Bully & Exit

Brigham Vaughn tells two different love stories in Bully & Exit. In one story we get to experience all of the young awkwardness of young love. The realization of one's sexuality while falling in love is also told. We get to experience Nathan's fear, but also his desire to be with Caleb. Caleb on the other hand knows he is gay, in love, and ready to shout it from the roof tops - bullies or no bullies.

In Vaughn's next story we shoot forward four years later and we see an older and wiser Nathan. He has been in the closet, slept with guys, had fun but he still remembers his first love. Caleb, on the other hand, still has a well of hurt from his first love. He is angry and bitter.

Vaughn moves back and forth between these two stories and it is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. My heart hurt for Caleb, so it made it hard to read the past and know what was coming.

I will say that my favorite character is Lowell. There is one scene early on in the book where you would think that Vaughn will take the “romantic” route and instead they take the right route in my book - BRO CODE!!!! I love it and Lowell. Lowell is funny, stylish, and will bring you food when you are depressed. My kind of friend.

College is all about leaving high school behind. Growing, learning, and experiencing life. Vaughn lets us have both.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.