| Title | : | Noble and Strong (A Bridge to Abingdon #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 226 |
| Publication | : | First published May 6, 2019 |
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 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!
Noble and Strong (A Bridge to Abingdon #5) Reviews
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Let's start this one on a positive note, shall we?
I loved Noble and Connor together. Both are great, a little scarred characters longing for someone to see them and love them. Together they were perfect. I was rooting for them from the start. Wanting their HEA. Almost craving it. My heart was bleeding for Noble and I was so proud of him when he came out stronger on the other side. With that said...
There's a lot going on in this book. And I mean a lot. There's religion and religious fanatics. Lots of homophobia and transphobia. There's violence. This book would've needed another round of editing. Making it a little smoother, but it probably would've been a novella if everything I wanted edited out would've ended up edited up, so what do I know?
I disliked the first book in the series for the very same reason. The homophobia and the violence. Then I read the second, third and fourth books in the series and liked them much more. So I'm sad that this one once again contained all the stuff I didn't like in book one. Add a ton of religion and this could've been a painful read. Noble and Connor was what saved it for me. -
I like the series, I like the author, I like the narrators, the biggest problem was there was so much hate and judgement going on, not from the residents of the little town but from outsiders brought in by the people in authority from the town that should have known better. I've read the first 4 books in this series and while there is always some controversy about some issue, it's fairly peaceful for this little primarily gay town. The hate has been nowhere as prevalent as it is throughout this story, actually the citizens, both gay and straight, get along well. That being said...this story is about justice being served, truth being told, learning respect and to compromise. Nobel is the son of a Bible thumping father who is a southern Pastor in another little town. He picks and chooses what the Bible says and translates it to suit his own narrow-minded whims. His son, Noble has hidden his true self for thirty years. Now he's met Connor Strong, the town baker and the love of his life...and he's finished hiding. The school administration is composed of bigots and those that are loud but not in any way right. Every town has some, but it seems that Abingdon has more than its fair share. Add to this a hillbilly homophobic damaging his boyfriend Connor's bakery and Connor almost ending up in jail. It was just one thing after another! The near ending surprised me, and the last chapter made my heart singing. Yes...There is hope for everyone.
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Another Good Story in This Series
The turmoil caused by haters is real. Here in Virginia a fine young man has been put through he'll by his school. It is good to discuss the trauma a child is out through. It is good to discuss the lack of protection and equality that the LGBTQ+ community lives with in their daily lives.
I like this series. I liked this book. It was well written. I love the characters. One problem that I had with the story was the complete turnaround of one of the haters. It is always the dream but it was not realistic considering the depth of the hate in this character. I understand the dream but it didn't fit the depth of the gate of that character.
Still I was happy for the two main characters. Their deep devotion to and love of each other was beautiful. They were hot. I spent time in the Abington area when I was young. It is beautiful place. This series is a good read. -
Stories like these are so important. As long as there is still so much hate and bigotry in the world we need to read about LGBTQ+ and religion and hate. The only thing in this story I didn’t like was that for me the relationship between Connor and Noble developed a little too fast.
*spoiler ahead*
I don’t know if the turn around of Noble’s father would be believeable IRL but that’s why we have romance: so we can hope! -
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2019)! 🎁
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This book was great some of the characters really annoyed me and grinded my gears a lot. The hate, bigotry, close minded comments throughout this book by certain characters was disgusting. I’m glad they got what they deserved and I’m happy. Conner and noble were such a great couple and I love the story and the journey of self discovery, coming to terms with ones self and identity. I loved having the whole queer gang back for this book
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I loved this book and I Will be shure to read the other books in this series and I so admired Noble for having the strength and courage to Come out and I loved connor for supporting him every step of the way so all in all a sweet Romance that shows that you can be Who you are and be proud of it -
Noble Hansen is a newly hired boys swim and track coach for Jackson Academy in Abingdon, VA. Connor Strong is the recently local baker of all things desert related. Noble the son of a notable religious figure is deeply in the closet. the rmance is as sweet as the icing on Connor's carrot cake. Conteversy start with a MTF transgenderred girl want to run on girl's track team instead of the boy's. Headmaster Vorhees and head of the board Beaman orchestrate a coup to get rid of the lgtbqia on the board and teaching staff. The best moment is when Julie (formally julian testifies at the trial against the board of Jackson Academy and Vorhees. She is poised and collected calmly answering the defendant's lawyer's pointed questions.
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“When I am with you I am nothing I was before. I am everything I ever wished I could be and more. So it’s not just for what you are yourself that I love you as I do, but for what I am when I am with you.” ~ Johnny Mathis (When I am With You)
Noble Hanson is the new high school coach. He comes to Abingdon to escape the smothering atmosphere he is in. With his father being a TV evangelist, his every move is scrutinized. Noble is required to walk a straight and narrow path, with no exceptions. He is hoping that the move to Abingdon will afford him some room to breathe. Noble has the feeling of missing something in his life but isn’t sure what. When he meets Connor Strong, Noble has an epiphany that will change his life, but only if he is willing to accept the consequences.
Connor Strong is the owner of a very successful bakery in town. He came to Abingdon after being in the military, to follow Jack, the love of his life. Unfortunately, Jack didn’t feel the same way Connor did and ended up marrying someone else. Connor is sad, but happy for him. Their relationship is civil but strained. Since no one could live up to how he feels about Jack, Connor has resigned himself to being alone. When Noble walks into his bakery, he is totally enamored by the “Greek god” who has just graced his business. His friend and coworker tells Connor that he is a new teacher at the local high school who says he is straight, although just about everyone questions that. There’s something about Noble that makes their gaydar ping. Yet, even if Noble is gay, he is so far in the closet that he, himself, doesn’t even know it.
When they are both invited to a party, Connor decides to test his theory and see just how straight Noble is. Connor takes Noble to a secluded spot in the yard and proceeds to seduce him, to see how far he will go. Connor begins to kiss Noble and Noble’s reaction is enthusiastic. He’s not sure what he is doing, but, at least at the moment, he wants it! The next day, Noble is overwhelmed with guilt as he considers what he and Connor got up to the night before. As much as he enjoyed it, he begins to think what it will mean if his parents find out. Deciding it is too much for him, he tries as best he can to convince himself that his behavior was aberrant, just a fluke, and that he is not gay after all. As much as he likes Connor and enjoyed being with him, Noble is determined that it will not happen again.
Connor is not surprised when Noble begins to avoid him. In fact, with his history of being rejected, he expects it. He kicks himself for, once again, becoming involved with someone who won’t love him back. After Noble gets too drunk to drive safely in a local bar and the bartender is hesitant to intervene, so Connor steps in, takes Nobel’s keys away, and takes him to dinner so he can sober up enough to drive home. It is obvious that Noble is reacting to the night before. Connor rides home with him and goes inside so they can talk about what happened the previous night. One thing leads to another and they end up having sex. Connor takes the lead since Noble has no idea what to do. Once they become intimate, there’s no turning back.
There are a lot of things that happen, mostly having to do with LGBT issues that involve other characters in previous books, but Connor and Noble’s romance is the central theme. It was really good to see how the men in the town are doing; they, by now, feel like old friends to me. Also, it was good to see some resolution to past issues and how current issues serve to reinforce the bond between these marvelous, brave, out-and-proud men. Thanks, Tatum, for giving Connor and Noble their happy ending.
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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! -
Hoping more to come in this series!
So... I generally despise bible thumpers. I despise religions that don't accept any and all walks of life. I've never liked it agreed with it.
That being said, I do love folks who have their own relationship with a higher power, my higher power is God. He and I have our own special thing. As long as I'm not being preached to, we're all good.
This book... One mc, Nobel has a bible thumping father who is a Pastor, who picks and chooses what the bible says and how he translates it. Part is... LGBT is wrong. His son was a coach at what I assume is a prestigious religious college, His dad led the sermons and I'm guessing held a lot of prestige at this college.
For thirty years he hid his true self. I didn't exactly see what made him choose Jackson Academy, but his lady friend was not happy she wasn't informed nor part of his plan.
I was more than a little lost as to why the job change as he was so deep in the closet. To get away from his parents? Subconsciously knew he was gay? Come to find out, he had repressed a lot of memories. Some his father brought up. None of those memories were pleasant.
On top of dealing with his parents, he finds out two people on the board of directors are also severely homophobic. So much so, they fire every gay faculty in one fell swoop. Add on to a hillbilly homophobic damaging his boyfriend Connor's bakery. Connor ends up in jail. It's just one meds after another!!
The near ending surprised me. I really got teary eyed and that last chapter had my heart singing. There is hope for everyone. -
The story is nice and there are several things that I liked:
1 - I was pleased that for once in a long while I've found a book with a blurb that fits the storyline.
2 - I liked the fact that although this book is a part of a series, it's a stand-alone (at least for me...). I didn't read the other books yet the story felt right and consistent.
3 - I liked the topic. I read few religion-oriented gay books in the past, I liked each one of them so far. This one is not the best one of them but still, I find the choice of the topic good. It's a reality that authors should write more about.
4 - The length of the chapters and the number of chapters are correct. The narration is smooth, it makes it easy to read... a dumper for the fillers that I had to skip several times.
There are few other things that I liked and things that didn't please me as well. I won't mention them this time. I will just pinpoint the clichés and stereotypes. Although the topic is a right choice, I felt that this story doesn't bring anything new to all the books I read before. It's just another sauce with the same ingredients... too bad... this is why I don't rate it more than 3 stars. I rate it 2 stars only though... because the cover doesn't suit the story. A cover is a part of a book and I do always include it in my ratings. This time it lowers the rating, alas. -
The town of Abingdon is growing and changing; not everyone is adapting well to the great strides the city has made.
Noble Hansen, applied for and obtained the job as the boy's track coach at Jackson Acadamy in Abingdon.
Moving to a new town, taking the job as the track coach, will not only put him the center of a dark war between the LGBTQ+ Community and their haters. It will pull him closer to baker extraordinaire Connor who unlocks a freighting, thrilling, and sensual side to Noble's world while opening his eyes to his made for TV Evangelical preacher father.
So much goes on! Abingdon and the people who live there have been known for its drama, intensity and beautiful heart, this story/journey was no different!
I loved Connor and Noble!
Honest, enlighting, heat-fueled with an edge of suspense. The distinct characters instant spark, layered within a passionate, witty emotional whirlwind relationship that packed a punch ( pun intended) made for a yummy, inspiring free-flowing story that I enjoyed from beginning to end.
The 5th book in the Bridge To Abingdon Series, ( standalone ) is well worth the read! -
Connor is one of the latest to join the Abingdon Virginia community and this ex-Navy Baker opens a cupcake bakery in town after discovering that his ex-crush Jack Chaqnce has moved there. He meets Noble Hansen, closeted son of a nationally famous televangelist and after a night in which Connor begins initiating Noble into the mysteries of gay love, he has a new love interest.
Recently listened to tis while on a train ride from NYC back to Tampa. It was NOT the best book in the Bridge to Abingdon series but it did raise an interesting paradox at one point.
One of the Main characters has opened a bakery in a Virginia town that has become more enlightened about gay rights since becoming prosperous again with the influx of creative (and gay) types. - I did mention it was fiction right?
Anyway, baker Connor Strong becomes involved with Noble Hansen whose dad's an evangelical preacher.
When another evangelical sect (think Westoboro Baptist) comes to town, one of their leaders tries to order several dozen cupcakes with God Hates Fags messages on top and Connor throws him out of the shop. I immediately thought of the gay couple who'd sued to get a baker to make their wedding cake after the bakery had refused.
It put the whole denial of service question in another light. Just where DOES one's freedom of speech rights end and another's religious freedom rights begin?
Overall the book was a 4 star read/listen. I'm a sucker for stories in which guys return to their hometowns and this series really plays into that trope.
Alexander Cendese, and Tor Thom share narrator duties on all the books in this series, and I'm wondering if anyone knows if the two are in a relationship. The series is written in an alternating POV by chapter style but the dialogues in all chapters include both guys (and many others) speaking. So, these are NOT the ideal dual-narraition books. Alexander Cendese is a great narrator and has recognizable and appropriate voices for all the main dialogue characters that he reads. Tor Thom, on the other hand, has a great deep, and masculine voice but tends to be very monotone in his approach and even a bit somnambulant. -
A closeted Christian, Noble Hansen applies for a coaching position at Abingdon’s prestigious Jackson Academy which he admires for its progressive and supportive attitudes to staff and students. Unfortunately, he finds the opposite when a students transition and the school administration and a radical Christian group start stoking prejudice and hatred. It doesn’t help that Noble’s father has made a name for himself as a popular antigay preacher. Meanwhile, local baker Connor Strong ignites a passionate fire in Noble which gives him the courage to speak out and come out.
I really liked both Noble and Connor and the story was incredibly gripping. My only gripe was the instalove that formed the first time they met, it just seemed too much too soon. There was also an incident that seemed to be a repeat of what happened in Fighting Chance (book #2). Other than that, I enjoyed the ride! Audio narrators Alexander Cendese (as Noble) and Tor Thom (as Aaron) suited the characters well (the whole series is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue). -
I received and ARC for this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. I have so many good things to say about this book, I don't even know where to start. I have read all the books in this story and I would highly recommend starting with book 1 of the series, Steele My Heart. The story highlights that even today that men and women who don't fit the "traditional" roles placed on them, feel like they have to hide who they are and who they love. Its also about a man who finds his voice and acceptance and love in a small town and inspires others. This hits you in the feels. I am so glad that I got to be apart of Tatum West journey of Abingdon and look forward to many other books and love stories by this author. Would recommend this story to anyone who loves a good story where love conquers all.
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I might be repeating myself but I can’t get enough of this series. Strong appeared in the previous books as the bad guy, the stalker. He was in love with Jack and Jack wasn’t with him. Noble comes to town as an assistant coach at the Jackson Academy and catches Connor’s eyes but he is straight and very important member of his homophobic church. Will this be another unrequited love for Strong?
Connor is a sweetheart and fights for what he wants. I was so endeared to his character, he is so cute even if he was military. This book intertwines the lives of the couples of the previous stories in the series and they all have to overcome trouble in town. That was awesome, unity and love all over. ♥️ it! -
Update at 7%
The book has a trans female character! When a colleague is irritated because of the change of pronouns, Robbie says:What I hear is you begrudging a child their opportunity, their human right, to live an authentic truthful life. You'd feel more better if they'd shut up and continue to live a lie so that you'd feel more at ease. Because you as a straight, cisgeneder man in a highly misogynistic society feel completely entitled to force others into discomfort so long as your comfort is ensured.
the quote is transcribed by me from the audiobook so punctuation, names, and possible formatting might be off
Did I mention I'm SEVEN PERCENT into this book??????? -
This particular book in the Abingdon series has some very potent messages. I almost didn't listen to this volume of the series because I usually avoid stories that have religion as a central focus of the conflict. I am glad that I did listen. The author has some helpful insights into how to handle manage difficult situations.
I do wish that some mental health related issues were addressed a bit more directly, but this story already had some very heavy subject matter to handle.
This book seemed to have a bit more polish than earlier entries in the Abingdon series. I am glad that I decided to keep listening. I think the narration was a bit smoother too. This is a book with reading if you are interested in someone elses perspective on sexuality and religion. -
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.
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I really struggled with this one. As I love romance, it's ok that all is well that ends well, but here we are way past the fairy tale. I'm all for a HEA, for hope e positivity, but I require a minimum amount of credibility.
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I love this series! I'm especially enthralled that THERE'S A TRANS AT JACKSON!!! So happy! And I'm Very happy that the Old Guard is OUT in a negative way. I like all the characters (less thrilled with Jack: can't his hubby put him on a leash/muzzle?? Haven't read book about he & Dillon so maybe he's not as much of a Jack-ass!) I seem to be reading about pastor's gay son's lately, but this wasn't too over the top. The mother DID "grow a pair" and the pastor is changing his thought processes which is great. "HALLEJLUAH!"
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Definitely my least favorite of the series so far.
This book kept my attention, but overall it was underwhelming. Noble and Connor have a connection and a chemistry, but I feel like we never got much time with them as a couple outside of being intimate. We’re told and not shown the other moments of their romance. And then the story was just a touch too dramatic. But as a Virginian, I had to laugh at the obvious jab at the cult that is Liberty and that was plenty entertaining. -
Noble And Strong has an easy flowing story line and the main characters are adorable. Noble and Connor just click and despite bumps in the road,family problems and ill intended people, I'm glad that they realize they're stronger together.
What I appreciate most about the book is the sense of community, the way friends and strangers help each other, creating an united front against prejudice and injustice.
For, Noble And Strong is definitely a recommended read. -
I have read everyone of these fabulous books but I must say that this one rocked us to our core. This one was more powerful and expressed many values that we as humans take for granted. You need to learn to love yourself before you can truly love someone else l in this story Connor and Noble bring home with what they have to go through just to get there. I hope that there is more books to come. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
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The same goes for this story: a man who’s comfortable in his own skin and who’s on the look-out for his HEA, meets a man who has been indoctrinated that loving a man is a bad thing. Well, let’s say that love again comes out on top, because Cooper teaches Noble everything about love and Noble is a fast and excellent student! They fall fast and hard and haters watch it, because the men of Abingdon don’t play and when called out, they hit hard and just. Every minute of this novel was worth it. ❤️
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Love Wins
Every time I finish a book in this series I think it's my favorite, but this story wrecked me in the best way. Noble, very appropriately named, finding his truth and love with the wonderful Connor who so deserved his HEA. The themes in this book about acceptance and love were so moving. We me some new people in Abington and as always saw the couples from previous books. I wish this town was real because it's extraordinary.
