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Connection #1
Connection
NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Re-released as a single volume titled "Trust the Connection".
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
5 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
82 books761 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
At just 20 years old, Evan finds himself unemployed, homeless and running from the small town he grew up in. With little money and nowhere else to turn, he winds up in Atlanta, taken in by Russ and Stephen. He barely knows the two men, but connected with Russ when they briefly returned to Putnam to bury Stephen’s father. For shy, quiet Evan, who was terrified of being outed in his small town, Atlanta and the open affection and love he sees between Russ and Stephen is a jarring change. He hopes to be able to have a love like that one day and sets out to find a job and make a life for himself on his own.
Jeremy is 36 and was left physically and emotionally scarred from a serious car accident 15 years ago. He still hasn’t fully recovered and suffers from daily pain and depression that at times makes him he wish he hadn’t survived. Working as a manager of a sporting goods store, he has cut himself off from the rest of the world. His few attempts at sex and dating since the accident have been disasters between his physical pain and his scars. As his depression worsens his doctors urge him to get out and socialize and make friends.
When Jeremy meets Evan at a party, he is instantly attracted. As they talk he understands Evan’s loneliness and low self-esteem. Jeremy decides to be the friend Evan needs, but the chemistry and attraction that goes both ways makes it difficult to keep things platonic. Evan has had no real exposure to other gay men and the attention he receives from the gorgeous Jeremy has him fighting his feelings. He knows Jeremy is offering nothing more than friendship, but can’t help hoping for more, especially with the way Jeremy flirts. As they spend more time together, their attraction gets harder to avoid and no matter how many times Jeremy tries to tell himself how bad he would be for Evan, the thought of him with anyone else is an even worse possible outcome.
Connection, is a very fitting title since the heart of the story really is about Evan and Jeremy each trying to form some sort of a connection. As opposite as they are in age, experience and their outlooks on life, they both are similar in their loneliness, their families’ rejection and not seeing themselves for who they really are and what they have to offer. Brigham Vaughn does a good job of allowing the reader to really get to know both Evan and Jeremy as individuals. It’s a very slow burn and the two men don’t even really meet until halfway through the story, but by then you want nothing more than for both of them to find some comfort and happiness in their lives.
Evan is such a sweet soul, you’ll want to wrap him up in your arms and tell him everything will work out. Evan wants to experience everything with Jeremy, but he is willing to take what he can get and is happy to finally have a friend who he can be himself with. His innocence and hopefulness is such a stark contrast to Jeremy. Your heart will break at Jeremy’s despair and feelings of worthlessness, but you’ll also want to scream at him to give Evan a chance.
Even though this is a spin-off of the Equals series, it stands alone from that. Readers who have finished that series will recognize both Evan and Jeremy, and the timeline of the two series overlaps a bit. You do need to go into this book knowing that it is only part one of the couple’s storyline and you will need to read the second book to get the complete story. The final scene leaves off with a hopefulness for the two, but the knowledge that it won’t be easy and, if you’re like me, it will leave you wanting the next part immediately.
At just 20 years old, Evan finds himself unemployed, homeless and running from the small town he grew up in. With little money and nowhere else to turn, he winds up in Atlanta, taken in by Russ and Stephen. He barely knows the two men, but connected with Russ when they briefly returned to Putnam to bury Stephen’s father. For shy, quiet Evan, who was terrified of being outed in his small town, Atlanta and the open affection and love he sees between Russ and Stephen is a jarring change. He hopes to be able to have a love like that one day and sets out to find a job and make a life for himself on his own.
Jeremy is 36 and was left physically and emotionally scarred from a serious car accident 15 years ago. He still hasn’t fully recovered and suffers from daily pain and depression that at times makes him he wish he hadn’t survived. Working as a manager of a sporting goods store, he has cut himself off from the rest of the world. His few attempts at sex and dating since the accident have been disasters between his physical pain and his scars. As his depression worsens his doctors urge him to get out and socialize and make friends.
When Jeremy meets Evan at a party, he is instantly attracted. As they talk he understands Evan’s loneliness and low self-esteem. Jeremy decides to be the friend Evan needs, but the chemistry and attraction that goes both ways makes it difficult to keep things platonic. Evan has had no real exposure to other gay men and the attention he receives from the gorgeous Jeremy has him fighting his feelings. He knows Jeremy is offering nothing more than friendship, but can’t help hoping for more, especially with the way Jeremy flirts. As they spend more time together, their attraction gets harder to avoid and no matter how many times Jeremy tries to tell himself how bad he would be for Evan, the thought of him with anyone else is an even worse possible outcome.
Connection, is a very fitting title since the heart of the story really is about Evan and Jeremy each trying to form some sort of a connection. As opposite as they are in age, experience and their outlooks on life, they both are similar in their loneliness, their families’ rejection and not seeing themselves for who they really are and what they have to offer. Brigham Vaughn does a good job of allowing the reader to really get to know both Evan and Jeremy as individuals. It’s a very slow burn and the two men don’t even really meet until halfway through the story, but by then you want nothing more than for both of them to find some comfort and happiness in their lives.
Evan is such a sweet soul, you’ll want to wrap him up in your arms and tell him everything will work out. Evan wants to experience everything with Jeremy, but he is willing to take what he can get and is happy to finally have a friend who he can be himself with. His innocence and hopefulness is such a stark contrast to Jeremy. Your heart will break at Jeremy’s despair and feelings of worthlessness, but you’ll also want to scream at him to give Evan a chance.
Even though this is a spin-off of the Equals series, it stands alone from that. Readers who have finished that series will recognize both Evan and Jeremy, and the timeline of the two series overlaps a bit. You do need to go into this book knowing that it is only part one of the couple’s storyline and you will need to read the second book to get the complete story. The final scene leaves off with a hopefulness for the two, but the knowledge that it won’t be easy and, if you’re like me, it will leave you wanting the next part immediately.
May 4, 2016
I’ve only ever read one other book by this author before (the first in the Equals series) but I found I enjoyed it so I thought I would give this one a try. While I probably should have finished the rest of the Equals series before tackling this, I found that what I didn’t know didn’t seem to stop me from liking Evan, Jeremy, or their story.
Evan, a funeral director (which is a pretty interesting job even if I wouldn’t be caught dead doing it) has been kicked out of his house for being gay. With nowhere to go, he turns to an acquaintance in Atlanta in the hopes they can give him a place to crash while he gets his life in order. It is thru them that he meets Jeremy, an ex of his friend’s boyfriend. Jeremy was pretty severely hurt in a car crash over a decade ago, and is still suffering from it. Despite being attracted to Evan from almost the get-go, he refuses to have anything more than friendship with the young man. It is, in the end, a bit of a losing battle.
This book is a bit (ha!) of a slow burn. Which I admit is one of my favorite types. I like the anticipation, the angst. It works well with me. So I enjoyed this aspect of the book quite a bit. There was just enough almost-there-but-not-quite moments to keep me in suspense and to keep me hooked.
These were two very well written characters. I liked the age difference (about 15-ish years I think) and I really liked how they felt their age. Jeremy, with all his problems, is a nice big ball of messed-up. And Evan is insecure enough to make me want to hug him, but not so annoying in it that I want to smack him. It is a fine balance, and I like that the author was able to pull it off.
A lot of the tension in this books comes from Jeremy not being able to (at least he thinks) have a relationship anymore thanks to his scars and his still present injuries. I could have felt a bit disingenuous, but the constant flair ups of pain and depression made Jeremy’s reticence a bit more believable, if not any less frustrating. I guess I trusted that Evan would wait out Jeremy (and wear him down), and in the end I got a nice reward.
Not a perfect reward, though, since this definitely falls in the HFN category. Not my favorite of endings, but it did leave us on a high note so I’ll deal. I get that it will probably take a whole lot longer for these two to work out their issues, so I am willing to hang on till I read book two in the series to see how they deal.
Overall I found this book pretty enjoyable. And it has kinda made me want to go back and finish the first series in this universe so that I can catch up with some of the secondary characters in this one. I do like a well written slow burn and this book does it really well. Totally recommend it, if that is your kind of thing.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Evan, a funeral director (which is a pretty interesting job even if I wouldn’t be caught dead doing it) has been kicked out of his house for being gay. With nowhere to go, he turns to an acquaintance in Atlanta in the hopes they can give him a place to crash while he gets his life in order. It is thru them that he meets Jeremy, an ex of his friend’s boyfriend. Jeremy was pretty severely hurt in a car crash over a decade ago, and is still suffering from it. Despite being attracted to Evan from almost the get-go, he refuses to have anything more than friendship with the young man. It is, in the end, a bit of a losing battle.
This book is a bit (ha!) of a slow burn. Which I admit is one of my favorite types. I like the anticipation, the angst. It works well with me. So I enjoyed this aspect of the book quite a bit. There was just enough almost-there-but-not-quite moments to keep me in suspense and to keep me hooked.
These were two very well written characters. I liked the age difference (about 15-ish years I think) and I really liked how they felt their age. Jeremy, with all his problems, is a nice big ball of messed-up. And Evan is insecure enough to make me want to hug him, but not so annoying in it that I want to smack him. It is a fine balance, and I like that the author was able to pull it off.
A lot of the tension in this books comes from Jeremy not being able to (at least he thinks) have a relationship anymore thanks to his scars and his still present injuries. I could have felt a bit disingenuous, but the constant flair ups of pain and depression made Jeremy’s reticence a bit more believable, if not any less frustrating. I guess I trusted that Evan would wait out Jeremy (and wear him down), and in the end I got a nice reward.
Not a perfect reward, though, since this definitely falls in the HFN category. Not my favorite of endings, but it did leave us on a high note so I’ll deal. I get that it will probably take a whole lot longer for these two to work out their issues, so I am willing to hang on till I read book two in the series to see how they deal.
Overall I found this book pretty enjoyable. And it has kinda made me want to go back and finish the first series in this universe so that I can catch up with some of the secondary characters in this one. I do like a well written slow burn and this book does it really well. Totally recommend it, if that is your kind of thing.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
January 31, 2016
Connection is a spin off series of Brigham's Equals series. I have not read the Equals series to completion so understand when I say you don't have to read that series to begin this one. I feel like that's important to say. I hate when I start a spin off and I'm lost. Of course all of Brighams work is amazing so of course read it all....
That said, Connection is wonderful. It's emotional, jarring, heartwarming, frustrating. You know, all the things you love in a book. Evan and Jeremy remind me of magnets. Each their own. You remember when you were a kid and you took 2 magnets off the fridge and tried to get them to connect but they did that refusal dance. No matter how hard you tried they just repelled. They refused to be together? Yeah so that's Evan and Jeremy. LOL. Immediately that is what I thought of when I saw those two interacting. Of course they were just going about the connection all wrong is all.
Theirs is a slow burn. A healing from the soul to the skin. But Brigham gets you there. The climax to their beautiful realization that they are perfect for each other is paced so well you kind fist pump!
I really loved this story and thought it was a ride that touches on all the emotions you have.
Great read.
That said, Connection is wonderful. It's emotional, jarring, heartwarming, frustrating. You know, all the things you love in a book. Evan and Jeremy remind me of magnets. Each their own. You remember when you were a kid and you took 2 magnets off the fridge and tried to get them to connect but they did that refusal dance. No matter how hard you tried they just repelled. They refused to be together? Yeah so that's Evan and Jeremy. LOL. Immediately that is what I thought of when I saw those two interacting. Of course they were just going about the connection all wrong is all.
Theirs is a slow burn. A healing from the soul to the skin. But Brigham gets you there. The climax to their beautiful realization that they are perfect for each other is paced so well you kind fist pump!
I really loved this story and thought it was a ride that touches on all the emotions you have.
Great read.
November 4, 2015
This story was an absolute delight to read.
This is the first book in a new series, but if you loved the Author’s “Equal” Series, you are going to be in heaven, because this is a spin-off from that series!
Now don’t worry if you haven’t read the Equal Series, the Author has done a fantastic job of covering everything, so you won’t feel “left out” and will understand everything, but I feel compelled to tell you, that after reading this, you are going to want to know how it all started! You have been warned!
We briefly met Evan in the second book of Equal series, that book focused on Russ and Stephen, so I’ve had to wait for Evan story, but it was worth the wait.
Evan’s parents have thrown him out of their house, so he calls Russ for help and they invite him to Atlanta for a new start.
Sure, Evan is frightened at the beginning, but he’s not weak. Despite his inexperience, he proves he is strong and courageous. He finds work, a place to live and begins to rebuild his life.
But of course he is lonely. He dreams of finding someone of his own, he wants what Russ and Stephen have – who wouldn’t want that?
He meets Jeremy (Stephen’s ex) and he likes him very much.
But Jeremy is broken and stubborn, he is strong and fragile all at the same time. He doesn’t think he will be good enough for someone, especially someone like Evan.
Sometimes I really wanted to shake Jeremy and yell at him “try, don’t waste this chance to be happy”
Evan wants Jeremy totally, but if it comes to it, he would take friendship rather than loose him. There is no sex till the end of the book, only a couple of kisses but the sensual tension is palpable and intense for the whole story. The author succeeded in giving us a whole prospective of the story.
There is no cliffhanger, this first book ends on a happy note, but there is so much still to figure out, that I really can’t wait to read the second book.
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
This is the first book in a new series, but if you loved the Author’s “Equal” Series, you are going to be in heaven, because this is a spin-off from that series!
Now don’t worry if you haven’t read the Equal Series, the Author has done a fantastic job of covering everything, so you won’t feel “left out” and will understand everything, but I feel compelled to tell you, that after reading this, you are going to want to know how it all started! You have been warned!
We briefly met Evan in the second book of Equal series, that book focused on Russ and Stephen, so I’ve had to wait for Evan story, but it was worth the wait.
Evan’s parents have thrown him out of their house, so he calls Russ for help and they invite him to Atlanta for a new start.
Sure, Evan is frightened at the beginning, but he’s not weak. Despite his inexperience, he proves he is strong and courageous. He finds work, a place to live and begins to rebuild his life.
But of course he is lonely. He dreams of finding someone of his own, he wants what Russ and Stephen have – who wouldn’t want that?
He meets Jeremy (Stephen’s ex) and he likes him very much.
But Jeremy is broken and stubborn, he is strong and fragile all at the same time. He doesn’t think he will be good enough for someone, especially someone like Evan.
Sometimes I really wanted to shake Jeremy and yell at him “try, don’t waste this chance to be happy”
Evan wants Jeremy totally, but if it comes to it, he would take friendship rather than loose him. There is no sex till the end of the book, only a couple of kisses but the sensual tension is palpable and intense for the whole story. The author succeeded in giving us a whole prospective of the story.
There is no cliffhanger, this first book ends on a happy note, but there is so much still to figure out, that I really can’t wait to read the second book.
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
March 31, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Jeremy and Even meet (very) briefly at that sporting goods store because Evan is looking for some running shoes. They meet again at a party for Stephen and Russ (Did I mention Jeremy is Stephen’s former lover? No? Well…) and wind up spending the evening hanging out together. They’re instantly attracted to each other, but Jeremy has convinced himself that he doesn’t want to get close to Evan because he’s afraid Evan will be disgusted by his scars, and he thinks Evan’s too young for him.
What follows is a slow, and sometimes painful, burn as Evan and Jeremy become friends. They both want more, but while Evan wants pursue a relationship, Jeremy is dead set to keep it in the friend zone.
This is an excellent book. Did I enjoy it? That’s a difficult question. It was so well written, and Jeremy and Evan are wonderful characters. However, the story is so…sad. Both men have been so hurt and are so lonely, my heart actually ached for them. There were times when I could barely breathe, and tears streamed down my cheeks. They spend quite a bit of time together getting to know each other, and as readers, we’re sucked into their lives. We get to see them loosen up and begin to act happy for the first time in years. Of course, because this is the firsts of a two book series, it’s not going to be pretty in the end.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Jeremy and Even meet (very) briefly at that sporting goods store because Evan is looking for some running shoes. They meet again at a party for Stephen and Russ (Did I mention Jeremy is Stephen’s former lover? No? Well…) and wind up spending the evening hanging out together. They’re instantly attracted to each other, but Jeremy has convinced himself that he doesn’t want to get close to Evan because he’s afraid Evan will be disgusted by his scars, and he thinks Evan’s too young for him.
What follows is a slow, and sometimes painful, burn as Evan and Jeremy become friends. They both want more, but while Evan wants pursue a relationship, Jeremy is dead set to keep it in the friend zone.
This is an excellent book. Did I enjoy it? That’s a difficult question. It was so well written, and Jeremy and Evan are wonderful characters. However, the story is so…sad. Both men have been so hurt and are so lonely, my heart actually ached for them. There were times when I could barely breathe, and tears streamed down my cheeks. They spend quite a bit of time together getting to know each other, and as readers, we’re sucked into their lives. We get to see them loosen up and begin to act happy for the first time in years. Of course, because this is the firsts of a two book series, it’s not going to be pretty in the end.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2015
I wish I had known that this was going to stop instead of end. I should have known better when it took so long for the main characters to get together. It was a good start to the book but it's obviously a larger book that is being broke up into chunks to get more money out of the reader. I won't be paying $5.99 a piece for however many parts are left of the story. It's not worth it. This is my first book by this author and it will probably be my last.
January 22, 2016
Nice story until it just stopped. Grrr! No warning that it was serialised fiction in the blurb.
November 20, 2018
An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.
Spoiler alert!!
I really do try to avoid spoilers, so I’ll attempt to be careful, but just in case, I wanted to put a warning in. (Okay, I just finished and there are spoilers). This is a spin off of the Equals Series, which I haven’t read. I didn’t feel that I needed to, as it stood quite well on its own.
This is the second of Brigham Vaughn’s books that I’ve read, the first being Bully and Exit. What I really liked about that book, and this one, is how issues from the characters’ pasts (or, in Evan’s case, present) come to bear on their present situations in life. Jeremy has been through a lot in the fifteen years since his car accident, physically, mentally, and emotionally; from having to deal with his pride fifteen years earlier–what led him to refuse to take the money from his lover to get his brakes fixed (what caused the accident, in part), to the painful process of physical recovery and the betrayal of his parents, which cost him the relationship with Stephen–his lover at the time. He is stuck in a middle management position at a sporting goods store (ironic considering his accident), alone and without friends. He considered himself a handsome man before the accident, able to go out with whomever he wanted. Now, he thinks he’s a disfigured cripple no one will ever love, surrounding himself with a curmudgeonly detachment.
Evan is young, very shy, and, partially in the closet (at least at the beginning). He works at his uncle’s funeral home, and his uncle has paid his way through school to become an undertaker, paving the way for Evan to take over the family business. Evan’s father is an alcoholic, his mother under his father’s thumb. They know he is gay, and tolerate it, just. When his uncle finds out and fires Evan, his father kicks him out; all that really mattered to him was the paycheck Evan brought home.
I love the serendipity that Stephan’s father’s funeral was at Evan’s uncle’s funeral home six months earlier, so Evan calls Russ, Stephan’s partner, in Atlanta. Russ and Stephen welcome Evan into their home; their philosophy they had it hard, especially Stephen, as a young gay man trying to get by without a family’s support, and that paying it forward is the right thing to do. It seems almost too idealistic, yet I can see people doing that, because the bonds of suffering the same experiences are very strong–and unfortunately all too common for young gay men (and women) when they come out.
That is one of the themes that I noticed in Bully and Exit as well, which is also in Connection: family is not necessarily who you are born to, but the family you make, and that’s a theme that resonates with many people, I think, not just individuals in the LBGTQ community (though especially there). What I like about dealing with that particular issue, however, is it shows how much people have in common, regardless of orientation. But it’s also a way that really binds the LBGTQ community together. I’m starting to babble a little here, so let’s move on, shall we? Hopefully I made sense.
While it seems like that’s giving a lot away, it’s really not. There’s a lot more to the story than this. It’s about two people who are scarred by their life experiences and don’t see their true worth. They don’t think anyone else can see anything in them. They have no idea how they look through someone else’s eyes. Jeremy only sees himself as a disfigured cripple, no good for anyone. Evan only sees himself as a shy virgin, not attractive to anyone. They are full of insecurities.
In contrast to them, Russ and Stephen have a relationship that is what both Evan and Jeremy want. They see what they want, they just have no idea how to get there.
Evan and Jeremy build a tentative friendship over Six Feet Under. I loved that touch. Seeing their relationship grow, stutter, fall back, start up, is so real, and sometimes so painful–I will admit that it made me cry, I felt so frustrated for both of them. Not the bop of the side of the head, just talk to each other frustration. Jeremy especially has years of conditioning and self-loathing to try to repair, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Evan is so painfully shy, and so used to hiding the fact that he’s gay, he’s learning to be who he is without repercussion from outside forces.
The book ends, not at a cliffhanger, but at a pretty “Ohmygosh what’s going to happen,” spot. It’s a sort of content spot, though. I would say HFN, with a pretty optimistic flourish. I lost track of the time completely and stayed up until 2am to finish it. I really cared about these guys, and they feel real to me.
Like building one’s own family, the topics of loneliness and depression are others many people will be familiar with, and I thought Ms. Vaughn deals with them very well and very realistically. I liked the advice that Jeremy’s Dr. gives him. I’ve heard it from my own Dr., so I know it’s realistic. Get out, be social. It’s much harder to do than it sounds.
I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward very much to the second book.
Spoiler alert!!
I really do try to avoid spoilers, so I’ll attempt to be careful, but just in case, I wanted to put a warning in. (Okay, I just finished and there are spoilers). This is a spin off of the Equals Series, which I haven’t read. I didn’t feel that I needed to, as it stood quite well on its own.
This is the second of Brigham Vaughn’s books that I’ve read, the first being Bully and Exit. What I really liked about that book, and this one, is how issues from the characters’ pasts (or, in Evan’s case, present) come to bear on their present situations in life. Jeremy has been through a lot in the fifteen years since his car accident, physically, mentally, and emotionally; from having to deal with his pride fifteen years earlier–what led him to refuse to take the money from his lover to get his brakes fixed (what caused the accident, in part), to the painful process of physical recovery and the betrayal of his parents, which cost him the relationship with Stephen–his lover at the time. He is stuck in a middle management position at a sporting goods store (ironic considering his accident), alone and without friends. He considered himself a handsome man before the accident, able to go out with whomever he wanted. Now, he thinks he’s a disfigured cripple no one will ever love, surrounding himself with a curmudgeonly detachment.
Evan is young, very shy, and, partially in the closet (at least at the beginning). He works at his uncle’s funeral home, and his uncle has paid his way through school to become an undertaker, paving the way for Evan to take over the family business. Evan’s father is an alcoholic, his mother under his father’s thumb. They know he is gay, and tolerate it, just. When his uncle finds out and fires Evan, his father kicks him out; all that really mattered to him was the paycheck Evan brought home.
I love the serendipity that Stephan’s father’s funeral was at Evan’s uncle’s funeral home six months earlier, so Evan calls Russ, Stephan’s partner, in Atlanta. Russ and Stephen welcome Evan into their home; their philosophy they had it hard, especially Stephen, as a young gay man trying to get by without a family’s support, and that paying it forward is the right thing to do. It seems almost too idealistic, yet I can see people doing that, because the bonds of suffering the same experiences are very strong–and unfortunately all too common for young gay men (and women) when they come out.
That is one of the themes that I noticed in Bully and Exit as well, which is also in Connection: family is not necessarily who you are born to, but the family you make, and that’s a theme that resonates with many people, I think, not just individuals in the LBGTQ community (though especially there). What I like about dealing with that particular issue, however, is it shows how much people have in common, regardless of orientation. But it’s also a way that really binds the LBGTQ community together. I’m starting to babble a little here, so let’s move on, shall we? Hopefully I made sense.
While it seems like that’s giving a lot away, it’s really not. There’s a lot more to the story than this. It’s about two people who are scarred by their life experiences and don’t see their true worth. They don’t think anyone else can see anything in them. They have no idea how they look through someone else’s eyes. Jeremy only sees himself as a disfigured cripple, no good for anyone. Evan only sees himself as a shy virgin, not attractive to anyone. They are full of insecurities.
In contrast to them, Russ and Stephen have a relationship that is what both Evan and Jeremy want. They see what they want, they just have no idea how to get there.
Evan and Jeremy build a tentative friendship over Six Feet Under. I loved that touch. Seeing their relationship grow, stutter, fall back, start up, is so real, and sometimes so painful–I will admit that it made me cry, I felt so frustrated for both of them. Not the bop of the side of the head, just talk to each other frustration. Jeremy especially has years of conditioning and self-loathing to try to repair, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Evan is so painfully shy, and so used to hiding the fact that he’s gay, he’s learning to be who he is without repercussion from outside forces.
The book ends, not at a cliffhanger, but at a pretty “Ohmygosh what’s going to happen,” spot. It’s a sort of content spot, though. I would say HFN, with a pretty optimistic flourish. I lost track of the time completely and stayed up until 2am to finish it. I really cared about these guys, and they feel real to me.
Like building one’s own family, the topics of loneliness and depression are others many people will be familiar with, and I thought Ms. Vaughn deals with them very well and very realistically. I liked the advice that Jeremy’s Dr. gives him. I’ve heard it from my own Dr., so I know it’s realistic. Get out, be social. It’s much harder to do than it sounds.
I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward very much to the second book.
February 10, 2016
Connection by Brigham Vaughn is a slow burning novel, incredibly introspective and more a character study than the basic m/m romance one is used to reading in this genre. Here is a story that exposes the battle that rages between deep-seated desires and needs, and the lonely reality that is the life both Evan and Jeremy lead. Rather than offer some fairy tale easy fix, author Brigham Vaughn instead allows her men to discover what could happen if they force themselves to trust—just a little–to imagine a better life—just for a second.
Evan leads a repressive, emotionally abusive life under the thumb of an out of work, alcoholic father and a weak and uncaring mother. Learning the job of being a funeral director is also under the narrow and bigoted view of his aunt and uncle, who never hesitate to put him down and watch him like a hawk. When a visiting business rep puts a move on the horribly shy and naïve Evan, his uncle catches the two of them, and all hell breaks loose, which ends with Evan being tossed out on the street by his parents. Homeless, shaken and terribly scared, Evan turns to an old friend and his partner, and moves to Atlanta to start again. However, he is so backwards, never even having experienced his first kiss, and while Atlanta turns out to be a new beginning, work wise, it is also an incredibly lonely place for a painfully introverted young man who so desperately wants to be loved.
Jeremy’s life changed horribly when a car accident nearly cost him everything. Now with ugly scares covering a generous portion of his body, and even deeper ones in his fractured mind, Jeremy does little more than work, eat and sleep every day. Afflicted with chronic pain and a deep awareness that he can never have either the sexual life or social one he deeply desires, Jeremy resigns himself to the loneliness of a solitary existence. He is certain he will never be worthy of another man’s love, nor can he ever really trust that a partner will not either pity him or be horrified by his mangled physique.
Two wounded and hurting souls collide. They dance around each other; at times, it is almost painful to watch—the uncertainty, the fear, the all-consuming need. Time and again Jeremy refuses to fall into the trap of wanting Evan, of actually following through and having the man in his arms, in his bed. Evan despairs that Jeremy will always turn him away, that he will never be good enough for anyone to take a chance on, for anyone to love. They dance, and dream, and wish so fervently that they could take that chance, make that connection.
If you are looking for a quick and neat resolution to this story, this sweet, desperate novel of loss and second chances, then you will be sorely disappointed. Like a first kiss, this book is fraught with possibilities but only in so much as both Jeremy and Evan are willing to expose their inner desires and trust that the other will keep them safe. Yes, there were times when I felt that the book labored over the recurring theme of self-doubt and, at times, self-loathing. Perhaps if some passages had taken the time to express what Jeremy and Evan were feeling internally a bit differently, I would have felt that there was less repetition of the copious amounts of inner dialogue. More than once, I wanted the author just to move on and nudge these two men a bit closer, a little faster. However, there is much to be said for establishing the depth of condemnation and despair both Evan and Jeremy felt inside which, in turn, hampered them from allowing themselves to ever believe they could be happy.
Connection shines a light on the possibility of “what if.” What if Jeremy can trust another to love him, to see beyond his broken body and wounded heart? What if Evan can finally accept that he is worthy of love, that he can be “enough” for another man, and love can finally be his? What if? This is what this gentle novel focuses on and dares to answer.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Evan leads a repressive, emotionally abusive life under the thumb of an out of work, alcoholic father and a weak and uncaring mother. Learning the job of being a funeral director is also under the narrow and bigoted view of his aunt and uncle, who never hesitate to put him down and watch him like a hawk. When a visiting business rep puts a move on the horribly shy and naïve Evan, his uncle catches the two of them, and all hell breaks loose, which ends with Evan being tossed out on the street by his parents. Homeless, shaken and terribly scared, Evan turns to an old friend and his partner, and moves to Atlanta to start again. However, he is so backwards, never even having experienced his first kiss, and while Atlanta turns out to be a new beginning, work wise, it is also an incredibly lonely place for a painfully introverted young man who so desperately wants to be loved.
Jeremy’s life changed horribly when a car accident nearly cost him everything. Now with ugly scares covering a generous portion of his body, and even deeper ones in his fractured mind, Jeremy does little more than work, eat and sleep every day. Afflicted with chronic pain and a deep awareness that he can never have either the sexual life or social one he deeply desires, Jeremy resigns himself to the loneliness of a solitary existence. He is certain he will never be worthy of another man’s love, nor can he ever really trust that a partner will not either pity him or be horrified by his mangled physique.
Two wounded and hurting souls collide. They dance around each other; at times, it is almost painful to watch—the uncertainty, the fear, the all-consuming need. Time and again Jeremy refuses to fall into the trap of wanting Evan, of actually following through and having the man in his arms, in his bed. Evan despairs that Jeremy will always turn him away, that he will never be good enough for anyone to take a chance on, for anyone to love. They dance, and dream, and wish so fervently that they could take that chance, make that connection.
If you are looking for a quick and neat resolution to this story, this sweet, desperate novel of loss and second chances, then you will be sorely disappointed. Like a first kiss, this book is fraught with possibilities but only in so much as both Jeremy and Evan are willing to expose their inner desires and trust that the other will keep them safe. Yes, there were times when I felt that the book labored over the recurring theme of self-doubt and, at times, self-loathing. Perhaps if some passages had taken the time to express what Jeremy and Evan were feeling internally a bit differently, I would have felt that there was less repetition of the copious amounts of inner dialogue. More than once, I wanted the author just to move on and nudge these two men a bit closer, a little faster. However, there is much to be said for establishing the depth of condemnation and despair both Evan and Jeremy felt inside which, in turn, hampered them from allowing themselves to ever believe they could be happy.
Connection shines a light on the possibility of “what if.” What if Jeremy can trust another to love him, to see beyond his broken body and wounded heart? What if Evan can finally accept that he is worthy of love, that he can be “enough” for another man, and love can finally be his? What if? This is what this gentle novel focuses on and dares to answer.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
March 19, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
This was my first book by this author. I knew pretty quickly I’d missed something from a previous book with the introduction of Russ and Stephen the couple from the blurb who help out our MC, Evan. This book features characters from a series called Equals by this author which is the story of how Russ and Stephen came to be. Another tie in is the love interest in Connection is Stephen’s ex. I know I missed some back story by not reading the books from this world before Connection, however the author does a good job of informing me enough to follow along. I don’t think you have to read them to enjoy this story but personally I think knowing all the details of the back story might have helped me enjoy this book more.
Evan is fired from his job after almost kissing a guy at his uncle’s funeral home where he works. News travels fast because his drunk abusive husband also kicks Evan out of his house. Evan is shy and doesn’t have any friends or family to turn to. He remembers meeting Russ and his offer to help. Russ and his partner Stephen tell Evan to come stay with them in Atlanta. They’re very supportive while Russ finds a job and an apartment of his own. An engagement party thrown by the couple introduces him to Stephen’s ex Jeremy. Jeremy was once young and carefree. After a horrific accident he’s left scarred both physically and mentally. He has lasting medical problems. Basically he’s just not up to having a relationship. Not even with Evan who he wants badly. Evan wants him too but Jeremy continuously reaffirms the “friends only” status of their relationship.
I really liked Jeremy. He struggles constantly with the man he was before and after the accident. The moments he forgets his restrictions only to have them rear their ugly head are sad and I understand his frustration. It’s like he’s being held back in some way. Jeremy has fought hard to get some semblance of his life back but it’s a constant struggle. He wants to have sex but his body objects to the strain it puts on him. He also has great shame about his scars. Jeremy won’t even look at them. I totally felt his disgust with himself which is pretty heartbreaking. Jeremy handles it all pretty well most of the time. He knows his limitations and tries to do his best to live a normal life. That all gets a little harder after he falls for Evan. Evan is a virgin. He’s never even kissed a guy. He knows he wants to but he’s really not into just hooking up for the sake of it. Evan wants a relationship with someone who cares about him. He forms a friendship with Jeremy but secretly wants more.
Now being as I hadn’t read the previous books I didn’t realize this author spreads out her story over a few books. That being said I was a little concerned when our MCs hadn’t even met 80 pages into the 170 page book. To be fair they both had to figure out their lives. I just didn’t realize this wouldn’t be one book and an HEA. Not really the author’s fault but I feel like mentioning that this book is open ended. I liked the book well enough. I’m sure I’d like the second one better because I couldn’t help but feel like we were just getting to the good part where they finally give into their attraction and it ends! So be prepared to have book 2 handy.
This was my first book by this author. I knew pretty quickly I’d missed something from a previous book with the introduction of Russ and Stephen the couple from the blurb who help out our MC, Evan. This book features characters from a series called Equals by this author which is the story of how Russ and Stephen came to be. Another tie in is the love interest in Connection is Stephen’s ex. I know I missed some back story by not reading the books from this world before Connection, however the author does a good job of informing me enough to follow along. I don’t think you have to read them to enjoy this story but personally I think knowing all the details of the back story might have helped me enjoy this book more.
Evan is fired from his job after almost kissing a guy at his uncle’s funeral home where he works. News travels fast because his drunk abusive husband also kicks Evan out of his house. Evan is shy and doesn’t have any friends or family to turn to. He remembers meeting Russ and his offer to help. Russ and his partner Stephen tell Evan to come stay with them in Atlanta. They’re very supportive while Russ finds a job and an apartment of his own. An engagement party thrown by the couple introduces him to Stephen’s ex Jeremy. Jeremy was once young and carefree. After a horrific accident he’s left scarred both physically and mentally. He has lasting medical problems. Basically he’s just not up to having a relationship. Not even with Evan who he wants badly. Evan wants him too but Jeremy continuously reaffirms the “friends only” status of their relationship.
I really liked Jeremy. He struggles constantly with the man he was before and after the accident. The moments he forgets his restrictions only to have them rear their ugly head are sad and I understand his frustration. It’s like he’s being held back in some way. Jeremy has fought hard to get some semblance of his life back but it’s a constant struggle. He wants to have sex but his body objects to the strain it puts on him. He also has great shame about his scars. Jeremy won’t even look at them. I totally felt his disgust with himself which is pretty heartbreaking. Jeremy handles it all pretty well most of the time. He knows his limitations and tries to do his best to live a normal life. That all gets a little harder after he falls for Evan. Evan is a virgin. He’s never even kissed a guy. He knows he wants to but he’s really not into just hooking up for the sake of it. Evan wants a relationship with someone who cares about him. He forms a friendship with Jeremy but secretly wants more.
Now being as I hadn’t read the previous books I didn’t realize this author spreads out her story over a few books. That being said I was a little concerned when our MCs hadn’t even met 80 pages into the 170 page book. To be fair they both had to figure out their lives. I just didn’t realize this wouldn’t be one book and an HEA. Not really the author’s fault but I feel like mentioning that this book is open ended. I liked the book well enough. I’m sure I’d like the second one better because I couldn’t help but feel like we were just getting to the good part where they finally give into their attraction and it ends! So be prepared to have book 2 handy.
October 17, 2015
I received my copy from the author.
We first met Evan in ‘Partners’ when he worked in the funeral home and Russ (from the Equals Series) befriended him. Evan is gay and has been hiding the fact from his family and the town he lives in. When his secret is revealed his father kicks him out of his home and in his desperation he turns to Russ who doesn’t hesitate but immediately offers him a place to stay in the apartment he shares with Stephen.
Jeremy is Stephen’s ex and has been trying to rebuild his life after a devastating car crash left him alone, scarred and with permanent injuries. In the process he has become a bit of a recluse. He goes out to work but doesn’t have a social life and doesn’t believe he’ll ever be in a relationship again now he’s as damaged as deems himself to be.
Neither man has a whole lot of confidence. Both view the world and their place in it with suspicion. Evan would like to hope but doesn’t believe his dreams could ever come true while Jeremy has all but given up on hope and just tries to make it through his days without giving into despair.
When the two men meet, they engage in what can best be described as a slow and tenuous dance. The attraction is strong on both sides but neither man believes that the other could possibly feel the same. Throw in Jeremy’s hang-ups about his scars and limitations and a coming together appears very unlikely, until….
No, you’ll have to read the book
I adored this story. Both Jeremy and Evan touched my heart. I was constantly torn between wanting to wrap them in my arms to keep them safe and make them feel loved and wanting to slap them around the head for not communicating more honestly with each other. To say I got emotionally involved in this story would be a gross understatement.
I love that there are no stereotypes in this book; the seemingly weak and defenceless may be stronger while he who appears self-assured and world wise may the one with most insecurities and lessons to learn. No typical stronger character ‘healing’ or strengthening someone weaker. This is much closer to reality; two men with issues, fears, and insecurities find each other and have to find a way to be together without crushing each other or themselves. These men are beautiful in their flaws – maybe because of them. Their journey so far has been breathtaking, engrossing, at times heartbreaking but ultimately beautiful and uplifting. But of course this is only the first part of Jeremy and Evan’s story. When we leave them we are allowed to hope they’re on their way to a future together but given their pasts and the realistic way in which the author tells their story, I have no doubt they’ll be running into another obstacle or two before they get there. And I’ll be with them, every step of the way.
To summarize: I adored this story. I’m in awe of the way in which Brigham Vaughn managed to portray these two damaged men without turning them into weak or boring characters. I loved the way we’re allowed to see Jeremy and Evan’s strength, even when they’re at their weakest. And I’ll never stop admiring this author’s use of the English language – her sentences are a thing of beauty and something I can only aspire to. In short, Connection, like the Equals series it sprang from, comes highly recommended.
We first met Evan in ‘Partners’ when he worked in the funeral home and Russ (from the Equals Series) befriended him. Evan is gay and has been hiding the fact from his family and the town he lives in. When his secret is revealed his father kicks him out of his home and in his desperation he turns to Russ who doesn’t hesitate but immediately offers him a place to stay in the apartment he shares with Stephen.
Jeremy is Stephen’s ex and has been trying to rebuild his life after a devastating car crash left him alone, scarred and with permanent injuries. In the process he has become a bit of a recluse. He goes out to work but doesn’t have a social life and doesn’t believe he’ll ever be in a relationship again now he’s as damaged as deems himself to be.
Neither man has a whole lot of confidence. Both view the world and their place in it with suspicion. Evan would like to hope but doesn’t believe his dreams could ever come true while Jeremy has all but given up on hope and just tries to make it through his days without giving into despair.
When the two men meet, they engage in what can best be described as a slow and tenuous dance. The attraction is strong on both sides but neither man believes that the other could possibly feel the same. Throw in Jeremy’s hang-ups about his scars and limitations and a coming together appears very unlikely, until….
No, you’ll have to read the book
I adored this story. Both Jeremy and Evan touched my heart. I was constantly torn between wanting to wrap them in my arms to keep them safe and make them feel loved and wanting to slap them around the head for not communicating more honestly with each other. To say I got emotionally involved in this story would be a gross understatement.
I love that there are no stereotypes in this book; the seemingly weak and defenceless may be stronger while he who appears self-assured and world wise may the one with most insecurities and lessons to learn. No typical stronger character ‘healing’ or strengthening someone weaker. This is much closer to reality; two men with issues, fears, and insecurities find each other and have to find a way to be together without crushing each other or themselves. These men are beautiful in their flaws – maybe because of them. Their journey so far has been breathtaking, engrossing, at times heartbreaking but ultimately beautiful and uplifting. But of course this is only the first part of Jeremy and Evan’s story. When we leave them we are allowed to hope they’re on their way to a future together but given their pasts and the realistic way in which the author tells their story, I have no doubt they’ll be running into another obstacle or two before they get there. And I’ll be with them, every step of the way.
To summarize: I adored this story. I’m in awe of the way in which Brigham Vaughn managed to portray these two damaged men without turning them into weak or boring characters. I loved the way we’re allowed to see Jeremy and Evan’s strength, even when they’re at their weakest. And I’ll never stop admiring this author’s use of the English language – her sentences are a thing of beauty and something I can only aspire to. In short, Connection, like the Equals series it sprang from, comes highly recommended.
February 3, 2016
Oh Evan. As Connection begins, sweet, shy Evan is looking at the ruination of his life as he knows it and only wants to get out of the house with unhurt. He has been unintentionally outed to his bigoted aunt and uncle, who just happen to be his employers at the funeral home they own, and evil auntie of course immediately told his parents. Daddy dearest has spoken, “I want you out of this house, you little faggot.” So Evan calls the only person he can think of, not even really a friend, and escapes to Atlanta.
It is to the home of Russ and Stephen, people Evan met through the funeral home, who he turns to. He may not understand why they are willing to put him up and help him out, but Stephen had a bad coming-out as well and their only request is – pay it forward. As Russ says, “I can’t go back and fix Stephen’s past, but maybe I can make your life a little easier.” So Evan has a place to stay with people who care and he’s going to make something of himself. When Evan lands a job (and please let there be more real life people who are like Lori), you want to hug him. “He hung up the phone with trembling hands, dropped it on the mattress next to him, put his head on his knees, and cried. Big heaving sobs of relief as he realized his life wasn’t a complete disaster anymore.” Never was, love, never was.
Evan meets Jeremy when he goes into the sporting goods store where Jeremy is the assistant manager to buy running shoes. There’s an attraction, yes, but neither of them is going to do anything about it. Evan is just finding his way and Jeremy, suffering from pain and trauma from an accident fifteen years ago, doesn’t do that. He has been advised by his doctor and psychiatrist that part of his problem is social isolation. So when an accidental meeting with Evan comes up, he is willing to have a friend. The fact that Stephen is Jeremy’s ex (boyfriend at the time of his accident) makes things a little easier because there’s an excuse to talk. But it’s never that easy, since Jeremy is a walking wounded and Evan has no confidence.
I have to say though – the first kiss between these two was awesome. I absolutely loved it, awkward, fumbling, sweet and all. But it’s a long way from being together because Jeremy has issues about his body with all the scars and they have difficulty getting past. When Evan’s mom calls, there is an opportunity for some closure but again, Evan needs to be hugged. I liked the way Jeremy starts to realize what Evan is to him, as well.
My one issue with the book is the ending. It’s a maybe HFN, if that. I didn’t realize this was a serial so while it’s not a complete cliffhanger the story definitely ends on an abrupt note. The next installment is out in winter, so I’m hoping it’s not too long of a wait.
It is to the home of Russ and Stephen, people Evan met through the funeral home, who he turns to. He may not understand why they are willing to put him up and help him out, but Stephen had a bad coming-out as well and their only request is – pay it forward. As Russ says, “I can’t go back and fix Stephen’s past, but maybe I can make your life a little easier.” So Evan has a place to stay with people who care and he’s going to make something of himself. When Evan lands a job (and please let there be more real life people who are like Lori), you want to hug him. “He hung up the phone with trembling hands, dropped it on the mattress next to him, put his head on his knees, and cried. Big heaving sobs of relief as he realized his life wasn’t a complete disaster anymore.” Never was, love, never was.
Evan meets Jeremy when he goes into the sporting goods store where Jeremy is the assistant manager to buy running shoes. There’s an attraction, yes, but neither of them is going to do anything about it. Evan is just finding his way and Jeremy, suffering from pain and trauma from an accident fifteen years ago, doesn’t do that. He has been advised by his doctor and psychiatrist that part of his problem is social isolation. So when an accidental meeting with Evan comes up, he is willing to have a friend. The fact that Stephen is Jeremy’s ex (boyfriend at the time of his accident) makes things a little easier because there’s an excuse to talk. But it’s never that easy, since Jeremy is a walking wounded and Evan has no confidence.
I have to say though – the first kiss between these two was awesome. I absolutely loved it, awkward, fumbling, sweet and all. But it’s a long way from being together because Jeremy has issues about his body with all the scars and they have difficulty getting past. When Evan’s mom calls, there is an opportunity for some closure but again, Evan needs to be hugged. I liked the way Jeremy starts to realize what Evan is to him, as well.
My one issue with the book is the ending. It’s a maybe HFN, if that. I didn’t realize this was a serial so while it’s not a complete cliffhanger the story definitely ends on an abrupt note. The next installment is out in winter, so I’m hoping it’s not too long of a wait.
January 28, 2016
I was a beta reader for this book.
Evan was glimpsed briefly in the Equals series, and we should all be thankful that Brigham decided to tell his story in this new two book spin-off series. You don’t have to read the Equals series to enjoy these books, but you will enjoy them as well so I suggest you read them too.
This is an amazing story about two very differently damaged men finding their way to love. Jeremy and Evan have to learn to love themselves before they can find their love together and this is the first installment of that journey.
It would appear that Jeremy’s only difficulties are physical, but Brigham does an amazing job of showing how much more deeply his issues run. It would seem that Evan is the weaker of the two, but the reality is that it his core strength that will be what they both need to move beyond their struggles.
These are two of my favorite of Brigham’s characters. I love how she wove their stories together to show that it’s not always the obvious problems people face that hold them back. This isn’t a story where two troubled people are magically cured by finding each other, it is the story of how two troubled people can be there to help each other heal themselves to be ready to find love.
This is a remarkable book with characters that will imprint themselves on your heart. Take the journey with Evan and Jeremy you will be so glad you did.
Evan was glimpsed briefly in the Equals series, and we should all be thankful that Brigham decided to tell his story in this new two book spin-off series. You don’t have to read the Equals series to enjoy these books, but you will enjoy them as well so I suggest you read them too.
This is an amazing story about two very differently damaged men finding their way to love. Jeremy and Evan have to learn to love themselves before they can find their love together and this is the first installment of that journey.
It would appear that Jeremy’s only difficulties are physical, but Brigham does an amazing job of showing how much more deeply his issues run. It would seem that Evan is the weaker of the two, but the reality is that it his core strength that will be what they both need to move beyond their struggles.
These are two of my favorite of Brigham’s characters. I love how she wove their stories together to show that it’s not always the obvious problems people face that hold them back. This isn’t a story where two troubled people are magically cured by finding each other, it is the story of how two troubled people can be there to help each other heal themselves to be ready to find love.
This is a remarkable book with characters that will imprint themselves on your heart. Take the journey with Evan and Jeremy you will be so glad you did.
October 22, 2015
If you’re familiar with Brigham’s work, you know Connection is a spin-off of one of her earlier series, Equals. While you don’t need to read Equals before this one, you’ll have a much greater appreciation for Russ, Stephen, and their story soooo… go ahead and read that one too!
Connection picks up two characters we briefly meet in Equals, Jeremy and Evan. While these two are as different as night and day—from their experience with other men to the way they view life—they both have broken pasts and don’t quite see themselves clearly. It’s a slow-burn with these two as they muddle their way into each other’s lives, each trying to build up and support the other but not quite ready to take that next step—even though the unresolved sexual tension between the two is seriously OFF. THE. CHARTS.
Connection ends with a solid happy for now. Their story continues in book two, and I have a feeling Brigham is going to give us a ride on the angst train during that one. I say bring it on… I’m ready!
Connection picks up two characters we briefly meet in Equals, Jeremy and Evan. While these two are as different as night and day—from their experience with other men to the way they view life—they both have broken pasts and don’t quite see themselves clearly. It’s a slow-burn with these two as they muddle their way into each other’s lives, each trying to build up and support the other but not quite ready to take that next step—even though the unresolved sexual tension between the two is seriously OFF. THE. CHARTS.
Connection ends with a solid happy for now. Their story continues in book two, and I have a feeling Brigham is going to give us a ride on the angst train during that one. I say bring it on… I’m ready!
October 26, 2015
AHHHHHH I loved this! It has a lot of elements that I love - may/december romance, character with a disability, virgin alert!, and truly excellent writing. I absolutely loved the first series that these characters got their start in, and I'm so glad that Russ and Stephen were in this a bit, even had some of the same scenes from Evan's and Jeremy's perspective.
But why of why must there be a second part that I now have to WAIT for?! I'm such a horribly impatient person, no good at waiting for continuations of stories haha. It's not a horrible cliffhanger, but this is definitely incomplete without the second part. It said "winter" as the release, so I hope the wait won't be too, too long.
I definitely recommend reading her first series, Equals, before this since it just gets you to read about Russ and Stephen and some background on Evan and Jeremy, but it can also be read on its own since it does a pretty good job of summarizing what happened to everyone before the story started.
Can't wait for the second part, I do hope it's not too long of a wait!
But why of why must there be a second part that I now have to WAIT for?! I'm such a horribly impatient person, no good at waiting for continuations of stories haha. It's not a horrible cliffhanger, but this is definitely incomplete without the second part. It said "winter" as the release, so I hope the wait won't be too, too long.
I definitely recommend reading her first series, Equals, before this since it just gets you to read about Russ and Stephen and some background on Evan and Jeremy, but it can also be read on its own since it does a pretty good job of summarizing what happened to everyone before the story started.
Can't wait for the second part, I do hope it's not too long of a wait!
November 8, 2018
I can't praise Connection enough. When I first started, I didn't think that Evan and Jeremy were going to work their way into my heart as deeply as Russ and Stephen did from Miss Vaughn's Equals series, well was I wrong. They may still be second to my favorite May/December boys but it is a very close second. Do you need to read Equals before delving into Evan and Jeremy's journey? Probably not but I can't imagine not knowing Russ and Stephen's journey so I am going to recommend reading Equals first but that is my personal opinion.
As to the relationship between Evan and Jeremy, the author develops it beautifully. We get both points of view and that really helps with their individual inner monologues. This story will really tug at your heart and I am looking forward to their continuing journey, I can tell it won't be easy but it will be heartwarming. There is only a few authors on my "1-click without blurb reading" list and Brigham Vaughn is one of them.
As to the relationship between Evan and Jeremy, the author develops it beautifully. We get both points of view and that really helps with their individual inner monologues. This story will really tug at your heart and I am looking forward to their continuing journey, I can tell it won't be easy but it will be heartwarming. There is only a few authors on my "1-click without blurb reading" list and Brigham Vaughn is one of them.
February 20, 2016
This was lots of back story for both MCs...told from dual POV. Very slow burn and the reason this wasn't 4 stars for me was because Jeremy came off as a bit of a martyr, I did like his character but the constant "you can do better than me" drove me nuts...maybe if he hadn't said it out loud so many freaking times it would have been ok but I wanted to punch him in the face more than once.
The boys shared 1 kiss well after the 50% and didn't actually do anything else until the last few pages so it was very slow burn and they aren't in a relationship by the end...I'm hoping there is a HEA in the sequel!
I like this authors writing style and found her first with Bully & Exit (such a great read). You don't have to read the Equals series first but you will get more background on both MCs and get a feel for who Stephen and Russ are if you have!
The boys shared 1 kiss well after the 50% and didn't actually do anything else until the last few pages so it was very slow burn and they aren't in a relationship by the end...I'm hoping there is a HEA in the sequel!
I like this authors writing style and found her first with Bully & Exit (such a great read). You don't have to read the Equals series first but you will get more background on both MCs and get a feel for who Stephen and Russ are if you have!
January 27, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Evan's story is one I have waiting for since we first met the boy in Partners (Equals #2). If you haven't read Vaughn's Equal series - a beautiful May-December romance series - you need to. While you don't strictly need to know all the goings on of Equals to enjoy Connection, I can't recommend those books enough.
For full review see Prism Book Alliance® http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
March 13, 2016
This was a nice slow burn book. It built up both the characters and their newly forming relationship instead of just jumping into bed. It had a lot of my favorite things with the slow burn, age gap, and sweetly romantic without giving me sugar shock. Each character has their own set of problems to deal with although Jeremy's are more severe. I loved how I got to know each character and got a good grasp on them before they even met each other.
October 18, 2015
I love reading Ms. Vaughn's M/M romance books! These characters, who we first met in the Equals books, are both damaged and very sympathetic. At least I think so. I knew this was part 1 of a 2 part book so no surprises there, but where it was left was the best possible place to entice me back for more. Nice cliffhanger! Can't wait for part 2. Very enjoyable story!
October 20, 2015
This is a really good start to these two characters. I like how they haven't just jumped into bed together. They are both too damaged or naive to have done that.
But saying that even though it was the best place for the book to end I'm going to be waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment. It's a cruel place for us to have to wait for the next.
I can't wait.
But saying that even though it was the best place for the book to end I'm going to be waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment. It's a cruel place for us to have to wait for the next.
I can't wait.
January 28, 2016
We met Evan briefly in Brigham's Equals series, which you should read if you haven't already!
He and Jeremy are drawn to each other, but have many obstacles to overcome before they can finally have a relationship. I loved their story and can't wait for more!
He and Jeremy are drawn to each other, but have many obstacles to overcome before they can finally have a relationship. I loved their story and can't wait for more!
June 19, 2016
I can't understand how could a parent throw his own child out for being gay. That's so wrong its terrible. Those type of parents are the worst ever. This is a story about getting to know one another. Both MC's Jeremy and Evan were interesting together. I liked them!
December 31, 2016
There certainly was a great connection between the MCs in Connection by Brigham Vaughn! I can't wait to read the next book so see how they manage after their first night together as lovers! Great deep charachters and lovely writing!
October 30, 2015
I loved this book.Just wanna read the next one immediately
May 10, 2016
3.5 stars
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November 24, 2018Read in Trust the Connection
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