What if you’ve worked your whole life for a dream, to play rugby for the most successful sports team on the planet, the New Zealand All Blacks?What if that dream is so close you can smell it?What if you meet someone?What if you fall in love?What if your dream will cost the man who’s stolen your heart?And what if the dream changes?Reuben Taylor has a choice to make.Cameron Wano is that choice.
This story of a closeted rugby player trying to choose between coming out for the man he’s falling in love with, and a host of cascading disasters that might result, was an engrossing read that kept me up late. I really liked that the reasons Ruben can’t come out don’t just revolve around his sport and the risk to his career- although that’s not inconsiderable as he works hard for a rare opportunity- but also the family repercussions.
He’s the one responsible person in the life of his brother’s young autistic son. His own father is a manipulative bigot who uses the boy, the apartment Ruben lives in, and the garage his brother works in, as weapons to keep the whole family dancing to his tune. For his father, Ruben is a potential meal ticket down the road when he makes the All-Blacks team. That, and petty victories and cruelties, matter more than family. Ruben’s brother is circling the drain of alcoholism, the child’s mother is dead, and Ruben is the one holding everything together.
So when he meets a gorgeous, flamboyant, out and proud nurse, anything more than a hidden night is a huge risk. But Cam makes him want to take risks… later. As soon as he makes the All-Blacks and has money and can take care of the kid better and, and, and. Ruben knows it’s unfair to ask Cam to hide and wait. Especially when Cam was burned by a closet case before. But they’re so good together, they’re both hoping they can make it work.
I enjoyed both main characters, but really liked Cam as a no-nonsense, take charge, femme guy with a tough job. Both men are clearly doing their best, with outside odds stacked against them. The chemistry and hurt-comfort are good, there’s some wit and banter, and the secondary characters round out the story. The sport aspect is essential to the plot, but fairly light in the execution. You wouldn’t have to know anything about Rugby to enjoy this book. The child character is realistic, imperfect, and important to the story. And I appreciated that it moved on past the point where many coming out sports romances stop, and gave us some of the aftermath.
I loved this book, in fact, I adored the whole series. Jay creates such wonderful characters and really draws you into the story.
Slow burn
First , after reading this book Jay Hogan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. As with the first book in this series, Ms. Hogan writes compelling stories with well developed characters. This story in particular is about a sport I knew absolutely nothing about but now has my interest. Rugby Is a full contact sport and it takes place in New Zealand. It appears Rugby in that part of the world is like Football here in Texas, which is literally a way of life here. I love sport books so I was excited to read this one.
Second, I strongly recommend reading book 1. In order to fully understand Cam’s character, who he is and how committed he is to his job and those who report to him you need to read book 1. I loved Cam from the beginning and his character was so strong in book 1 that he demanded his own book. To my delight he and his glittery eye liner and lip gloss got it.
Now, I wondered what type of person could handle and embrace the man that was Cam? Rueben is that man who is also a Rugby player. From the minute they meet at the wedding they have chemistry. Unfortunately Reuben is firmly in the closet and Cam is out, proud of who he is and has no plans to become anyone little secret no matter how much he wants the hot Rugby player. The proverbial deck is so seriously stacked against these two you ask yourself several times how in the world are they ever going to overcome their challenges. The talented Ms. Hogan comes to the rescue and writes a story that is so realistic, heart breaking yet heart warming you can’t put the book down. I cried, several times I wanted to throw things, but I also cheered as if I was a fan in the stadium at a Rugby game over these two men. I truly Loved this book and gave it 5 stars.
Absolutely glorious. And heartbreaking. And frustrating. This book had all of this and two intriguing and complex main characters. I hated Ruben’s Dad with a vengeance, and felt more than a little contempt for his brother (not because he couldn’t cope but for the way he treated Ruben).
I listened to the audio and Gary Furlong did an excellent job with the performance, keeping me engaged when frustration with the to and fro may have stilled me had I been reading.
A great audio. Highly recommended
OMG this book. I love Reuben but Cam–damn. Cam is everything. One of the most memorable characters I’ve read in a long time. Combat eyeliner for the win.
Jay Hogan does a wonderful job of creating very endearing characters. We had a chance to meet Cameron in the first book of this series, and now we get a chance to see him manage his own angst fueled romance. Sigh. Poor Cameron has met his match with Reuben.
The pint sized character in this book also managed to steal the show. He was portrayed pretty well based on my personal experience with kids who need a little extra patience on the tough days.
The story had a couple unexpected twists, and I think the resolution was a very good one. I liked the way Hogan included the sports team in this book. I despise the stereotype of bully jocks. Yes. They exist, but most sports teams are like family. Some are encouraging and supportive. Some aren’t. My experience was mostly with the supportive kind, and I appreciate how Hogan showed both types of family in this book.
This was a great story with great narration, and I am sure I will be listening again soon.
The second novel in Jay Hogan’s standalone Auckland Med series, Crossing the Touchline, is now available as an audiobook. Performed by the talented Gary Furlong, the whole experience of this spectacular story is enhanced by his narration, and brings all the drama, humor, and romance of Crossing the Touchline to life.
An emotional hurt/comfort novel, with some interesting family drama, I’m calling Crossing the Touchline an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance. Grabbing my attention from the get-go, the initial meeting between Reuben and Cameron “Cam” sets the stage for their electric chemistry. It also provides some insight into the core of what type of men these guys are. Both of them are fiercely proud, and extremely self-confident. Their first scene really lets us know where each other’s boundaries lie.
There’s a fair bit of angst in this one, but the pace is fast and there’s a ton of action. Plus, Jay Hogan keeps our spirits up with witty banter, dry and clever humor, exciting rugby action, and the simply mouthwatering and smoking hot romance between the main characters.
The instant Reuben and Cam agree to be friends they have fantastic chemistry. This romance builds steadily as the drama unfolds, and as Jay Hogan has proven over and over, they write a delicious sex scene! These guys work beautifully with each other in and out of bed, and with all the crises they have to tackle, that’s a lucky thing.
Jay Hogan doesn’t shy away from a number of serious and sensitive issues in Crossing the Touchline. Reuben’s coming out journey is an emotional one, as he faces both bigotry and heartfelt support. Family issues include abuse and neglect, substance abuse, and there’s a struggle to diagnose Reuben’s nephew and to get him the support he needs.
It’s been quite a while since a cast has impressed me as much as the folks in Crossing the Touchline. Every single person in this extensive entourage is thoroughly developed and one hundred percent genuine. From the tumultuous family members, to the wide range of players on Rueben’s rugby teams, to Cam’s friends and co-workers, these people are fascinating!
Gary Furlong’s sexy, sassy spin on these characters makes the most of this novel. He understands they are complex men, and capitalizes on the chemistry between them. From their initial spark, to the true and honest friendship, to the eventual explosion in their physical coupling, Mr. Furlong clearly gets what Jay Hogan is going for in these guys.
Looking ahead of Crossing the Touchline, the next novel in the Auckland Med series, Up Close and Personal, is a mystery/thriller. Fingers crossed Jay Hogan continues to take advantage of Gary Furlong’s superlative skills and it won’t be long till the rest of the Auckland Med series is available in audio.
I’m not a Rugby fan – have never actually watched it, but Jay’s portrayal of a closeted professional athlete finding love was easy to absorb and fascinating to follow. Rueben and Cam are an adorable match and I loved every second I spent with them. A great depiction of how love finds a way – even when you have to bend your rules to make things fit.
Cam and Reuben, all the feels!
I liked book 1 but I loved book 2 – Cam and Rube just worked for me. Loved their connection right from the start, their strength and their love. Great story, great read, wonderful writing!
Anyone, like me, that has read Jay’s Auckland Med Book 1, First Impressions already knows and loves feisty Nurse Cameron Wano. I went into this book wanting nothing but joy and happiness for Cam, and I have to say it was tough “watching” the relationship between rugby star Rueben Taylor develop. Now I need to say I LOVED THIS BOOK. It’s fantastic, well written with beautifully rich characters. I was so invested which is what made it hurt so much to read. It’s a wonderful story of knowing what really matters and struggling to find a way to keep everything. Reuben faces choosing love at the cost of family and choosing a career at the cost of love and it’s painful but worth every minute
Wow! I did not expect to be so riveted and engrossed with this story! The characters, both primary and secondary, are amazingly thought through and presented! #TeamCam all the way and I can just say I loved everything about the book. A fem domineering queen for the win!
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Fantastic story; I’m loving this series!
I love Gary Furlong’s audio performances and he’s doing a great job with this series. I understand that book three, Up Close and Personal, is available now at some audiobook retailers and I’m looking forward to listening to it.
Jay Hogan continues to slay my heart with her writing but she’s also very good at mending it. . Rueben is a rugby player hoping to get called up to the All Blacks; he is deep in the closet. Cam is an out and proud charge nurse in the ER at Auckland Med and the older brother of one of Ruben’s teammates.
After a brief encounter the two meet up again about a year later. Cam doesn’t do relationships with closeted guys because he was burned before. But there is something about Rueben he just can’t resist. Reuben really wants Cam but he doesn’t see how he can come out as long as he’s playing rugby. Add in the family drama that Reuben faces almost daily and it all makes for a very difficult relationship.
I could go into a lot of detail about this story but I’m going to take the lazy way out and just say how much I loved this book. Book five, You Are Cordially Invited, coming June 17, is about Rueben and Cam’s wedding. I can’t wait to read it but I’m going to read the other books in the series first.
An intense and stunning read of love against the odds and dealing with a boatload of bigotry. The author has created a beautiful romance with well-crafted prose and crafted a gripping, emotional, and uplifting romance.
Truly wonderful.
Amazing story! I loved reading Cam and Reuben’s journey to happiness!
Breaking through the rainbow barrier: hot, intense
Great New Zealand world of premium rugby setting, lots of angst and drama, steam and intense emotions and some moving secondary characters. I really liked the whole premise of a forbidden love due to the repercussions coming out of the closet would have on up-and-coming rugby star Reuben’s sports career and his dysfunctional family.
Reuben and his out and proud fella Cameron heat up the pages while posing the big question: what if a sports idol admits he’s gay, and specifically, a member of New Zealand’s best testosterone-filled and world famous All Blacks rugby team? Can he survive the haters and extreme attention that breaking the barrier to love a fellow man would provoke?
The rugby play does not get too down in the weeds, which was fine by me, and the couple’s relationship has numerous challenges which kept their story compelling and the ending all the sweeter.
“Crossing the Touchline” is book two in the “Auckland Med” series. In the first novel “First Impressions” we meet Michael Oliver, Josh Rawlins, along with ER charge nurse Cameron Wano.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Cameron Wanos’ character but once Jay Hogan opens up about Cam’s it’s a roller coaster ride. Cam gives us a look at his supportive family from a very young age and how courageous he is through his journey as being a fem/gay man. As an ER charge nurse he takes care of business, he’s very flamboyant but knows who he is and hides it from no one. He already had a bad experience and swore never to be hidden in the “closet” again for anyone.
Cam first meets Rueben Taylor at a socializing event for rugby team’s and it ended in disaster. But Rueben has goals to keep and a bright career as a rugby player that could change the dynamics for him, Corey his nephew and possibly Craig his brother. His back is against the wall with his brother Craig who has a substance/alcohol problem and is under their devious fathers rule. Along with his brothers issues Rueben takes on a heavy responsibility for his special needs nephew, Corey. But Rueben fears he could loose everything with the secret he holds.
When Rueben and Cam meet again there’s so many obstacles between them. Their upbringing, support of family and friends, careers and it’s a possibility what they start could again lead to just too many disasters to follow.
This is my second read from Jay Hogan and she does a fantastic job at character building. As I stated she really makes Cam a brave and colorful character. She brings so much out in Rueben, his hopes, fears, and determination. I liked Cam’s brother Mathew, who seemed to start out as an important character but he sort of drifted in and out of the story. I felt like I needed to see more of his support for Cam and even Rueben.
Jay Hogan doesn’t so much focus on the actual techniques of the rugby game but takes a look at the business side of it: the policies and what it takes for a player to work their way up to the pro’s. The author show’s dedication to the New Zealand, All Blacks team and brings to the forefront whether there will ever be acceptance of an ‘out’ gay player in the sport.
This is an angst fill story that had my emotion everywhere. Reuben and Cameron’s story is just great and I could stoping just to see their happy ending. Now I never read or know anything about rugby. So something I did look things up but I still think this story is great. I definitely recommend it.
I absolutely loved Cam and Reuben, they were such amazing characters. They were just perfect for each other and I really enjoyed seeing Cam get his own happy ending, he was so confident and secure in himself and Ruben loved every inch of him. This was a great second installment in the Auckland Med series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
I loved Cameron’s sassy attitude on the previous book. He definitely deserved his own story told and man did I love it!! His run in with a handsome rugby player turns Cam life upside down. Reuben is a closet case, full with a bigoted controlling dad and a troubled brother. Cam is such a lovely character! Out and proud but hurt previous relationships. These two were awesome together, their journey made me smile, breath hard and shed a few tears. I really like Jay Hogan’s writing style. It brings amazing situations to the forefront and bedazzles the readers.