She’s waited a lifetime. Can she stop him from wasting one?Vaughn Jenkins is the youngest in a long line of proud men. But he was only seventeen when his parents were killed during a storm on a California highway. Seven years later, another stormy night nearly took Vaughn’s life. Now he’s half a leg lighter, full of shame and doubt, and taking it out on everyone around him, even the woman he’s … he’s loved most of his life.
T.J. Brisco is the girl next door. She and Vaughn grew up together, inseparable friends, then high school sweethearts. But when tragedy strikes, Vaughn retreats and this time is no different. She’s determined to help him recover from his devastating amputation. But Vaughn’s not going to make it easy. When his anger becomes too much for T.J.’s shattered heart, she decides that their story is over for good.
Now Vaughn is faced with the rest of his life–as an amputee, as a brother, as a man–and as T.J. moves on, Vaughn falls farther and farther behind. Can he learn to run fast enough to catch up to the only woman he’ll ever love? Or will his pride stand in their way forever?
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Vaughn’s Pride is a perfectly written young adult contemporary romance that’s what I think! It is the second story in the California Cowboys however it stands completely on it’s own. I also thoroughly enjoyed Cade’s Loss and recommend reading that as well. Vaughn is 24 years old, a brother, an uncle, has had joys in his life as well as sorrows. His problem is that he is so focused on what he has lost that he is about to loose the most important piece of his life. Her name is T.J. She’s the girl next door, literally. Vaughn has been in love with T.J. since they were children but he has not handled their relationship well and T.J. is finally ready to move on with her life and leave Vaughn behind with the pieces of her broken heart. Selena Laurence has written a moving contemporary love story for these two. Selena Laurence gives Vaughn’s Pride the right amount of love, lust, angst and most importantly, heart. I do not want to ruin your reading experience by giving away their story just know that you will not be disappointed and will see a HEA in the future for these two!
I just read an ARC cover to cover when I should have been sleeping! This family and their perseverance is a thing to behold! I laughed, I got pissed off a few times, had to fan myself because Vaughn is YUM, and even ugly cried a couple of times! Vaughn and TJ were seriously trying to knock Cade’s Loss out of my #1 spot. They came VERY close! ( I’ve read Cade’s story several times and he’s where it all started so he stays at the top.) Selena Laurence is a truly gifted storyteller! I loved that this story wasn’t sugar coated at all. Vaughn had to work hard to overcome both his physical injuries and his personal demons. He and TJ also had to work at their relationship (something that I often find lacking in romance novels) which is something I truly enjoyed reading about. The little details, the character development, the beautiful story…all so well done! I’m already looking forward to reading the book again!
Another great read by Selena Laurence. Filled with emotion, this second chance romance hits all the right spots and delivers a story that has you not only rooting for the characters to get their HEA with each other, but also to make peace with themselves and their past.
Vaughn and T.J. have such a history. From best friends as children to dating in high school, these two have always been meant for each other. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and pulls them apart. Of course, Vaughn could never really let go of T.J., but neither could he commit. These two…it’s clear they should be together, and both of them want each other, but, like the title says, Vaughn’s pride gets in his way, which leads T.J. to think that maybe they don’t have a future and it truly is time to move on. When Vaughn realizes he might lose her forever it was wonderful watching him try to win her back. I loved watching these two try to find a new beginning to their story, and once they commit to trying to find their way back to one another they quickly realize that maybe going back isn’t what is going to help them go forward.
As usual, the author brings an emotion into the story that is real and relatable. From Vaughn’s frustration to T.J.’s heartbreak, you can really feel what these characters are going through. And the use of the flashbacks added so much to this story, adding additional layers of heart and emotion.
We didn’t get to spend a lot of time with the rest of the Jenkins and Brisco families, but they both played an important part in telling T.J. and Vaughn’s story. I do love a strong family bond, and both families have that – within themselves and with each other. And the other supporting characters also added to the story.
If you are looking for a book with lots of emotion and heart, with great “real” characters who can make you laugh, smile, and cry, then this book is for you.
Fantastic read! This is Vaughn and TJ’s story. It will have you feeling all sorts of emotions. I was sucked in from the beginning. It’s heartwarming, sweet and steamy. It’s beautifully written. The chemistry between Vaughn and TJ is off the charts sizzling. I loved Vaughn and TJ’s journey as they overcome their obstacles and insecurities as they heal and love again
Selena Laurence has done it again!
This is the second installment in the California Cowboys series, but it is a fantastic stand alone novel.
This story tells the story of how best friends fall in love as teenagers, drift apart and slowly try to find their way back to each other.
I adore the journey Vaughn and T.J. take. I don’t want to post any spoilers, but this story made me laugh and cry. It is so heart touching because the emotions are so real and true to life.
I highly recommend this book. You’ll want to read it in one sitting, it’s so good!
I am and continue to be a Selena Laurence fan. I did receive an ARC for my review.
Vaughn’s Pride reads like a bad love song. Broken hearts, shattered dreams and foolish pride are abundant. It’s the common sense that’s lacking. John Mayer said it best: ” When dreaming with a broken heart, waking up proves the hardest part.” T.J. and Vaughn lived those words. Love brought them together, but pride is keeping them apart. Can love survive grief, fate, pride and distance? With nostalgia, heart and faith, Ms. Laurence shows the power of love and the reason for hope. Vaughn’s Pride, may be my first Selena Laurence novel but definitely not my last.