Is it easier to fall into the shadows than hold onto the light?
Injured in a horrific car accident by a man who made him feel like nothing, Henry was left with life threatening injuries, crippling self doubt, and his career as a hockey player destroyed. He’s struggling to see, and as much as people tell him to have hope because he’s young and fit, his vision is compromised and he’s spiraling … spiraling into despair. Estranged from his family, and his money all gone, there seems to be no hope. Hockey gave him freedom, and now it’s all been taken away.
Adler insists on letting Henry stay in a vast Lockhart-owned mansion in Tuscon, but it’s a big and lonely place. When Apollo arrives at the house with his sunny smile and infectious optimism, along with his no-nonsense rules, he slowly becomes an integral part of Henry’s life. But one day, when Henry is better, Apollo will leave, and what happens then? Has Henry really fallen for the dark eyed man, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
If there is one thing that Apollo Vasquez knows all about it’s helping others and living with quirky athletes. After all, he’s spent most of his adult life tending to one of the richest hockey playing heirs in America. His days have been filled with friendship, laughter, and the knowledge that he’s needed. Or he used to be. Over the past year Apollo’s best friend, Adler Lockhart, has been slipping away, his time spent with his boyfriend, on the ice, or traveling the world with the man he loves. This leaves Apollo feeling like a clunky third wheel or all alone in a luxurious apartment with no one to fuss over.
Knowing that his life is at a crossroads, his loving nature leads him far away from his childhood friend to the dry desert town of Tucson where he signs on to care for Henry Greenaway as the young Raptor recovers both mentally and physically from a near fatal car crash. Henry is also facing a new life, one that might lead him from the sport he has loved for so long. Cooking, cleaning, and providing moral support is just what the doctor ordered for Apollo, and he soon finds himself not only rediscovering himself and a new life he adores, but falling for the sweet, lost, injured man who’s slowly capturing his heart one timid smile at a time.
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This third book in the Raptors series is an emotional one. Both MCs are struggling to find themselves, their place and their person. This is a hurt/comfort, recovery from trauma and abuse themed book so be sure you’re in the right frame of mind to read it.
Apollo is feeling like a third wheel and that he has no place or purpose now that his best friend Adler has found true love. He ry is still recovering from a devastating injury that nearly killed him, hoping to get his hockey career back, and struggling with the knowledge that his mother and stepfather stole all his money and left him deeply in debt. He’s also dealing with the trauma of blaming himself for that debacle and his abusive ex boyfriend and the car crash that nearly killed him.
When Adler buys a mansion in Tucson for Henry to recover in he offers Apollo a job as a companion to help Henry as he heals. Apollo is just what Henry needs and their relationship grows.
The story arc moves at a good pace and we get in depth looks at both MCs psyches. You want to root for the HES here so much. The crisis resolution is right out of the rom-com playbook (though I’m not a big fan of the no talk, miscommunication trope.)
My main complaint is some story inconsistencies. This has been a continual issue with the series. The author really needs a much better editing team. There is a part of the ending that is just completely unbelievable (no spoilers) and contradicts so much of what wove throughout the book. It is also too pat…as if the author just got tired of that part of the story and wanted to wind it up. Maybe I’m too vindictive, or too much of a witch but no way, no how does that ending work for me.
Enjoyed it as I have all the others in the series. Power-read through it and am smiling.
I’d been looking forward to Henry’s story and it didn’t disappoint. I loved him and Apollo together. They’re very much opposites but I think that’s one of the big reasons why they work so well together—they’re each other’s light to their shadow.
I really felt for Henry with his convincing himself that the Raptors wouldn’t take him back, and seeing himself as so broken. The spectre of his ex still looms over him, like a horrible gift that keeps trying to give way past its sell by date. Apollo, too, has been through a bad relationship that haunts him and stops him risking his heart with Henry.
They each do a great job in convincing themselves that being together is a bad idea, and I loved how they do the one forward, two back dance for quite a bit of the story, while still growing a deep friendship.
As an aside, it’s obvious the authors have done their research re Henry’s injury and his journey to recovery. His experience, and frustration, feels very real.
The supporting cast are fabulous and this story has the strong sense of family, and team as family, that I expect from these authors. I love Apollo’s Aunt—she’s fabulous and the voice of practical reason. I enjoyed seeing more of Ryker and Jacob too, and Dan, Henry’s brother, and also the guys from Harrisburg.
I loved the conclusion of their story, and their plans for the future, and also the set up for the next book, which I’m already hanging out for.
I just love these books.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book three in the Arizona Raptors series. It says that it is not a stand alone and you should read books one and two first, however, I don’t think its entirely NECESSARY, but it certainly would help. I have read those two books, and they were both solid 4 star reads.
THIS one, though, is a whole different kettle of fish!
I LOVED this book!
You feel for Henry. His life has taken a turn he didn’t expect. The man who was using him, almost killed him. His money is all gone, and he is living in someone else’s house, mansion, all by himself. His hockey is on the line, because of the accident and his mind is on a downward spiral.
Enter Apollo.
Apollo is the best friend of Adler, the man paying for the house, who is Henry’s brother’s friend. Apollo is at a loose end since Adler is all loved up, and Apollo needs some sun. So Apollo goes to Arizona to look after Henry while he gets backs on his feet and back onto the ice.
Apollo is just the kind of man Henry wants, but who would want a washed up hockey player who might go blind? Apollo clearly wants Henry, but he is supposed to be going home at the end of the summer. Can he let his heart take the break?
This one is my favourite of the three, it really is.
It had me crying in places, laughing in others. Shouting at the kindle, and cheering away. I wanted to wrap Henry up in cotton wool and I wanted to smack him upside the head. Apollo too!
There are numerous references to The Harrisburg Railers players and pop ups from all the major players and team from this series. I loved that.
The relationship between Apollo and Henry is slow and sweet, and I loved that. They grow into each other, you know, as the book progresses. It’s beautifully written, and gave me so many feels!
Ryker Madsen is Henry’s team mate, he plays the same line (although, to be honest, I have no idea what that actually means, I just thought someone MIGHT!) and HIS book was in the Owatonna U Hockey series. I did NOT like Ryker in that book. He does redeem himself in that series somewhat, but HERE? As Henry’s best friend, that kid done good! So, as a totally irrelevent point, Ryker? I forgive you!
So, my favourite of the three so far, but I know there is one more out later this year.
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Wow! The wonder duo is at it again! This time with a couple of amazingly drawn MCs who fight circumstances and their own demons. I really liked the characters’ creations here and the well known hockey world never fails as a great setting!
I have been waiting for Henry’s story and Shadow and Light did not disappoint. Though the book deals with some heavy issues there is also light and love.
I found both Henry and Apollo to be such multi dimensional characters with so much depth. The chemistry and connection between these two jumps off the page and grabs the readers heart.
Getting to revisit old favorites just an added bonus. I’m loving this series and can’t wait for more!
For the characters to make any impact, the previous stories need to be read. Henry we have watched from the first book and watched his downfall; In an accident that took away his ability to play hockey, an abusive relationship, and now struggling to pick up the pieces that is his life. Apollo we met in Adler’s story, being Adler’s best friend as well as his keeper of sorts. Now after his love life has fizzled, his best friend now has his HEA and that just leaves Apollo lonely and bored. When a plan comes together to get Apollo to Arizona and he’s going to be Henry’s assistant/companion, it all seems to be working well. Until Apollo realizes that he wants more from Henry than what Henry is willing to give. He has to remember this is only for the summer and then he goes back home to the east coast and away from Henry. Can Apollo keep his heart from being broken?
A good addition to the series, giving us some good drama, and some nice naughty bits. This wasn’t as good as we have gotten in the past from RJ Scott, but it’s still a good story. I give this 4 stars.
Henry has been somewhat of a constant feature in the previous books in the series, especially Across the Pond. His conditions broke my heart and I was so happy the authors decided to write his own story.
Poor Henry’s life was such a mess, I couldn’t stand it. Broken mentally and physically, without money, a job or any prospects, of course it was hard for him to find the motivation to rebuild himself. Apollo couldn’t have come into his life at a better moment, and I loved how they just clicked together.
The unfolding of their relationship has been an emotional rollercoaster. Moments of laughter amid the numbness, joy after tears, hope shining bright after despair. And swoon worthy instants, when Henry would say to Apollo things like: “’ .”
It wasn’t easy journey for either of them, or for me to witness it, but I cheered so much when they finally shed some of their doubts and insecurities. Not all of them, because they still have a lot to work on themselves, but al least now they have each other to lean on. Also, I loved how their friends closed ranks around them, the unconditional help and support they offered. Not surprisingly, because they’re brothers, and family stand together.
My favorite book of the series!
I have wanted to read Henry’s story ever since he was injured in book one, Coast to Coast. RJ and V.L. have written a wonderful story for him. The blurb is pretty long and detailed so I’ll try to avoid restating it here. While you might be able to read this book without reading books one and two first, I don’t really recommend it. Events from those books are integral to this one.
I loved everything about this book. It was great getting to visit with a few characters from the Harrisburg Railers series, in particular Adler Lockhart. He sends his assistant, Apollo, to help Henry after he is released from the hospital.
Apollo is a wonderfully “out there” character who loves his flamboyant clothes and makeup. Henry is dazzled by him. Apollo has been hurt by a past love so he can really sympathize with Henry. He helps Henry to come to terms with his limitations and encourages him to find ways to overcome them with the help of the sports therapist that the Raptors have provided for him.
I really can’t say enough good things about this story. It touched on all of my emotions and had me crying both sad and happy tears. Apollo and Henry are one of my favorite couples from the all of the collaborations by the fantastic writing team of RJ Scott and V.L. Locey.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Henry, my heart hurts for that man!! I was so happy to get his story, his hurts, his heartache, his rehabilitation and most wanted was his happy ever after!! He needed someone to believe in him, help him day to day making him stronger and better for himself and hockey. Apollo is Adler’s best friend and Adler sends him to Arizona to his mansion with Henry to be his companion, his cook, driver and all around go to person. Apollo loves the sunshine, he also is falling in love with the man he is taking care of. He’s had heartache in his life, he doesn’t want more. But he is the perfect man for Henry, he wants to take care of him, help him and take a chance on loving him.
This book has all the feels, I’m telling you it was fabulous!! Henry trying to work out all the demons in his head, his longer, his brother, his ex and injuries. Apollo makes it so much easier, he brings sunshine on his darkest days. You’ll be cheering these guys on from the beginning to the end!
Sometimes, saying those words, those 3 little words are the hardest to say but both these guys have been saying it in other ways, Henry just needs to take the chance and say it, loud and clear!! 5 stars plus, plus, plus!!!
Henry and Apollo were such great characters, one feeling broken and the other unneeded but both were wrong. I really enjoyed seeing them come together and find happiness in each other, their romance is a great addition to the Raptors series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Arizona Raptors.
I have been waiting for Henry’s story since the accident. Apollo is a breath of fresh air for Henry who helps him cope with the rehab and getting back into shape to try and make the Raptors team again.
Apollo feels out of sorts and unappreciated since his best friend(brother) Adler found his soulmate in Layton. Adler not liking that his best friend(brother) is feeling out of sorts – suggests that he move to Arizona to help Henry with his recovery.
Apollo and Henry are both dealing with issues stemming from shitty Ex’s and slowly work their way through their issues and work their way towards a relationship with each other.
There are a few communication issues along the way between Apollo and Henry but it’s really good story. I don’t want to say fun since there were a LOT of really crappy issues the Henry had to deal with on his road to recovery – he was able to rekindle his relationship with his brother and find out where he stands with his teammates and coach.
Can’t WAIT for Tate’s story
~~~ Arc Kindly provided by the author for an honest review ~~~
Beautiful story about rebuilding your life after tragedy. Henry is recuperating after a vicious car accident which leaves his future in hockey up in the air. Always willing to lend a hand and help others, Apollo moves across the US to help Henry. But in close quarters the sparks fly. Can they both get past their baggage in their lives to finally find their soulmate? I absolutely love this series and it is great that the other characters still play minor roles in the new additions. A must read.