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The Midwest Series #3
Touch & Go
A cocky minor league pitcher and a laid-back physical therapist … a dream team or a disaster?
Micah Warner is an asshole. Everyone knows it, hell, he knows it, but he’s focused on getting to the big leagues and earning the kind of paychecks that’ll help him take care of his struggling family. He can’t afford to get outed.
Justin Lamb is a romantic. Everyone loves him but his job with the Cougars leaves a trail of heartbreak in his wake. Getting involved with a player is risky but he makes an exception for the new hot-shot pitcher.
Their hooking up quickly develops into real feelings but when Micah’s catastrophic shoulder injury threatens their careers and relationship, they have one choice to make.
Love or baseball?
Touch & Go contains a cocky pro-pitcher with a secret soft side, a physical therapist with a man-bun and a talent for dirty talk, meddling friends, and a whole lot of baseball.
Micah Warner is an asshole. Everyone knows it, hell, he knows it, but he’s focused on getting to the big leagues and earning the kind of paychecks that’ll help him take care of his struggling family. He can’t afford to get outed.
Justin Lamb is a romantic. Everyone loves him but his job with the Cougars leaves a trail of heartbreak in his wake. Getting involved with a player is risky but he makes an exception for the new hot-shot pitcher.
Their hooking up quickly develops into real feelings but when Micah’s catastrophic shoulder injury threatens their careers and relationship, they have one choice to make.
Love or baseball?
Touch & Go contains a cocky pro-pitcher with a secret soft side, a physical therapist with a man-bun and a talent for dirty talk, meddling friends, and a whole lot of baseball.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2019
53 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
80 books745 followersBrigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 5, 2019
Baseball hurts, and Micah is in more pain than ever before.
Micah forced himself in an awful position, deep in the closet, not happy, and his only joy baseball and try to get into the professional paid side of it. He is not in a place to let some steam off and avoids everything that involves dating, relationships or going out, he's quite alone.
Then he got a chance to be fuck buddies with Justin the beautiful physical therapist of the baseball club. It’s more than he ever hoped for. They get closer and closer until Micah’s shoulder fucked up and he has to make choices... Justin can't one of them. Letting Justin take care of him while recovering was one thing, but it can never be more, ever. Justin is afraid he’ll be the one with a broken heart.
I loved the research and dedication the author did for this story, it shows professionalism, something I highly appreciate!
I loved it to look around at all the guys interacting with each other. All with their characteristics. It was stunning the way of throwing a ball by a pitcher was described. I saw him standing there, gracefully centering and bam!
I’ll tell you, I adored Justin, professional, always the considerate one, kind, hot and when needed bossy.
Micah’s behavior was kind of exhausting to read about, he made a lot of mistakes. I felt sorry he felt he had to act as he did. Micah was flawed as fuck, sometimes even irritating, at times I even didn’t like him, but mostly I did like him. The process of him growing and learning was wonderful to see.
A beautiful story about sport, injuries, team members, family, and dear honest, uplifting friends. The main was about finding a balanced life with sport and try to keep secrets for the whole world and then come to realize the important part of life is love!
A beautifully written story, at times emotional, at times steamy, always with the right amount of depth, with a lot of hurt and denial.
The story is excellent developed, same with the characters. Elaborated in detail, great job! From the first, till the very last page, I felt connected.
Recommendation worth!
Micah forced himself in an awful position, deep in the closet, not happy, and his only joy baseball and try to get into the professional paid side of it. He is not in a place to let some steam off and avoids everything that involves dating, relationships or going out, he's quite alone.
Then he got a chance to be fuck buddies with Justin the beautiful physical therapist of the baseball club. It’s more than he ever hoped for. They get closer and closer until Micah’s shoulder fucked up and he has to make choices... Justin can't one of them. Letting Justin take care of him while recovering was one thing, but it can never be more, ever. Justin is afraid he’ll be the one with a broken heart.
I loved the research and dedication the author did for this story, it shows professionalism, something I highly appreciate!
I loved it to look around at all the guys interacting with each other. All with their characteristics. It was stunning the way of throwing a ball by a pitcher was described. I saw him standing there, gracefully centering and bam!
I’ll tell you, I adored Justin, professional, always the considerate one, kind, hot and when needed bossy.
Micah’s behavior was kind of exhausting to read about, he made a lot of mistakes. I felt sorry he felt he had to act as he did. Micah was flawed as fuck, sometimes even irritating, at times I even didn’t like him, but mostly I did like him. The process of him growing and learning was wonderful to see.
A beautiful story about sport, injuries, team members, family, and dear honest, uplifting friends. The main was about finding a balanced life with sport and try to keep secrets for the whole world and then come to realize the important part of life is love!
A beautifully written story, at times emotional, at times steamy, always with the right amount of depth, with a lot of hurt and denial.
The story is excellent developed, same with the characters. Elaborated in detail, great job! From the first, till the very last page, I felt connected.
Recommendation worth!
October 10, 2019
4.5 stars!! Loved this!
July 18, 2021
The thing with this book is, that it's the third in a series. We know Micah from the very beginning and especially in the second book he is the very much opposite of a nice and decent person. So I struggled very much with liking him and rooting for him. But of course there is Justin and you can always love Justin.
July 4, 2025
A cocky minor league pitcher and a laid-back physical therapist, either a dream team or a disaster going somewhere to happen?
I have to admit that I had some unkind thoughts about Micah in the first two books. There was something deep going on with him...more than just self-hatred. I had to wonder what in the world someone had done to this guy to make him hate everyone, but mostly, himself. Even with his cruel words and actions I still hoped that he'd get his chance to tell us his story, and it would end with his heart in tack.
If you're into characters carrying around loads of misery, you'll find plenty of it here. Micah had sunk so deep into his own plain "awfulness" that he could see no way out or around it to freedom. His growing and deepening feelings for Justin felt futile...but yet it felt right. Micah is not at all an easy character to like or to love because he comes across most of the time as heartless and callous..."hurt them before they can hurt me" is his motto and it's so thick that almost no one ever tried to look past it.... except Justin. Justin was so sweet and different, with so much patience and willingness to try to see the Micha under all the gruff.
Everyone has their limits though. You hate to do it, but you do have to support Justin's decision even though his timing was extremely bad. When Micah's emotional breakthrough eventually came it was met head-on with Justin's heartfelt yet heartbreaking limit. Left on his own it was finally up to Micah to see exactly what he needed to do to fight for what he wanted, needed and deserved.
His final decision was easy, or at least easier. It was a joy to see all he was willing to do in order to create the future he wanted by seeking redemption, forgiveness, and honesty.
I struggled with a rating for this story. My son and his now husband both played sports in high school and college... (Go Western Broncos!) ...I love this author and all her works, no complaints there... but my heart broke for Justin and Micah....so 4.5 stars. Noone, gay or straight should ever have to take the verbal abuse that these two endured from those that were supposed to be their friends, or at least their teammates. I really wanted to shake them and scream at them "You liked them before, so how does thinking or knowing they're gay change them as the people they have always been??? Please explain that one to me. I was glad to see that the guys from the other books were there to give support to them, and the teammate that I least expected to, came through for them. That is one of the many things that I like about this series.
One more book in the "Midwest" series and another couple will get their forever happiness. We're even getting a drag queen in this next one. Brigham Vaughn is a very talented lady so I don't know why she just can't keep creating couples and stories in this series:)
I have to admit that I had some unkind thoughts about Micah in the first two books. There was something deep going on with him...more than just self-hatred. I had to wonder what in the world someone had done to this guy to make him hate everyone, but mostly, himself. Even with his cruel words and actions I still hoped that he'd get his chance to tell us his story, and it would end with his heart in tack.
If you're into characters carrying around loads of misery, you'll find plenty of it here. Micah had sunk so deep into his own plain "awfulness" that he could see no way out or around it to freedom. His growing and deepening feelings for Justin felt futile...but yet it felt right. Micah is not at all an easy character to like or to love because he comes across most of the time as heartless and callous..."hurt them before they can hurt me" is his motto and it's so thick that almost no one ever tried to look past it.... except Justin. Justin was so sweet and different, with so much patience and willingness to try to see the Micha under all the gruff.
Everyone has their limits though. You hate to do it, but you do have to support Justin's decision even though his timing was extremely bad. When Micah's emotional breakthrough eventually came it was met head-on with Justin's heartfelt yet heartbreaking limit. Left on his own it was finally up to Micah to see exactly what he needed to do to fight for what he wanted, needed and deserved.
His final decision was easy, or at least easier. It was a joy to see all he was willing to do in order to create the future he wanted by seeking redemption, forgiveness, and honesty.
I struggled with a rating for this story. My son and his now husband both played sports in high school and college... (Go Western Broncos!) ...I love this author and all her works, no complaints there... but my heart broke for Justin and Micah....so 4.5 stars. Noone, gay or straight should ever have to take the verbal abuse that these two endured from those that were supposed to be their friends, or at least their teammates. I really wanted to shake them and scream at them "You liked them before, so how does thinking or knowing they're gay change them as the people they have always been??? Please explain that one to me. I was glad to see that the guys from the other books were there to give support to them, and the teammate that I least expected to, came through for them. That is one of the many things that I like about this series.
One more book in the "Midwest" series and another couple will get their forever happiness. We're even getting a drag queen in this next one. Brigham Vaughn is a very talented lady so I don't know why she just can't keep creating couples and stories in this series:)
July 12, 2020
Third book in the “Midwest Series”, it can be read as a standalone : I can attest it as it’s my first try.
This sport romance is about Micah, a young and talented baseball pitcher in a minor league with dream of going into major leagues, and Justin, his physical therapist. Micah is in the closet and Justin doesn’t really have time for a relationship with his busy schedule. Yep, quite convenient for both of them just to be “colleagues” with benefits. However, of course, nothing is quite that simple.
It could have been a simple sexy romance, with a very nice and mature Justin falling for Micah, a character both sympathetic and antipathic. It has a very “young adult” flavor, not my favorite and I was glad for the age-gap. What was interesting was Micah’s character’s growth under the guidance of his friends and Justin.
It was a pleasant read, and if you’re fan of sport romance and young adult with an age-gap, with some hotness in the mix, why not.
ARC of “Touch And Go” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This sport romance is about Micah, a young and talented baseball pitcher in a minor league with dream of going into major leagues, and Justin, his physical therapist. Micah is in the closet and Justin doesn’t really have time for a relationship with his busy schedule. Yep, quite convenient for both of them just to be “colleagues” with benefits. However, of course, nothing is quite that simple.
It could have been a simple sexy romance, with a very nice and mature Justin falling for Micah, a character both sympathetic and antipathic. It has a very “young adult” flavor, not my favorite and I was glad for the age-gap. What was interesting was Micah’s character’s growth under the guidance of his friends and Justin.
It was a pleasant read, and if you’re fan of sport romance and young adult with an age-gap, with some hotness in the mix, why not.
ARC of “Touch And Go” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2021
I haven't read the other books in this series & I did not feel lost. I did have a hard time with Micah as he was so far in the closet that he was rather nasty to Justin to cover up the fact that he was gay. I understand that in the world of sports, being gay is not as open as it is for the average person. But you don't need to act like he did at times. Also, I think I am done with reading about someone deep in the closet as I hate all the het talk about you hooking up with this gal or let me set you up or grilling someone about why they are not bringing a female back to the apartment. Plus his internal comment about sleeping with a female because he had to, so hated that. Sometimes its just not your business. I did like seeing these two grow as a couple, starting with friends w/benefits to falling in love. I liked that when he does finally come out he is accepted. I loved Justin from the moment that he walked on page. He was sweet & really cared about the players & making sure they stayed healthy & took care of minor injuries before they became major injuries. I also enjoyed seeing behind the curtain so to speak about what an athlete goes through to try to make it to the big leagues. They put themselves through so much, its heartbreaking.
Audio ARC provided by Neon Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
Audio ARC provided by Neon Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2023
Character growth! Would reread.
August 2, 2021
Skeptical but won over in the end
I was so skeptical about reading Micah’s HEA because he was such a jerk in the prior books but I couldn’t deny my curiosity. I almost skipped this book entirely. And honestly, it wasn’t that bad. (Nathan still bugs me the most. :)) Micah seemed less harsh through both his own eyes and Justin’s. He also owned his mistakes of the past, so that helped redeem him for me. Justin was so easy going and calm about him that it made it easier too. And if Lowell can forgive him and move on than I can too.
I was so skeptical about reading Micah’s HEA because he was such a jerk in the prior books but I couldn’t deny my curiosity. I almost skipped this book entirely. And honestly, it wasn’t that bad. (Nathan still bugs me the most. :)) Micah seemed less harsh through both his own eyes and Justin’s. He also owned his mistakes of the past, so that helped redeem him for me. Justin was so easy going and calm about him that it made it easier too. And if Lowell can forgive him and move on than I can too.
September 25, 2019
For most of this book,I've been in shambles watching the way Micah wears his anguish like a second skin. Afraid of being a failure, scared that someone might discover the truth about his sexuality, terrified of seeing his dreams shattered ,not knowing who he could be,if not a baseball player. All the while, bearing his struggles alone,not willing to allow anyone close.
Admittedly, he has also irritated me a lot of times,because he's been acting like a class A a**hole. In the past and even with Justin.
I love Justin. Burned up and left broken enough by men in the closet, he has the greatest heart. Caring,understanding,gentle and so,so patient with Micah.
For a lot of reasons, from when they first met,all trough Micah's recovery and their ''mutually beneficial, only sex '' relations, both Justin and Micah did their best to deny that what they feel goes way deeper than that. Trying to pretend that they only have a crazy intense sexual chemistry,content to just be in each other's lives. I've never been happier than when they got their heads out of their backsides,lol (mostly Micah) and finally, finally do everything to be together, rather than find excuses not to.
It was 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡&𝐆𝐨 a lot of times in the story: Micah's shoulder situation and subsequently his baseball career, and definitely in regard to Micah and Justin's relationship. Brigham Vaughn was brilliant, once again, at writing characters that are strong yet vulnerable, and make their emotions become my own. I swore at them many times, I laughed and cried alongside them, felt their passion and their love.
Great book and definitely a must read.
Admittedly, he has also irritated me a lot of times,because he's been acting like a class A a**hole. In the past and even with Justin.
I love Justin. Burned up and left broken enough by men in the closet, he has the greatest heart. Caring,understanding,gentle and so,so patient with Micah.
For a lot of reasons, from when they first met,all trough Micah's recovery and their ''mutually beneficial, only sex '' relations, both Justin and Micah did their best to deny that what they feel goes way deeper than that. Trying to pretend that they only have a crazy intense sexual chemistry,content to just be in each other's lives. I've never been happier than when they got their heads out of their backsides,lol (mostly Micah) and finally, finally do everything to be together, rather than find excuses not to.
It was 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡&𝐆𝐨 a lot of times in the story: Micah's shoulder situation and subsequently his baseball career, and definitely in regard to Micah and Justin's relationship. Brigham Vaughn was brilliant, once again, at writing characters that are strong yet vulnerable, and make their emotions become my own. I swore at them many times, I laughed and cried alongside them, felt their passion and their love.
Great book and definitely a must read.
July 11, 2020
Touch & Go, the third book in The Midwest series, is another great sports romance by Brigham Vaughn. A closeted baseball player falling for his physical therapist? Yes please!
Micah's a complex player. He's terrified of being outed. He's put a tremendous amount of pressure on himself to make it big in baseball, determined to help his family financially. As well, his potential injury is killing his attitude. It does bring him closer to his PT though.
Micah and Justin are two men who have both known loss and grief up close. Their story has sexual tension and sneaking around. Their story includes shame, and an abusive coach. In the end, it's a tale with wonderful character growth. Their relationship isn't easy, but they are perfect together. I love every moment of their journey towards a happily ever after.
Micah's feelings about Lowell are terrible and yet completely understandable. It makes for a painful, yet interesting read though.
Oh, and the young kid talking to Micah brought a whole lot of tears to my eyes.
I love the author's writing style. The characters are lovable and flawed. The storyline is wonderful, keeping me completely intrigued. I couldn't put this story down.
Touch & Go, although the third book in the series, takes place at the same time as book two, Push & Pull. As a fan of the series, and of book two, I enjoy this aspect. I love this Brigham Vaughn story and series as a whole.
Micah's a complex player. He's terrified of being outed. He's put a tremendous amount of pressure on himself to make it big in baseball, determined to help his family financially. As well, his potential injury is killing his attitude. It does bring him closer to his PT though.
Micah and Justin are two men who have both known loss and grief up close. Their story has sexual tension and sneaking around. Their story includes shame, and an abusive coach. In the end, it's a tale with wonderful character growth. Their relationship isn't easy, but they are perfect together. I love every moment of their journey towards a happily ever after.
Micah's feelings about Lowell are terrible and yet completely understandable. It makes for a painful, yet interesting read though.
Oh, and the young kid talking to Micah brought a whole lot of tears to my eyes.
I love the author's writing style. The characters are lovable and flawed. The storyline is wonderful, keeping me completely intrigued. I couldn't put this story down.
Touch & Go, although the third book in the series, takes place at the same time as book two, Push & Pull. As a fan of the series, and of book two, I enjoy this aspect. I love this Brigham Vaughn story and series as a whole.
July 14, 2020
Micah follows his dreams of playing in the big leagues. Unfortunately, hiding who he really is is becoming more and more difficult for him, because as a healthy young man he has some needs that sometimes are really hard to control. However, ignoring Justin, a physical therapist whom Micah meets every day turns out to be the most difficult test of his self-control. Over time, purely professional acquaintance turns into an intimate one, and the closer Micah and Justin get to each other, the more difficult it is to remain professional and neutral when a serious injury comes into play.
The third volume in "The Midwest Series", "Touch & Go", tells us a story about love life of the character who we may consider the most controversial, because his problem is not the fact that he's in the closet, but that he sometimes openly attacks homosexual people to hide his own sexual orientation. In short, it's about Micah. On the one hand, he is a character who at first is hard to like, as his behavior often puts us off. On the other, we know what his problem is, we understand him and that is why we give him a chance to win us over. However, the most important quality of this character is the fact that throughout the entire series, and particularly in this volume, he's the one who changed the most. His path to internal and external transformation is the most difficult and at the same time the most significant. This makes Micah the character who we admire at some point, because we see his great sacrifice, courage and strength required to make life-changing decisions and choices.
Another significant advantage of "Touch & Go" is the fact that the novel gives us insight into the relationship that the characters are forced to hide. Thanks to this fact, the reader immediately sees how great is the difference between our idea of such a relationship and the reality, as we are somehow part of this relationship, because we follow the characters almost step by step. In her novel, Brigham Vaughn shows the pain and very difficult challenges that the characters have to face to hide their relationship. At the same time, it is juxtaposed with the joy of having someone to love and simply being together. It seems to me that such a direct way of showing a hidden relationship appeals to the reader the most, especially as it makes the characters realize how much they have to sacrifice because of the homophobia of society that dominates the sport. To hide one's feelings it is not enough to just avoid closeness of the person that makes someone happy, sometimes people who love each other are forced to ignore each other or even be hostile.
Another topic raised in this novel that I love very much is the problem of ambition vs. injury when being a professional athlete. It doesn't really matter which sport we are talking about, because this problem applies to all kinds of increased physical activity, as it is simply universal. In "Touch & Go" the fact that we see this issue is significant because it entails many other important topics. One of them is professionalism, which is disturbed by emotions and feelings. I think that thanks to showing the internal dilemmas that inherent in making dreams come true, being ambitious and consequences of injury this really good novel is even better. Equally important is the fact the author doesn't make all those problems one-sided, but allows them to touch both main characters of this novel, both emotionally and professionally. Thus, everything in this novel is multiplied – problems, emotions, joys and sorrows, difficult choices.
Speaking of emotions, "Touch & Go" is a novel we can't just read and move on, because the huge number of emotions that are shown in this book touches our hearts and makes us extremely engaged in this novel. I think we can say that we live and breathe this story. The fact that the author shows in her book so many different problems, feelings and universal themes is the reason the reader is constantly stimulated emotionally. Our initial opinion of Micah also influences our great attachment to the characters and their story, at least in my case. What's more, reading "Touch & Go" we are deeply interested in the events presented in the novel, the development of the characters and we feel like being part of this story as if it concerned people who are very close to us. I think all that largely explains my love for this book.
In summary, "Touch & Go" is a wonderful installment in the really good series, as well as a brilliant novel in itself. The story holds us in suspense, touches and moves us deeply, and makes us think. I really recommend you this book because it is one of those novels that we remember for years.
_____________
Micah podąża za swoimi marzeniami o grze w zawodowej lidze baseballa. Niestety ukrywanie tego kim jest staje się dla niego coraz trudniejsze, ponieważ jako zdrowy, młody mężczyzna ma swoje potrzeby, nad którymi czasami nie sposób zapanować. Najtrudniejszą próbą okazuje się jednak ignorowanie tego, w jaki sposób działa na niego Justin, fizjoterapeuta, z którym Micah ma kontakt na co dzień. Z czasem czysto profesjonalna znajomość przeradza się w intymną, a im bliżsi są sobie Micah i Justin, tym trudniej jest pozostać profesjonalnym i bezstronnym, gdy w grę zaczyna wchodzić kontuzja.
Trzeci tom „The Midwest Series”, „Touch & Go”, opowiada o miłosnych perypetiach bohatera, którego możemy uznać za najbardziej kontrowersyjnego, ponieważ nie tyle będącego w szafie, ile czasami otwarcie atakującego osoby homoseksualne, aby ukryć tym swoją orientację. Mówiąc krótko, chodzi o Micah. Z jednej strony jest to bohater, którego ciężko nam od razu polubić, ponieważ jego zachowanie często zraża nas do niego. Z drugiej jednak strony wiemy w czym tkwi jego problem, rozumiemy go i właśnie dlatego dajemy mu szansę przekonania nas do siebie. Co jednak najważniejsze w tym bohaterze to fakt, iż to właśnie w nim na przestrzeni całej serii, a w dużym stopniu w tym tomie, zachodzą największe zmiany. To jego droga do wewnętrznej i zewnętrznej przemiany jest najtrudniejsza i jednocześnie najbardziej znacząca. To sprawia, że Micah jest bohaterem, którego w pewnym momencie podziwiamy, ponieważ widzimy jak wielkiego poświęcenia, odwagi i siły wymagają od niego decyzje, które podejmuje, wybory, których dokonuje.
Inną znaczącą zaletą „Touch & Go” jest fakt, iż powieść daje nam wgląd w związek, który bohaterowie zmuszeni są ukrywać. Dzięki temu czytelnik od razu widzi jak ogromną różnicę w porównaniu z wyobrażeniami jakie mieliśmy do tej pory robi fakt, iż w końcu jesteśmy niejako częścią takiego związku, ponieważ podążamy za bohaterami niemal krok w krok. Brigham Vaughn ukazuje w swojej powieści ból i bardzo trudne wyzwania jakim muszą sprostać bohaterowie, aby ukryć swój związek. Jednocześnie zostaje to zestawione z radością płynącą z przebywania z ukochaną osobą i po prostu bycia razem. Wydaje mi się, że właśnie taki bezpośredni sposób ukazania ukrywanego związku najbardziej przemawia do czytelnika, tym bardziej, że uzmysławia on samym bohaterom, jak wiele muszą poświęcić z powodu homofobii społeczeństwa, która dominuje w sporcie. Nie wystarczy bowiem tylko unikać bliskości, która sprawia radość, czasami kochający się ludzie są zmuszeni ignorować siebie nawzajem lub nawet być wrogo nastawieni.
Kolejnym tematem, którego podjęcie w tej powieści bardzo mi się spodobało jest problem ambicji przeciwstawionej kontuzji w przypadku profesjonalnej ligi sportowej. Tak naprawdę nie ma znaczenia o jakim konkretnie sporcie mówimy, gdyż problem ten pojawia się w przypadku każdego rodzaju wzmożonej aktywności fizycznej, jest po prostu uniwersalny. W „Touch & Go” jego pojawienie się jest o tyle znaczące, że pociąga za sobą wiele innych ważnych tematów. Jednym z nich jest chociażby profesjonalizm, któremu przeszkadzają emocje i uczucia. Myślę, że ukazanie wewnętrznych dylematów jakie towarzyszą spełnianiu marzeń, ambicjom oraz konsekwencjom kontuzji wiele dało tej i tak naprawdę dobrej powieści. Co równie istotne, autorka nie czyni wspomnianego problemu jednostronnym, ale pozwala aby dotykał on obu głównych bohaterów tej powieści, zarówno pod względem uczuciowym, jak i profesjonalnym. Tym samym, wszystko w tej powieści zostaje zwielokrotnione - problemy, emocje, radości i smutki, trudne wybory.
A skoro o emocjach mowa. „Touch & Go” jest powieścią, której nie da się tylko czytać, jako że ogromna liczba emocji jakie zostają tu przedstawione łapie nas za serce i sprawia, że angażujemy się w lekturę bardzo głęboko. Możemy powiedzieć, że w ogromnym stopniu żyjemy tą historią. Fakt, iż autorka ukazuje w swojej książce tak wiele różnorodnych problemów, uczuć i uniwersalnej tematyki sprawia, że czytelnik jest bezustannie stymulowany emocjonalnie. Na nasze ogromne przywiązanie do bohaterów i ich historii ma również wpływ nasze początkowe nastawienie do Micah, a przynajmniej tak było w moim przypadku. Co więcej, czytając „Touch & Go” byłam przez cały czas głęboko zainteresowana przedstawionymi w powieści wydarzeniami, rozwojem bohaterów i czułam się częścią tej historii, jakby dotyczyła osób bardzo mi bliskich. Myślę że to w dużej mierze tłumaczy moją miłość względem tej książki.
Podsumowując, „Touch & Go” jest wspaniałą odsłoną naprawdę dobrej serii, jak również genialną powieścią samą w sobie. Historia trzyma nas w napięciu, porusza i głęboko dotyka, skłania do przemyśleń. Naprawdę gorąco Wam ją polecam, ponieważ to jedna z tych powieści, które pamięta się przez lata.
The third volume in "The Midwest Series", "Touch & Go", tells us a story about love life of the character who we may consider the most controversial, because his problem is not the fact that he's in the closet, but that he sometimes openly attacks homosexual people to hide his own sexual orientation. In short, it's about Micah. On the one hand, he is a character who at first is hard to like, as his behavior often puts us off. On the other, we know what his problem is, we understand him and that is why we give him a chance to win us over. However, the most important quality of this character is the fact that throughout the entire series, and particularly in this volume, he's the one who changed the most. His path to internal and external transformation is the most difficult and at the same time the most significant. This makes Micah the character who we admire at some point, because we see his great sacrifice, courage and strength required to make life-changing decisions and choices.
Another significant advantage of "Touch & Go" is the fact that the novel gives us insight into the relationship that the characters are forced to hide. Thanks to this fact, the reader immediately sees how great is the difference between our idea of such a relationship and the reality, as we are somehow part of this relationship, because we follow the characters almost step by step. In her novel, Brigham Vaughn shows the pain and very difficult challenges that the characters have to face to hide their relationship. At the same time, it is juxtaposed with the joy of having someone to love and simply being together. It seems to me that such a direct way of showing a hidden relationship appeals to the reader the most, especially as it makes the characters realize how much they have to sacrifice because of the homophobia of society that dominates the sport. To hide one's feelings it is not enough to just avoid closeness of the person that makes someone happy, sometimes people who love each other are forced to ignore each other or even be hostile.
Another topic raised in this novel that I love very much is the problem of ambition vs. injury when being a professional athlete. It doesn't really matter which sport we are talking about, because this problem applies to all kinds of increased physical activity, as it is simply universal. In "Touch & Go" the fact that we see this issue is significant because it entails many other important topics. One of them is professionalism, which is disturbed by emotions and feelings. I think that thanks to showing the internal dilemmas that inherent in making dreams come true, being ambitious and consequences of injury this really good novel is even better. Equally important is the fact the author doesn't make all those problems one-sided, but allows them to touch both main characters of this novel, both emotionally and professionally. Thus, everything in this novel is multiplied – problems, emotions, joys and sorrows, difficult choices.
Speaking of emotions, "Touch & Go" is a novel we can't just read and move on, because the huge number of emotions that are shown in this book touches our hearts and makes us extremely engaged in this novel. I think we can say that we live and breathe this story. The fact that the author shows in her book so many different problems, feelings and universal themes is the reason the reader is constantly stimulated emotionally. Our initial opinion of Micah also influences our great attachment to the characters and their story, at least in my case. What's more, reading "Touch & Go" we are deeply interested in the events presented in the novel, the development of the characters and we feel like being part of this story as if it concerned people who are very close to us. I think all that largely explains my love for this book.
In summary, "Touch & Go" is a wonderful installment in the really good series, as well as a brilliant novel in itself. The story holds us in suspense, touches and moves us deeply, and makes us think. I really recommend you this book because it is one of those novels that we remember for years.
_____________
Micah podąża za swoimi marzeniami o grze w zawodowej lidze baseballa. Niestety ukrywanie tego kim jest staje się dla niego coraz trudniejsze, ponieważ jako zdrowy, młody mężczyzna ma swoje potrzeby, nad którymi czasami nie sposób zapanować. Najtrudniejszą próbą okazuje się jednak ignorowanie tego, w jaki sposób działa na niego Justin, fizjoterapeuta, z którym Micah ma kontakt na co dzień. Z czasem czysto profesjonalna znajomość przeradza się w intymną, a im bliżsi są sobie Micah i Justin, tym trudniej jest pozostać profesjonalnym i bezstronnym, gdy w grę zaczyna wchodzić kontuzja.
Trzeci tom „The Midwest Series”, „Touch & Go”, opowiada o miłosnych perypetiach bohatera, którego możemy uznać za najbardziej kontrowersyjnego, ponieważ nie tyle będącego w szafie, ile czasami otwarcie atakującego osoby homoseksualne, aby ukryć tym swoją orientację. Mówiąc krótko, chodzi o Micah. Z jednej strony jest to bohater, którego ciężko nam od razu polubić, ponieważ jego zachowanie często zraża nas do niego. Z drugiej jednak strony wiemy w czym tkwi jego problem, rozumiemy go i właśnie dlatego dajemy mu szansę przekonania nas do siebie. Co jednak najważniejsze w tym bohaterze to fakt, iż to właśnie w nim na przestrzeni całej serii, a w dużym stopniu w tym tomie, zachodzą największe zmiany. To jego droga do wewnętrznej i zewnętrznej przemiany jest najtrudniejsza i jednocześnie najbardziej znacząca. To sprawia, że Micah jest bohaterem, którego w pewnym momencie podziwiamy, ponieważ widzimy jak wielkiego poświęcenia, odwagi i siły wymagają od niego decyzje, które podejmuje, wybory, których dokonuje.
Inną znaczącą zaletą „Touch & Go” jest fakt, iż powieść daje nam wgląd w związek, który bohaterowie zmuszeni są ukrywać. Dzięki temu czytelnik od razu widzi jak ogromną różnicę w porównaniu z wyobrażeniami jakie mieliśmy do tej pory robi fakt, iż w końcu jesteśmy niejako częścią takiego związku, ponieważ podążamy za bohaterami niemal krok w krok. Brigham Vaughn ukazuje w swojej powieści ból i bardzo trudne wyzwania jakim muszą sprostać bohaterowie, aby ukryć swój związek. Jednocześnie zostaje to zestawione z radością płynącą z przebywania z ukochaną osobą i po prostu bycia razem. Wydaje mi się, że właśnie taki bezpośredni sposób ukazania ukrywanego związku najbardziej przemawia do czytelnika, tym bardziej, że uzmysławia on samym bohaterom, jak wiele muszą poświęcić z powodu homofobii społeczeństwa, która dominuje w sporcie. Nie wystarczy bowiem tylko unikać bliskości, która sprawia radość, czasami kochający się ludzie są zmuszeni ignorować siebie nawzajem lub nawet być wrogo nastawieni.
Kolejnym tematem, którego podjęcie w tej powieści bardzo mi się spodobało jest problem ambicji przeciwstawionej kontuzji w przypadku profesjonalnej ligi sportowej. Tak naprawdę nie ma znaczenia o jakim konkretnie sporcie mówimy, gdyż problem ten pojawia się w przypadku każdego rodzaju wzmożonej aktywności fizycznej, jest po prostu uniwersalny. W „Touch & Go” jego pojawienie się jest o tyle znaczące, że pociąga za sobą wiele innych ważnych tematów. Jednym z nich jest chociażby profesjonalizm, któremu przeszkadzają emocje i uczucia. Myślę, że ukazanie wewnętrznych dylematów jakie towarzyszą spełnianiu marzeń, ambicjom oraz konsekwencjom kontuzji wiele dało tej i tak naprawdę dobrej powieści. Co równie istotne, autorka nie czyni wspomnianego problemu jednostronnym, ale pozwala aby dotykał on obu głównych bohaterów tej powieści, zarówno pod względem uczuciowym, jak i profesjonalnym. Tym samym, wszystko w tej powieści zostaje zwielokrotnione - problemy, emocje, radości i smutki, trudne wybory.
A skoro o emocjach mowa. „Touch & Go” jest powieścią, której nie da się tylko czytać, jako że ogromna liczba emocji jakie zostają tu przedstawione łapie nas za serce i sprawia, że angażujemy się w lekturę bardzo głęboko. Możemy powiedzieć, że w ogromnym stopniu żyjemy tą historią. Fakt, iż autorka ukazuje w swojej książce tak wiele różnorodnych problemów, uczuć i uniwersalnej tematyki sprawia, że czytelnik jest bezustannie stymulowany emocjonalnie. Na nasze ogromne przywiązanie do bohaterów i ich historii ma również wpływ nasze początkowe nastawienie do Micah, a przynajmniej tak było w moim przypadku. Co więcej, czytając „Touch & Go” byłam przez cały czas głęboko zainteresowana przedstawionymi w powieści wydarzeniami, rozwojem bohaterów i czułam się częścią tej historii, jakby dotyczyła osób bardzo mi bliskich. Myślę że to w dużej mierze tłumaczy moją miłość względem tej książki.
Podsumowując, „Touch & Go” jest wspaniałą odsłoną naprawdę dobrej serii, jak również genialną powieścią samą w sobie. Historia trzyma nas w napięciu, porusza i głęboko dotyka, skłania do przemyśleń. Naprawdę gorąco Wam ją polecam, ponieważ to jedna z tych powieści, które pamięta się przez lata.
September 27, 2019
Another amazing book from this series for my "re-read this" (encore) list!
*Spoilers* ahead, for anyone that has not read at least the previous book of the series.
This book fills in the gaps of the previous book, showing us what Micah was up to all this time, and how he came to be involved with his team’s physical therapist. What can I say, I hated Micah in the other books. HATED him. Even though the poor guy was injured, the things he said and did (even from his hospital bed) were unforgivable. Or so I thought. I knew I would come to like him and sympathize at least a little in this one once I could see into his mind- I do love the broken ones- but I didn’t anticipate falling in love with him and Justin almost as much as Brent and Lowell from the previous book.
It’s rare for me to change my mind so completely about a character. It’s rare for me to cry, and that happened, too. I love Micah in all his messed up rudeness. My anger at him from previous books melted away seeing how he’d suffered and lashed out to keep everyone at arm’s length. Micah and Justin being more than merely a convenient way “to blow of steam” may not have made sense at first but once the barriers were down they were breathtaking together. Touch & Go is another book in this series that will be going on my “re-read this” shelf. Bring on book four!
*Spoilers* ahead, for anyone that has not read at least the previous book of the series.
This book fills in the gaps of the previous book, showing us what Micah was up to all this time, and how he came to be involved with his team’s physical therapist. What can I say, I hated Micah in the other books. HATED him. Even though the poor guy was injured, the things he said and did (even from his hospital bed) were unforgivable. Or so I thought. I knew I would come to like him and sympathize at least a little in this one once I could see into his mind- I do love the broken ones- but I didn’t anticipate falling in love with him and Justin almost as much as Brent and Lowell from the previous book.
It’s rare for me to change my mind so completely about a character. It’s rare for me to cry, and that happened, too. I love Micah in all his messed up rudeness. My anger at him from previous books melted away seeing how he’d suffered and lashed out to keep everyone at arm’s length. Micah and Justin being more than merely a convenient way “to blow of steam” may not have made sense at first but once the barriers were down they were breathtaking together. Touch & Go is another book in this series that will be going on my “re-read this” shelf. Bring on book four!
July 11, 2020
I’m always happy when I discover new authors and new books. Although Brigham is not exactly “new” to me - I’ve read the books she wrote with K Evan Coles - this is the first of her solo books, and what a delight!
Edit: I have read the previous books on the series and I stand to what I wrote below!
Although part of The Midwest Series, this can be totally read as a standalone. And this is one of the many good points of this story: from the beginning the reader can see Micah has a past - a not so nice one - but it’s all explained during the story. So, even if you haven’t read the previous books (like me) you won’t feel out of place or disconnected. The sports part was also a nice surprise to me. I have zero knowledge in baseball. I know the basics and that’s it. Same goes for physical therapy and all related. Yet, everything here felt so simple and so well explained that I felt almost like a native player hahah. And that’s quite an accomplishment in a book. This only shows how the author made an extensive research for her story: the cultural aspects of Micah’s life, the city, the teams, everything! So all this, combined with good and somewhat stubborn characters made this book one of the most enjoyables ones for me this year!
Edit: I have read the previous books on the series and I stand to what I wrote below!
Although part of The Midwest Series, this can be totally read as a standalone. And this is one of the many good points of this story: from the beginning the reader can see Micah has a past - a not so nice one - but it’s all explained during the story. So, even if you haven’t read the previous books (like me) you won’t feel out of place or disconnected. The sports part was also a nice surprise to me. I have zero knowledge in baseball. I know the basics and that’s it. Same goes for physical therapy and all related. Yet, everything here felt so simple and so well explained that I felt almost like a native player hahah. And that’s quite an accomplishment in a book. This only shows how the author made an extensive research for her story: the cultural aspects of Micah’s life, the city, the teams, everything! So all this, combined with good and somewhat stubborn characters made this book one of the most enjoyables ones for me this year!
October 5, 2019
Touch & Go is the third book in the Midwest series and my second book by this author. I really liked the story of Micah and Justin. I really like this authors writing.
July 10, 2020
YES YES YES I'MMM LLLOOOOOVVVVVVVING THIS BOOK
This has been the book ive been waiting for. And if I'm totally honest I really didnt like Micah! And I thought there was no way he could win me over, well that thought went out the window the more i read. A FABTASTIC READ!!!!!
Micah Warner had one dream to make it to the big leagues, he was a pitcher and he had many reasons to get there. His father was a dead beat cheating stealing waste of space. He left his mother and sister with lots of debts and if he made it big he could look after them. Make up for the father who should of been there to support his family. The only problem was he was Gay. He had had secret relationships throughout college but it was always on the understanding he was never going out. There was no Gay players in the league and it would ruin his career. When the men dont understand Micah would get nasty. Why couldnt they understand. When he makes it to the minor league Micah is showing great promise but he doesn't bond with the other players. He is so scared they will see through him and know he is Gay he holds himself back but when he gets an injury everything changes.
Justin Lamb is the physical therapist and its his job to see the guys get back to full strength as soon as possible. Justin is known as Mary and at first he thinks it is because he is Gay but he soon learns its nothing to do with that and more to do with his name. There are a few players who dont like the fact he is Gay but Justin doesn't let it affect his work. Then he meets Micah. What a complicated young man. He acts so thought but really he can see a venerable boy underneath it all. He works hard to follow all of Justin's exercises.
When Micah over hears a conversation between Lamb and another Player, hearing that lamb hasn't been with a man for so long because his work load doesn't really fit in a relationship Micah get thinking that maybe he will be ok with them being together?
But could anything come of these two being together???
OMG I TOTALLY FELL FOR JUSTIN, WHAT AN AMAZING MAN. HE MADE MY HEART BEAT SO HARD AND FAST WOOHOOO!! HE IS JUST THE DREAM MAN. IT TOOK ALOT FOR ME TO SEE THE MAN UNDER ALL OF THE BAGGAGE THAT MICAH WAS CARRYING. BUT WHEN THESE TWO ARE TOGETHER ITS JUST BRILLIANT. THE BANTER, THE CHEMISTRY AND THE PASSION. BUT THERE IS SO MUCH HEARTACHE TOO. IT WAS PAINFUL TO READ AT TIMES BUT THAT JUST MADE THEIR STORY OH SO MUCH MORE POWERFUL. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE BRENT, LOWELL, NATHAN AND CALEB FROM THE FIRST TWO BOOKS PLUS MICAH HAD TO TALK TO LOWELL ABOUT THEIR PAST. HOW LOWELL STAYED SO CALM I REALLY DONT KNOW BUT IT JUST GOES TO SHOW WHAT AN AMAZING MAN LOWELL IS!!
ANOTHER FANTASTIC READ AND IM SUPER EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This has been the book ive been waiting for. And if I'm totally honest I really didnt like Micah! And I thought there was no way he could win me over, well that thought went out the window the more i read. A FABTASTIC READ!!!!!
Micah Warner had one dream to make it to the big leagues, he was a pitcher and he had many reasons to get there. His father was a dead beat cheating stealing waste of space. He left his mother and sister with lots of debts and if he made it big he could look after them. Make up for the father who should of been there to support his family. The only problem was he was Gay. He had had secret relationships throughout college but it was always on the understanding he was never going out. There was no Gay players in the league and it would ruin his career. When the men dont understand Micah would get nasty. Why couldnt they understand. When he makes it to the minor league Micah is showing great promise but he doesn't bond with the other players. He is so scared they will see through him and know he is Gay he holds himself back but when he gets an injury everything changes.
Justin Lamb is the physical therapist and its his job to see the guys get back to full strength as soon as possible. Justin is known as Mary and at first he thinks it is because he is Gay but he soon learns its nothing to do with that and more to do with his name. There are a few players who dont like the fact he is Gay but Justin doesn't let it affect his work. Then he meets Micah. What a complicated young man. He acts so thought but really he can see a venerable boy underneath it all. He works hard to follow all of Justin's exercises.
When Micah over hears a conversation between Lamb and another Player, hearing that lamb hasn't been with a man for so long because his work load doesn't really fit in a relationship Micah get thinking that maybe he will be ok with them being together?
But could anything come of these two being together???
OMG I TOTALLY FELL FOR JUSTIN, WHAT AN AMAZING MAN. HE MADE MY HEART BEAT SO HARD AND FAST WOOHOOO!! HE IS JUST THE DREAM MAN. IT TOOK ALOT FOR ME TO SEE THE MAN UNDER ALL OF THE BAGGAGE THAT MICAH WAS CARRYING. BUT WHEN THESE TWO ARE TOGETHER ITS JUST BRILLIANT. THE BANTER, THE CHEMISTRY AND THE PASSION. BUT THERE IS SO MUCH HEARTACHE TOO. IT WAS PAINFUL TO READ AT TIMES BUT THAT JUST MADE THEIR STORY OH SO MUCH MORE POWERFUL. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE BRENT, LOWELL, NATHAN AND CALEB FROM THE FIRST TWO BOOKS PLUS MICAH HAD TO TALK TO LOWELL ABOUT THEIR PAST. HOW LOWELL STAYED SO CALM I REALLY DONT KNOW BUT IT JUST GOES TO SHOW WHAT AN AMAZING MAN LOWELL IS!!
ANOTHER FANTASTIC READ AND IM SUPER EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2020
I was so glad to hear that Brigham Vaughn was continuing her Midwest series. Maybe it was being a lifelong midwesterner(born and raised Wisconsinite here), maybe it was the love I had for books 1 & 2, maybe it was being a huge baseball fan(and not nearly enough baseball stories in the LGBT genres), or maybe it was a little(okay a lot) of all three. What can I say? I'm a glutton when it comes to Miss Vaughn's work. Whatever the reason, I was loving the idea that it was continuing, now I'll admit that even though I was excited and purchased Touch and Go immediately late September 2019, I was snowed under my paranormal reading for October, then an early start to my Christmas reading, then mom's hip surgery, then Covid19 and before I knew it she was getting ready to release(and re-release 1-3) #4. So, I haven't been able to read Advance and Retreat(#4) yet but I finally said "ENOUGH!" and jumped in and read Micah and Justin's journey.
Yummy!
With the re-releases of 1-3 reaching new readers I don't want to give anything away(not that I would have anyway😉😉) but just WOW! I know the Cougars are a minor league team and despite being a huge baseball fan I don't really follow the minors, it was still a nice treat especially as 2020 has thrown the MLB for a loop(as we all have), it was nice to have "baseball back". Having followed Brigham Vaughn on facebook and recalling her questions about the game at a minor level, I knew I would be reading a well researched book, occupation-wise, which personally always makes the story better. I know it's fiction and I'm not strict in wanting no leeway when it comes to accuracy or lack-there-of but knowing the author went that extra step is always a plus.
Now, as for Micah and Justin. Love them both, and as so often I was in equal moments of smacking them with a frying pan and smothering them in mama bear hugs. It's almost become a measuring stick for me because I think wanting to take both actions to all parties involved makes the characters that more even-minded and perfectly suited. It's no fun for me when one character is always right and the other is always wrong, and it certainly not that way in Touch and Go. I think Micah has more growing to do because he is so far in the closet that at times it seems almost impossible for him to claw his way out. It's hard to imagine a story being enjoyable when one of the MCs is so self-hidden but watching these two men come together, grow stronger, and find that HEA(and I'm not giving anything away there because Miss Vaughn's stories always are HEAs) really warms the heart.
When you find a beautifully written journey such as Micah and Justin's in Touch and Go, you know you have found not only a winning read but also an author to keep an eye on.
Yummy!
With the re-releases of 1-3 reaching new readers I don't want to give anything away(not that I would have anyway😉😉) but just WOW! I know the Cougars are a minor league team and despite being a huge baseball fan I don't really follow the minors, it was still a nice treat especially as 2020 has thrown the MLB for a loop(as we all have), it was nice to have "baseball back". Having followed Brigham Vaughn on facebook and recalling her questions about the game at a minor level, I knew I would be reading a well researched book, occupation-wise, which personally always makes the story better. I know it's fiction and I'm not strict in wanting no leeway when it comes to accuracy or lack-there-of but knowing the author went that extra step is always a plus.
Now, as for Micah and Justin. Love them both, and as so often I was in equal moments of smacking them with a frying pan and smothering them in mama bear hugs. It's almost become a measuring stick for me because I think wanting to take both actions to all parties involved makes the characters that more even-minded and perfectly suited. It's no fun for me when one character is always right and the other is always wrong, and it certainly not that way in Touch and Go. I think Micah has more growing to do because he is so far in the closet that at times it seems almost impossible for him to claw his way out. It's hard to imagine a story being enjoyable when one of the MCs is so self-hidden but watching these two men come together, grow stronger, and find that HEA(and I'm not giving anything away there because Miss Vaughn's stories always are HEAs) really warms the heart.
When you find a beautifully written journey such as Micah and Justin's in Touch and Go, you know you have found not only a winning read but also an author to keep an eye on.
July 11, 2020
This is the third book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but it may get a little confusing with all the background people if you haven't read book 2 first. Micah is a pitcher for the Cougars minor league team. He has sacrificed a lot to try and obtain his goal of playing in the major leagues. He has little or no people skills. He is obnoxious to almost everyone he meets. Part of this is due to his family background and the pressure that he has put upon himself to reach the major leagues no matter what. The other part is due to being a professional athlete and having to deny his sexual orientation of being gay. No major league players are openly gay! That is the mantra that he is living by.
Justin Lamb is a physical therapist for the same baseball team the Cougars. He is an openly bisexual man. He cares about the players on his team and is willing to do whatever needs to be done to help them remain healthy and obtain their goal of reaching the major leagues.
*spoilers*
Micah and Justin get together for for a casual relationship. Since they are both in the sports world, Micah believe that Justin will be able to understand that he can't have a relationship. You know what they say about the best made plans. Things are going according to plan until Micah is injured in a game. Justin reacts like someone in a relationship and not like a calm, cool sports therapist. Waking in a hospital, Micah learns that he has a possible career ending injury and that Justin may have accidentally "outed" him to the world.
While in the hospital, Micah goes back to his default of pushing people away and being obnoxious in an effort to try and deal with his fear and panic. Eventually he goes to stay with Justin while he recovers. Having a physical therapist for a roommate while recovering from an injury is the best bet he can make to still obtain his goal of the majors. It is at this point that Justin & Micah's relationship goes through numerous changes. From this point on, it is all about how each of them is going to react to their new reality.
Even though Micah does come off as a obnoxious jerk, the author gets you to care about him as you learn of his family hurts and his fear of letting his family down. Justin sometimes seems a little too zen and calm for me to take. But together, they make a perfect balance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin Lamb is a physical therapist for the same baseball team the Cougars. He is an openly bisexual man. He cares about the players on his team and is willing to do whatever needs to be done to help them remain healthy and obtain their goal of reaching the major leagues.
*spoilers*
Micah and Justin get together for for a casual relationship. Since they are both in the sports world, Micah believe that Justin will be able to understand that he can't have a relationship. You know what they say about the best made plans. Things are going according to plan until Micah is injured in a game. Justin reacts like someone in a relationship and not like a calm, cool sports therapist. Waking in a hospital, Micah learns that he has a possible career ending injury and that Justin may have accidentally "outed" him to the world.
While in the hospital, Micah goes back to his default of pushing people away and being obnoxious in an effort to try and deal with his fear and panic. Eventually he goes to stay with Justin while he recovers. Having a physical therapist for a roommate while recovering from an injury is the best bet he can make to still obtain his goal of the majors. It is at this point that Justin & Micah's relationship goes through numerous changes. From this point on, it is all about how each of them is going to react to their new reality.
Even though Micah does come off as a obnoxious jerk, the author gets you to care about him as you learn of his family hurts and his fear of letting his family down. Justin sometimes seems a little too zen and calm for me to take. But together, they make a perfect balance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
This is the third book in the Midwest Series and it can be read as a standalone. However a lot of the characters that appear from the first two novels do play a part in this book so I would advise reading them beforehand just for some more context on the inner-relationships between everyone. This novel picks up before the end of the second book where Micah is currently playing pro-baseball. All his life he has dreamed of making it big so he could help take care of his family. Except with the majors comes a lot more stress and pressure and it doesn't help that Micah has been experiencing some pain with his pitching arm. Justin is the team physical therapist and is openly bisexual. Micah overhears a conversation between Justin and another team member and he decides that he should hit Justin up about a no-strings-attached hook-up. What starts out innocent enough gets overly complicated; even further so when Micah ends up hurting his shoulder and requiring surgery. No with a bleak outlook on his baseball career; his refuseful to come out of the closet and his desire to push everyone away Micah is struggling for some semblance of control. Micah has a choice to make and he needs to decide if he's all in with Justin or if he must stay in the closet forever...
I liked this novel a lot better then the first novel in the series but maybe not as much as the second. I do think it was the most interesting though in terms of character growth. Micah has been minor appearances in the first two novels now and frankly he's been a major (insert swear word here LOL). I don't think this novel gives him the overarching redemption one would except but I think the reader finally gets some justification of why Micah has done the things he has done. I wouldn't completely justify him for all his choices but it was nice to have some context and closure for some other characters in this series. So, in this aspect I believe that Justin was really the gamechanger in Micah's character growth. I'm not gonna saw Micah is my favorite anytime soon but his story definitely made be dislike him a little bit less LOL. If you like character redemption kind of books and somewhat forbidden love this book is for you!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked this novel a lot better then the first novel in the series but maybe not as much as the second. I do think it was the most interesting though in terms of character growth. Micah has been minor appearances in the first two novels now and frankly he's been a major (insert swear word here LOL). I don't think this novel gives him the overarching redemption one would except but I think the reader finally gets some justification of why Micah has done the things he has done. I wouldn't completely justify him for all his choices but it was nice to have some context and closure for some other characters in this series. So, in this aspect I believe that Justin was really the gamechanger in Micah's character growth. I'm not gonna saw Micah is my favorite anytime soon but his story definitely made be dislike him a little bit less LOL. If you like character redemption kind of books and somewhat forbidden love this book is for you!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2020
Redemption and self-acceptance net Micah the future and love he needs.
Micah is probably everyone's least favorite character. Yes, he's a total ... yeah, pretty much any vehemently negative descriptor would be accurate here, but even though I had some seriously unkind thoughts about him in the first two books there was something deeper going on with him than self-hatred and cruel words and actions and knew he'd get his chance to tell his story. Brigham Vaughn is no stranger to writing internal angst and her brand of it can be poignant and honest. I appreciated the way we saw Micah's internal struggle and the softness that gave me hope he'd pull himself out of his own misery.
And misery there was aplenty. He sank himself so deep into his own bog of awfulness that he could see no way out or around to true freedom. His growing and deepening feelings for Justin felt futile and yet so right. Micah isn't an easy character to love because the surface of heartlessness and callousness is so thick that most won't even try to look past it. I was glad for Justin's patience and willingness to try for him.
But everyone has their limit and I supported Justin's decision even though I hated his timing. When Micah's emotional breakthrough came it was met with Justin's heartfelt yet heartbreaking limit. Left on his own it was finally up to Micah to see exactly what he needed to do to fight for his light. No final decision was easy, but I really enjoyed all he did to create the future he wanted by seeking redemption, forgiveness, and honesty.
Each story so far in the series has characters that grabbed me for different reasons, but I think that Micah is my new current favorite because of his evolution. I believed in him, believed in his changes, and I adored his actions with Ian in the lead-in for Advance & Retreat. I cannot wait to see his cameos in the next story.
Micah is probably everyone's least favorite character. Yes, he's a total ... yeah, pretty much any vehemently negative descriptor would be accurate here, but even though I had some seriously unkind thoughts about him in the first two books there was something deeper going on with him than self-hatred and cruel words and actions and knew he'd get his chance to tell his story. Brigham Vaughn is no stranger to writing internal angst and her brand of it can be poignant and honest. I appreciated the way we saw Micah's internal struggle and the softness that gave me hope he'd pull himself out of his own misery.
And misery there was aplenty. He sank himself so deep into his own bog of awfulness that he could see no way out or around to true freedom. His growing and deepening feelings for Justin felt futile and yet so right. Micah isn't an easy character to love because the surface of heartlessness and callousness is so thick that most won't even try to look past it. I was glad for Justin's patience and willingness to try for him.
But everyone has their limit and I supported Justin's decision even though I hated his timing. When Micah's emotional breakthrough came it was met with Justin's heartfelt yet heartbreaking limit. Left on his own it was finally up to Micah to see exactly what he needed to do to fight for his light. No final decision was easy, but I really enjoyed all he did to create the future he wanted by seeking redemption, forgiveness, and honesty.
Each story so far in the series has characters that grabbed me for different reasons, but I think that Micah is my new current favorite because of his evolution. I believed in him, believed in his changes, and I adored his actions with Ian in the lead-in for Advance & Retreat. I cannot wait to see his cameos in the next story.
July 11, 2020
Micah Warner, a Skokie Cougars rookie starting pitcher, awoke and rolled his shoulders. The one was okay, but the other caught in mid-roll and a stab of pain went through him, for the third night in a row.
Justin Lamb, a physical therapist, asked Micah how his shoulder was. He had noticed him icing it more often, during practices and workouts. But Micah tried to brush him off, fearing he would be put on the disabled list. But Justin told him he wanted to check out the shoulder, so he couldn’t refuse. Although Justin didn’t feel any pops or clicks, he warned him to watch for that. Those injuries were one of the major career-ending injuries for pro pitchers, but Micah was sure that couldn’t possibly be what he was experiencing.
Micah and Justin eventually decide to go for a no-strings hookup to help with the tensions. Micah is still resolute about not coming out. His career is too important to risk public backlash. But the decision may be taken away from him as he is injured in the game. He needs to realize his career in baseball might be over. He still hasn’t made his sexuality known, which effectively keeps Justin out of reach. So he has some decisions to make. Give up baseball and leave behind the career he has coveted since he was 5 years old? Continue hiding his sexuality? And is he willing to give up Justin and not take a chance for a HEA with him?
This book will definitely hook the reader’s emotions. Micah has sacrificed to get where he is, wanting to care for his mom and sister because his father had never done that for them. He puts all of his own needs and desires second. His injury changes everything. Can he come to terms with this new reality? Will he make the right choices for his life? Will he realize that love is the one thing that truly matters?
Justin Lamb, a physical therapist, asked Micah how his shoulder was. He had noticed him icing it more often, during practices and workouts. But Micah tried to brush him off, fearing he would be put on the disabled list. But Justin told him he wanted to check out the shoulder, so he couldn’t refuse. Although Justin didn’t feel any pops or clicks, he warned him to watch for that. Those injuries were one of the major career-ending injuries for pro pitchers, but Micah was sure that couldn’t possibly be what he was experiencing.
Micah and Justin eventually decide to go for a no-strings hookup to help with the tensions. Micah is still resolute about not coming out. His career is too important to risk public backlash. But the decision may be taken away from him as he is injured in the game. He needs to realize his career in baseball might be over. He still hasn’t made his sexuality known, which effectively keeps Justin out of reach. So he has some decisions to make. Give up baseball and leave behind the career he has coveted since he was 5 years old? Continue hiding his sexuality? And is he willing to give up Justin and not take a chance for a HEA with him?
This book will definitely hook the reader’s emotions. Micah has sacrificed to get where he is, wanting to care for his mom and sister because his father had never done that for them. He puts all of his own needs and desires second. His injury changes everything. Can he come to terms with this new reality? Will he make the right choices for his life? Will he realize that love is the one thing that truly matters?
October 25, 2021
*audio review*
Third in the series but stands alone with no problem. Reading the 2 previous books will help with the background for Micah and the side characters.
Micah is such a mess. A closeted athlete who holds the weight of caring for his family on his shoulders. When he sees his rising career shaken by an injury, he becomes so angry that he pushes away the few people who are trying to help him, especially Justin. Deep down, he's only an insecure guy, too immature to realize we all need help and too self-absorbed to see how much harm he's causing others with his actions. But even so, he was too much of a jerk to be likable, even after his redemption I had a hard time changing how I saw him.
Justin, on the other hand, is this amazing guy, who helps everyone and sees the best in them. He saw right through Micah and understood his struggle. He's a much better person than me, that's for sure.
I thought the end was a little rushed, after so many years of hiding who he was and pushing everyone away, Micah just came around too fast, too easy. I wish we had seen more development there, especially regarding his catholic family.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved the narration. The only problem I had with the performance was with the words in Portuguese. I understand Portuguese is not an easy language for English speakers, but since Micah's mom was born and raised in Brazil, it was very weird to hear the words so poorly pronounced. And the way Micah pronounces "mãe" (mom) changes from the beginning to the end of the book, which was also weird. But, of course, anyone who isn't Brazilian probably won't notice any of that.
Third in the series but stands alone with no problem. Reading the 2 previous books will help with the background for Micah and the side characters.
Micah is such a mess. A closeted athlete who holds the weight of caring for his family on his shoulders. When he sees his rising career shaken by an injury, he becomes so angry that he pushes away the few people who are trying to help him, especially Justin. Deep down, he's only an insecure guy, too immature to realize we all need help and too self-absorbed to see how much harm he's causing others with his actions. But even so, he was too much of a jerk to be likable, even after his redemption I had a hard time changing how I saw him.
Justin, on the other hand, is this amazing guy, who helps everyone and sees the best in them. He saw right through Micah and understood his struggle. He's a much better person than me, that's for sure.
I thought the end was a little rushed, after so many years of hiding who he was and pushing everyone away, Micah just came around too fast, too easy. I wish we had seen more development there, especially regarding his catholic family.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved the narration. The only problem I had with the performance was with the words in Portuguese. I understand Portuguese is not an easy language for English speakers, but since Micah's mom was born and raised in Brazil, it was very weird to hear the words so poorly pronounced. And the way Micah pronounces "mãe" (mom) changes from the beginning to the end of the book, which was also weird. But, of course, anyone who isn't Brazilian probably won't notice any of that.
July 27, 2020
(read my review of book one in the series here)
Even though I've enjoyed the series so far, I was a little nervous about Touch & Go. Why? Because I really didn't like Micah in the previous installments, and I knew he was a main character here. Did I even want to see him get his happy ever after?
Well, from the beginning of the book, Micah remains as awful as he was before. There is a little more justification behind his action as we see them through his eyes, but not enough to excuse the way he acted. Actually, even to the end he was still pretty surly, and didn't improve hugely after having his big hospital revelation about how bad he'd been.
But the shining light in this book was Justin. He was such a great character and all-around good guy that it made things okay. And I was genuinely happy to see them get together in the end.
Loved: The last paragraph. Sometimes you see an author just NAIL an ending, and this was one of those times.
Liked: Justin, Bererra, the other characters around Micah, and getting to see more of our guys from the first two books
Disliked: I wanted to get to know the other characters more. Luis, for example, who could have been a really strong side character but was only barely fleshed out. And the guys on the team - we saw some of them so little I couldn't keep them apart in my head.
Burning Question: Is another team member gay? Because I feel like hell yes. All that macho posturing has to come from some sense of insecurity somewhere...
I received a free ARC copy of this book but my review is my genuine opinion.
Even though I've enjoyed the series so far, I was a little nervous about Touch & Go. Why? Because I really didn't like Micah in the previous installments, and I knew he was a main character here. Did I even want to see him get his happy ever after?
Well, from the beginning of the book, Micah remains as awful as he was before. There is a little more justification behind his action as we see them through his eyes, but not enough to excuse the way he acted. Actually, even to the end he was still pretty surly, and didn't improve hugely after having his big hospital revelation about how bad he'd been.
But the shining light in this book was Justin. He was such a great character and all-around good guy that it made things okay. And I was genuinely happy to see them get together in the end.
Loved: The last paragraph. Sometimes you see an author just NAIL an ending, and this was one of those times.
Liked: Justin, Bererra, the other characters around Micah, and getting to see more of our guys from the first two books
Disliked: I wanted to get to know the other characters more. Luis, for example, who could have been a really strong side character but was only barely fleshed out. And the guys on the team - we saw some of them so little I couldn't keep them apart in my head.
Burning Question: Is another team member gay? Because I feel like hell yes. All that macho posturing has to come from some sense of insecurity somewhere...
I received a free ARC copy of this book but my review is my genuine opinion.
June 28, 2020
Yes he knew just how obnoxious he'd been..
by and1515
Micah was use to all the aches and pains
But baseball was his dream and he wasn't about to give up.
His father had been a big jerk who wrecked all of there lives even after he abandoned them to poverty and only his grandparents help kept them from being homeless.
Micah possessed many character defects and some of those flaws were as big as the Grand Canyon.
Justin knew his job and relationships weren't compatible especially after his last one ended so badly.
He honestly couldn't believe what he'd all made a huge error yes their attraction was mutual but he wasn't about to risk his livelihood.
They both knew this was a dangerous dance but neither one was willing to stop.
Micah was to stubborn for his own good even when Justin tried to make him listen however things ended in a spectacular disaster.
Micah couldn't believe the situation he was sadly in he's likelihood of ever pitching again probably slim at best and he was almost positive everyone knew.
He just couldn't bring himself to tell them the truth because Micah knew how that probably would end.
Micah never saw it coming until he stood there trying to understand what just hit him after all his nice house of cards just came tumbling down and he had absolutely no idea how to fix it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Micah was use to all the aches and pains
But baseball was his dream and he wasn't about to give up.
His father had been a big jerk who wrecked all of there lives even after he abandoned them to poverty and only his grandparents help kept them from being homeless.
Micah possessed many character defects and some of those flaws were as big as the Grand Canyon.
Justin knew his job and relationships weren't compatible especially after his last one ended so badly.
He honestly couldn't believe what he'd all made a huge error yes their attraction was mutual but he wasn't about to risk his livelihood.
They both knew this was a dangerous dance but neither one was willing to stop.
Micah was to stubborn for his own good even when Justin tried to make him listen however things ended in a spectacular disaster.
Micah couldn't believe the situation he was sadly in he's likelihood of ever pitching again probably slim at best and he was almost positive everyone knew.
He just couldn't bring himself to tell them the truth because Micah knew how that probably would end.
Micah never saw it coming until he stood there trying to understand what just hit him after all his nice house of cards just came tumbling down and he had absolutely no idea how to fix it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
I was a little worried about this one because Micah hasn’t been the nicest or greatest of guys. For Micah, baseball means everything to him, and the thought of being outed terrifies him. I get that, but he was still such a jerk to Justin and generally was in the past installments. I was worried that he couldn’t be redeemed, but Ms.Vaughn found a way for me to truly understand that he wasn't THAT much of a jerk. To be fair, he still was, just not as much as I initially thought 🤣.
Interestingly enough, Justin annoyed me with his inability to stand up for himself at times. I wanted him to admit that what he and Micah had was so much more than just sex, but again, Ms.Vaughn found a way for me to truly understand where he was coming from and that when it truly mattered, he was more than willing to stand for himself and for those that he cared about.
I understand that fear can make you do crazy things, and it can make you swallow the very words you long to say. The fact that both men were struggling to own up to their true feelings made it all that more perfect when they finally did. That moment was incredibly special and long time coming.
Now, I’m not going lie, there were times that these guys annoyed me because lack of communication is a huge pet peeve of mine; however, they really did earn one another and their happy ending was definitely worth it.
*ARC provided. I have given an honest review*
Interestingly enough, Justin annoyed me with his inability to stand up for himself at times. I wanted him to admit that what he and Micah had was so much more than just sex, but again, Ms.Vaughn found a way for me to truly understand where he was coming from and that when it truly mattered, he was more than willing to stand for himself and for those that he cared about.
I understand that fear can make you do crazy things, and it can make you swallow the very words you long to say. The fact that both men were struggling to own up to their true feelings made it all that more perfect when they finally did. That moment was incredibly special and long time coming.
Now, I’m not going lie, there were times that these guys annoyed me because lack of communication is a huge pet peeve of mine; however, they really did earn one another and their happy ending was definitely worth it.
*ARC provided. I have given an honest review*
October 22, 2021
Performance: 3.5 Stars
Story: 3 Stars
Closeted Triple-A baseball rookie Micah (22) is determined not to let anything jeopardize his big league prospects - not his increasingly painful pitching shoulder and not his increasing attraction to his team's openly bi physical therapist.
After losing his own budding pro baseball career to injury, PT Justin (37) won't jeopardize his career or professional ethics by getting romantically involved with a player. But Micah's no-strings proposal proves too tempting to resist, and it's not long before their convenient arrangement gives way to deepening - if unspoken - feelings.
This story packs a ton of steam, and a fair amount of angst courtesy of Micah as he deals (poorly) with a potentially career-ending injury and tries to keep their relationship under wraps. Justin is as thoughtful, patient and understanding as Micah is cocky, immature and self-centered...and, quite frankly, Micah's a complete pill who left me sighing in frustration even more than he did Justin. Even with his mea culpas and personal growth toward the end, his previous behavior - eight hours worth - made rooting for his HEA a challenge, and I couldn't help but feel Justin deserved better.
Narrator James Edward Jones has a pleasant voice that I enjoyed listening to, though I didn't hear much difference between character voices. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Story: 3 Stars
Closeted Triple-A baseball rookie Micah (22) is determined not to let anything jeopardize his big league prospects - not his increasingly painful pitching shoulder and not his increasing attraction to his team's openly bi physical therapist.
After losing his own budding pro baseball career to injury, PT Justin (37) won't jeopardize his career or professional ethics by getting romantically involved with a player. But Micah's no-strings proposal proves too tempting to resist, and it's not long before their convenient arrangement gives way to deepening - if unspoken - feelings.
This story packs a ton of steam, and a fair amount of angst courtesy of Micah as he deals (poorly) with a potentially career-ending injury and tries to keep their relationship under wraps. Justin is as thoughtful, patient and understanding as Micah is cocky, immature and self-centered...and, quite frankly, Micah's a complete pill who left me sighing in frustration even more than he did Justin. Even with his mea culpas and personal growth toward the end, his previous behavior - eight hours worth - made rooting for his HEA a challenge, and I couldn't help but feel Justin deserved better.
Narrator James Edward Jones has a pleasant voice that I enjoyed listening to, though I didn't hear much difference between character voices. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
January 29, 2024
Oof, this one will break your heart and you'll love it! Micah is a closeted minor league baseball player with his sights set on the majors, and he's not going to let anything get in his way. He wants to get a big league contract so he can take care of his little sister and his mom after his dad left them with a bunch of gambling debt. He's got internalized homophobia and it really doesn't help him with dating. Since he can't hook up randomly, he decides to go after the team's physical therapist, Justin, and propositions him for secret hookups, since Justin has no time to date either.
When a shoulder injury in the middle of a game leads to Justin immediately jumping to Micah's aid, people start speculating they're more than friends. Despite the rumors, Micah has no one around to take care of him so he moves in with Justin. This also leads to some complicated emotions for both of them.
🔥: Justin and Micah get pretty steamy together. We don't always get all the details, but when we do, it's spicy and crazy passionate.
😆: There are some fun moments here and there, especially when Lowell from book 2 makes appearances. I just love his sass.
😭: There are some heavy issues in this one, and most of them take place in Micah's head. He has so much to work through and it's heartbreaking to see him and Justin deal with everything.
This is such a good series. It's full of heavy emotions, but the characters are so well-developed. I pretty much hated Micah by the end of book 2, and he gets quite the redemption arc!
CW: internalized homophobia with slurs, shoulder injury on the page
When a shoulder injury in the middle of a game leads to Justin immediately jumping to Micah's aid, people start speculating they're more than friends. Despite the rumors, Micah has no one around to take care of him so he moves in with Justin. This also leads to some complicated emotions for both of them.
🔥: Justin and Micah get pretty steamy together. We don't always get all the details, but when we do, it's spicy and crazy passionate.
😆: There are some fun moments here and there, especially when Lowell from book 2 makes appearances. I just love his sass.
😭: There are some heavy issues in this one, and most of them take place in Micah's head. He has so much to work through and it's heartbreaking to see him and Justin deal with everything.
This is such a good series. It's full of heavy emotions, but the characters are so well-developed. I pretty much hated Micah by the end of book 2, and he gets quite the redemption arc!
CW: internalized homophobia with slurs, shoulder injury on the page
April 2, 2020
4.5 Stars
I wasn't sure about reading a story about Micah, I really disliked his character in the previous book in this series, but I did eventually grow to love him. It wasn't until around the 50% mark that I finally changed my mind about him. He still did and said things that pissed me off but I understood him more. When I started this I wasn't sure the author could redeem Micah and in all honestly I have to say she did and she didn't but if Lowell can forgive Micah then so can I. Even though it took me a while to fall in love with Micah I never once thought about giving up on the book. There is lots to love in this story and this series!
I can't wait for Ian and Ricky/Rosie's story. I hope it comes out soon.
TAGS
-- Sports/Baseball -- friends to lovers -- angst -- one not so easy to love MC... Micah -- one very easy to love MC... Justin --age difference -- made me cry -- made me smile/laugh -- in the closet & coming out -- swoon worthy -- can't wait for more
October 19, 2021
Closeted minor league rookie baseball player Micah’s life is so compartmentalized that a relationship is out of the question – the most he has managed in the past have been hookup scenarios that haven’t turned out well. He let his heart get involved, once, and it was a disaster. So why does he think a friends-with-benefits arrangement with Justin, his team’s physical therapist, will work out any better? Especially when his focus needs to be entirely on doing well, staying under the gaydar and making it to the majors. He doesn’t have time for a tricky shoulder, making nice or making friends, and he definitely didn’t plan on catching feelings for Justin. While each of the Midwest stories can stand alone, Micah is well known to readers of the previous books in the series, and for them especially his story will resonate. I loved it for many reasons, but perhaps as an out-for-you redemption arc most of all. The Midwest boys have each gotten under my skin, and Micah was the perhaps the most sneaky, since my initial dislike for him was transformed quietly and stealthily, until I was as invested in his chance at a HEA as I wanted him to be. James Edward Jones is the perfect narrator for this series; his voicing of these characters is nuanced and pleasing in every way.
June 8, 2024
I really didn’t want to like this book because Micah is a douche and yeah he still is, but now I understand him and even feel bad and i hate it LOL! Micah has joined the minor leagues for baseball and despite pain on his shoulder, he doesn’t tell anyone. When he starts a FWB relationship with his physical therapist and then dislocates said bad shoulder, his world crashes down. Justin’s reaction is the beginning of the end and Micah doesn’t know what to do.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Justin is very sweet and he genuinely cares for and understands Micah and his fears
2) Micah’s reactions and thoughts are so important because it is stigmatized so much in sports that he has been led to believe he will be less and
3) I maybe sort of kind liked Micah (a little) especially after Brent told him he would still alibi Lowell 🤣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #fiction #themidwestseries #brighamvaughn #touchandgo @brighamvaughn
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Justin is very sweet and he genuinely cares for and understands Micah and his fears
2) Micah’s reactions and thoughts are so important because it is stigmatized so much in sports that he has been led to believe he will be less and
3) I maybe sort of kind liked Micah (a little) especially after Brent told him he would still alibi Lowell 🤣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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July 9, 2020
Third book in Sports series.
After reading and enjoying the last couple of books in the series, I knew I'd struggle with this one. Don't get me wrong, the writing was good and the plot worked well, however, going into this one, I already disliked Micah, one if the MCs
Micah is gruff, filterless, and doesn’t give a crap who he offends. This thoroughly annoyed me throughout the first two books. I know he has personal problems, but the guy was a douchebag.
He had great friends and Justin, his love interest is wonderful and long suffering, but Micah consistently rubbishes them and drags them down. He did redeem himself, but by that time, I just couldn't find it in myself to be happy for him. I just felt that both Justin and his friends should've left him to deal. Like I said , the plot is fine, but Micah's awfulness just totally made me hope he didn't have his HEA.
After reading and enjoying the last couple of books in the series, I knew I'd struggle with this one. Don't get me wrong, the writing was good and the plot worked well, however, going into this one, I already disliked Micah, one if the MCs
Micah is gruff, filterless, and doesn’t give a crap who he offends. This thoroughly annoyed me throughout the first two books. I know he has personal problems, but the guy was a douchebag.
He had great friends and Justin, his love interest is wonderful and long suffering, but Micah consistently rubbishes them and drags them down. He did redeem himself, but by that time, I just couldn't find it in myself to be happy for him. I just felt that both Justin and his friends should've left him to deal. Like I said , the plot is fine, but Micah's awfulness just totally made me hope he didn't have his HEA.
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