A former hockey player and a bossy twink … a match made in heaven or in hell?
Brent Cameron’s done with college hockey and ready to celebrate leaving the closet with a summer road trip around Lake Michigan. But when his best friend bails on him, there’s only one solution … agree to let a guy he barely knows tag along.
Lowell Prescott’s been called everything under the sun—jersey chaser, slutty … the sun—jersey chaser, slutty twink … but he doesn’t actually chase jocks down. Usually.
Still, he can’t resist the chance to spend a summer “helping out” the left defenseman he has a teensy little crush on. Too bad Brent can’t see it that way. He’s not happy with the change in plans.
When they hit the road, animosity melts in the summer sun, replaced by a new, simmering tension. As friendship and attraction bloom, they slowly realize they’re on their way to a destination neither of them expected.
But before they reach their happy ending, they’ll be tested by Brent’s past and Lowell’s damaged heart.
The stakes are high when you play for keeps.
Push & Pull contains well-intentioned scheming, meddling friends, a snarky fashionista, and a “dumb jock” who is anything but.
more
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
A great second book in the series.
I was really intrigued by Brent and Lowell when I listened Bully & Exit so I was happy that I got the chance to listen to Push & Pull. This is another great story by Brigham Vaughn and another great audio performance by James Edward Jones.
I wouldn’t exactly call this an enemies-to-lovers story but it kind of starts out that way when Lowell takes over for Nathan as Brent’s partner on a long-anticipated road trip. Brent is not happy to find out that Nathan has bailed on him and sent Lowell in his place.
I loved the tension between Brent and Lowell. Brent finally agrees to take the trip with Lowell and they agree to take Lowell’s fancy car. The trip starts out with Brent thinking that Lowell is a spoiled rich guy who sleeps around. As they spend their days together on the road, Brent’s perception of Lowell begins to change and they eventually act on the sexual tension between them.
I enjoyed visiting the places that Brent and Lowell visited through the descriptive writing and the narrative performance. Lowell was my favorite character – he knows who he is and he doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Secondary character Micah was the guy you loved to hate. He story is the next one in the series and I hope it comes out in audio soon. I love it when a character like him finds redemption.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” — Lennon
Brent and Nathan made big plans for their summer after graduation. On the day they were supposed to leave, Nathan shows up – along with Lowell – and says, ‘Surprise! I can’t go, but it’s okay! Lowell is gonna take my place!’ Too bad Brent doesn’t like Lowell. He doesn’t like him, right?
The trip doesn’t start off on a good note. Brent is livid at Nathan and Lowell. Lowell rubs Brent the wrong way, despite Brent not knowing exactly why. He just does. Lowell is very out there, and out and proud. Brent just came out of the closet, and has many old habits he hasn’t shaken off yet. Slowly, he begins to thaw, and realize just how big of a jerk he’s being. Lowell tries to be understanding and supportive, as long as Brent backs off with the hateful commentary. Before long, they become friends. Eventually, you can cut the sexual tension with a knife. Lowell’s not Brent’s type, right? Lowell doesn’t want a relationship, right?
This book is a slow burn, but in such a delicious way. The storyline is enjoyable, and the writing is so good that I actually didn’t even mind it. It made sense for these characters. They had some things that needed to be addressed before anything could happen that wouldn’t destroy the progress they’ve made. It was very satisfying when they finally gave in, too.
This book is book two in the series, and it does involve characters from book one, and also the upcoming book. That said, you could read it as a standalone, but seeing how both main characters made regular appearances in book one, it’d be more enjoyable reading it in order. More enjoyable, but not necessarily required. It’s a personal judgment call. (Whisper shouts: read the entire series! You’ll love it!)
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
This book was a great addition to this series. Book two is just as wonderful as book one. Brent has had a summer trip planned out for him and his best friend for a long time. Then his best friend Nathan canceled on him the day of the trip. Lowell, Nathan’s boyfriends best friend came up with an idea to help save said trip.
This book has an HEA ending not to mention the passion along with a friendship unlike any other makes this book special. I don’t know to many people who would drop everything to help a friend in need. Especially a friend who lets his views on the lgbtq spill from his lips like racial slurs. A friend who seems to refuse who he is. On that aspect, it makes me sad. What is the world coming to when our children hate themselves for who they are? I can’t wait to get my hands on book three to see how said friend makes peace with himself and who he is. Great series-Enjoy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One thing is pleasantly consistent about the author’s books: They are all so good! This one does not fall short, with a great plot idea and MCs that will make you read it in one seating.
A tale of discovery, twisting and turning emotions, connection that won’t be denied and trials to face. Sounds cliche, but is anything but! A must read for sure and a great continuation of the series!
I enjoyed reading this sweet, slow-burn MM romance with a mild enemy to lover’s undertone. The plot is well-paced & interesting with a realistic adventurous trip. The characters are quite strong-willed & have unique personalities.
It is about: two somewhat antagonists, a openly gay man (Lowell) & a man newly out of the closet (Brent), these two characters takes a trip together & discover that the heart cannot be denied.
There is: some drama, animosity, insecurities, trust issues, distractions, sexual tension, confusion, compromises, attractions, complications, decisions, longings, love, steamy scenes & a wonderful happy ending. There is also a glimpse of a future romance possibly involving Micah & Justin.
The second book in the series brings an emotional and heartfelt romance between Brent and Lowell,one out and proud and the other recently out of the closet. It’s a slow burning romance with an entertaining story line. The author once again brings strong characters and does a great job developing and building their story. It’s well written,moves fluidly and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
A beautiful (nearly) enemies to lovers story full of heat and heart. Semi-antagonists Lowell and Brent are on a summer road trip that starts out as tolerating each other- sometimes- and winds up with them never wanting it to end. I loved both of these side characters in the first book and it was awesome to see them get their own story told. Turn back now and read the first one to get the full effect. Lowell was an amazing character from his first appearance in book one, a force of nature. Brent was a great sidekick but I fell in love with him after getting to see inside his head. Watching him embrace coming out was truly inspiring. In truth, I adore this book more than the first and I have put it on my very rarely added to “re-read this” list so I can experience their unique journey into each other’s arms again.
Two very different guys go together for a road trip. One is openly gay the other is a newly outed jock. They discover not only their trip’s area but also each other. Do they understand how they feel before is too late.? Are they ready for something serious? Good plot full of issues and angst. Well created reality and characters. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now this here is just a whole lot of fun. Lowell is wonderful, with all of his pride and flashiness, he’s terrific. Brent, a little hot headed but charming nonetheless. Together they make a “force to be reckoned with”. This story offered so much: heated moments, friendships that survived the tests put before them, moments where being humbled were necessary and passionate romance that proved relationships were strong enough to survive. Everything about this book screams YES!! Absolutely fantastic!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this sassy story! Lowell is unapologetically forward but loyal and pretty much fabulous. I liked how much he was himself without worrying about what others think. I really think the author did a great job of showing a realistic representation of Brent as a recently out jock. It was nice to see Brent’s growth as a comfortable gay man throughout the story.
With the setting of this story, we get to see Lowell and Brent in many different situations. I appreciated this because it helped build their relationship even with they were arguing. One thing that I really wanted to see was Brent being a little more tongue-tied in front of Lowell like he was in book one. I think that with the circumstances of this book, it makes sense with how Lowell and Brent were pushed together but I do wish we got the deer in headlights Brent around Lowell because it was pretty cute.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Road Trip!
A recently out former hockey player and a rich twink – match made in heaven or hell? We find out when they spend the summer traveling together due to Caleb and Nathan ( Book 1) spending time together.
I love this series. This is book two of the series and while book one is hard to follow, this managed to secure a place as a solid continuation, it’s actually better than Bully & Exit. The men are flawed, complicated, frustrating, and incredibly lovable. They’re worth rooting for and I fell in love with them by the end, well, one MC more than the other. I enjoyed the way they worked things out and cannot wait for Micah’s redemption story to come next in Touch & Go.
Brent needs a road trip companion when his bails and he isn’t happy getting Lowell. Lowell has a crush but doesn’t expect anything to come of it. I felt so sorry for Lowell initially. Brent has an image of him in his head and all kinds of assumptions to go with that image and he isn’t shy about expressing his feelings. What is lovely is how we see him start to realize he’s made a huge mistake and grow as a person. These two become friends and then so much more as they both learn to strip off all the masks and just be themselves.
This review is for the audiobook:
This is my first time listening to the narrator and the author. I’m impressed by both and will be reading/listening to more books!! I enjoyed the narrator’s voice. I also enjoyed the story. I would highly recommend listening. You won’t be disappointed!
This is Brent and Lowell’s story and I have been waiting since I listened to the first. Brent and Nathan have been planning a summer traveling since they met in College for after graduation. But since Nathan and Caleb have worked things out Nathan really didn’t want to leave Caleb but didn’t want to leave Brent in a lurch since he couldn’t afford the trip on his own. Lowell had nothing better to do so he offered to step in for Nathan.
This story was everything I had hoped for and more. I absolutely love Lowell and I loved the slow burn and sexual tension between these two. I loved the descriptions of the places they visited. It added a little more to the story and was like I was on the trip with them.
This was even better than bully & exit and that was amazing! Loved that Lowell was so confident and didn’t hide who he was.
Great book!
Push and Pull is the second book in the Midwest Series, a sweet contemporary series that can be read as standalone books. I recommend reading the series in order to fully enjoy each of the characters and their stories.
In Push and Pull Brent finally goes on his road trip that he has been planning with great anticipation. Unfortunately, his best friend has to pull out of the trip, and Brent is left in a bind. Enter Lowell, a vivacious and bright young man who is not afraid of expressing himself. This plot set up is the start of a fun and entertaining romance. I really enjoyed watching both Brent and Lowell fall in love with each other. They both were so reluctant at first to fall in love, but when it happened, oh was it satisfying.
The audiobook was narrated by James Edward Jones who does a nice job narrating the story. James’ voice has a smooth quality which made this book an enjoyable listen.
I’m reviewing the audio edition. Thanks to Gay Book Promotions I got the chance to hear this fun story. Brent and Lowell end up together taking a road trip. It starts out pretty rough but develops into something else. The secondary characters play a big part to see how these two fit together. There is plenty of emotion, a little fun and the push and pull between friends. The narrator, James Edward Jones brought these characters to life. I’m anxious to hear the next in this series
Brigham, I loved Push & Pull right along with Bully & Exit! Initially, I didn’t want to replace Caleb and Nathan, because you helped make them so lovable! But Lowell being so fabulous helped me want to know Brent more! Yeah, he had a right to be mad at Nathan, but a two-month road trip seemed a bit stingy to me too. LOL
The camping trip breakup confused me for a while. Why was Lowell so quick to take Brent back after he took Lowell’s car so coldly to see Lowell’s bane, Micah. Brent played the self-centered jerk perfectly. I was rooting for Lowell to put Brent through at least a few levels of Dante’s Hell, or at least threaten to walk away from everything for hurting him so deeply.
At first, I thought Lowell was being needy and out of character. After reading further, I realized their love must have been growing during the June 9-29 time jump. Funny that I actually sulked when I saw the missing weeks. Very curious about what fun bits I could be missing out on. 😉
As usual, it’s hard to read “The End” after a good book! These guys are loveable, mushy, funny, witty. Everything I love to read about! As in Bully & Exit, you describe their love so beautifully. I can only hope to meet such a wonderful soulmate someday.
Thank you for sharing your incredible gift!
Brian A
Denver