantime Stephen meet Jeremy again, they end up talking a lot about their past’s when they were together. For a moment I was very worried, I was afraid that something happened but Jeremy was not what I was expecting. He is a strong guy and has real friendship feelings for Stephen, he explains that what happened in the past, wasn’t his fault and now was the time to move on.
Stephen is deeply in love with Russ, he has no doubt of that, but he feels old, too old for Russ. He doesn’t want Russ to be forced to care for him when he gets older.
It’s all very emotional reading, yes, you can get mad at Stephen but I really liked how the story flows and mostly, how this beautiful series ended.
It’s not easy to leave these guys, you are entrenched in their lives, it was such a wondrous journey, you felt it could go on forever but of course, everything has to have an ending.
If you haven’t already read this series, you have to do it, absolutely!
I can’t wait for the spin off of this series about Jeremy and Evan, I’m sure they are planning a lot of surprises for us already.
****I would like to thank the author for the opportunity and privilege of reviewing this ARC. My opinions of this book, were entirely my own.****
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
Well, Russ feels he has to have a closure with his mother. After everything that has happened, he wants to understand why she left two children and never came back. Maybe what he finds out is not what he expected it to be, but finally, he can let go.
In my review of the third book, I stated how much I liked Alan (Russ’s father). This book confirmed that I was right in that judgement, once again he showed what a wonderful father he was, he did whatever he had too, he did all this for the sake of his children. Okay, he wasn’t perfect and made mistakes, but who hasn’t? But we were left knowing that he truly loved them.
And there’s still one last thing……..he wants to marry his Stephen. He can’t think of anything else, he knows how strong their love is and is so sure that it is the right way to go, but…….he never expected Stephen to utter the word “no” or better, “I’m going to think about it” – to Russ it’s all the same!
At this stage, I really wanted to strangle Stephen and my heart bled for Russ.
In the meantime Stephen meet Jeremy again, they end up talking a lot about their past’s when they were together. For a moment I was very worried, I was afraid that something happened but Jeremy was not what I was expecting. He is a strong guy and has real friendship feelings for Stephen, he explains that what happened in the past, wasn’t his fault and now was the time to move on.
Stephen is deeply in love with Russ, he has no doubt of that, but he feels old, too old for Russ. He doesn’t want Russ to be forced to care for him when he gets older.
It’s all very emotional reading, yes, you can get mad at Stephen but I really liked how the story flows and mostly, how this beautiful series ended.
It’s not easy to leave these guys, you are entrenched in their lives, it was such a wondrous journey, you felt it could go on forever but of course, everything has to have an ending.
If you haven’t already read this series, you have to do it, absolutely!
I can’t wait for the spin off of this series about Jeremy and Evan, I’m sure they are planning a lot of surprises for us already.
****I would like to thank the author for the opportunity and privilege of reviewing this ARC. My opinions of this book, were entirely my own.****
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
April 29, 2015
I've read the other books in this series, but as I'm not caught up on writing reviews altogether here, the one for Husbands will come before the others. But no spoilers for any of them here...promise. :)
I had the distinct pleasure of reading Husbands before it was sent out into the world (and before some subtle/not so subtle changes were made), and it is a fitting and beautiful conclusion to the story of Stephen and Russ. It gives off all the feels that you've come to expect between these two men and then some. For once, I found myself at odds with Stephen (not typical because I'm usually completely gaga over him), but it was completely unfounded because well... it takes two to communicate, right? And there were those times where everyone was talking, but no one was listening. Or rather they were, but weren't saying the right things and hearing the wrong ones.
But in the end, you get what every Equals series story has provided, a happy ending that is just perfect for the characters within the pages.
I had the distinct pleasure of reading Husbands before it was sent out into the world (and before some subtle/not so subtle changes were made), and it is a fitting and beautiful conclusion to the story of Stephen and Russ. It gives off all the feels that you've come to expect between these two men and then some. For once, I found myself at odds with Stephen (not typical because I'm usually completely gaga over him), but it was completely unfounded because well... it takes two to communicate, right? And there were those times where everyone was talking, but no one was listening. Or rather they were, but weren't saying the right things and hearing the wrong ones.
But in the end, you get what every Equals series story has provided, a happy ending that is just perfect for the characters within the pages.
January 25, 2016
I have absolutely loved all four books in the Equals series. The gentle discovery of a relationship as two men get to know and fall in love with each other has been a beautiful story to follow.
Both characters have their flaws, but the each worked together to make a strong and lasting commitment.
There are no high dramas within these books, no jealous exes, no shootings or kidnappings, But that is a good thing. Vaughn has shown that it doesn't always take the crazy to make an amazing story.
I will definitely be looking to read more by this author.
Both characters have their flaws, but the each worked together to make a strong and lasting commitment.
There are no high dramas within these books, no jealous exes, no shootings or kidnappings, But that is a good thing. Vaughn has shown that it doesn't always take the crazy to make an amazing story.
I will definitely be looking to read more by this author.
March 14, 2016
I pretty much read this series in one day. Looking back it is actually one book divided into various arcs of the characters relationship. Each one ends in a good stopping point but it takes all four to really appreciate the couple. I loved watching Stephan and Russ fall love and work through the growing pains of their relationship. There was some drama and problems but they weren't over the top or silly.
August 9, 2015
Wow! What a way to end this series! I loved this...so much happened for Stephen and Russ, but I love that for the most part, they talked it out and were totally there for each other. If you like contemporary, may/December romance, I highly, highly recommend this series! Can't wait for the spin off book featuring Evan to come out!
May 1, 2015
Loved the continuation of this story. Lots of little problems that could have got out of control help the story with some angst. Glad these two got their HEA. and can't wait for Evans story!!
June 18, 2015
A beautiful end to a great trilogy. LOVED it :)
January 28, 2016
A beautiful ending to a perfect series. Bravo, Brigham!!
May 1, 2016
I think this is the best book in the series. Sweet, but not too sweet. If you want something nice and cozy to read - go with this series!
January 6, 2017
Absolutely loved this series. The growth these two men made in a year and a half. Ahhh
January 10, 2016
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews