The greatest journey isn’t from England to the States, it’s the one that two men take on the way to find each other. Sebastian Brown is on a mission to rescue the Arizona Raptors and a vow he made to a friend in college. Either that or he’s on vacation. He’s not entirely sure that he’s made up his mind yet. Either way, traveling from England, to the arid desert of Arizona isn’t exactly a picnic, … exactly a picnic, particularly with the doubts and worries he takes with him. He’s turned even the worst of companies around, but faced with the challenge of improving the reputation of a hockey team that everyone seems to hate, he knows his work is cut out for him.
Focus is key, but that is easier said than done when Seb is sent into a tailspin by the intriguing Alejandro. Seb’s entire marketing plan hinges on making Alex a poster boy for equality and fair play. But with Alex’s utter dedication to the game, and his dark secretive eyes, the gorgeous Alex is stubborn, opinionated, doesn’t want any part of being the team focus, and worst of all, doesn’t appear to like Seb at all. It takes everything that Seb has to keep his hands off of Alex, but things get out of hand and Seb’s life might never be the same again.
Alejandro Garcia has had to work hard to get where he’s at. Born to Mexican immigrants, his siblings and himself have never had it easy in this new country their parents dreamed of calling home. A native son of Arizona, Alex has always been the odd man out on the ice but he’s not going to let a stupid thing like his heritage get in the way of his dreams. He’s now a Raptor and he plans to put all that training and collegiate hockey experience to good use. Working hard comes naturally to him. It’s something his parents have instilled in him from the time he was a toddler. Being one of a handful of Latino hockey players makes him strive for success with even more determination. His first pro season has had some ups but a lot more downs, but Alex is one stubborn young man and failure is not an option.
As the Raptors struggle to rebuild not only their team but their core values, Alex finds himself drawn to one of the owner’s friends, a tall, lanky Brit with the face of an angel and an accent and attitude that bewitches and befuddles him. Sebastian is everything he thought he would never be attracted to but he can’t push the sexy, older, fun-loving man out of his thoughts. If ever there were a man he would not be able to take home to his parents – not that he can bring a man home since he is deeply closeted – it’s Sebastian, but desire knows no socioeconomic, age, or international borders. The heart wants what the heart wants and Alejandro’s wants Sebastian.
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Another great story in this series.
I really love this series; RJ Scott and V.L. Locey haven’t really converted me into a hockey fan but they sure have converted me into a hockey romance reader. I never realized how popular a theme this was in MM romance until I began reading their Harrisburg Railers series. The Arizona Raptors series is kind of a spin off of that one but it can totally be read as a standalone, as can this book. Your enjoyment of the story would be enriched, however, if you’ve read at least the first Raptors book, Coast to Coast.
There are so many things to like about Across the Pond. I loved the fact that one of the MCs is British. I’ve become quite a fan of British MM romance stories and the addition of Sebastian Brown to this series was great. We get to read about Digestives and Twiglets, both things I had to look up.
I loved the reference to Star Trek (my all-time favorite TV series in all its flavors) in Chapter Five:
“The inside of my head suddenly became the bridge of the Enterprise on a red alert. Crimson lights flashing, grating siren blasting out of all the com stations, a captain shouting, “Shields up! All hands to battle stations! Load the photon torpedoes and ready to fire on my command!”
And I LOL’d at this exchange between Alex and Sebastian about Twiglets in Chapter Ten:
“What is this again?” Mark asked and held up the tiny knobbly stick. He touched his tongue to the end of it and reared back with horror on his face.
“A Twiglet,” I explained for the fifth time.
“And it’s covered in?” He waved the tiny snack around, and the distaste on his face was hilarious.
“Yeast extract,” I deadpanned, “like Marmite.”
He raised a single eyebrow. “And Marmite is?”
This was going round in circles. “Mark, I dare you to eat that Twiglet.”
He rotated his shoulders and cracked his neck. “If I die…” Then he pushed the snacky goodness into his mouth, crunched twice, swallowed, and sat there with a horrified expression. We stared at each other for a moment, and then he downed half a can of beer, followed by an entire handful of Cheetos. “Dude,” he sprayed orange cheesy flakes everywhere, “that is rank.”
The blurb for the book is pretty comprehensive so take a look at it. What I loved about the story is how real the characters seemed to me. I really felt how hard it was for Alex to accept his sexuality and finally decide to be with Sebastian. I loved how caring Sebastian was and how understanding he was of Alex’s situation.
I think most of the books co-authored by RJ and V.L. are pretty character driven but this one felt especially so for me. The books they write together just keep getting better and better. I can’t wait to read Henry’s book, Shadows and Light.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the authors.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I’m enjoying this series, and loved the latest story. I really felt for Alex who is torn between who he is and family expectations of who he should be. I thought the authors did a great job in showing how religion can be an influence in not a good way and how it can colour decisions made especially in a culture that is staunchly Catholic. I also thought the scenes where Alex is dealing with racial slurs and preconceptions were well written too, especially the scenes where he’s visiting Henry and has to deal with the racist security guard. I liked that there was a flip side with Seb getting flack because of his being British, instead of American. I thought Seb’s concerns about having Ryker the poster boy for the Raptors felt very realistic, rather than bigoted, and is sadly a reflection about how the world is.
I loved Alex and Seb’s relationship. It’s very sweet, and I liked how they complemented each other with their different personalities. Seb is very patient with Alex, his situation, and his inexperience and I could already see loud and clear that they loved each other before they admitted it. I liked how they grow a strong friendship as well as a relationship, which is about romance as well as physical attraction. I was rooting for them from the beginning and sitting up late reading because I wanted to make sure they got their happy ending.
I enjoyed the friendships in this story too, especially between Ryker and Alex, them and Henry, and Jason and Seb. Although the Raptors still have a way to go before they have the team is family vibe, they’re definitely progressing on that journey, and I liked seeing the interactions between team members now Aarni is out of the picture. Although the Raptors are not all about their team being family yet, this story was still very much about family with both Alex and Seb’s families playing a crucial role.
I totally related to Seb getting involved in watching a game because Alex was playing. I enjoy the hockey games in these stories despite knowing nothing about the game, and never having seen one.
I thought Alex’s family’s reaction to him and Seb was well written, and realistic. I love his grandmother and sister. They totally rock. I enjoyed seeing glimpses of Mark and Rowen’s relationship, and Mark’s brothers through Seb’s eyes. The differing perspectives, and revisiting old friends, is one of the things I love about reading series. I’m very happy that we’re getting Henry’s story next.
I’d recommend this story to readers who enjoy reading about opposites attract, age difference, realistic diverse characters and situations, and with a strong sense of friendship and family.
I enjoyed this second book in the series and my heart just broke for Alex. The basis of the storyline, all the social and cultural expectations, was heart wrenching.
The story arc moves well and I read the book all in one sitting I was so invested. The story mainly centers on Alex as the traumas and crisis moments are all his. The social commentary in this series is string and well done, not preachy but not shying away from the ugly. I so wanted those security guards (what is it with security guards?!) to get what was coming to them, especially the one at the rehab. Like waist I aches for Alex with his family situation.
The book seems to end on a HEA though it’s vague, so man a HFN. I’d have liked a stronger resolution to the issues presented in the book. I’m really looking forward to book 3 and poor He ry’s story. He’s been miserable for two books already! Time for his HEA!
all around mess
Another great book by this duo! A very pleasant read about their favorite subject. I like that despite the same theme, the books don’t feel repetetive and each MC holds his own with unique traits and story. Well done, as always 🙂
Hockey and romance one of my favorite combinations!! Alex NHL player, Mexican-American, of strong catholic faith and strong family connections could never come out as gay, it would destroy his family. Then he meets Sebastian, this sexy Brit, 10 years older, who has come to help the Raptors with their social media, PR advertising of the team.
Their attraction is strong but Alex is too afraid to act on it, scared someone will find out or tell others. He has hidden himself for so long, it seems impossible for him to find love. But Seb wants this to happen, the two of them, together forever, could it be possible? Coming out to Alex’s family might not go as planned, he may lose them forever.
What a fantastic story of trust, heartache, anger, family and love. Oh how I love these guys. My heart breaks for Alex going after what he wants and worry about losing everything he has. The Raptors have them an amazing player when he opens his heart and decides to be himself!
This is the second book in the Arizona Raptors series. It is a MM contemporary hockey romance. I really enjoyed this book, the characters have depth, the pace is wonderful. I enjoyed seeing characters from other hockey series by these authors. Wonderful read!
Loved this second installment of the Raptors. My heart broke for Alex over and over, I just wanted to hug him so many times. Seb is a good fit for the Raptors to help change their image, but they still have a lot of work to do to get where they want to be. And as for Seb and Alex, I thought they were so sweet together once they finally were in sync, and I love how being free to be himself gives Alex the strength and courage to live his truth even though he was terrified at the same time. With an engaging plot that will get you in the feels, flawed yet lovable characters, a good dose of hockey (you know I love me some hockey), and a team finally starting to change and rise from the ashes, this is an all-around worthy read. Bring on my poor Henry!
Oh, and Tennant v. Ryker on the ice? Love!!!
The books in this series just keep getting better with each new one that comes out and this is only the second book. Alex and Sebastian’s story is an emotional one that will have you cheering for them throughout the whole book. Alex constantly struggles with who he really is and what his family perceives him to be. Sebastian is there for him throughout the entire book. This book was amazing and I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
I absolutely love Alex and Sebastian, they were such lovable characters. Poor Alex was so afraid, I was so happy when he had someone to show him the love that he needed. He and Sebastian were perfect together. All in all this was an enjoyable slow-burn, May/December romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Alejandro was just as wonderful as I thought he’d be! Bring in sexy, older, and hot Sebastian and you have an amazing story. One with attraction, fear, desperation, hotness, flirting…the list goes on. I made predictions about a few people while reading, which I tend to do. I was happily correct about some and sadly wrong about a few others. But that is the way it is in the real world. Not everyone is as accepting as I’d hoped they’d be. One person I still want to throat punch but I am confident you will feel the same as you read about this person
I am always excited to read anything by Rj Scott and V.L. Locey….they NEVER disappoint. They always manage to make me feel a lot of different things when reading their work.
I give this 5 out of 5 hockey sticks!
I received an ARC for my honest review.