Date in a Pinch

Naughty in Pendleton #1

by Brigham Vaughn

A sweet geek and an experienced Dom: someone’s about to learn their lesson …

When chemistry teacher Neil Greene gets an unexpected delivery at Pendleton High, he's mortified when his fellow teacher and crush sees the contents that hint at the adventurous love life he’s dying to explore. Curious but inexperienced, Neil has no idea how to live out his fantasies until the hot lit teacher offers a helping hand.

Alexander Ford likes to be in charge in the bedroom and he’s happy to tutor Neil in all things naughty. But when Neil asks him to pretend to be his date for the Sweetheart’s Game at Pendleton Bay’s Love Fest, Neil may be the one teaching Alexander about love.

Note: Date in a Pinch was re-released in April 2021 with a brand new cover and an additional 11k of steamy new content.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Romance, Teachers, Friends To Lovers, LGBT

294 pages, Unknown Binding

First published February 11, 2021

About the author

Brigham 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.

Reviews

[Mariam, · Rating 3 out of 5]

Call this a RomCom but make it Kinky, 3.5 stars ⭐

I think my brain is fried these days because I've been incorrigible within talking about books and most importantly rating them because I went on about rating this four stars at first and then I went mehhhh 3 stars and now I'm like 3.5 stars so honestly, if you place your great faith in me, THAT is not my fault, my friend.

→ why I didn't rate it 4 stars
💧Not enough 🌶️ Spiciness 🌶️
Like you'd think with a book that has BDSM elements in it that it would include sexy times but NOPE. There was like ONE sex scene from this book and it makes me so mad because it was so good and the rest of the “sexy times” were mentioned in passing.

💧 BE AWARE 💧 The first chapter of this book is/was confusing as hell, at least for me, mainly because it just felt so preestablished that I felt wrong footed as if I was even reading the first book in this series but after you read that first chapter, the pacing gets better and the overall confusion dies

/ Yes I'm that petty to rate a book lower because I didn't get my recommended amount of sexy times, and No you cannot judge me /


→ why I didn't rate it 3 stars and rated it higher instead

🙏 This book was so cheesy but in like a good way

🙏 The way Alex talks to Neil is SO HOT and so formal. (but I can see how it can also be interpreted as Robotic with other people but that personally didn't resonate with me)

🙏 when their “Relationship” as playmates was mentioned and pertaining to how Alex and Neil worked through and together upon reflection, personal opinion, thoughts and ideas, just the way FREEDOM of LANGUAGE was expressed (especially) through Alex was so. fucking. freshing, heartwarming and it's manner of straightforwardness was just EVERYTHING to behold, to cherish and to fucking marvel at.

I want to make sure you trust me so much you know I’ll only push you in the ways you need.

🙏 The maturity of the characters made me want to cry a bloody river.
• honestly, I forgot what it felt like to respect someone (yes, even a fucking fictional character) so wholeheartedly and I just marvelled at Alexander's every prose.

He knew he had to talk to Neil about it though, and soon. Nothing like this was ever solved by trying to work it out alone, but Alexander had to be sure he knew what he was ready to offer Neil before he broached the subject.


And books, literature, poetry … they’re how we express what humanity is, what we’re meant to be. The whole range of it, from the worst to the best. They can be a lesson on what not to do or an aspiration of what to strive for.


Because he was a thirty-three-year-old teaching professional and dominant, damn it.

🙏 and lastly, the representation or BDSM and regardless of how UNspicy it was, it made my heart so fucking warm to see exquisite representation.

“Thank you, Sir,” Neil whispered. His heart beat harder in his chest as felt the weight of that promise. Only it didn’t feel heavy at all. It lifted him up and made him feel like he could fly.

[Papie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute kinky book, with toys, spanking, flogging, ropes, edging, and all the good stuff. 😂 🔥
Fun and sexy, although a little too smooth sailing for my taste.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars A LOVELY story, I highly enjoyed it. Why? Because it’s kind, real, considerate, it felt honest into the finest details, it was emotional, sexy, kinky, and sweet. That’s why!

Meet Alexander, thirty-three, a Dominant and a literature teacher, and Neil he’s twenty-seven, a submissive and chemistry teacher.

Alexander and Neil are both teachers and colleagues, the Dom in Alexander made a private joke about if Neil ever wanted to explore something kinky Neil knows where to find him. He never expected shy submissive Neil really wanted to talk about it. They arranged a meeting and discuss what Alexander can teach Neil. Neil never explored his submissive side with anyone, Alexander feels safe.

It’s more than three and a half years ago since Alexander’s last relationship, it was kinky but he couldn’t give his partner what he needed. Ending it was devastating, now he keeps such relationships at distance. A friendship with benefits will do, nothing more.

Even though it hurts a little to know he’ll never be more to Alexander, Neil is grateful to have him as a friend.

The boundaries and rules are getting blurred, their friendship is blooming and Alexander is getting confused and Neil doesn’t want the overstep and risk their relationship.

Those two guys were endearing, exploring Neil’s kinky side, building a friendship, where Alexander was the expert with BDSM and Neil with comfort and love, all wonderful to read.
I adored this narrative, no excessive drama, the situation felt realistic and plausible. The author has a pleasant way of storytelling, conversations made sense, appetizing scenes to experience and with real, flawed, lovely characters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neal and Alexander are both high school teachers that meet because of a "kinky" accident. A package was delivered to the school to the wrong person. Without realizing that it wasn't for him Neil opens it and finds it full of "kinky Playthings" and sees then that it's addressed to Alexander, the hot, sexy, good-looking fellow teacher across the hall from his room. Neil has no earthly idea how he is going to be able to return the package without blushing...but he has been trying to find a way to explore his submissive side....and maybe Alexander can help.

Alexander is a Dom who has been looking for a play partner. Both guys are coming off of bad relationships, so both are cautious. They have already been playfully flirting in the school mailroom, but with the arrival of this private package accidently getting delivered to the wrong room and to the school instead of Neil's home, things start to heat up. There needed to be rules...so they set rules, the main one being that their playtime will always be casual. You know how that went...everyone in town, including Neil’s mother believes that they are a couple. Thus, they have to decide if that's what they want to be.

I really liked both the Neil and Alexander characters. Their dynamic was off the charts! Neil being fairly new to the scene made a few mistakes and wrong assumptions about BDSM. It was also nice to see that while he was very submissive in some places, Neil definitely had a backbone when dealing with his day-to-day life...his parents, which were great folks, and even Alexander who he didn't allow to walk all over him either. Their dynamic worked both ways and we saw both guys taking care of each other.

I do wish that there had been a bit more details of some of the BDSM scenes, but overall, this was a really good book with sweet, lovable characters, coupled with a realistic depiction of kink. I'm looking forward to visiting Pembleton again and meeting another couple.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of books by this author before and liked her writing.

And what I liked most here is the romance and how it unfolds.
I enjoyed both men, Neil and Alexander, as characters. They come across as honest and genuine, and I loved that they talked, and that they weren’t plagued by the dreaded ‘miscommunication’, on the sexual and personal front.

However, I do have my reservation on the BDSM part. And darn, that sounds if I knew anything about it. I don’t.

I have read and enjoyed quite a few books with BDSM as a theme, and while this certainly does not make me an expert, I know that some of these books gave me a much deeper understanding of the scene, of what makes it an amazing experience for both partners and some of them, I admit it, blew my mind.

Don’t get me wrong, the sex scenes here are hot, and I liked the dynamics between Alexander and Neil. I liked that their BDSM stayed in the bedroom and did not spill over into their everyday life. But… despite all those positives the BDSM sex felt maybe a little bit ‘airbrushed’ and ‘sanitized’ to make it more ‘palatable’ to a bigger audience?

Of course, I could be totally wrong. That’s just the way I felt.
Which did not take away from the fact that this is a lovely romance.

So a rather confused ‘I don’t know how the heck to rate this’ 3,5 stars.
And I graded it up cause ... nice guys, nice feels!

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, what I loved about this book? Everything, I read it in 2 days (English is not my mother language)
As soon as the two teachers know each other the attraction is palpable. I'm not a BDSM fan but this story is so well written that I didn't even feel that the kink was too much for me
There are few books in which I don't have a favorite character, but in this fantastic book I can't think that one character is more appealing to me than the other
I loved it, I loved it, I loved it, I loved it
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books by Brigham Vaughn and I usually really enjoy them. This was no exception. This was the perfect kind of kink for this sweet story. It was certainly naughty, but with a slice of sweet romance. I loved Neil and Alexander.

[Airy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, a little kinky but not too much.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

DATE IN A PINCH was a fun and kinky romance and I loved both Alexander and Neil. Their relationship starts out very transactional since Neil is just hoping to explore this kinky side and Alexander doesn't want to date anyone, but the more time they spend together the more they each fall for the other. This was very steamy (hello praise kink), sweet, and I loved how much Alexander and Neil communicated and talked through their wants, concerns, and expectations. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil Green wollte seiner Heimatstadt eigentlich den Rücken kehren und in der Großstadt eine Karriere als Wissenschaftler machen. Jetzt ist er zurück und unterrichtet an seiner alten High School Chemie. Hier lernt er den Literaturlehrer Alexander Ford kennen. Der ist älter und lebenserfahrener. Und er ist alles das, was Neil nicht ist. Selbstsicher, unerschrocken und im Leben stehend. 

Alexander blickt auf eine unglückliche Beziehung zurück, deren Ende ihm nach Jahren noch zu schaffen macht. Noch immer macht er sich Vorwürfe, dass er seinem früheren Freund und Submissive nicht gerecht werden konnte und seine wahren Neigungen nicht gleich erkannt hat. Das lässt ihn auf der Gefühlsebene etwas unterkühlt und distanziert wirken, auch wenn er ein sehr freundlicher und offener Mensch ist. Er erkennt auch in Neil einen Sub, sieht aber auch seine Unerfahrenheit und seine Neugierde. Also macht er Neil das Angebot, ihn aufs den ersten Schritten in dieser für ihn fremden Welt zu begleiten.

Neil ist schon länger an diesem Style interessiert, doch wie soll er in seiner verschlafenen Heimatstadt jemanden finden, der ihm dabei hilft und ihn unterstützt. Alexander ist da wie eine Offenbarung und Neil geht auf das Angebot ein. Denn bei Alex fühlt er sich sicher. Als Lehrer an einer öffentlichen Schule haben sie ja auch beide viel zu verlieren.

Eine überraschend nette Geschichte, die jedoch nicht zu flach und auch nicht zu kitschig geraten ist. Alexander wirkt so selbstsicher und erfahren, doch die Vergangenheit hat er noch immer nicht abschütteln können und sie beeinflusst natürlich auch sein Verhältnis zu Neil, der ihm schnell ans Herz wächst. Doch Alex will ja keine Beziehung und auch wenn sich alles in diese Richtung entwickelt, so sträubt er sich gegen die Tatsache, dass er sich in Neil verliebt. Aber es ist auch zu einfach sich in den schüchternen Mann zu verlieben, der Alex' Beschützerinstinkt weckt.

Diese Geschichte hat wirklich alles, um den Leser zu unterhalten und ihn bei Laune zu halten. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil der Reihe, der sich dann wohl um einen von Alex' Freunden drehen wird. 

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and sweet

Neil and Alexander had molten hot chemistry. What started out as a not so serious arrangement, quickly became something more.

The conflict was very real and a bit angsty but was thankfully quickly resolved. I loved their dynamic. They understood each other which was very hot and sweet.

I’m definitely reading the next book. I’m very intrigued by Jarod!

[Em’sBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was in the mood for something fairly low angst and easy to read and this was that.

Although both MC’s were perfectly likeable they’re not the personality types i’m generally drawn to so I probably wasn’t as invested in them as some readers might be.

The kink element was clearly well researched/understood and I’m keen to see what the rest of the series is like.

[Verdelite · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, this is on me. I was here for the plot, but, like, 95% was "plot".

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I just absolutely adored this!

Neil and Alexander are both teachers at the local school in town. Neil has a bit of a crush on Alexander, but it isn't until Neil receives a bit of an embarrassing package that Alexander oversees, that the two start to become friends and also delve into a kink teaching relationship. Alexander has been hurt in the past, and is afraid to start something new - but teaching Neil the foundations of kink play and BDSM while remaining strictly friends with Neil - surely he can do that. (Spoiler alert - he can't lol)

The chemistry between Alexander and Neil is just sooooooo good. I love as things start and it's more informational and there's definitely a distance between the two. But as the lines start to blur, and friendship is becoming more, I love the ease at which both fell into wanting and enjoying more together. I thought that the kink was done so well - nothing too heavy, and it all felt very grounded and real.

The entire scene with them at the Festival just about melted my heart. And the epilogue at the end did me in, I just loved it! Now we need a story for Alexander's friend! Can't wait for more from this small town series!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at 10% I feel like I’ve read the words kink or kinky a 1000 times since starting this book it’s annoying

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Date in a Pinch is a part of Brigham Vaughn's Naughty in Pendleton collection of books. This story is a MM kinky romance story with a guaranteed happily ever after. It's told from a third person dual point of view. You can expect a sweet geek and his kinky tutor navigating their relationship as the line between playmates and lovers blur. Due to the nature of this book and the frank discussion surrounding BDSM practices, please read the author's note before diving in. Particularly: "Although I always strive to tell realistic and accurate stories to the best of my ability, BDSM is both complicated and dangerous and this is a fictional portrayal of the dynamic. If you are interested in exploring kink, do your research and reach out to knowledgeable and trusted people with experience before diving in. This is not meant to be a How To."

Synopsis: Neil Greene just started teaching chemistry at Pendleton High after returning to his hometown with emotional scars. What could be more mortifying than a package containing some adventurous toys being shipped to the high school? And the icing on the cake is him opening it in front of English teacher Alexander Ford. The last thing Neil expects is for Alexander to offer a helping hand so that Neil can live out his private fantasies that have plagued him for years. A painful breakup left Alexander with walls around his heart. Neil is everything he's been looking for in a playmate, but the lines are beginning to blur. Alexander's teaching Neil all about the world of BDSM, but perhaps Neil can teach Alexander a little bit about love in the process.

But he’d heard Alexander’s melodious, smooth voice reciting the line, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it,” and been completely done for.

This was a great, steamy read with plenty of heart and kink and I'm so happy I discovered this series! I absolutely loved Alexander and Neil, and the way their dynamic morphed throughout the book was so good to watch. Heeding the disclaimer from the author's note, I think that Brigham Vaughn's research and portrayal of BDSM and the complicated dynamics between Neil and Alexander throughout this book were done very well. The author didn't gloss over or dismiss some of the challenges and dangers of engaging in BDSM practices, which was evident when we learn about the pain Alexander went through when his last relationship came to a bitter end.

Although Alexander was the one teaching Neil about safely practicing BDSM, I found that Neil was teaching Alexander other things along the way. They were so well matched, their dominant and submissive natures making them the perfect pairing. I really enjoyed watching their relationship shift throughout the book. What surprised me was Neil was so good with adhering to the rules and parameters that they set out in the beginning - basically them being kinky friends with benefits. Alexander was the one that was bending the rules, and I do appreciate that he both recognized it and apologized for it towards the end of the story. Them going on a date to the festival in Pendleton just added that extra layer of small town goodness to this story. The epilogue was absolutely beautiful, and I loved witnessing Alexander cuff Neil, which was a refreshing change from the usual epilogue proposals we normally get because this was so much more meaningful to them.

I can't wait to continue with this unique series! Another awesome read from Brigham Vaughn.

Alexander squeezed his hand. “I want to tell you that I’m yours. That I want you to be mine. Not just a submissive but my submissive.”

[Iz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a satisfying, lovely and romantic read. Also, so damn steamy. DELICIOUSLY steamy.
I've had "Date in a Pinch" on my Kindle for absolutely ages: I had a few hours to kill today, so I decided to dive into it since I was in the mood for something kinky and light. A few hours obviously turned into a whole afternoon: I could not stop reading. It was physically impossible. I absolutely adored this book.
It was a romantic and steamy tale of self-discovery and self-acceptance, of finding strength and confidence in being unapologetically kinky. I adored both MCs, even though I wanted to knock some sense into Alexander once or twice (or a dozen times) because of his stubbornness. Neil was a precious sweetheart though and God, was it lovely to see his progress and growth, from shy and insecure and lost to shy but happy and confident and sure of himself, inside and outside the bedroom. Their story was lovely, surprisingly void of drama, some minor misunderstandings aside, and even though I really, really would have loved to see Alexander's protective/possessive Dom side a bit more outside the confines of their sex life, it was a refreshingly light-hearted story that still felt hefty and important. The storytelling was impressive and it really managed to suck me in; the small-time village atmosphere and meddling side characters were, as usual, one of my favourite things. Obviously, I'm not a BDSM expert, but I thought it was a really well-researched and respectful book about the complexities and difficulties and nuances of that type of relationship and lifestyle. I'm feeling a bit sad that I managed to devour it so quickly, but I already know that even though this one was my first book by this author, it probably won't be my last. *chef's kiss*

[Jacob Elijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

very sweet with some k*nk

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2

This was a really sweet romance with some good k*nk. If someone wants to dip their toe into k*nk I highly recommend this book. It has good conversations about safe words and boundaries which are more realistic than some of the books I’ve read before.

My biggest complaint is that how it’s written feels formal in the sense that their conversation and phrasing didn’t seem conversational. Sorry I don’t know how else to put it. During some of book I kept thinking “people don’t really talk/sound like that”. It was all very sweet and well written just a touch too formal. I hope that makes sense.

All and all it was e really enjoyable read and had some good spice. A friend recommended this series and said the second book was amazing so I will absolutely keep reading.

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.24 stars-fun cute steamy read

Well-done bdsm book that showcases the beauty of D/s relationships in and outside the bedroom.

I would've loved to see how their relationship evolved outside of just the 2 of them, meaning, Neil was just learning about his sub nature, how does he handle himself at Thanksgiving, did they go to the kink convention, what was that like?.

I felt likei only got the beginning of what could've been a amazing story

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet

I really liked this! It’s very sweet and I thought Alexander and Neil navigated their relationship really well. I liked that while Neil very much respected the boundaries Alexander set that it was ultimately Alexander who wanted to redraw them.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/5/2021)! 🎁

[A Damach · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 ⭐

[M.J. Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet bit of kink

This was a warm, sweet story with just a touch of kink. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Neil and Alexander’s story! I found it a sweet, endearing, sexy and low angst read that kept me turning the pages for more. It was so great seeing Neil find himself with Alexander. Neil found those pieces of himself that were just out of reach until he met Alexander. Alexander was able to open Neil’s eyes and allow him to see he wasn’t alone and there wasn’t anything wrong with him. I couldn’t help but feel for Alexander as he cut himself off from the possibility of a romantic relationship again after an emotionally tough break up. He struggled with those memories as he found himself breaking all his rules he set up to with Neil in order to protect his heart. At the same time I wanted to hug Neil as he started to know he felt more for Alexander than he should have with their rules. I was thankful for the meddlesome friends and family they each had so they were able to open their eyes and see what was in front of them! I enjoyed their story and I’m looking forward to knowing more about the town of Pendleton Bay and the residents we’ve met so far!

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book which starts out so very steamy and then eases a little to focus on the MCs friendship and feelings as they develop organically. The kink exploration and the Dom/sub relationship are so very well-handled and I felt as though the community is treated with a huge amount of respect. Alexander treats Neil with so much tenderness and care, and offers aftercare that had me melting into a pile of goo. And it doesn’t only go one way. Neil reciprocates the care given to him by Alexander, and never disrespects the boundaries he sets. I think what makes their relationship so beautifully genuine is the open communication they have and their mutual respect for one another’s feelings and desires. It is a very mature relationship, even in the way Alexander’s barriers are slowly broken down as he finally learns to forgive himself and let go of his past. A slow burn in the way of feelings that is so very worth the wait!

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Neil and Alexander both have specific needs in their life that aren't being met, and a mis-shipped package gives them the opportunity to approach a sensitive subject that they both have an interest in. There are issues in the past that affect how each of these men relate to physical relationships and I really enjoyed how their friendship and honest communication opened each of them up to an effortlessly comfortable co-existence. Each wall that was firmly in place, slowly starts to crumble as they navigate their consensual trek through a passionate D/s experience. Neil and Alexander have an intense sexual chemistry and the way they explored all their fantasies was HOT! Their connection was built on trust and mutual respect and it was fantastic! I highly recommend this book!

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Brigham Vaughn’s writing style, and I loved this new couple!
Neil and Alexander are both teachers at Pendleton High, and a post mishap reveals a kinky side to geek chemistry teacher Neil, English lit teacher Alexander is very happy to propose tutoring Neil in the fascinating word of his desires.
They start up as play partners, with firm rules set in place by Alexander to avoid entanglements that have lead him to hurt in the past; but as they become friends, lines start to blur and the happiness they find when they are together, in a scene or otherwise, is undeniable.
The book is steamy, but it doesn’t get too heavy on the kink, and it’s very sweet and low angst, too.
I loved both characters, and I especially loved their open communication and honesty in every phase of their relationship.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

💞🔥I loved the start of this yah it was going to be a Hot one. A beautiful story for them both as Neil learns about BDSM from sharing scenes with Alexander. Written well with pov's for them both. I sensed their arrangement was going to go haywire pretty fast, with this for their boundaries rule. Their chemistry was simmering even before their first scenes together. A perfect play partnership but Alexander didn't want complicated especially with them both teaching. Alexander was hurt before I think Neil will help him in the love department. The story plays out and love is there.... well you gotta read it. A beautiful ending and more hot scenes. I cant wait to read Jacob's book.

Neil 27 yrs just may have a small crush on Alexander his work colleague at school. Neil was gay and curious about kinks.
Alexander 33yrs was Bi and into BDSM and together they simmer.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliant!! Alexander and Neil are both teachers in a small town. Alexander had left a larger city to move to the smaller town. He is a Dom but is not looking for a full time submissive. Neil is the mayor’s son. He feels like he is missing something in his life and has kinky thoughts. When a package is shipped to the school by mistake, Alexander sees his opportunity to explore with Neil. This was a sweet love story with a dash of kink. This was fantastic! Light angst and steamy! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started off with the steamy parts and the feelings developed organically later which I loved.
There is kink exploration and a gentle Dom/sub relationship but it doesn't get heavy with it and it just added to scenes.
Alexander and Neil were great characters, each with issues in their past that they have to learn to let go.
It seems like this is the beginning of a series and I'm glad about that as Pendleton seemed like such a great place