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Seeking Warmth
Benny Fuller is on his way to rock bottom. He’s seventeen, fresh out of juvie, homeless, and desperate to find a job. His dad’s in jail and his drug-addicted mom is in no shape to take care of his sick sister, Angel. A run-in with his ex-boyfriend, Scott Sullivan, makes Benny feel even worse. He’s a thief with no future. Scott is smart, with plans for college and a great future ahead of him. Benny knows Scott can do so much better than him. Because no matter how hard Benny tries, he can’t seem to find a job or a way to take care of Angel. The further Benny falls, the more he needs Scott’s help. Benny will have to let go of his pride and trust Scott and the Sullivan family in order to get the Christmas miracle Benny and Angel so desperately need. Reader This is an older (15+) YA story with themes of homelessness, drug use and prostitution (off-page), neglect of minors, and foster care.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2018
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
65 books524 followersBrigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 19, 2018
3.8 Stars
Now that's a feel-good, adorably heart-breaking and lovely Christmas story. I totally wouldn't mind a follow-up with an older Scott & Benny...
Now that's a feel-good, adorably heart-breaking and lovely Christmas story. I totally wouldn't mind a follow-up with an older Scott & Benny...
December 22, 2018
While I love books about homeless boys finding a loving family to be with, I want the romance too. And there was almost no romance in this.
We mostly got 17 year old Benny struggling with being homeless and how he tries to survive. He then encounters his ex-boyfriend Scott, and we read about Scott wanting to help Benny. That was about it for the romance. The rest is them already being together again and Scott’s family saving Benny.
So good premise, but it sucked we didn’t get any romance.
We mostly got 17 year old Benny struggling with being homeless and how he tries to survive. He then encounters his ex-boyfriend Scott, and we read about Scott wanting to help Benny. That was about it for the romance. The rest is them already being together again and Scott’s family saving Benny.
So good premise, but it sucked we didn’t get any romance.
December 19, 2018
To say Benny Fuller is down on his luck or perhaps just completely out of luck, would be a very accurate description as to how he sees himself: fresh out of juvie and homeless makes looking for work to make a home for his little sister difficult. Will a run-in with his ex, Scott Sullivan lead to good things or will Benny steer clear of Scott believing his ex is better off without him weighing him down?
As I've mentioned before in my reviews I don't really have a "comfort zone" when it comes to my reading but to be perfectly honest I don't usually go looking for young adult stories but when I saw Brigham Vaughn had a new Christmas short novella coming out I knew it was something I wanted to read. To say I loved it would be an understatement, Seeking Warmth is brilliantly written and chock-full of what a Christmas story should have: heart. I should warn you that it is not all unicorn and rainbows for Benny, sometimes we have to fall to show the world and ourselves we can get back up.
If you are looking for a fun, squeaky clean rom-com then this really isn't for you but I wouldn't forget this story for later because Brigham Vaughn does a bang up, spot on job of tugging at your heart with Benny's story. Don't get me wrong, Seeking Warmth is not all doom-and-gloom, it's just not the fun, cutesy standard Hallmark-ish rom-com. Sometimes we need to be reminded that asking for help is not a weakness, that Christmas is about helping others and Miss Vaughn does that all while telling an amazingly heartbreaking AND heartwarming tale of determination, friendship, family, and love
As I've mentioned before in my reviews I don't really have a "comfort zone" when it comes to my reading but to be perfectly honest I don't usually go looking for young adult stories but when I saw Brigham Vaughn had a new Christmas short novella coming out I knew it was something I wanted to read. To say I loved it would be an understatement, Seeking Warmth is brilliantly written and chock-full of what a Christmas story should have: heart. I should warn you that it is not all unicorn and rainbows for Benny, sometimes we have to fall to show the world and ourselves we can get back up.
If you are looking for a fun, squeaky clean rom-com then this really isn't for you but I wouldn't forget this story for later because Brigham Vaughn does a bang up, spot on job of tugging at your heart with Benny's story. Don't get me wrong, Seeking Warmth is not all doom-and-gloom, it's just not the fun, cutesy standard Hallmark-ish rom-com. Sometimes we need to be reminded that asking for help is not a weakness, that Christmas is about helping others and Miss Vaughn does that all while telling an amazingly heartbreaking AND heartwarming tale of determination, friendship, family, and love
November 28, 2020
Honestly, at first, I didn't get the title or understand the premise of the cover... but, let me tell you, the cover is perfect for the story, and after reading this short, but amazing story... I can't think of a better title than the one the author chose!
If you have a few minutes to sit down and read, then read this one and be prepared to see the worst and the best that we as the human race have to offer our children!
Also, I agree with another reviewer, would love to see a follow-up story with Benny and Scott... and maybe a bit more "adult" content in it? ;D
If you have a few minutes to sit down and read, then read this one and be prepared to see the worst and the best that we as the human race have to offer our children!
Also, I agree with another reviewer, would love to see a follow-up story with Benny and Scott... and maybe a bit more "adult" content in it? ;D
December 11, 2018
This was a fantastic, poignant, engaging, charming, bittersweet, emotionally charged, lovely, beautiful, and grab-you-by-the-feels story that had me hooked from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2018
This story tugs at your heartstrings…and then some. As we follow young Bennie through the cold winter days while he tries to somehow keep his head above water and come up with a plan to reconnect with his younger sister, it is impossible not to hurt for and with him.
Benny is a very realistic teenager faced with a situation no child or young adult should have to contend with. The way he’s written is so true to live that it made his struggle, the set-backs he faces, the hardships he’s up against, and the uncertainties crowding in on him all the more heartbreaking. It also made one or two of his decisions completely understandable, even if they had me rolling my eyes and left me wanting to give him a good talking to…just before wrapping him up in a warm blanket.
While there are certainly romantic tones to this story, I wouldn’t exactly call it a romance. This is a story about families; what it means to belong to one, what we are prepared to do and endure to look after our loved ones, and all the different forms loving families can take. It is a story about determination, pride, forgiveness, and, most of all, love…. Love in all its wonderful and life-restoring versions.
While the hurt in the early part of this story does put the reader through the wringer, the second part more than brings the comfort needed to restore both Bennie’s and the reader’s heart again.
A heartwarming Christmas story featuring a character who will linger in your thoughts long after you finish reading.
Benny is a very realistic teenager faced with a situation no child or young adult should have to contend with. The way he’s written is so true to live that it made his struggle, the set-backs he faces, the hardships he’s up against, and the uncertainties crowding in on him all the more heartbreaking. It also made one or two of his decisions completely understandable, even if they had me rolling my eyes and left me wanting to give him a good talking to…just before wrapping him up in a warm blanket.
While there are certainly romantic tones to this story, I wouldn’t exactly call it a romance. This is a story about families; what it means to belong to one, what we are prepared to do and endure to look after our loved ones, and all the different forms loving families can take. It is a story about determination, pride, forgiveness, and, most of all, love…. Love in all its wonderful and life-restoring versions.
While the hurt in the early part of this story does put the reader through the wringer, the second part more than brings the comfort needed to restore both Bennie’s and the reader’s heart again.
A heartwarming Christmas story featuring a character who will linger in your thoughts long after you finish reading.
December 13, 2018
Seeking Warmth is a m/m short story written by Brigham Vaughn. It tells a heartbreaking of young 17 year old Benny Fuller who had had to grow up way too fast in onder to take care and protect his little sister.. A bit of bad luck and Benny ends up in the juvie.. Before going in Benny breaks up with his boyfriend as he certainly is not good enough for Scott anymore... Another bad luck finds Benny living in the streets.. Just when Benny is getting desparate Scott finds him and doesn't take a no for answer about helping him. It was so heart warming to read how Scott still cared for Benny and was ready to help any way he could. And I can't say how pleased I was that Benny was mature enough to accept that help and started to work on getting back together with his sister. It's heart breaking to think that Benny's story is reality to many many kids living in the streets and every one is not so lucky as Benny was to get help when he couldn't manage on his own.. What I loved about this book was the unconditional love Scott and his parents showed Benny. It didn't matter that he had been in the juvie or that he was living in the streets or that he had broken up with Scott earlier.. They just accepted him, helped him and made him think of the future. This book is about love and loyalty and I truly enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2018
When you're fresh out of juvie, not quite 18, and your mother's a drug-whore, how do you take care of your little sister? Having broken up with his sweet, caring boyfriend, Scott Sullivan, just before his stint in juvenile detention for 10 months, Benny Fuller can't go home because of his mother's doings which have caused his sister to be put in foster care, and is living out of his car after fleeing the awful foster home he was placed in upon his release.
Scott startles Benny who has come into the Sullivan family Fine Gifts shop, causing him to accidentally drop and break the glass angel ornament he was considering buying for his sister as a Christmas present. Benny flees the shop, retreats to his car and drives off when Scott tries to chase him down.
Can Scott track down his hurting, wayward boyfriend? Can Benny find a way to see his sister again? This is a heart-melting story of kindness and love in the face of adversity.
Scott startles Benny who has come into the Sullivan family Fine Gifts shop, causing him to accidentally drop and break the glass angel ornament he was considering buying for his sister as a Christmas present. Benny flees the shop, retreats to his car and drives off when Scott tries to chase him down.
Can Scott track down his hurting, wayward boyfriend? Can Benny find a way to see his sister again? This is a heart-melting story of kindness and love in the face of adversity.
December 15, 2018
Brigham Vaughn's Seeking Warmth is one of the best books I have ever read. Not for it's genius or complex tale, but for it's beauty and tenderness.
Benny, fresh out of juvi, is homeless and jobless. He's struggling to get his life back on track, not only for himself, but so he can find his younger sister and become her guardian.
Benny's situation is explored in a manner than is riveting, superbly written, and extremely atmospheric. You will feel as if you are experiencing all Benny is suffering through.
Benny struggles on his own, refusing to accept help from his ex, Scott, as he feels he has nothing to offer him. But, as hard as Benny's working, he has to learn to accept some help, and that there is nothing wrong with that.
Seeking Warmth is a touching and absolutely heart-warming story of love and hope. I am in awe of the impressiveness and power of this Brigham Vaughn tale.
Benny, fresh out of juvi, is homeless and jobless. He's struggling to get his life back on track, not only for himself, but so he can find his younger sister and become her guardian.
Benny's situation is explored in a manner than is riveting, superbly written, and extremely atmospheric. You will feel as if you are experiencing all Benny is suffering through.
Benny struggles on his own, refusing to accept help from his ex, Scott, as he feels he has nothing to offer him. But, as hard as Benny's working, he has to learn to accept some help, and that there is nothing wrong with that.
Seeking Warmth is a touching and absolutely heart-warming story of love and hope. I am in awe of the impressiveness and power of this Brigham Vaughn tale.
December 19, 2018
Seeking Warmth by Brigham Vaughn
Benny Fuller is in a rough spot - fresh put of Juvy for stealing to support his younger sick sister and no where safe to go, he find himself living in his car, doing all he can to not have to resort to unsavory means in order to survive. When he reunites with his ex-love, Scott, Benny wonders if maybe him and his sister will get a holiday miracle after all.
This was an amazing Young Adult novella. It dealt with real but dark themes such as drug use, prostitution and homelessness... but offered a light for Benny. I felt for the characters and his predicament, I needed to see how it all played out. Definitely a satisfying read.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Benny Fuller is in a rough spot - fresh put of Juvy for stealing to support his younger sick sister and no where safe to go, he find himself living in his car, doing all he can to not have to resort to unsavory means in order to survive. When he reunites with his ex-love, Scott, Benny wonders if maybe him and his sister will get a holiday miracle after all.
This was an amazing Young Adult novella. It dealt with real but dark themes such as drug use, prostitution and homelessness... but offered a light for Benny. I felt for the characters and his predicament, I needed to see how it all played out. Definitely a satisfying read.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 13, 2018
I hadn't read the summary before requesting this novella and to be honest the first half was hard to get through: the author is too good at describing Benny's homeless situation and his desperation, this mounting feeling that things will not get better, but they actually will get worse.
But Christmas is just around the corner and Benny gets his own Christmas miracle when his best friend and ex boyfriend (who won't stay ex for long ;)) and his family come to Benny's help.
And so if the first half is heartbreaking, the second has all the love and the hope that made this book a little gem.
I'm so glad I took a chance on this book! Five stars all the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But Christmas is just around the corner and Benny gets his own Christmas miracle when his best friend and ex boyfriend (who won't stay ex for long ;)) and his family come to Benny's help.
And so if the first half is heartbreaking, the second has all the love and the hope that made this book a little gem.
I'm so glad I took a chance on this book! Five stars all the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
Heartbreaking, emotional, endearing; a Christmas story of hope.
This book got me from the start and it is so heartbreakingly tragic from the get go, I admit I was crying.
It follows 17 year old Benny, fresh out of juvie and can’t catch a break. He has his ups and downs but can’t get above it all and is living in his car. A fateful run-in with his ex, Scott and Benny is finally given some hope! Once Scott’s family see how Benny’s life had declined after the death of his Grandmother, they take him in and help him find his feet.
This is an emotional story, about a hard life, your first love and when you find a little hope, things can finally turn around 💜
Thanks for reading 📚!
Heartbreaking, emotional, endearing; a Christmas story of hope.
This book got me from the start and it is so heartbreakingly tragic from the get go, I admit I was crying.
It follows 17 year old Benny, fresh out of juvie and can’t catch a break. He has his ups and downs but can’t get above it all and is living in his car. A fateful run-in with his ex, Scott and Benny is finally given some hope! Once Scott’s family see how Benny’s life had declined after the death of his Grandmother, they take him in and help him find his feet.
This is an emotional story, about a hard life, your first love and when you find a little hope, things can finally turn around 💜
Thanks for reading 📚!
November 16, 2023
Picked this up to check out Brigham Vaughn's work with a short story, although that is usually not an accurate gauge of an author. Some can do both full length and short stories equally well (or poorly), but there are a lot of writers out there who shine at one and are so-so at the other. This took me a little bit to warm up to, but had all kind of warmth and sweetness once I got into it. So. Ms Vaughn is still on the table, though I've a mountain of other TBR stacked up for now. I was a little surprised to see that there was no actual sexual activity at all between the characters in this shortie. No impact on my opinion of the book, but a definite diversion from "the usual".
(My rating hovered between three and four stars; rounded up because the ending was satisfying.)
(My rating hovered between three and four stars; rounded up because the ending was satisfying.)
December 15, 2018
For such a short book this packs a huge emotional punch. It’s very hard to portray this much emotion in longer books let alone one that took me less than an hour to read! To see Benny in such a low and vulnerable position for his age just trying to do everything he can to survive and all he cares about is getting his sister back, but his ex boyfriend tracks him down and brings him home to his family and Things start to get better for him. I spent most of this book with tears in my eyes and my heart breaking for what this kid had to go through, the author did a tremendous job with this one!
December 12, 2018
I don’t usually read YA but the blurb for this one caught my attention. I loved this read. Ben has been through so much for someone so young. My heart hurt for him. His mother should be in prison! I am so glad he finally accepted help when it came his way. The ending really did warm my heart.
Had the privilege of reading the ARC for this title. I have provided an unbiased review with my honest opinions.
Had the privilege of reading the ARC for this title. I have provided an unbiased review with my honest opinions.
December 13, 2018
I absolutely loved Seeking Warmth. Of course, there were a lot of tears and tissues. I seriously wanted to take Benny home and take care of him. Benny was so likable and I loved Scott’s tenacity. It was a quick short story with a little romance and totally tugged at my heartstrings. I absolutely recommend this story.
December 16, 2018
This is a must read story about a young man down on his luck, with a poor home life, failed by the foster system, and desperate to provide for his younger sister who learns that it's okay to accept the help of others. It's a story of hope and redemption with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
He is rock bottom, he is fresh out of juvie, has no job and he needs to care for his sick sister. Their father is in jail and his mother is less than useless. Will he find help? Will his ex boyfriend want to help? Will he allow them to help? Follow them to find out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2018
Loved it
A lovely YA romance with loads of heart and feels. Engaging characters and a sweet storyline made this great little holiday story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely YA romance with loads of heart and feels. Engaging characters and a sweet storyline made this great little holiday story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2018
This is really Benny's story and it tugs at your heart. I might have gotten a bit teary eyed a few times. I am so glad that Scott did not give up on Benny, and that Scott's parents were supportive and helped Benny. There is fear, hurt, anger, but no sex which I appreciated.
January 3, 2019
Loved it
The beginning of this short story is sad, it does have a happy ending. Benny has not had the greatest life, but he finds happiness with Scott when he finally lets him in. I really enjoyed this story.
The beginning of this short story is sad, it does have a happy ending. Benny has not had the greatest life, but he finds happiness with Scott when he finally lets him in. I really enjoyed this story.
December 18, 2018
Enjoyable Read
A cute Christmas short with an uplifting ending. If you have an hour to fill, give this one a read.
A cute Christmas short with an uplifting ending. If you have an hour to fill, give this one a read.
December 26, 2018
Big time tear jerker,grab a tissue or two.
June 18, 2019
Heartwarming, engaging and a wonderful Christmas story! Couldn't put it down.
September 26, 2022
Heartbreaking first half, and sweet and hopeful the second. Very nice story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews