![Advance & Retreat (The Midwest Series Book 4) by [Brigham Vaughn]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51A5zGZMxUL._SY346_.jpg)
Sometimes dreams change, sometimes they grow.
Finding someone to love you, all of you, is tough enough when you don't have another persona, another facet of yourself that's just as valid as the one that performs your day job. Ricky and Rosie are sides of one person and Ricky is about to give up on finding his person. Ian isn't sure if what turns him on is something he can publicly acknowledge because a history of love and loss has left him painted into a corner, one where the invisible chains are strangling him but he can't see how to break them. Both men need something more, someone to celebrate every part of what makes them unique and special.
I think this was my favorite story in the series. While Touch & Go gave me the redemption story that makes me believe, Advance & Retreat gives me the story of acceptance that gives me peace. Ian is mature in some ways, but tragically young in others. He's not had an easy life with so many losses and emotional obligations that bind him to people who don't always see the man he should become. His loyalty is based on a child's need for family and stability and that loyalty almost costs him the one person that supports his soul. He definitely makes a quite a few big mistakes and while I'm not a fan of the begging, I am a huge fan of his willingness and determination to fix his mistakes even if it doesn't get him what he hopes for.
Ricky is really great when he explains his feelings, his perspective, and his own part in the huge blow up of their relationship. I thought he was a subtle, soothing presence throughout the whole story even when he was hurting because of Ian's naivety and hurtful reactions. He was interesting on his own, as was Ian, but it was them together that really sold the story for me.
The cameos from Micah were my favorite of the past characters involved in Advance & Retreat because they came from someone who knew exactly what it was like to truly hurt the person they loved the most. His story added depth to his advice to Ian and while it's not necessary to have read Touch & Go, I was glad that I did. The entire cast of The Midwest Series showed up here and there and added a well-rounded feel to the support and breadth of experience in their little family. A few other side characters drew enough interest to make me hope for a spin-off series because after finishing this story I'm still not ready to let them all go. I've become attached.
I think this was my favorite story in the series. While Touch & Go gave me the redemption story that makes me believe, Advance & Retreat gives me the story of acceptance that gives me peace. Ian is mature in some ways, but tragically young in others. He's not had an easy life with so many losses and emotional obligations that bind him to people who don't always see the man he should become. His loyalty is based on a child's need for family and stability and that loyalty almost costs him the one person that supports his soul. He definitely makes a quite a few big mistakes and while I'm not a fan of the begging, I am a huge fan of his willingness and determination to fix his mistakes even if it doesn't get him what he hopes for.
Ricky is really great when he explains his feelings, his perspective, and his own part in the huge blow up of their relationship. I thought he was a subtle, soothing presence throughout the whole story even when he was hurting because of Ian's naivety and hurtful reactions. He was interesting on his own, as was Ian, but it was them together that really sold the story for me.
The cameos from Micah were my favorite of the past characters involved in Advance & Retreat because they came from someone who knew exactly what it was like to truly hurt the person they loved the most. His story added depth to his advice to Ian and while it's not necessary to have read Touch & Go, I was glad that I did. The entire cast of The Midwest Series showed up here and there and added a well-rounded feel to the support and breadth of experience in their little family. A few other side characters drew enough interest to make me hope for a spin-off series because after finishing this story I'm still not ready to let them all go. I've become attached.
*$5.99 on Amazon
Olympic-size dreams come at a price.
Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington feels like he's fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold.
Ricky Chavez has just about everything he wants in life: a great career, a supportive family, and a side gig as drag queen Rosie Riveting. The only thing he's missing is a partner to share it all with.
When the two men connect after Rosie’s performance, they're immediately drawn to one another. But it's never that simple. Ricky isn't the type of man to hide, and with Ian's coach breathing down his neck, he can't openly love a drag queen without making waves.
They'll have to brave deep waters to make it to the finish line.
Follow Brigham...
And don't forget the giveaway!
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