Noble:I learned long ago that I could look—but never touch. My father made it clear: I was no longer his son if I ever sinned with a man. But Connor Strong took hold of my heart the moment I saw on him. And he made that sin sound so, so sweet.My dad is the most powerful Evangelical preacher in the country. Millions of people watch him on TV every Sunday morning. I’m the church’s golden … church’s golden boy—handsome, well-behaved, and straight. But a man like Connor Strong couldn’t be wrong in God’s eyes. And the way he kisses me is a spiritual revelation.
Connor makes sparks fly whenever he touches me. He teaches me, slowly and tenderly, and shows me exactly what he needs. He tells me I’m the perfect boyfriend, except for one thing. I’m not out. I can’t be.
But there are some things worth fighting for. And Connor Strong tops the list.
Connor:
I came to Abingdon after my ex broke my heart. I resigned myself to a life alone. But when Noble Hansen walks into my bakery, sculpted and towering like a Norse god, I realize I need that man in my life. Sure, Noble’s a closet case and has some major issues with his mysterious family. But once he gets a taste, he can’t get enough—and I can’t get enough of him, either. He’s at my house every night, and I’m fine with staying secret during the day.
But drama comes along with dating the world’s kindest evangelical superstar. When anti-trans protesters fill the town, Connor stands up to them. And when one of the protesters gets assaulted, I’m the one getting accused. I have an alibi, but I can’t use it without letting everyone know his secret: I was in bed with Noble, teaching him something very new. I could ‘out’ Noble, change his entire life. But he’s not just a fling or a rebound. Noble is my everything, and I won’t reveal his secret, especially not while Reverend Hansen is watching his every move.
But it turns out that Noble is far braver than I ever imagined.
Noble and Strong is the fifth book in the Bridge to Abingdon series. Each book focuses on one adorable couple, and each can be read as a standalone novel. Noble and Connor have a tense, exciting, and sensual relationship with lots of first-time moments and out-for-you drama! There’s also your favorite Abingdon grandma, Gil Steele doing hot cop things in uniform, loads of rainbow baked goods, and a redemption story you’ll never expect. Connor and Noble are the defenders of Abingdon’s LGBTQ+ community, and they won’t let hate take over their town!
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Yet another wonderful book in this series. Blown away once again. I loved getting to Noble and Connor, and seeing their relationship evolve. Loved it.
This is the fifth book in this amazing series and is Noble and Connor’s story. Noble was brought up in a very conservative household, and was forced to be the perfect son by his father. Connor is a business owner / baker, and is trying to make some life changing decisions when Noble walks in to buy a cake. Will Noble admit to his sexuality? No spoilers; this is a must read story, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written story which is intense, thrilling, and steamy with tad suspense. I was enthralled throughout and look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I recommend for all.
Noble Hansen has had a very strict Evangelical upbringing and isn’t quite ready to accept his true nature, but he does know he needs to make some changes in his life. He just doesn’t realize how much of a change and the conflict he’s getting ready to face when he moves to Abingdon to accept a new position at Jackson Academy. Connor Strong is struggling to get over a broken heart. The success of his bakery is helping, but when he sees the new Track and Swim Coach, his focus quickly changes. Connor and Noble’s chemistry is immediate and intense. But as things begin to heat up at the Academy, Connor and Noble face more than just the challenges of Noble coming out in a new relationship.
Yes, this love story is about facing one’s true nature and gaining the courage to not only acknowledge it to yourself but to come out to those around you. But this story is also so much more! It addresses issues of bias and bigotry against the LGBTQ community and the ignorance that fosters it. You also see some of the courage of our young who struggle not only with their own identities but also against those biases and the bullying and violence that often accompanies those prejudices.
This is an inspiring story filled with emotion and drama that will tug at your heartstrings and possibly open your eyes to just some of the issues that members of the LGBTQ community faces. It will definitely stir your feelings, both for the passion between Noble and Connor but also for the challenges from the outside world they face. It’s a story you will definitely need to read and will find very hard to put down (literally and figuratively)!! I highly recommend this very stirring and engaging romance. It’s another amazing addition to this wonderful series!
Once again we’re back to Abingdon and Jackson Academy. Only this time, we’re meeting a new MC who is coming to join the faculty.
Noble is the son of a world famous televangelist who preaches adamantly against any and all things LGBTQ related. He has been working for the university his father started, a very Christian conservative school and town. He has tried dating, but hasn’t found the right woman yet. He’s looking for a change, so when a position at Jackson opens up, he applies and gets the job.
Connor moved to Abingdon hoping to reconnect with his ex, Jack. When that didn’t happen, his bakery’s success kept him in town. From the moment he sets eyes on Noble, he’s smitten.
Noble isn’t out, not even to himself. But a chance encounter with Connor at a party leads to an experience that turns his world upside down. He still lives in denial for as long as he can, but eventually, his natural inclinations prove too much to overcome.
When Connor finds himself in a tough situation, it is up to Noble to make up his mind. Is Connor worth telling the truth, or is he too afraid of the outcome?
When things get nasty at the school, things look bad, but our men from Abingdon band together and find a way to make things right. There are a lot of legal battles in this story, which kind of make things a little redundant, but they fit into the story.
The thing I liked most about this book was the inclusion of a transgender student. She’s thirteen years old, and faces a lot of ugliness that happens every day in today’s society.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
This is another home-run for Tatum West. I love her characters – real people with very real problems who you love to root for … This author does an excellent job of showing her characters grow and take risks and fall down and pick themselves up again. As a reader, nothing beats finding yourself “in” the story with the characters – Tatum West pulls you in like that. There’s humor and witty dialogue , romance and heat. As always, characters from earlier books in this series makes you feel like you’re seeing old friends again. Highly recommend.