Off-Balance

Peachtree #1

by Brigham Vaughn

Russell Bishop è una stella nascente della Vantage Marketing, ma quando scivola su del caffè versato di certo non si aspetta di finire nel lusso e nel letto del direttore finanziario.

Russ ha lavorato duramente per arrivare dove si trova e non ha bisogno che Stephen Parker si prenda cura di lui.

Ma mentre lottano per bilanciare l’amore e il lato economico, i ruoli si invertono quando il padre di Stephen muore.

È il turno di Russ di prendersi cura di lui, e ciò gli consente di aprire gli occhi sulla reale profondità dei suoi sentimenti e su ciò che lui può fornire alla relazione. Se riesce a trovare la forza, può essere il sostegno di Stephen, il suo cuore e la sua speranza per il futuro.


Nota: Inizialmente pubblicato come i romanzi Compromessi e Partners nel 2015, Off Balance è una totale riscrittura con 20k parole di contenuto aggiuntivo e un editing recente.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Fiction, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2014

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

[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too much drama for me. I liked Stephen and Russ, but the constant fighting and running off from each other just wore me out. Then the whole business with his father dying and having to go to Putnam for a funeral was more angst and drama. I will not be reading the next book. I’ve read quite a few of Brigham Vaughn’s books and loved them, but this was too much of a downer.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell Bishop is a rising star at Vantage Marketing. Stephen Parker is the company’s CFO. A spilled cup of coffee gives them an opportunity to act on the mutual attraction they’ve both been trying to ignore.

Stephen Parker is a sexy "silver fox". He’s more than financially secure. All he wants or needs now is the right guy to enjoy the fruits of his hard work. He thought he had that at one time...but a traffic accident took from him his lover...his heart...and his dreams.

Enter Russell Bishop. He's young, 27...still climbing the corporate ladder, and his education expenses has put him in massive debt. A slip and fall that Stephen unintentionally caused with his spilled cup of coffee is the catalyst that may restart his hopes and dreams, in spite of the 20-year age difference that does make for some serious conflict. One man has “been there and done that,” but the other man has to still experience the “been there and done that.”

Russ's sprained ankle on Stephen's spiled coffee gives them an unexpected opportunity to get to know one another when Stephen offers Russ to stay at his house while it heals and not have to climb the steep four flights of stairs to his low-budget apartment. That says a great deal about the type of person Stephen is. They "connect" in all the important ways. Stephen wants to spend money on Russ...a new suit to replace the coffee covered one...but above all he wants to 'provide" a life that Russ is hesitant to accept. Actually, he's very vocal about NOT accepting it. I thought that the social differences were much more of a problem for them than the 20-year age difference.

Brigham Vaughn does an excellent job of portraying what could be called the "same fight,” because the “same fight” was going to happen until they find their common ground. This “same fight” is what makes or breaks many fictional as well as real-life relationships. It’s usually the “same fight” that either leads to divorce or allows folks to overcome the hurdle. So, for these two to tackle that problem head-on so early said a lot about them and their commitment to each other. The book spans about five months but they accomplished what sometimes takes a good five years or more.

This is not a slow burn romance. Things move quickly...but so very well. Overall...this is a nice enjoyable read by an author that is quickly becoming another of my favorites.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when it was the original set of 4 books. Now I've learned that the author has revised, edited, expanded, and is writing A NEW book after the original set of 4! I'm so excited as I just love Stephen and Russ. This combines the books "Equals" and "Partners" and the next two will be combined as well.

Age gap is one of my favorite tropes in romance, and I absolutely fell in love with Russ and Stephen. Russ is 28 and Stephen is nearing 50. The two meet when Stephen spills coffee on the floor at work and Russ slips and falls in it.

The two begin a relationship and will have to work on navigating a relationship where one is much more financially stable than the other. Their main conflicts come over Stephen being so financially secure, whereas Russ is living paycheck to paycheck and barely managing that. For Stephen, money isn't a concern at his point in life, but Russ doesn't want a sugar daddy or to feel like he can't contribute.

The second half of this book deals with Stephen's father passing away and having to return home. I really love Russ and Stephen together in the second half of the book, because things are getting serious now and they are really settling in to the relationship and finding what is important to them.

I can't wait for the next two books - and especially to see what the new story will be about! If you love age gap romance with a bit of a work-place setting, then I highly recommend this new story. And hopefully the wait won't be too long for the sequel!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[JD Crittendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In for a Penny, In for a Pound!

Spilled coffee, an at work-related accident starts a chain of events that leads young Marketing Analyst Russ & handsome CFO Stephen to an epic romance. This tale starts a bit shallow but grew into a good, almost literary tale. I enjoyed the tempestuous and controlling MCs, the unique and charming
co-characters, and a soap opera-ish premise. This tale had all the feels: it was funny, sad; I was angry and tearful. Overall, Rating: 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm not a fan of books with a age gap, I really liked this book.
At first the age difference between Stephen and Russ doesn't even seem important given the sexual attraction between them, however this theme is the “elephant in the shop”.
The fact that Russ wants to maintain his independence from Stephen's money is also a theme that undermines the relationship
Both men have past issues that shape their ways
There is some nice angst set against sweet and sexy moments
With Stephen's emotional equilibrium being rocked with the death and funeral of his father, Russ has to really step up to support him and take some control and in doing so is able to accept what he brings to the relationship.

I received an arc in exchange of a honest opinion

[ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

too much insecurity and bickering to be a romance

Age gap and boss/employee two of my fave tropes in a mashup, yes please.

I’m 32% in and they have already said the I love yous and now I’m super nervous because they are way too happy ,way too early. Now, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop and a BIG conflict to emerge….

The big conflict seems to be Russ’s immaturity and Stephen’s possessiveness. Ugh the constant conflict is getting on my nerves.

I’m barely going to finish book 1. These characters are very passive aggressive and fight constantly and it’s a terrible love story. It gives me terrible anxiety. They are very insecure people and I’m not sure I can take 2 more books of that! The end as meh.

These 2 characters aren’t compelling enough for me to read 2 more books with them in it. All the insecurities and bickering. They do get to a HFN but ugh.

Side note: there definitely should have been TWs for homophobic language and behavior. Plus violence against one of the MCs by a parent. There was internalized homophobia as well.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This book starts as a corporate age gap romance between two executives but it quickly becomes something bigger as the focus turns to Stephen’s difficult family background.

At the start of this book, Stephen is everything a silver fox executive needs to be. He’s polished, successful, handsome and kind. He’s a little too buttoned up for my personal tastes but he’s a perfect match for Russ who wants to grow up to be just like Stephen. And while Stephen is maybe a little too perfect at the start of this book, Russ finds reasons to whinge everytime Stephen shows him a little kindness. The result is Russ seeming even younger than his years and me as a reader wondering why Stephen keeps trying so hard. I really found it hard to enjoy either of the ambitious workaholics we get to know in the first half of the book.

However. Just when Russ and Stephen start to come to terms with the age and power gap between them, readers are thrust into a second story which involves the two men travelling back to Stephen’s hometown. The second half of the story reads like a completely separate book. This time, Stephen is the insecure one in the relationship and it is Russ who now feels like the older, more sensible partner. I engaged more with this second story. Russ and Stephen are more vulnerable here and while they are still a little snobby, they feel more real. There is a better balance between the two men in this second story. Unfortunately, Stephen’s hometown remains an outdated caricature full of backwards yokels and bigoted baddies.

The hometown return is a frequently used plot device but it usually prompts some real growth and re-evaluation from the returning characters. Unfortunately, we don’t see much growth in Stephen here. He comes to terms with his father but remains highly judgemental about his hometown and nearly everyone in it. He and Russ remain power hungry corporate drones - there really isn’t any reflection on their crazy work hours or status symbol lifestyle. It works for them but I tend to like a little more heart and soul in my romance.

Oh. And one more complaint. None of the dates add up in this book unless it is set several years ago. Every time Russ or Stephen talks about their age at a certain time, I grew increasingly frustrated because they just don't add up. By my calculation, Russ would have been born in 1992 and Stephen in 1973. It's a little thing but whole passages don't make sense because they refer to the wrong decade. Urgh.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 4 out of 5]

And they got there

What a journey. What a journey of hurt and working in ones self in order to be with another. This story wasn’t an easy one. There were miscommunication or lack of communication. This story was about learning what it takes to be in a relationship and all the fears that come with that. The writing was great the smexy was hawt and the few side characters were ok. I feel like we didn’t get the entire story so I’m glad there is another book.

[Blog Coccole tra i Libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

È così che sarà quando sarò troppo vecchio e infermo per prendermi cura di me? si chiese. Sentì le lacrime bruciare agli angoli degli occhi, ma le palpebre erano pesanti e il sonno lo trascinò nell’oblio prima che potesse combatterlo.

Amo il genere age gap, mi emoziona profondamente, difficilmente lo fa chi non ha mai preso una cotta per qualcuno più grande, eppure sono certa che a molti/e sia capitato, che qualcuno/a sia anche riuscito nell’intento di passare la vita insieme.

E anche vero che la differenza di età, quando è vistosa, mette a un certo punto un freno o quanto meno ci mette di fronte al bisogno di essere più che sicuri di affrontare un simile passo, è ciò che accade al protagonista di Off-Balance, precisamente a Stephen che ritornando alla sua città natale dove ha vissuto la sua infanzia e adolescenza infelice e nascosta, per il funerale di suo padre, si ritrova di nuovo immerso in quel dolore, ma soprattutto di fronte a una cruda verità: è disposto a far sacrificare gli anni migliori a Russ?

Russ è l’altro protagonista della storia, 20 anni più giovane di Stephen, adesso non gridate allo scandalo e mettetevi nei panni di Russ quando si trova davanti il 47enne che lo abbaglia e gli fa palpitare il cuore e non solo…

La vita non è mai facile, viverla non è mai abbastanza, forse vivere l’oggi con la persona che si ama, nel migliore dei modi è la sola opzione, oppure ognuno può viverla con le proprie idee, i propri tempi, i propri gusti.

Off balance è stata una lettura che mi ha portato a riflettere su molti aspetti che a volte diamo per scontato ma che in effetti non lo sono, una lettura dove l’età non conta, quando il cuore è stretto nella morsa totalizzante dell’amore, un amore che non deve essere additato come malato, ma visto così per quello che è, vero, unico, assoluto.

Adesso non mi tocca che aspettare il prossimo volume che mi porterà a conoscere di più cosa accadrà tra Stephen e Russ.

Consigliato, soprattutto a chi ama il genere, per evitare critiche negative e inutili.

Buona lettura, alla prossima

4,5 coccole

Saluinadia

[Stephanie Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/5 solid stars for me. Age Gap stories are definitely my jam, so I gave it a try! I really enjoyed how they worked on their interaction, it was obvious. To me this story has the normality that I like: something that happens in real life, that we are all subjected to. The insecurities, the flaws, the ups and downs. It is, in fact, a long book; but I guess it is due to being two books in one. I haven't read the previous version, so I can't say if there are major changes on the story.
My only problem was the lack of communication sometimes between the MCs, specially when they were too conscious of how different from one another they actually are. Some of the fights they had were unnecessary, and a little annoying. Other than that, there is a good story in here, and I wanna know how/when they'll find balance in their relationship and how they will be portraied in the next books (It does not end on a cliffhanger o something abrupt; but since originally there were two more books published, I know there will be more ahead.

[Francesca Vallicelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Russ è uno dei protagonisti più esasperanti e irritanti in cui mi sia mai imbattuta. Una gnola – regionalismo romagnolo voluto perché rende l’idea XD – per gran parte del libro. Diciamo che qui l’age gap si sente eccome, perché i due hanno grossi problemi di comunicazione. Capisco il passato di entrambi, ma a una certa anche meno. Non so perché, ma questa lettura mi ha lasciato addosso un senso profondo di tristezza.
Ho voluto dare comunque la sufficienza perché ho trovato molto interessante la parte in cui viene trattato il diverso approccio al coming out, in anni in cui le mentalità erano differenti.
Il mezzo punto in più è dovuto all’ottima traduzione e mi sembra sempre giusto sottolinearlo quando mi imbatto in un lavoro fatto bene.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written MM romance with strong characters in Russ and Stephen. The author does a great job developing their story and gives them a slow burning romance. They have many issues to work through including the age gap between them.The scenes are painted in vivid detail and the story flows fluidly. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will rate this book after I finish the series. So far, it's an interesting read. It's not a typical romance; the story is more of a slow burn and goes into more of the daily reality of both characters than most romances would typically do. Will say more after I finish books 2 and 3...

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!

[Steph (semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me personally this book was too wordy. Too much happened. The book was too long. Filled with unnecessary story lines. If the author felt these plot points had to be in the book, maybe it would have been better if it’d been split into 3 separate stories instead of one long one.

My biggest problem though. The insecurity and lack of communication between the two MCs. Listen, I LOVE an age gap story. They’re my jam. I cannot get enough and rarely do they fall flat for me. This one did. Stephan is convinced Russ will leave him for someone younger. Russ is convinced Stephan is controlling and trying to buy him. And they have the same argument. Over and over and over. Rinse and repeat.

The best part of the book was, Monty. Written as the slobby roommate of Russ that cannot be relied upon. Yet for me he was one of the only good things here.

I really enjoyed the Midwest series by the same author. I’m going to pass on this one though.

ARC from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human hands have their limits and Stephen learns it the hard way when trying to hold too many items at once, he spills coffee in the corporate hallway. He is reacting very quickly, unfortunately for Russ, the company's young rising star, it is too late anyway. That's why Stephen decides to take responsibility for Russ' sprained ankle and the fact that he hit his head on the floor. He invites the young man over to be able to look after him. However, it is not without significance that both are clearly interested in each other and with time they start dating.
The death of Stephan's father puts his relationship with Russ to the test. When the strong and confident Stephen starts to fall apart, Russ must become his support and help him return to normal life.

"Off-Balance" is the first volume in "Peachtree" series by Brigham Vaughn, which consists of two published a few years earlier and slightly improved novellas, "Equals" and "Partners". Thus, the novel can be clearly divided into two parts. The first focuses on, among other things, the topic of a new love and thus the search for broadly understood harmony. Harmony between work and personal life, the "old" and "new" life, differences in social status, two different people who want to be together. In short, while reading the first part of the book, we see how this new, slightly unexpected feeling unfolds, as the characters slowly try to put the jigsaw puzzle pieces of their lives together and create this one big whole out of it. To be honest, in this respect "Off-Balance" is a bit like a modern fairy tale. A young, ambitious and poor boy in distress receives help from the person guilty of the whole incident, a lovely, older, wealthy "prince charming". The point is, however, that the young man, although poor, is very proud.

And Russ's pride that I've just mentioned is what I really liked about this story. This guy is fully aware of the difference in his and Stephen's social status and "thickness of their wallets", while Stephen himself does not really care at all and in a way does not even feel it. So using him would be very easy for Russ, but neither of them even think about it. Instead, Russ responds with anger to expensive gifts that are also a form of compensation for what was damaged in his accident. For he is too proud to accept without batting an eye something that he cannot afford. In fact, Russ has to convince himself to ignore his pride and act reasonably. Thus, in the first part of "Off-Balance" it is this internal struggle between pride and reason that is one of the most important problems that this young man must deal with.

The second part of "Off-Balance" largely focuses on the theme of a family. Although it had been mentioned earlier in the story, when Russ and Stephen shared their stories while getting to know each other, it was all about their memories. However, over time our characters have to face some family problems, and more precisely Stephen's problems, as he returns to his unfriendly little town after death of his father. Many novels touch the topic of reconciliation between family members whose relationship has been broken by homophobia or other serious problems. In some cases the reconciliation is successful, in others it is impossible. In this novel, however, the situation is different, as the death of Stephen's father makes everything even more difficult. Although the author finds some interesting solution to this problem, this episode in the lives of our characters, in my opinion, is best described by the words of Robert Brault: "Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got."

I think that in this second part of "Off-Balance" the topic of support is also important. I believe it's essential that it's an older person who seeks support from a younger one. Although this is nothing new, I always pay attention to similar motifs, because they emphasize the unpredictability of life and the imbalance in the world. After all, an older person is supposed to be more experienced, smarter and tougher. But the reality is often completely different, so I like that "Off-Balance" shows Stephan's weakness and confusion and Russ's strength. This probably shows best that these two can complement and support each other during difficult times. They are not alone when they need help, which is very important in a relationship. In a way, father's death is another, or maybe even the first really serious test that our characters' relationship must pass.

To sum up, "Off-Balance" is a really worth reading, interesting, multidimensional novel, in which we find a whole range of different feelings and which shows the characters from many different angles. All this undoubtedly charms the reader who quickly falls in love with this book.

________________________

Możliwości ludzkich rąk są bardzo ograniczone, o czym przekonuje się Stephen, kiedy próbując utrzymać zbyt wiele przedmiotów jednocześnie, rozlewa kawę na firmowym korytarzu. Wprawdzie reaguje bardzo szybko, niestety dla Russa, młodej, wschodzącej gwiazdy firmy jest już za późno. Stephen postanawia wziąć odpowiedzialność za skręconą kostkę Russa oraz uderzenie głową o podłogę zapraszając młodego mężczyznę do siebie, aby móc się nim zaopiekować. Nie bez znaczenia jest jednak fakt, iż obaj są sobą wyraźnie zainteresowani, co z czasem zaczyna owocować.
Prawdziwym sprawdzianem dla związku Stephana i Russa okazuje się jednak śmierć ojca tego pierwszego. Kiedy dotąd silny i pewny siebie Stephen zaczyna się chwiać, Russ musi stać się jego podporą i pomóc mu wrócić do normalności.

„Off-Balance” to pierwszy tom serii „Peachtree” autorstwa Brigham Vaughn, na który składają się dwie opublikowane kilka lat wcześniej i lekko udoskonalone nowelki „Equals” oraz „Partners”. Tym samym, powieść możemy podzielić na wyraźne dwie części. Pierwsza skupia się między innymi na temacie nowego uczucia, a co za tym idzie, poszukiwaniu szeroko pojętej harmonii. Harmonii między pracą i życiem osobistym, dotychczasowym oraz „nowym” życiem, różnicami statusu społecznego, dwójką różnych od siebie osób, które pragną być razem. Mówiąc krótko, czytając pierwszą część książki obserwujemy jak rozwija się to nowe, trochę niespodziewane uczucie, jak bohaterowie starają się powoli ułożyć na nowo puzzle swojego życia, które teraz mają łączyć się w jedną całość. Prawdę mówiąc, pod tym względem „Off-Balance” przypomina trochę taką współczesną baśń. Młody, ambitny i ubogi chłopak w opałach otrzymuje pomoc od winnego całemu zajściu, szarmanckiego, starszego od siebie, bogatego „księcia z bajki”. Rzecz jednak w tym, że młodzian chociaż ubogi to jednak bardzo dumny.

I właśnie wspomniana duma Russa jest tym, co bardzo spodobało mi się w tej historii. Chłopak jest w pełni świadom różnicy statusu społecznego oraz zasobności portfela między sobą i Stephenem, podczas gdy sam Stephen tak naprawdę wcale się tym nie przejmuje i poniekąd nawet tego nie odczuwa. Wykorzystanie go byłoby więc dla Russa banalnie proste, jednak ani jeden, ani drugi nawet o tym nie myślą. Zamiast tego Russ w odpowiedzi na drogie prezenty, będące jednocześnie formą zadośćuczynienia za to, co uległo zniszczeniu podczas jego wypadku, odpowiada złością. Jest bowiem zbyt dumny, aby bez mrugnięcia okiem przyjąć coś, na co nie byłoby go stać. Tak naprawdę, chłopak musi przekonać samego siebie do zignorowania dumy i postąpienia w sposób rozsądny. Tym samym, w pierwszej części „Off-Balance” to właśnie ta wewnętrzna walka między dumą a rozsądkiem stanowi jeden z istotniejszych problemów, z jakimi musi poradzić sobie ten młody bohater.

Druga część „Off-Balance” skupia się w dużej mierze na temacie rodziny. Został on wprawdzie podjęty już wcześniej, kiedy Russ i Stephen poznając się dzielili się swoimi historiami, jednakże wtedy opierał się na wspomnieniach. Z czasem jednak nasi bohaterowie muszą stawić czoła problemom rodzinnym, a dokładniej mówiąc problemom Stephena, który wraca w rodzinne, nieprzyjazne strony po śmierci ojca. Wiele powieści podejmuje temat pojednania między członkami rodziny, którą rozbiła homofobia lub inne poważne problemy. W niektórych przypadkach się to udaje, w innych jest niemożliwe do samego końca. W tej powieści sytuacja wygląda jednak inaczej, jako że śmierć ojca Stephena dodatkowo utrudnia całą sprawę. Autorka znajduje wprawdzie pewne interesujące rozwiązanie tego problemu, jednakże ten epizod w życiu naszych bohaterów moim zdaniem najlepiej opisują słowa Roberta Braulta: „Życie staje się łatwiejsze, gdy nauczysz się akceptować przeprosiny, których nigdy nie otrzymałeś.”

Myślę, że w tej drugiej części „Off-Balance” istotne miejsce zajmuje również temat wsparcia. Co istotne, udzielić musi go osoba młodsza osobie starszej. Nie jest to wprawdzie niczym nowym, jednak zawsze zwracam uwagę na podobne motywy, gdyż podkreślają one nieprzewidywalność życia oraz brak równowagi w świecie. W końcu z założenia osoba starsza jest bardziej doświadczona, mądrzejsza, twardsza. W rzeczywistości wszystko wygląda jednak zupełnie inaczej, toteż podoba mi się to, że w „Off-Balance” ukazana zostaje także słabość i zagubienie Stephana oraz siła Russa. To chyba najlepiej pokazuje, że tych dwoje potrafi dopełniać się i wspierać w trudnych chwilach. Kiedy tego potrzebują, nie są sami, co naprawdę jest bardzo istotne w związku. Poniekąd śmierć ojca jest więc kolejną, może nawet pierwszą naprawdę poważną próbą, jaką musi przetrwać związek naszych bohaterów.

Podsumowując, „Off-Balance” to naprawdę godna polecenia, interesująca, wielowymiarowa powieść, w której znajdziemy całą gamę najróżniejszych uczuć i która ukazuje bohaterów pod wieloma różnymi kątami, co niewątpliwie oczarowuje czytelnika.

[Daniela Tirrito (Tivvys_books_world) · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...

[WycEd Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out our full post for OFF-BALANCE on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This book starts as a corporate, age-gap romance between two executives but it quickly becomes something bigger as the focus turns to Stephen’s difficult family background.

At the start of this book, Stephen is everything a silver fox executive needs to be. He’s polished, successful, handsome, and kind. He’s a little too buttoned up for my personal tastes but he’s a perfect match for Russ, who wants to grow up to be just like Stephen. And while Stephen is maybe a little too perfect at the start of this book, Russ finds reasons to whinge every time Stephen shows him a little kindness. The result is Russ seeming even younger than his years and me as a reader wondering why Stephen keeps trying so hard. I really found it hard to enjoy either of the ambitious workaholics we get to know in the first half of the book.

However, just when Russ and Stephen start to come to terms with the age and power gap between them, readers are thrust into a second story which involves the two men travelling back to Stephen’s hometown. The second half of the story reads like a completely separate book. This time, Stephen is the insecure one in the relationship and it is Russ who now feels like the older, more sensible partner. I engaged more with this second story. Russ and Stephen are more vulnerable here and while they are still a little snobby, they feel more real. There is a better balance between the two men in this second story. Unfortunately, Stephen’s hometown remains an outdated caricature full of backwards yokels and bigoted baddies.

The hometown return is a frequently used plot device, but it usually prompts some real growth and re-evaluation from the returning characters. Unfortunately, we don’t see much growth in Stephen here. He comes to terms with his father but remains highly judgmental about his hometown and nearly everyone in it. He and Russ remain power hungry corporate drones – there really isn’t any reflection on their crazy work hours or status symbol lifestyle. It works for them, but I tend to like a little more heart and soul in my romance.

Oh, and one more complaint. None of the dates add up in this book unless it is set several years ago. Every time Russ or Stephen talks about their age at a certain time, I grew increasingly frustrated because they just don't add up. By my calculation, Russ would have been born in 1992 and Stephen in in 1973. It's a little thing, but whole passages didn't make sense because they refer to the wrong decade. Urgh.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Edition(reread) Review August 2020:
The things a cup of coffee can lead to and when it's an ill-timed spilled cup . . . well let's face it sometimes it's the inconveniences in life that lead to the most satisfying results.

When I was youn . . . well awhile ago the local PBS station use to run a British sitcom called May to December following the relationship between and older man and a younger woman. I loved it, it was funny, sincere, romantic but not soppy. I mention this because I rarely see the ages in fiction, long as it's well written with intriguing characters and said characters are consenting adults, age is truly just a number and the sitcom was no different, however, though I loved the show I can't say it made me "seek out" May/December romances in my reading and then Brigham Vaughn's Equals series was born. It may still not be a sub-genre of choice for me but when done well it's brilliant. Russ and Stephen are done brilliantly!

I wasn't going to do a re-read of the new edition prior to this post but I just couldn't deny myself any longer. So whether you read Russ and Stephen's journey as the Equals series a few years ago or you're reading it for the first time under Peachtree series, it's just as entertaining as the first time for me. I had equal parts rooting for them with Mama Bear Hugs waiting in the wings and whacking them upside the head moments to make them sit down and see what potential was in front of them.

A true gem that is re-readable heaven.

Original Editions Review:
Equals #1
Original Review July 2014:
We see how a seemingly insignificant clumsy annoyance can change the lives of two people. Everything happens for a reason and this time around, spilled coffee brings two men together, even if one has to get some minor injuries to do it. I love the dynamics between Russ and Stephen both as individual characters and as a couple. Even though there is a 20 year age gap between the two, they are surprisingly the same even if they are at different places in their lives. The author manages to bridge that gap with sincerity, passion, fight, and overdue communication.

Partners #2
Original Review September 2014:
I can safely say I have never read a book as far ahead of a scheduled posting as I did Partners. As soon as I received the ARC, I went right to reading it and have been chomping at the bit to tell my review. AMAZING!!! Stephen and Russ touch your heart in every way possible. To say I loved them is putting it mildly and, if I may add, stating the obvious. There were a few times where I could have reached in and throttled Stephen though, usually when he put voice to his doubts over Russ "settling" for an older man.

I can't even begin to imagine what Stephen is feeling having to return to his hometown after his father's death considering how things had been between the two men, but Miss Vaughn handles is beautifully. I'll admit that at times some of the characters were a bit on the preachy side but anything less and it wouldn't have been fitting of the story, the characters, or the author. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for both Stephen and Russ (I hope) and Miss Vaughn.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the beginning, this story felt like a hasty meet-cute. Russ and Stephen crash into each other's lives and immediately jump into bed, race into dating, and confess their love for each other. By the time my brain caught up to where the story was, they were already happily in love and in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. I was so caught off guard by how quickly these men came together that I didn't feel like I connected with them until much later in the story. It was only after the fairytale relationship turned into something real, with frustrations and arguments and struggles, that I became fully invested in these men and seeing where their story ended up. 

In my opinion, the best chapters of this book are when Stephen and Russ are an established couple, figuring out how to mesh their lives together and open up to each other. While the issues they struggle with are heartbreaking (Stephen's past with Jeremy, Russ's abandonment issues from childhood...), I was very impressed by how emotional and realistic their journey was. I found myself distraught when they argued and really rooting for them to work things out. I almost wish that the book had started here, when Stephen and Russ are already dating and in love, because I felt so much more connected to this romance than their unbelievably perfect beginning. Unfortunately, things stalled out for me once Stephen and Russ were confronted with the loss of a family member. I understand that the author wanted to give this moment the space it deserved, but I found myself skimming over the details of the small town to see how everything would get resolved. I was hoping for an emotionally satisfying breakthrough, or some sign that these men were happy and living their best lives, but instead the book ended shortly after the funeral. "Off-Balance" is actually the perfect word to describe how I was feeling at the end of their story, because I was so unbalanced and melancholy when I realized that this was the only closure I would get after all the struggles these men went through.

Looking back, I think the pacing of this story was just off. The first third was so rushed, then the middle evened out, but the end absolutely dragged on until the book abruptly ended. And then I realized that the events of this entire story took place over the course of only five months, and I was thrown off yet again. Reading this book made me feel like this couple has been together for years, that all the struggles and frustrations took place gradually, but I was very wrong. Despite all major conflicts being resolved, I didn't find this to be a happy story. I don't know if this couple's journey will continue in the next book in this series, but I don't think I'll return to it either way.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I love a good age gap love story. Maybe it’s because I can relate to it, as my husband is 13 years my senior. 🔥🔥 I agree with Russ. Older men are hot!

This is book one in a series, and I believe it did an excellent job of setting the tone for books to come. I did not read the original set of four books, but as I understand, this combines the first two and expands upon it. I will admit that I became curious about how it was before. I loved this version of it, so I will just let that curiosity go.

This is a bit of insta-love. It is but it isn’t, yet I can see how people can get that impression. I feel like it’s more of being at the right place, at the right time, with the right person. Their planets aligned and things just fit. Relationships work that way off-page. For Russ and Stephen, this timeline works. They hit all the same issues that couples usually do, and their problems stem from not communicating. That is something that most people need to learn. Russ is 100% a hothead. HE even knows that. Being a hothead exacerbates everything. I wanted to jump in the book and tell him to calm the heck down, but usually, he realized that before I could finish my frustrated thought. I love that the author gave them genuine flaws. It gives their relationship depth and makes it a real representation of an everyday relationship, gay or straight. We all have flaws, and all couples fight! What’s important is how you handle it, and they’re working together to improve things. That is the key.

The book ends with our couple together, making progress on their personal struggles, and their relationship. If this book combines the first two original books, I am going to assume the next book combines the third and fourth book. Seeing how those were about Russ and Stephen, too, I’m going to say this book ends in a HFN. While their story isn’t done, this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. Thank goodness. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers.

I loved Russ and Stephen, and I adore them as a couple. I’m not the fondest of Russ’ sister, but I know she’s trying. I wish she would’ve dropped the age difference after seeing how Russ reacted the first time. I enjoyed the host of other side characters we met throughout the book.

This was a well-written book, and a delight to read. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in book two. I would give this book a 5/5 as far as steam levels go, by the way.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***

[Smut Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I loved about Off-Balance by Brigham Vaughn is how fast I got a sense of the main characters. They meet very quickly in a memorable scene when Stephen spills his coffee in the stairwell. While he is off finding something to clean it up with, poor Russ slips on the spill and hurts himself. The very responsible Stephen of course feels completely at fault and takes Russ under his wing… 

I immediately loved their instant attraction to each other and, even with the age gap, found the characters’ connection strong and undeniable. Both men know they desire the other as their type and find many things in common that have no bearing on their ages. While the relationship develops rather quickly – it’s very believable and wonderfully engaging.

Russ is a bit of a hothead and is determined to make his own way in the world. Stephen is desperate to help him and wants to make his life easier, which is a constant source of conflict between the two. This builds some interesting depth to the storyline, as it really allows for a gentle unravelling of both men’s histories. Brigham Vaughn does a superb job of guiding the reader through what develops as an intensely personal and complex emotional journey.

One of my favourite things about this book is the pace the author sets. This novel is not rushed nor jarring in any way. The reader is brought along in what feels like an organic rhythm and the story develops slowly and intensely, bringing a level of satisfaction I rarely feel in contemporary books. I believe many readers who enjoy sliding deeply into a story will adore this reading. Uncovering the many layers of both Stephen and Russ’s personalities and histories is immensely gratifying.

This is a thoroughly engaging and complex tale, filled with very real characters and situations. There are many very hot scenes between our sexy men and the emotions are genuine and scorching, which only adds to the memorable impression left by Off-Balance. Brigham Vaughn has brought us a real gift with Off-Balance – such a truly unique, raw and emotional story, with flawed characters, relatable situations and some of the most testing situations life can throw at us. As this is the first in the Peachtree series, I’m anxious to see what comes our way next. 

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I love the whole series, and I am so glad that it's been updated and refreshed with new covers and all.

Not much is different in this updated version but for added scenes here and there. I appreciated the added bits as it helped me to understand Russ a bit more. Admittedly, when I first read this book, he annoyed me. I could see what Stephen was doing for him was out of love and wanting to keep him safe, but Russ's immaturity and his pride put me off a few times. That made it difficult for me to connect with Russ.

I love love love May/December romances, but get annoyed when one of the characters gets hung up on the age differences too much. Stephen had is insecurities about being with a younger man like Russ because he always felt like he wasn't enough. I did like that Russ addressed that and made him promise to work on that insecurity as it wouldn't help their relationship to evolve. But when it came to their big fight, I always side with Stephen on this. Yes, they both need to communicate. That is the hallmark of every strong relationship.

However, a part of communication is listening, and Russ didn't do a lot of that. I wanted some acknowledgement of that in Russ. Sure Stephen should have told him about Jeremy and why he was so anxious for Russ to get new tires, but Stephen dropped a lot of hints about that and if Russ was paying attention instead of focusing on his pride anger, he would caught on to that. If Russ had just honed in on that, like an attentive partner would have, Stephen would have felt heard enough to share something so personal. But, Russ was just so caught up in his own insecurities that it became this whole thing. There was that immaturity aspect in Russ that I am not sure was entirely addressed, although both resolved to work on their individual issues. This time around I was able to appreciate Russ's desire to change and to listen, while Stephen promised to work on his insecurities of being with someone who was so much younger than him.

Overall, this was such a great book and it really is a series worth reading!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Parker, the CFO, had his hands full of important papers, an iPad, and his phone, so when his espresso tipped, he had no way of rescuing it. It was 7 am and Vantage Marketing was deserted at this hour, so he left the puddle so he could put everything on his desk and went back with a Wet Floor sign. But when he got back there, a man was already sprawled on his back in the mess and groaning loudly.

Russell Bishop is a new marketing analyst at Vantage Marketing. He slipped on a coffee spill, ending up with a bump on his head and a sprained ankle. As the ambulance took him away, Stephen followed in his car so he could drive him home when he was discharged since Russ didn’t have family in the area. The doctor didn’t want Russ to be alone, his roommate was never around, he lived in a 4th floor apartment with no elevator, and he was pale and in obvious pain – so Stephen decided to take him to his place instead. Even when they discovered they both were attracted to the other, Stephen was unwilling to risk injuring Russ further due to his concussion and injured ankle. So they were forced to take things slowly.

Stephen has insecurities about caring for a man so much younger than he is, even though Russ has always preferred older men. And Russ is fixated on being independent and able to take care of himself without anyone’s help. He also has abandonment issues since his mother left when he was 7 and his father didn’t really fill the gap. These insecurities will give both of them some difficulties to work around as they get closer. Then Stephen's father dies and Russ gets to care for Stephen in a support role. Will this help their relationship? Will they find what they need in each other and make it work?

I enjoyed this book and the fact that both got to be with the one they had wanted from the start. Both had insecurities that needed to be addressed. More communication, both talking and listening, would have helped. But the story line was good and their commitment was genuine. Grab your copy and see what the future holds for them.

[Luisa Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

È così che sarà quando sarò troppo vecchio e infermo per prendermi cura di me? si chiese. Sentì le lacrime bruciare agli angoli degli occhi, ma le palpebre erano pesanti e il sonno lo trascinò nell’oblio prima che potesse combatterlo.
Amo l’age gap, mi emoziona profondamente, difficilmente lo fa chi non ha mai preso una cotta per qualcuno più grande, eppure sono certa che a molti/e sia capitato, che qualcuno/a credo sia anche riuscito nell’intento di passare la vita insieme.
E anche vero che la differenza di età, quando è vistosa, mette a un certo punto un freno o quanto meno ci mette di fronte al bisogno di essere più che sicuri di affrontare un simile passo è ciò che accade al protagonista di Off-Balance, precisamente a Stephen che ritornando alla sua città natale dove ha vissuto la sua infanzia e adolescenza infelice e nascosta, per il funerale di suo padre, si ritrova di nuovo immerso in quel dolore, ma soprattutto di fronte a una cruda verità: è disposto a far sacrificare gli anni migliori a Russ?
Russ è l’altro protagonista della storia, 20 anni più giovane di Stephen, adesso non gridate allo scandalo e mettetevi nei panni di Russ quando si trova davanti il 47enne che lo abbaglia e gli fa palpitare il cuore e non solo…
La vita non è mai facile, viverla non è mai abbastanza, forse vivere l’oggi con la persona che si ama, nel migliore dei modi è la sola opzione, oppure ognuno può viverla con le proprie idee, i propri tempi, i propri gusti.
Off balance è stata una lettura che mi ha portato a riflettere su molti aspetti che a volte diamo per scontato ma che in effetti non lo sono, una lettura dove l’età non conta, quando il cuore è stretto nella morsa totalizzante dell’amore, un amore che non deve essere additato come malato, ma visto così per quello che è, vero, unico, assoluto.
Adesso non mi tocca che aspettare il prossimo volume che mi porterà a conoscere di più cosa accadrà tra Stephen e Russ.
Consigliato, soprattutto a chi ama il genere, per evitare critiche negative inutili
Buona lettura, alla prossima
4.5 stelle

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So times you just need to have faith that it will work out
Stephen Parker is the company’s CFO and like always he is in work hours before he officially needs to be there. But that's how he likes it. No one to stop him and start talking to him to distract him, delaying him. But this morning he had he arms full of work and a coffee. And when he drops his coffee on the stairs he knows he has to go and clean up the mess before someone slips, but he isn't fast enough and low and behold when he gets back holding a wet sign and cleaning clothes there is a man on the stairs and he looks in pain.
Russell Bishop is a rising star at Vantage Marketing. And he is easily push 60-70 hour weeks to make a good impression. SO as he comes into work early and makes his way to his floor he slips on something and lands on his behind. He has sprained his ankle and all he feels is pain. He was just thinking of moving when Stephen Comes to his rescue. Stephen is fussing and apologising every breathe he gets but Russ wasn't looking so he feels he is at blame too. They call an ambulance and get him to hospital. Russ finds he has broken his phone and his suit is ruined!! Stephen follows him to the hospital as Russ wont be able to get home as he cant go up the stairs on crutches. SO Stephen takes him home to look after him.
So what Stephen doesn't know is that Russ has fancied him for ages. And what Russ doesn't know is that since Stephen saw him dancing at the works do he cant get his mind off the younger man.
When they spend time together they realise they like one another. But Stephen likes to be a topper in the bedroom which isnt a problem as long as he sees Russ as an equal outside it!!
This is a great read. I really like Russ and Stephen. They didnt want much out of life but each other but Stephen would put his foot in it so many times forgetting that Russ enjoys his independence.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars


“Off-Balance” by Brigham Vaughn features Russell Bishop and CFO Stephen Parker from the same marketing firm. Their unexpected attraction requires adjustment, both at work and in their personal lives, especially since there is an age gap, and each man must learn to keep past experiences from ruining a potential future together.



This contemporary gay romance is the first story in ‘The Peachtree’ series and features a couple of men who have quite a few potential obstacles to overcome. I love stories that reaffirm that there is someone for everyone, and these guys have quite a few disparities in their lives to deal with. The gap in their ages plays into the difference in their positions in the company, their residences, and their financial status. Although I like that they took their time getting to know each other, I found it frustrating that they didn’t communicate as well as they could have about their respective triggers and past histories and that caused a lot of unnecessary angst, as far as I was concerned. There is a very slow burn, although they do work through that eventually, but I was more impatient for them to actually sit down and express themselves and deepen the relationship.

There is an emotional evolution that takes place in the second half of the story, and I was touched by the interactions with Ms. Esther while aching at her backstory as well. Given the mutual love and respect, I was a little surprised that better contact wasn’t maintained. There are several very thorny issues touched upon that play out in today’s headlines, and I was saddened to be reminded that progress comes slowly, even in modern society. This is a gently unfolding and thought-provoking story that is aptly titled, as both main characters are often a little off-kilter.



A copy of this title was provided for review

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance blossoms when older executive Stephen spills his coffee and trips up Russ, a younger junior employee, then takes him home to recuperate. It's a classic rom-com meet cute, but it's also the beginning of a relationship that is much more complex, and real, than the premise might lead you to expect. From the beginning, Stephen and Russ are compatible physically, but have to work to create satisfying emotional and intellectual bonds as well. There are a lot of imbalances between them: Stephen is more than financially secure, with a position of power in their company. Russ is living paycheck to paycheck, hoping to advance in the company infrastructure. Stephen's controlling nature really works for them physically, but causes a lot of tension when he tries to exert it in other aspects of their relationship-- which he does, repeatedly. His complete lack of reasonable boundaries and inability to treat Russ like an adult, let alone an equal, were super frustrating for the first part of the novel, and it was only after he and Russ return to his rural hometown for his father's funeral that he starts to evolve into a sympathetic, even likable character. Once he develops the capability of acknowledging his partner's strengths, and leaning on Russ as a partner, their relationship changes. It's also nice, as a reader, to see Stephen's roots and get an understanding of some of why he is the way he is, strengths and weaknesses. I really like this novel, and this couple: they have ups and downs, they both make some good decisions and some bad ones, and they work really hard to build what they have. It's sometimes exhausting, sometimes exhilarating, and definitely makes you want to find out what happens to them next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sexy older man, a hot younger man, a world of differences to keep them apart, but willing hearts and a release of pride are what they need to forge the kind of future each of them yearn for. Stephen is the kind of devoted, caring, sexy, and domineering man I love reading about. Russ is enthusiastic, young, determined, and incredibly stubborn. Both of them suffer from the weight of past experiences and it bleeds into how they treat one another and think of themselves. If they hope to have a bright future they'll have to put both of those things to rest.

This wasn't as stunning a story as I had hoped. I adore this author and the stories they weave. With such a great premise and men who are flawed and yet so redeemable I has really high expectations. What worked for me was the passion these men both had for one another, the moments of genuine care and concern, and Stephen's utter devotion despite his fear and insecurities. The things that didn't sit as well with me was the incredible stubbornness from Russ and how he handled that stubbornness. Falling back into his immaturity and petulance was more bothersome than it was tolerable. He was wonderful when he finally stepped up to the plate, it just took a really long time for him to get there.

There were enough gems and quite a lot of moments that showed growth and potential so anyone beginning the series will likely want to read all the way through. Russ has a lot of growing up to do, Stephen will have to learn to compromise, and both men will have to continue nourishing their budding love to solidify the HEA they both deserve.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off-Balance, the start if the Peachtree series, is an entertaining Brigham Vaughn book.

This is a co-worker romance that all starts with a spilt coffee. After Russ is injured, Stephen is there to nurse the younger man back to health. It's definitely a strange set-up, but ignore than and just go with it.

Russ and Stephen are complete opposites, one older with job security and no money problems. The other young and starting out.

Their tale is not all sunshine and rainbows. Russ's backstory is saddening, with some family issues and a lack of acceptance. As well, their journey includes some homophobia that is heartbreaking.

In the end though, it's a beautiful story of facing one's past and the pain associated with it. It's a story of acceptance and healing. It's a multi-layered storyline with two characters who each have their share of things to learn about themselves in order to move forward. They are a sweet couple who I adore together.

The writing is wonderful, with some nice layers to the tale, keeping the reader intrigued throughout. But, that's no surprise, as I always enjoy the author's writing style. She gifts the reader with some intriguing characters and a fun storyline.

Off-Balance is a good start to the Peachtree series. Definitely check it out when you're in the mood for a good May to December romance. I am excited to see what Brigham Vaughn has in store for us next.