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Rail Riders #2
Lost at the Crossing
Two lost boys. Two long years. One path back to each other.
Elian has lost two major anchors in his life, and he can’t figure out how to get back on track, so he takes to the rails, trying to outrun his struggles. The farther he runs, the deeper he sinks, losing himself more and more until a random phone call reminds him, he isn’t as alone as he thought. There is someone out there who still cares—Tyler.
Two years ago, Tyler lost more than his best friend. He lost the other half of his heart. He knows Elian’s struggles, and he now knows Elian is alive. When his rider friends offer to help, he’s hesitant. They don’t know as much about Elian as they should, and it’s Tyler’s fault for shutting them out. Too many people might scare Elian off.
Besides, how can he explain to his friends his desperation to find Elian when his feelings are so new and unexplored?
Tyler is convinced he only needs one person to mend his wounded heart—Elian.
** Lost at the Crossing is a new adult gay romance story of first love between two inexperienced boys. It’s a story of found family and lifelong friendships. It explores tropes including hurt/comfort, friends-to-lovers, two virgins, second chance romance, and demisexual awakening. It has angst. Let’s be honest, it’s me. It’s inevitable. Lost at the Crossing is the second book in the Rail Riders series. It can be read as a standalone but may be better enjoyed after reading End of the Line. **
Elian has lost two major anchors in his life, and he can’t figure out how to get back on track, so he takes to the rails, trying to outrun his struggles. The farther he runs, the deeper he sinks, losing himself more and more until a random phone call reminds him, he isn’t as alone as he thought. There is someone out there who still cares—Tyler.
Two years ago, Tyler lost more than his best friend. He lost the other half of his heart. He knows Elian’s struggles, and he now knows Elian is alive. When his rider friends offer to help, he’s hesitant. They don’t know as much about Elian as they should, and it’s Tyler’s fault for shutting them out. Too many people might scare Elian off.
Besides, how can he explain to his friends his desperation to find Elian when his feelings are so new and unexplored?
Tyler is convinced he only needs one person to mend his wounded heart—Elian.
** Lost at the Crossing is a new adult gay romance story of first love between two inexperienced boys. It’s a story of found family and lifelong friendships. It explores tropes including hurt/comfort, friends-to-lovers, two virgins, second chance romance, and demisexual awakening. It has angst. Let’s be honest, it’s me. It’s inevitable. Lost at the Crossing is the second book in the Rail Riders series. It can be read as a standalone but may be better enjoyed after reading End of the Line. **
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2021
41 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
76 books2,263 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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January 20, 2022
“I see you,” Tyler whispered.
“I know.”
According to the Selective Mutism Association (SMA), “SM is best understood as a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child or adolescent’s inability to speak in one or more social settings (e.g., at school, in public places, with adults) despite being able to speak comfortably in other settings (e.g., at home with family).” Many negative traits come with having SM, such as depression, separation anxiety, encopresis, and high levels of enuresis. It’s an anxiety disorder where individuals have large levels of timidity and social withdrawal, as well as feelings of stubbornness, self-esteem issues, and generally high levels of social anxiety.
Bruce Black, M.D., and Thomas W. Uhde, M.D., did a study on the psychiatric characteristics of children with selective mutism, showing different scores of fears, anxiety symptoms, phobias, and more items that children with mutism showed. Other items that can impact individuals are family history, history of trauma, medical illness, and other factors. Many people believe it is something that can change with age, but contrary to popular belief, if it is something untreated when young, it only increases during adulthood. Going back to Black and Uhde, the scores for all children and parents varied, but common symptoms include avoiding eye contact, may present themselves as rude, shy, and clingy, having temper tantrums or becoming aggressive, and are unable to speak, especially when forced or asked to, that sometimes they need to write it our or can only communicate in small forms of low tones, like a whisper.
In an interview, Nicky stated how she does her research when it comes to writing her books, which ranges from literature, films and media, and psychiatric and psychological texts. I think it’s important to note this and be aware of this analysis due to the fact that it’s clearly evident in Lost at the Crossing, and I think being aware of these factors makes the reading experience better simply because you’re able to understand and sympathize with the characters, stories, and reasonings more.
Lost at the Crossing takes place after End of the Line. Reading End of the Line first would be better, as we meet every character there plus Leo and Killian’s story is one worth giving a try to, but you don’t necessarily have to. Lost at the Crossing simplys follows Tyler as he searches for Eli, and Eli who tries to continue hiding from him. When a phone call gives them the opportunity to reunite, the two realize there was more than friendship they both wanted. With history and unanswered secrets left behind, Tyler and Elidan become each other’s anchors and half of their heart, realizing there are more people who do care about them.
He made me feel at peace with who I was. He made me feel at home, and I’d never had that before.
Leave it to Nicky James to make accurate mental health representation. Even if one can’t relate to the characters and their struggles, being aware of what selective mutism is and its implications makes it easier to read, especially in terms of understanding why the character(s) are acting the way they do. Eli, specifically, is one of the softest characters I’ve come to reading about. Tyler constantly refers to him as being introverted, but his selective mutism and social anxiety is more than just introversion. Going back to Black and Uhde and what selective mutism is, what it does to people, how it’s managed, etc, does more than just show why Eli is the way he is.
In my opinion, understanding mutism is a way to understand Eli. He throws small tantrums (foot stomping), chews on his hoodies strings, frowns, looks away when speaking, whispers most of his words, fumbles, and, generally, struggles on communicating. But it isn’t miscommunication, it’s just being unable to communicate the way others do, not because of fear, but because he simply can’t. You can tell Nicky James did her proper research because the way Eli is portrayed isn’t through stereotypes or what people assume about anxiety disorders, but because of the facts of mutism and how people with it act. Eli has self-esteem issues, feels embarrassed for his crutch/anchor being a stuffed animal his older brother gave him when he was six, and thinks of himself as pathetic. But he’s none of that. Despite being unable to speak, he’s caring, protective, and will go far and beyond for the people he loves.
He is, essentially, what you would call a precious cinnamon roll who needs to be protected at all costs.
Tyler is just that as well, but he’s more social and extraverted, feels ready for the next adventure on the rails, and will do whatever he can for the family he has come to love. He feels alone, but he’s not lonely. Being abandoned as a baby and coming from a foster care system, he’s used to being on his own and has trouble accepting help from others. Not necessarily because of his pride, but because of how scared he is to come to accept others into his life and worry they will leave him. He struggles on trusting others but also himself and feels like a burden when others want to help him. While he is completely different from Eli, Tyler’s character is a challenging one. He struggles to understand how and why the gang—Dodger, Willow, Killian, and even Leo—are people who continue helping him and caring for him, but Tyler also has his battle scars that he’s slowly recovering from. He never had anyone to rely on or fully trust but himself. Even after meeting Eli, he struggles on trusting, accepting, and loving.
Nicky James described Ty and Eli as sweet and sensitive boys, and that is exactly what they are, but they are also humane, humble, scared, lonely, and loving. One of my favorite things about NJ is her ability to craft her characters characteristics and personalities. It is easy and manageable to imagine her characters and visualize them. She doesn’t tell or show too much, allowing the reader to have a vivid portrait of them, but she provides enough detail and commentary on how they look to let yourself paint the picture. There is so much humanity in her characters too, where they are full and capable of emotions, showing up as realistically portrayed to show how difficult life really is. Sometimes you want to yell at them, asking them what they are doing, and other times, you just want to embrace them in a hug and tell them it’s okay to be okay (because we know it will). This goes into showing with the side characters, who make important appearances in the book (but especially Willow). Nonetheless, Leo, Killian, Dodger, and Willow all make a huge and important impact on both Tyler and Elidan. They're all family, even if they have their own family members. They help each other back up when one needs the hand. They would all go far and beyond for each other, and it shows how beautiful friendship is. It shows how family is not only through blood, but also love.
Willow, though, is a bigger part of Tyler than anyone else. She doesn't give up on showing both Ty and Eli how she's not going anywhere and will help the two when she can. While she may seem expressionless, blunt, a realist, and quick-minded to others, she's vulnerable, soft, and extremely caring inside. You then have Leo and Killian, who still love the life of freight hopping, but have also settled in together. Dodger, on the other hand, lives with his family, but is still on the lookout for the CP killer, along with a new character he'll come getting close to soon, Brady Thompson.
Yet, as much as I missed everyone, I was glad they didn't reunite so quickly, especially because of how time-consuming freight hopping is, but also how unrealistic it would be for them to show up all together in one place after one day. Not knowing where the others were all the time and instead giving space and time made the situations much more realistic, which I appreciated.
“Of course they’re coming. You’d be there for any one of us, right? We’re there for you too. We’re family, Tyler.”
The relationship between Ty and Eli screams nothing but soft. Letters, hand holding, secret glances, shy smiles, and understandment better than anyone else. They were each other's firsts, sexually and romantically, and while opposite, they balanced each other out so well. Tyler is more outgoing, sociable, and interacting with people comes much more easier for him, while Elian relies on him sometimes for help and hides. There was never a moment where Tyler forced Eli to do something he wasn't comfortable with, especially when it came to talking, always asked for permission, noticed his body language for possible fears, and continued to support Eli throughout their entire journey.
We might have been young, we might not have had a clue where life was taking us, but one thing was for certain, wherever we ended up, we were headed there together.
But, in all honesty, I’m unsure how I feel about this. No matter how much I liked this, I enjoyed book 1 more. I think part of the reason is because of what I expected from friends to lovers. Leo and Killian were strangers when they met, so it takes time for both of them to open up and get to know one another on a more personal level. Tyler and Elidan were best friends who reunited and wanted to catch up. Yet, I felt as if they didn't catch up enough.
While we're told about personal aspects of their life—more of Tyler's history with how he grew up, Elidan's brother, Jace, and how much he cared for him—I expected more backstory on the two. There are mentions of letters, and we also read some of those letters, but it didn't feel enough to the point where the characters were fully fleshed out. The feelings Tyler and Elidan had for each other developed quite quickly, and while I knew there was that emotional connection, I still expected them to bond/connect a little more, catch each other up on what happened during the time they were separated. Even if that wasn't the case, I hoped to have been shown some sweet moments the two shared when they were together or read more of the letters they sent to each other. However, this is really all a me thing and something I had hoped was shown more, but it didn't exactly falter my enjoyment or overall love for the couple and characters.
Not to mention, I found myself remembering more about the first installment compared to this one, and being able to elaborate more on book 1 more.
In conclusion, whatever didn’t hit the mark didn’t work, but I can’t exactly pin point what it is.
I've had luck so far with all the Nicky James books I've read, but I never have too much hope. Authors are like music to me—despite how much I may love them, not every book from them was made for me to love. Nonetheless, I still recommend giving this a try and hope you find a love for Tyler and Elidan. And this is also why we don't judge books by their covers.
If you couldn’t love yourself for who you were, you couldn’t expect others to love you.
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November 6, 2022
“This is amazing, isn't it?” I said. “You and me.”
He nodded.
“And scary.”
“I love you,” he whispered.
My smile was unstoppable. “I love you too. I didn't know this could exist between us.”
“You're my home, Elian. I'm lost without you.”
i never knew i needed a romance about two S O F T boys falling in love until these two. they literally made me smile, laugh and cry throughout this book. they have the type of love where you just wanna protect it at all costs bc they deserve nothing but happiness—especially my bb Elian, from what we've learned about him, he dealt with a lot and i don't know a better match for him than Tyler. they understood one another on a deep level of that soulmate connection. i wish we were able to see more of their time together in the past, but they're adorably soft so it's fine. 😭
as i said about the previous book, found family was one of my favorite parts about this series and it still stands true here. just being able to see a group of friends have a familial type of love with one another, despite not being blood related, was beautiful. it's the way they chose to be with each other, having fun exploring life. the part that made me tear up was ? that moment was so heartwarming. 🥺
as much as i adored this book, i think book one is still my favorite so that's why i'm only giving this four stars but it was honestly super close. there was just something about the previous book i still can't let go of but, if you've read the first book and thought Leo/Killian were soft? Tyler/Elian were softER. 😭🤍
I'M SO EXCITED FOR DODGER/BRADY?? i can already tell their book will have a romantic suspense vibe bc of their obsession with the railroad killer and i'm here for it. i'm also super curious about Willow and her own situation. 👀
He nodded.
“And scary.”
“I love you,” he whispered.
My smile was unstoppable. “I love you too. I didn't know this could exist between us.”
“You're my home, Elian. I'm lost without you.”
i never knew i needed a romance about two S O F T boys falling in love until these two. they literally made me smile, laugh and cry throughout this book. they have the type of love where you just wanna protect it at all costs bc they deserve nothing but happiness—especially my bb Elian, from what we've learned about him, he dealt with a lot and i don't know a better match for him than Tyler. they understood one another on a deep level of that soulmate connection. i wish we were able to see more of their time together in the past, but they're adorably soft so it's fine. 😭
as i said about the previous book, found family was one of my favorite parts about this series and it still stands true here. just being able to see a group of friends have a familial type of love with one another, despite not being blood related, was beautiful. it's the way they chose to be with each other, having fun exploring life. the part that made me tear up was ? that moment was so heartwarming. 🥺
as much as i adored this book, i think book one is still my favorite so that's why i'm only giving this four stars but it was honestly super close. there was just something about the previous book i still can't let go of but, if you've read the first book and thought Leo/Killian were soft? Tyler/Elian were softER. 😭🤍
I'M SO EXCITED FOR DODGER/BRADY?? i can already tell their book will have a romantic suspense vibe bc of their obsession with the railroad killer and i'm here for it. i'm also super curious about Willow and her own situation. 👀
December 13, 2021
~4.5~
Lost at the Crossing is less intense and slower-paced than the first book, but it's just as compelling, with emotional depth, a truly hard-earned HEA, and complex characters.
Tyler has been looking for Elian for two years, but you can't find someone who doesn't want to be found.
Suffering from severe social anxiety and selective mutism, Elian is lost, not just to Tyler but to himself and the world around him.
Tyler tries so hard to be Elian's rock, but he grapples with his own issues of loneliness and abandonment. Tyler never feels like he belongs, which is why Elian needing time and space is a massive punch to the gut.
I so appreciate that Elian's mental issues weren't swept under the rug or magically cured by Tyler's presence. Elian loves Tyler. They have all their firsts (first kiss, first time making love) together, but it's not enough to combat the restlessness and fear inside Elian's soul.
Elian's parents aren't terrible people, but they don't understand. My heart broke every time Jace, Tyler's closest confidante, and Tucker, his emotional support, were mentioned. (I don't want to say more about Jace and Tucker, because the poignancy lies in the discovery.)
When Elian visits Jace, gah, I cried ugly tears, not gonna lie.
One of my favorite parts is Tyler coming to realize that family isn't born but made. Tyler feels adrift with no family of his own, but he already has one. His close-knit group may not be related by blood, but they are bonded by heart. And that's what matters.
The secondary characters (Willow, Dodger, Killian, and Leo) are slightly less present in this story than the first, but they are no less real. I was very happy to see Killian and Leo going strong.
I loved Tyler and Elian's story and can't wait for Dodger's book next.
Lost at the Crossing is less intense and slower-paced than the first book, but it's just as compelling, with emotional depth, a truly hard-earned HEA, and complex characters.
Tyler has been looking for Elian for two years, but you can't find someone who doesn't want to be found.
Suffering from severe social anxiety and selective mutism, Elian is lost, not just to Tyler but to himself and the world around him.
Tyler tries so hard to be Elian's rock, but he grapples with his own issues of loneliness and abandonment. Tyler never feels like he belongs, which is why Elian needing time and space is a massive punch to the gut.
I so appreciate that Elian's mental issues weren't swept under the rug or magically cured by Tyler's presence. Elian loves Tyler. They have all their firsts (first kiss, first time making love) together, but it's not enough to combat the restlessness and fear inside Elian's soul.
Elian's parents aren't terrible people, but they don't understand. My heart broke every time Jace, Tyler's closest confidante, and Tucker, his emotional support, were mentioned. (I don't want to say more about Jace and Tucker, because the poignancy lies in the discovery.)
When Elian visits Jace, gah, I cried ugly tears, not gonna lie.
One of my favorite parts is Tyler coming to realize that family isn't born but made. Tyler feels adrift with no family of his own, but he already has one. His close-knit group may not be related by blood, but they are bonded by heart. And that's what matters.
The secondary characters (Willow, Dodger, Killian, and Leo) are slightly less present in this story than the first, but they are no less real. I was very happy to see Killian and Leo going strong.
I loved Tyler and Elian's story and can't wait for Dodger's book next.
"Good thing we don't have a train to catch in the morning this time."
"Even if it did, it wouldn't matter. We're going in the same direction now."
December 5, 2021
Rating this hurt me a little too much
I’ve never given Nicky James anything below 4 stars. I love their work and writing and plots and characters. As much as I loved the first book, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Honestly it was so far out of the mark for me. And as i write the review I just realised that I have really no explanations why? I just wasn’t having fun while reading it and though there were plenty of moments in the book that tugged at my heart; overall it wasn’t that impressive of a read for me.
The book however did have excellent representation of Selective Mutism; which I didn’t even know much about until I read this book. I knew of people who had trouble but never knew what to call it and the experiences we see through Elian’s eyes portrays a lot of pain and struggle and it was amazing to see how Élian dealt with it and grew up into loving and accepting himself.
“Willow, and Dodger, and Killian, and Leo. Those guys would do anything for you, Tyler. Families don’t have to share DNA, and they don’t have to follow some predefined structure or set of rules. Families are about unconditional love and support. You have that in spades. I want to be part of your family.
As the rest of the population in GR, I loved the found family element in this. We watch Tyler slowly realise that who his true family is and how he has people around him and he’s not alone. And never has been. Elian’s interactions with the gang was a mood itself. Willow really played an amazing character here. She was beautiful and compassionate and funny. I enjoyed reading their conversations together
A rare smile grew on Willow’s face. “Come on, Elian. You don’t chase someone across the country for two years if you don’t love them.”
I ducked my chin. She was right, and I couldn’t fight my own smile.
She nudged me. “Stick around and see where it goes. We’re good people.”
Yet I still didn’t LOVE this. I’m not sure why?
I’ve never given Nicky James anything below 4 stars. I love their work and writing and plots and characters. As much as I loved the first book, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Honestly it was so far out of the mark for me. And as i write the review I just realised that I have really no explanations why? I just wasn’t having fun while reading it and though there were plenty of moments in the book that tugged at my heart; overall it wasn’t that impressive of a read for me.
The book however did have excellent representation of Selective Mutism; which I didn’t even know much about until I read this book. I knew of people who had trouble but never knew what to call it and the experiences we see through Elian’s eyes portrays a lot of pain and struggle and it was amazing to see how Élian dealt with it and grew up into loving and accepting himself.
“Willow, and Dodger, and Killian, and Leo. Those guys would do anything for you, Tyler. Families don’t have to share DNA, and they don’t have to follow some predefined structure or set of rules. Families are about unconditional love and support. You have that in spades. I want to be part of your family.
As the rest of the population in GR, I loved the found family element in this. We watch Tyler slowly realise that who his true family is and how he has people around him and he’s not alone. And never has been. Elian’s interactions with the gang was a mood itself. Willow really played an amazing character here. She was beautiful and compassionate and funny. I enjoyed reading their conversations together
A rare smile grew on Willow’s face. “Come on, Elian. You don’t chase someone across the country for two years if you don’t love them.”
I ducked my chin. She was right, and I couldn’t fight my own smile.
She nudged me. “Stick around and see where it goes. We’re good people.”
Yet I still didn’t LOVE this. I’m not sure why?
August 27, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“And maybe it didn’t make sense, and maybe we were both wired a little backward—falling in love first before taking things to a different level—but it didn’t matter.
Love didn’t have stringent rules. Love was made to be individual. Love was what two people made it.”
Nicky James is well-known for delivering emotionally-challenging stories and Lost at the Crossing is no exception. The story of how Tyler, a young man living his life by hopping the rails, never abandoned the search for his best friend, Elian. The two years it took for Tyler to reach him again lit a warm feeling withing me - the contentment of being found when something has been lost for so long.
But, this was not only about two people finding each other again - it's about knowing that there are people in the world who still care for you - even if you're not related by blood - the ones who are your family, when no one was ever there for you. It's about having the courage to find the inner strength to let go off the challenges that have held a hold over you for so long, and face the future forward with resilience and determination - even if it means letting go of the ones you love, so you can be someone proud of being someone worthy enough to love. 🥺 And Tyler and Elian's story was that emotional look at how we can find our way back to each other - no matter what.
“I think I love him,” I whispered. “I just want to see him again. It’s like I have this hole in my chest, and it won’t ever go away unless I find him.”
Tyler No-Last-Name - ah, a boy who never gives up, but never feels like he has a place in the world, never even felt that he fit in with the rest of the Rail Riders - always felt like the oddball out - always felt so unloved and the gnawing fear that no one needed him. 😢 He had always felt most comfortable - most at ease with Elian - and then to see how determined he was to find him again, to not abandon his search for him really was so heartbreaking. I loved how understanding and patient he was with Elian's selective mutism; so considerate and giving and kind in his care, that more often than not, we neglect our own selves in the process. And their reunion was so precious, so achingly tender -
“His face crumpled. His eyes swam. In the next second, he dove at me, and I was engulfed in his arms, crushed in a bear hug. There was no impulse to pull away. I clung back with equal strength.
For the first time in two years, I felt the ground beneath my feet. I was no longer floating in the
abyss.”
🥹🥺🥹
And Elian means so much to Tyler - 'he was insightful. Honest. Kind'. When Elian was able to come out of his shell - even in his limited way - he made the mature decision and right call that in order for him to become stronger and confident - not only to be a better person in Tyler's life, but for himself, too - they would have to part. As heartbreaking and painful it was for the both of them, I really agreed and believed it was the right choice. ❤️🩹
And I liked that Elian knew how much he means to Tyler, but he never abused that love. For him, 'Tyler was significant. Outstanding. Exuberant. Unforgettable—I knew because I’d spent almost two years trying to forget all those quirks and details.' But, he never could. And it's that realization that creeps up on you that someone that you once viewed as a friend - a person who gave you so much comfort and peace - who accepted all your little faults and never viewed them as one - could be that one that you want. 🤍
Seeing Elian try to fit in - try to adjust - was as warm and heartfelt as the soft reassurances he gave Tyler that he did love him with his 'Stop fretting. I love you,” he said against my mouth. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.'In his own way, Tyler was as lost as he was without him. And my heart really hurt for him, when he struggled to convey his thoughts, his frustrations at himself for failing to say what he wanted, the shame of being different - everything was portrayed with such care. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“We’re in Calgary and on speaker with Leo and Killer on Killer’s phone who is on speaker with you using Leo’s phone, so therefore we’re on double speaker or some nonsense.”
Leo giggled in the background.
“Wow, I’m just that special, huh?”
“You’re just that full of yourself, yes. Now shut up and listen. I called a family meeting because we have a situation.”
The Rail Riders - forever family - found family - a family of their own. Dodger and Willow were the ideal older siblings, Killer and Leo - the perfect adoring pair. You know that feeling - when you feel that you're wanted in a community - that sense of belonging - that someone would miss you if you weren't around - that you're not just a hindrance to someone, but part of a pack, a family. 🫂🫂 All those moments with them, the familial love of care - made my heart just feel so comforted, y'know. Even if they were on the beaten track, they would drop everything and anything to help each other out - and still be respectful of their choices. That stance of loyalty and love is so rare to find and just to see that here, in whatever capacity they had to offer. And seeing Leo and Killer happy and thriving together was adorable and so very sweet! 🥰🥰
And the title is so fitting - both of them were lost at the crossing - Elian was lost to Tyler for the years that he left him, because he didn't want to burden him, and Tyler was lost, because he never thought he would ever find a place that he could call his own. And when all it was at the crossing that they would return - where they confided their most intimate secrets, allowed themselves to be so openly vulnerable with each other. 🥺
I loved how realistically portrayed their relationship was shown - how first they were so unsure if their affection could be reciprocated - questioning their sexuality and what it means for them to have these feelings for each other. And then to see how the two of them took the next hesitant steps further in exploring their levels of intimacy - the tentative touches, the light embraces, the soft confessions Elian whispered into Tyler's ear, because he was too shy to express openly how much he did have strong affections for him.
The feeling of love was not new to them, but being able to touch and talk about it was - and how it was depicted in such a beautiful and caring way made me wholly believe that their love was true and pure and theirs. ☺️
“And maybe it didn’t make sense, and maybe we were both wired a little backward—falling in love first before taking things to a different level—but it didn’t matter.
Love didn’t have stringent rules. Love was made to be individual. Love was what two people made it.”
Nicky James is well-known for delivering emotionally-challenging stories and Lost at the Crossing is no exception. The story of how Tyler, a young man living his life by hopping the rails, never abandoned the search for his best friend, Elian. The two years it took for Tyler to reach him again lit a warm feeling withing me - the contentment of being found when something has been lost for so long.
But, this was not only about two people finding each other again - it's about knowing that there are people in the world who still care for you - even if you're not related by blood - the ones who are your family, when no one was ever there for you. It's about having the courage to find the inner strength to let go off the challenges that have held a hold over you for so long, and face the future forward with resilience and determination - even if it means letting go of the ones you love, so you can be someone proud of being someone worthy enough to love. 🥺 And Tyler and Elian's story was that emotional look at how we can find our way back to each other - no matter what.
“I think I love him,” I whispered. “I just want to see him again. It’s like I have this hole in my chest, and it won’t ever go away unless I find him.”
Tyler No-Last-Name - ah, a boy who never gives up, but never feels like he has a place in the world, never even felt that he fit in with the rest of the Rail Riders - always felt like the oddball out - always felt so unloved and the gnawing fear that no one needed him. 😢 He had always felt most comfortable - most at ease with Elian - and then to see how determined he was to find him again, to not abandon his search for him really was so heartbreaking. I loved how understanding and patient he was with Elian's selective mutism; so considerate and giving and kind in his care, that more often than not, we neglect our own selves in the process. And their reunion was so precious, so achingly tender -
“His face crumpled. His eyes swam. In the next second, he dove at me, and I was engulfed in his arms, crushed in a bear hug. There was no impulse to pull away. I clung back with equal strength.
For the first time in two years, I felt the ground beneath my feet. I was no longer floating in the
abyss.”
🥹🥺🥹
And Elian means so much to Tyler - 'he was insightful. Honest. Kind'. When Elian was able to come out of his shell - even in his limited way - he made the mature decision and right call that in order for him to become stronger and confident - not only to be a better person in Tyler's life, but for himself, too - they would have to part. As heartbreaking and painful it was for the both of them, I really agreed and believed it was the right choice. ❤️🩹
And I liked that Elian knew how much he means to Tyler, but he never abused that love. For him, 'Tyler was significant. Outstanding. Exuberant. Unforgettable—I knew because I’d spent almost two years trying to forget all those quirks and details.' But, he never could. And it's that realization that creeps up on you that someone that you once viewed as a friend - a person who gave you so much comfort and peace - who accepted all your little faults and never viewed them as one - could be that one that you want. 🤍
Seeing Elian try to fit in - try to adjust - was as warm and heartfelt as the soft reassurances he gave Tyler that he did love him with his 'Stop fretting. I love you,” he said against my mouth. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.'In his own way, Tyler was as lost as he was without him. And my heart really hurt for him, when he struggled to convey his thoughts, his frustrations at himself for failing to say what he wanted, the shame of being different - everything was portrayed with such care. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“We’re in Calgary and on speaker with Leo and Killer on Killer’s phone who is on speaker with you using Leo’s phone, so therefore we’re on double speaker or some nonsense.”
Leo giggled in the background.
“Wow, I’m just that special, huh?”
“You’re just that full of yourself, yes. Now shut up and listen. I called a family meeting because we have a situation.”
The Rail Riders - forever family - found family - a family of their own. Dodger and Willow were the ideal older siblings, Killer and Leo - the perfect adoring pair. You know that feeling - when you feel that you're wanted in a community - that sense of belonging - that someone would miss you if you weren't around - that you're not just a hindrance to someone, but part of a pack, a family. 🫂🫂 All those moments with them, the familial love of care - made my heart just feel so comforted, y'know. Even if they were on the beaten track, they would drop everything and anything to help each other out - and still be respectful of their choices. That stance of loyalty and love is so rare to find and just to see that here, in whatever capacity they had to offer. And seeing Leo and Killer happy and thriving together was adorable and so very sweet! 🥰🥰
And the title is so fitting - both of them were lost at the crossing - Elian was lost to Tyler for the years that he left him, because he didn't want to burden him, and Tyler was lost, because he never thought he would ever find a place that he could call his own. And when all it was at the crossing that they would return - where they confided their most intimate secrets, allowed themselves to be so openly vulnerable with each other. 🥺
I loved how realistically portrayed their relationship was shown - how first they were so unsure if their affection could be reciprocated - questioning their sexuality and what it means for them to have these feelings for each other. And then to see how the two of them took the next hesitant steps further in exploring their levels of intimacy - the tentative touches, the light embraces, the soft confessions Elian whispered into Tyler's ear, because he was too shy to express openly how much he did have strong affections for him.
The feeling of love was not new to them, but being able to touch and talk about it was - and how it was depicted in such a beautiful and caring way made me wholly believe that their love was true and pure and theirs. ☺️
December 6, 2021
Nicky made me love, once again, the story and mcs.
Slower-paced than the first book, but is worth the reading!
Nicky, you made me cry again. 😪 Tyler and Elian are so cute. I can't say anything else that my friends haven't said. I loved the book, although I love the first one a bit more. But still, great book! ❤️
"When I read, I could go anywhere, be anyone. I could take adventures with the characters and be strong and powerful, outspoken in a way I’d only ever dreamed. I had a voice when I read, and it rarely failed me." ❤️
"We’re all messed up in our own way, Elian, but the reason I stick with these guys, the reason we get together year after year, is because we have mutual respect and understanding. We’re there for each other no matter what. We might poke fun at each other at times, but at the end of the day, there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for one another. It’s a bond that, for me, goes deeper than anything I’ve ever known. This is what true family is, and it took me getting out and finding them to figure out what was so fucked up about mine for all those years. If one of us falls, we help them get to their feet again." I LOVE THIS FAMILY ❤️
"Let them take a step back and put yourself in the driver’s seat for a change. Who knows where you’ll end up.” 😪❤️
"You don’t chase someone across the country for two years if you don’t love them" 😭❤️
Slower-paced than the first book, but is worth the reading!
Nicky, you made me cry again. 😪 Tyler and Elian are so cute. I can't say anything else that my friends haven't said. I loved the book, although I love the first one a bit more. But still, great book! ❤️
"When I read, I could go anywhere, be anyone. I could take adventures with the characters and be strong and powerful, outspoken in a way I’d only ever dreamed. I had a voice when I read, and it rarely failed me." ❤️
"We’re all messed up in our own way, Elian, but the reason I stick with these guys, the reason we get together year after year, is because we have mutual respect and understanding. We’re there for each other no matter what. We might poke fun at each other at times, but at the end of the day, there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for one another. It’s a bond that, for me, goes deeper than anything I’ve ever known. This is what true family is, and it took me getting out and finding them to figure out what was so fucked up about mine for all those years. If one of us falls, we help them get to their feet again." I LOVE THIS FAMILY ❤️
"Let them take a step back and put yourself in the driver’s seat for a change. Who knows where you’ll end up.” 😪❤️
"You don’t chase someone across the country for two years if you don’t love them" 😭❤️
November 29, 2021
"I promise."
classic Nicky James supplying the angst like it ain't nobody's business. she better start reimbursing me for the influx of tissue box purchases on my credit card bill or i'll be broke by next year 🤧
the rail riders' crew is back at it again, delivering the found family trope in spades and dunking my head under the river of feels again and again (🎶 and again and again~ 🎶 for any 2pm fans out there 😉). the role Willow plays in this story is huge, and she absolutely shines in all her sensitivity and love for her true family. her steady presence by Tyler's side touched even my cold, lifeless heart, and the emotional impact amplified the more we learned just how deeply shattered Tyler's heart was from Elian's absence.
while you can expect plenty of emotional havoc, TYLER AND ELIAN ARE SO SOFTTTTT!!!! the romantic in me loves that they're each other's firsts, and the letters, story time, hand holding, shy stolen kisses, etc. had me losing it very early on al;sdkfj;alkd i'm never going to look at a sharpie without thinking of them 🥺🥺🥺
this was so satisfyingly well executed that i'm still in awe after putting it down. the way the author gave each character ample page time to address their respective demons was *chef's kiss* and i can distinctly recall three main scenes that had me crying a river and then some. if only i could find a way to collect and filter my tears so i wouldn't have to worry about any water shortages in my lifetime 💧
⚠️ you are now entering spoiler territory! turn back before it's too late! (but please come back when you're finished because i need to chat about this book 😭 ) ⚠️
.
.
.
- in true Nicky James fashion, she adds her own spin by tying in a rarely discussed disorder, this time selective mutism via Elian. i always appreciate her sensitivity in writing how her characters go about addressing their conditions. thank the high heavens she never uses love as the laughably unrealistic cure to all life's problems like some other authors do, and instead shows that while love can serve as both much-needed support and motivation, the onus to address how the condition impacts one's life lies with the individual and their courage to seek appropriate professional intervention. Elian is such a strong character for staying afloat despite his world crumbling down around him, and his decision at the end to build up his foundational coping skills so he could stand on his own two feet had me giving him a standing ovation 🥺👏 IN THIS HOUSE WE LOVE AND PROTECT ELIAN
- in keeping with that final sentiment, i hope Elian's parents get shat on by a flock of birds. better yet, i hope it gets in their eye 🐦😤 the part where Elian and Tyler show up at their place and you think *maybe* his parents have changed a teensy tiny bit, but haha joke's on me because they immediately revert to their old scornful ways. how did they not learn their lesson even after 20-something years, two of which their son went AWOL partly due to their constant badgering and disapproval?? as a wise man once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
they also contradict themselves in ways that have me rubbing my temples. i think it was Elian's mom who was demanding that he stop with the gestures and use his words, but when he forces himself to open his mouth and vocalize his thoughts, she complains about how he's stammering his way through 💀 then Elian and Tyler share their plans of heading to Montreal soon, but his parents insist they stay a little longer. ok fine. jump to however many days later and they do a random 180, the dad accusing them of taking advantage of their hospitality and not contributing to the money it takes to support the household on top of the care home i- 😑 Tyler's observations that there's love in there somewhere didn't ring true to me, at least not the unconditional love that comes to mind when i imagine a parent's love for their child. all i saw was toxicity.
- speaking of the care home, rip my heart out and stomp on it with soccer cleats because the whole subplot with Elian's brother Jace WRECKED MEEEEEEEEE during that final Jace scene with Tucker, i had to throw my phone off to the side because there was no hope of seeing the screen through my tears anytime soon. bless Estelle's heart for being such a compassionate caretaker, Jace could not be in better hands.
the age-old question: why do bad things always have to happen to good people??? 😭😭
- i had moments where i wanted to bonk Tyler on the head for not seeing what was right in front of him. the distance he put between himself and his friends, as if family could only be those related by blood, was frustrating to watch (especially when the entire crew dropped everything to come support him and still Tyler continued to tell himself that it wasn't the same 😅), but it's clear where his self-destructive tendency to feed himself those lies originated from. i can't imagine how traumatic it must've been to be handed off from one family to the next as the foster kid no one cared to adopt, discarded time and time again. absolutely brutal.
wishing to have a home of your own in a special someone was also very understandable (once again, what else would you expect from a romantic at heart 🤣), albeit Tyler took this sentiment to unhealthy extremes. he was so solely focused on trying to fill the gap in his heart with Elian that he wouldn't have hesitated to throw his friends away in a heartbeat if it meant keeping him by his side. as much as Tyler wanted to be Elian's rock, he hadn't realized that he was placing too much pressure on Elian to perform well beyond his capabilities and comfort level at that point in time, as well as lowkey enabling Elian to overly depend on him to the detriment of his mental health. Nicky James draws out the nuances of their mutual reliance and artfully develops their relationship as they establish that healthy balance, including the rest of the rail riders.
- i originally thought the whole gang would be together for majority of the Elian search, so color me surprised when it took a while for everyone to congregate in one physical location. there was plenty of e-communication to tide me over, but i won't deny initially feeling disappointed by the lack of Leo and Killian at the first reunion. their appearance was the equivalent of them peeking out from behind a wall, saying hi, then bouncing lol. rushed and underwhelming. but maybe Nicky James had an inkling some readers would feel this way because the interactions at the end more than made up for it. that phone call, man.... another teary eyed moment 🤧
with any friend group, dynamics are bound to change as people grow older and establish new priorities, but as bittersweet as reality is, i'm grateful Leo's obsession with McDonald's continues to be ever present 😌🙏
- shout out to Sam for being such a good soul, i hope we get a cameo of him thriving in the future!
- my hype levels for the next book are nearing astronomical levels! can i expect an epic showdown with the mythical CP Rail killer or are Dodger and Brady about to get murdered?? february 7, 2022 can't come soon enough! 💃
*******
ok wow scattered thoughts be very scattered lol i honestly have no clue how my review got this long but my eyes are about to seal shut so good night 🤣 if you made it this far, thank you and congrats! please take this cookie as your reward 🍪
July 31, 2022
Lost. Both Tyler and Elian are lost. Tyler is lost without Elian, and Elian is just lost, desperately. He doesn’t want to be lost…he has no other choice. Elian isn’t shy or quiet. Elian suffers from selective mutism and surprisingly, this is the second book I’ve read this month with SM. Each time I find myself utterly captivated. I’m drawn into their circle and want to be one of the few they trust. I also want to knock someone silly when they mock or insult them. Elian is not slow, he’s overwhelmed with anxiety and when nerves hit, his voicebox is the first thing to go. He may seem fragile, but I believe his strength is boundless. Tyler agrees with me. Ty and Elian have been building something for the past two years and when Elian disappears, Ty is determined to find him. At all costs. He’s a man on a mission and scours the countryside looking for Eli or clues. Eli’s parents might be nonchalant about Elian’s vanishing act, but Tyler doesn’t buy it. He’s convinced something is wrong and won’t give up on him. His rider friends accept his focus but don’t truly understand. They don’t know Elian like Tyler does. All they see is Ty slowly fading before their eyes. And there’s only one thing, one person, who can bring him back.
You don’t need to intimately know Killian and Leo before starting this leg of the journey, but I think you’d be better off starting at the beginning. The entire crew isn’t together much, but it helps to know them. To be honest, Ty and Eli aren’t together for the first part of the story. Tyler is chasing after Eli, a few steps behind him until he recognizes the message Eli is sending him. I didn’t care that it took chapters for them to connect. I didn’t care that their friendship came before their romance. I didn’t care that their slow burn was cautious and unpracticed. Two virgins fumble and bumble along. But I never doubted them or their passion. I never questioned their possibilities or permanence. I held my breath as the pieces came together. I craved their peace. I longed for their happiness. And I got it…but NJ battered my heart along the way.
Prepare for angst because it’s delivered in spades. Open your arms for comfort cuz it’s coming for you. We slip into the shielded walls of this eclectic group and I was awed by their dedication and trust. Which, of course, leads us to their love. The heartbeat of this makeshift family pulses through the pages. I loved their protectiveness and gentleness. I respected their boundaries and hoped little by little, they would let them down. Even after Ty finds E, he’s still drifting. His urge to ride the rails is an escape from the pain at home. Ty, on the other hand, has no home. They are an unlikely but perfect pair. They have obstacles to clear before they can chase their future together. Ty has always felt on the outskirts of their group. He never considered it was because he placed himself there. Elian always thought he drew his strength from Tucker, the physical link to his brother. He never envisioned it was from inside of him. Both Ty and Eli unravel knots in their chest and I beamed every step of the way. If the two are initially lost, does that mean they are twice as found? I’d like to think so. Trudging through the angst was worth every step. I’m pleased to tell you the ending delivers a solid dose of happiness and best of all, hope.
Beware of: A complete component of this intriguing series. Guarded secrets that pack an emotional punch. And a gripping journey with many stops along the way, including self-discovery and sexual awakening.
This book is for: I’ll probably repeat this again, so please bear with me…this found family of vagabonds live rough but free, searching for something…and Ty found his missing piece, lost at the crossing. Dodger is next and I can’t wait to see who tames his wild heart.
Book UNfunk
You don’t need to intimately know Killian and Leo before starting this leg of the journey, but I think you’d be better off starting at the beginning. The entire crew isn’t together much, but it helps to know them. To be honest, Ty and Eli aren’t together for the first part of the story. Tyler is chasing after Eli, a few steps behind him until he recognizes the message Eli is sending him. I didn’t care that it took chapters for them to connect. I didn’t care that their friendship came before their romance. I didn’t care that their slow burn was cautious and unpracticed. Two virgins fumble and bumble along. But I never doubted them or their passion. I never questioned their possibilities or permanence. I held my breath as the pieces came together. I craved their peace. I longed for their happiness. And I got it…but NJ battered my heart along the way.
Prepare for angst because it’s delivered in spades. Open your arms for comfort cuz it’s coming for you. We slip into the shielded walls of this eclectic group and I was awed by their dedication and trust. Which, of course, leads us to their love. The heartbeat of this makeshift family pulses through the pages. I loved their protectiveness and gentleness. I respected their boundaries and hoped little by little, they would let them down. Even after Ty finds E, he’s still drifting. His urge to ride the rails is an escape from the pain at home. Ty, on the other hand, has no home. They are an unlikely but perfect pair. They have obstacles to clear before they can chase their future together. Ty has always felt on the outskirts of their group. He never considered it was because he placed himself there. Elian always thought he drew his strength from Tucker, the physical link to his brother. He never envisioned it was from inside of him. Both Ty and Eli unravel knots in their chest and I beamed every step of the way. If the two are initially lost, does that mean they are twice as found? I’d like to think so. Trudging through the angst was worth every step. I’m pleased to tell you the ending delivers a solid dose of happiness and best of all, hope.
Beware of: A complete component of this intriguing series. Guarded secrets that pack an emotional punch. And a gripping journey with many stops along the way, including self-discovery and sexual awakening.
This book is for: I’ll probably repeat this again, so please bear with me…this found family of vagabonds live rough but free, searching for something…and Ty found his missing piece, lost at the crossing. Dodger is next and I can’t wait to see who tames his wild heart.
Book UNfunk
December 8, 2021
This was more the Nicky James I know. Very angsty, hurt/comfort read. Almost felt like young adult, because of how innocent the MCs are. So pure.
The romance didn't take away from the setting I enjoyed in book 1, the railriding is still present, though not as prominent.
It continues where book 1 ended, right in the middle of an angsty scene, and it barely lets up. I was constantly worrying: will they meet? are they going to work it out? Are they going to fall off the train??? XD My stomach was in knots.
And yes there were tears.
The romance didn't take away from the setting I enjoyed in book 1, the railriding is still present, though not as prominent.
It continues where book 1 ended, right in the middle of an angsty scene, and it barely lets up. I was constantly worrying: will they meet? are they going to work it out? Are they going to fall off the train??? XD My stomach was in knots.
And yes there were tears.
August 8, 2023
Absolutely loved this, could not put the book down.
I'm loving this series so far, freight hopping is totally new to me - I have no idea if it's something that happens in the UK but it's really intriguing.
This was definitely more emotional than the first book and deals with sense of abandonment, as well as mental health struggles. It was really heartbreaking to see both Elian and Tyler struggle, but the ending made the heartache worthwhile.
What I like most about this series is that the relationship aspect isn't overpowering, and there isn't a huge focus on the sex i.e. pages and pages that are just there for the sake of it, rather than progressing the relationship or story. It's more about the connections between the two characters in each book, which is always something I love to read. I'm an emotions reader and I need that connection to characters and their emotions for me to love the story, and this book was perfect for me.
I'm loving this series so far, freight hopping is totally new to me - I have no idea if it's something that happens in the UK but it's really intriguing.
This was definitely more emotional than the first book and deals with sense of abandonment, as well as mental health struggles. It was really heartbreaking to see both Elian and Tyler struggle, but the ending made the heartache worthwhile.
What I like most about this series is that the relationship aspect isn't overpowering, and there isn't a huge focus on the sex i.e. pages and pages that are just there for the sake of it, rather than progressing the relationship or story. It's more about the connections between the two characters in each book, which is always something I love to read. I'm an emotions reader and I need that connection to characters and their emotions for me to love the story, and this book was perfect for me.
to-finish-whenever
December 29, 2021Stopped @37% for now (I hope)
I'm kinda... bored? *cringe* I might come back when I'm in a better mood. 🤷♀️
I'm kinda... bored? *cringe* I might come back when I'm in a better mood. 🤷♀️
December 24, 2021
As usual, Nicky made me cry and snot all over myself and then stitched my heart back together again. What a masterful storyteller she is. I’m so looking forward to Dodger’s book!
September 24, 2023
I started reading this series quite a while ago with the intention to continue right away, but of course other books came in between and only now, after seeing Nicky James's announcement she will be releasing this series on audio, narrated by the wonderful Nick J. Russo, that I was reminded that I still needed to read books 2 and 3 (-not sure yet if I will read the 4th book).
This book was, as I've come to expect from this author, a great read, though I didn't love it as much as I loved the first book. This one was much slower, and both mc's had quite some issues going on. Mental health is a subject Nicky James's really thrives at, and this book was no exception.
Elian's struggles were heartbreaking and it was even more heartbreaking that nobody but Tyler seemed to understand that he wasn't the way he was by choice. It was his severe anxiety and fears that kept him from speaking, not something he just didn't want to, like his parents accused him of. Tyler was very patient, comforting Elian and understanding that he struggled. Elian was also some sort of distraction for his own sad life with no family or nobody in particular who cared about him. Having grown up in the system because his parents didn't want him, he hasn't had a safe childhood, left to be on his own by choice when he turned eighteen, but it still eats at him that he has no family. It takes a while for him to understand that these people he was riding trains with, were his new found family. They cared about him as much as family can. They were there when things got tough and they supported him when he and Elian wanted to make things right.
I love this tight group of people. They all have their own story's to tell, their own reasons for riding these trains. It's a very interesting topic, fascinating to know that there are actually people who travel the country in a dangerous way like this. It's another story Nicky James nailed. She's a born story teller, and she's by far my favorite mm romance writer. Every story shows she puts a lot of time in researching the topics and I love how her story's are diverse and original.
Hopefully I will get around to read the third book soon! And when the audio is there, I think I will have to start all over again. Not exactly a terrible idea.
This book was, as I've come to expect from this author, a great read, though I didn't love it as much as I loved the first book. This one was much slower, and both mc's had quite some issues going on. Mental health is a subject Nicky James's really thrives at, and this book was no exception.
Elian's struggles were heartbreaking and it was even more heartbreaking that nobody but Tyler seemed to understand that he wasn't the way he was by choice. It was his severe anxiety and fears that kept him from speaking, not something he just didn't want to, like his parents accused him of. Tyler was very patient, comforting Elian and understanding that he struggled. Elian was also some sort of distraction for his own sad life with no family or nobody in particular who cared about him. Having grown up in the system because his parents didn't want him, he hasn't had a safe childhood, left to be on his own by choice when he turned eighteen, but it still eats at him that he has no family. It takes a while for him to understand that these people he was riding trains with, were his new found family. They cared about him as much as family can. They were there when things got tough and they supported him when he and Elian wanted to make things right.
I love this tight group of people. They all have their own story's to tell, their own reasons for riding these trains. It's a very interesting topic, fascinating to know that there are actually people who travel the country in a dangerous way like this. It's another story Nicky James nailed. She's a born story teller, and she's by far my favorite mm romance writer. Every story shows she puts a lot of time in researching the topics and I love how her story's are diverse and original.
Hopefully I will get around to read the third book soon! And when the audio is there, I think I will have to start all over again. Not exactly a terrible idea.
December 15, 2023
Book two in a train hopping, rail riding adventure series. We’re introduced to this couple in the first book where the characters become concerned over the lack of contact from a friend and fellow rail rider. Well, we found him.
Very different vibe in this second book, this is an inclusion story where one of the MCs has difficulty with speech, compounded by severe social anxiety. The romance is slow, sweet, timid and fumbling as the two inexperienced MCs find their way. The blushing! I adore how understanding and accepting Tyler is, respecting the need for space, even when it hurts to give it. First book had a sense of escape, urgency, adventure and wonder. The second book is more melancholy, with loss, grief and working on yourself.
I was really looking forward to more of the first couple, but they get just a brief few phone calls and conversations in this book. This second book didn’t get me all that interested to read the next one either. Bit of a bummer considering the first book was so epic.
Canada, m/m, trains, new adult, HEA, found family, series, book 2, demi, first time, anxiety, mutism.
Very different vibe in this second book, this is an inclusion story where one of the MCs has difficulty with speech, compounded by severe social anxiety. The romance is slow, sweet, timid and fumbling as the two inexperienced MCs find their way. The blushing! I adore how understanding and accepting Tyler is, respecting the need for space, even when it hurts to give it. First book had a sense of escape, urgency, adventure and wonder. The second book is more melancholy, with loss, grief and working on yourself.
I was really looking forward to more of the first couple, but they get just a brief few phone calls and conversations in this book. This second book didn’t get me all that interested to read the next one either. Bit of a bummer considering the first book was so epic.
Canada, m/m, trains, new adult, HEA, found family, series, book 2, demi, first time, anxiety, mutism.
February 1, 2022
Barely 3 stars
I'm sad because this couple seemed more interesting and got me really curious in the first book of the other couple but i hated to see that it didn't turn out at all how i thought :'(
I'm disappointed , unfortunately something didn't work for me.
Might be the fact that we don't get any chapters of how they first meet , a little about their friendship...we jump right into Tyler finding him and exploring their thing...sigh
They jumped to soon in something and also i was honestly bothered about Elian leaving him for 2 freaking years and the motivation..honestly it wasn't enough for me, i get it he is struggling but at least not let poor Ty searching for you and thinking something wrong happened to you, you know?
I feel like he didn't deserve Ty. Anyway there isn't no connection.
I felt more connection with Ty and his friends and in Elian's story with his brother than them.
I was also kind of bored while reading this, i struggled to not skip it.
I hope next book will be better.
I'm sad because this couple seemed more interesting and got me really curious in the first book of the other couple but i hated to see that it didn't turn out at all how i thought :'(
I'm disappointed , unfortunately something didn't work for me.
Might be the fact that we don't get any chapters of how they first meet , a little about their friendship...we jump right into Tyler finding him and exploring their thing...sigh
They jumped to soon in something and also i was honestly bothered about Elian leaving him for 2 freaking years and the motivation..honestly it wasn't enough for me, i get it he is struggling but at least not let poor Ty searching for you and thinking something wrong happened to you, you know?
I feel like he didn't deserve Ty. Anyway there isn't no connection.
I felt more connection with Ty and his friends and in Elian's story with his brother than them.
I was also kind of bored while reading this, i struggled to not skip it.
I hope next book will be better.
December 6, 2021
I enjoyed this better than the first book in this series.
Tyler and Elain were adorable.
Their story was cute and heartbreaking.
While Elain had his own struggles, my heart broke for Tyler because he thought he was alone all that time and it was wonderful to see the gang from the first book step in and show him that he has a family.
Looking forward to Dodger's story.
Tyler and Elain were adorable.
Their story was cute and heartbreaking.
While Elain had his own struggles, my heart broke for Tyler because he thought he was alone all that time and it was wonderful to see the gang from the first book step in and show him that he has a family.
Looking forward to Dodger's story.
February 18, 2024
5✨️ quotes included at the bottom ❤️
Whew. Okay.
So this was a roller coaster of emotions - and I loved every minute of it. I'd say book one has a slight edge for me, but that's not by a big margin (a tiny one in fact). This book managed to keep everything I loved from book one, like the found family, enigmatic characters etc., whilst still feeling like a fresh, unique story. But oh my, the angst got turned up a notch! I honestly was crying within the first few pages and didn't stop until the last few
Whew. Okay.
So this was a roller coaster of emotions - and I loved every minute of it. I'd say book one has a slight edge for me, but that's not by a big margin (a tiny one in fact). This book managed to keep everything I loved from book one, like the found family, enigmatic characters etc., whilst still feeling like a fresh, unique story. But oh my, the angst got turned up a notch! I honestly was crying within the first few pages and didn't stop until the last few
December 6, 2021
4,5☆
There were scenes where I cried like a baby 😭😍
Elian and Tyler's story was so lovely and I loved reading their book.
I love the Rail Riders gang so much and everything that happens in this world, and I missed more excitement from this story. More freight-hopping situation and more 'traveling'. The story took place mostly in warm houses with food, so it wasn't as exciting as the previous one. Anyway, the story was still awesome and the characters super adorable.
Elian's background and family was the angst-o-meter in this book, and let me tell you, there were scenes where I cried like a baby! Nicky can writes deep emotions like no one.
Two virgin guy, ahh how adorable they were! Their first time, aww, just really AWWWW!
Toward the end of the story we got another surprise in the angst part, and I was just a bit tempted to throw my kindle away... lol. But at the end everyone was happy, so was I.
Loved this story, but please forgive my crazy fangirling - BECAUSE DODGER IS NEXT. Oh hell, bring it onnnnn! Can't wait!
There were scenes where I cried like a baby 😭😍
Elian and Tyler's story was so lovely and I loved reading their book.
I love the Rail Riders gang so much and everything that happens in this world, and I missed more excitement from this story. More freight-hopping situation and more 'traveling'. The story took place mostly in warm houses with food, so it wasn't as exciting as the previous one. Anyway, the story was still awesome and the characters super adorable.
Elian's background and family was the angst-o-meter in this book, and let me tell you, there were scenes where I cried like a baby! Nicky can writes deep emotions like no one.
Two virgin guy, ahh how adorable they were! Their first time, aww, just really AWWWW!
Toward the end of the story we got another surprise in the angst part, and I was just a bit tempted to throw my kindle away... lol. But at the end everyone was happy, so was I.
Loved this story, but please forgive my crazy fangirling - BECAUSE DODGER IS NEXT. Oh hell, bring it onnnnn! Can't wait!
December 1, 2021
This book made a lot more sense to me than the 1st one. The characters are like so many othe young people without a permanent address, with, mental health issues and having grown up up in the system.
Tyler grew up in foster care and never really had a family. Elian has selective mutatism and severe anxiety. I wanted to slap some sense into Leo and Killian in book 1.
Tyler grew up in foster care and never really had a family. Elian has selective mutatism and severe anxiety. I wanted to slap some sense into Leo and Killian in book 1.
November 28, 2021
The first book in this series, End of the Line, gave me a HUGE hangover, so I was thrilled when I received an advance copy of Tyler and Elian's story.
Lost at the Crossing was everything I hoped it would be and more. Nicky James is a master storyteller, creating characters that live and breathe on the page, combined with compelling, often unique stories that draw me into those worlds. With the Rail Riders series, she's taken that to the next level, adding the complexities and satisfaction of found family to the mixture.
Tyler and Elian each faces his own challenges - Tyler is a foundling, and Elian has selective mutism that his parents consider to be a choice he's made to get attention. Neither of them has had any experience with relationships or sex. Their interior lives and their lives on the rails makes the logistics of an intimate relationship difficult, but give the story depth and emotion.
As soon as I started this book, I needed to finish it, but also needed it not to end. At about 80% I stopped and started two or three times just to put off the inevitable. Just like before, I didn't want to leave the world that Nicky created.
It's possible, I suppose, to read this book without having read the first one, but I urge you not to cheat yourself that way. There are some spoiler-ish scenes in this book, but more than that, the story is not to be missed, so go read End of the Line first, then get ready to have your heart skillfully broken and mended in the space of 384 pages with Tyler and his Elian who join Leo and Killian in that place in my heart reserved for the most memorable of characters.
Lost at the Crossing was everything I hoped it would be and more. Nicky James is a master storyteller, creating characters that live and breathe on the page, combined with compelling, often unique stories that draw me into those worlds. With the Rail Riders series, she's taken that to the next level, adding the complexities and satisfaction of found family to the mixture.
Tyler and Elian each faces his own challenges - Tyler is a foundling, and Elian has selective mutism that his parents consider to be a choice he's made to get attention. Neither of them has had any experience with relationships or sex. Their interior lives and their lives on the rails makes the logistics of an intimate relationship difficult, but give the story depth and emotion.
As soon as I started this book, I needed to finish it, but also needed it not to end. At about 80% I stopped and started two or three times just to put off the inevitable. Just like before, I didn't want to leave the world that Nicky created.
It's possible, I suppose, to read this book without having read the first one, but I urge you not to cheat yourself that way. There are some spoiler-ish scenes in this book, but more than that, the story is not to be missed, so go read End of the Line first, then get ready to have your heart skillfully broken and mended in the space of 384 pages with Tyler and his Elian who join Leo and Killian in that place in my heart reserved for the most memorable of characters.
December 8, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Tyler and Elian’s story picks up in book two of Nicky James’ Rail Riders series and I am enjoying this entire group and their adventures train hopping. Tyler and Elian were introduced in the first book, End of the Line, and I feel this series does work best reading in order.
We knew from the first book that Elian has been missing and while Dodger suspects foul play, Tyler never gave up Elian. Tyler became a little obsessive in his quest to find Elian and rode the rails alone in dangerous weather to get his answers. While Tyler is now dangerously broke, he has found Elian and that’s all that matters to him.
This is one of my favorite series from Nicky James for the atmosphere of the rail riding and the found family. Tyler and Elian’s story feels young and tentative, but their bond is strong and it’s possible to see them as life-long partners.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Tyler and Elian’s story picks up in book two of Nicky James’ Rail Riders series and I am enjoying this entire group and their adventures train hopping. Tyler and Elian were introduced in the first book, End of the Line, and I feel this series does work best reading in order.
We knew from the first book that Elian has been missing and while Dodger suspects foul play, Tyler never gave up Elian. Tyler became a little obsessive in his quest to find Elian and rode the rails alone in dangerous weather to get his answers. While Tyler is now dangerously broke, he has found Elian and that’s all that matters to him.
This is one of my favorite series from Nicky James for the atmosphere of the rail riding and the found family. Tyler and Elian’s story feels young and tentative, but their bond is strong and it’s possible to see them as life-long partners.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 28, 2022
I love Nicky James so much! Never disappoints
February 18, 2022
I second an earlier reviewer's strong suggestion to read End of the Line prior to this one. Lost at the Crossing will be a much richer read as all these ragtag characters are introduced in the first book of the series.
Both books deal with very vulnerable rail riders, but Tyler and Elian are the most fractured of the group. And while this second novel does not have quite the angst level of the flight-to-safety plot in the earlier book, the story holds you with its heart, and with the people who lead with the heart.
In both books, Nicky James manages to show the romance of riding the rails and the unglamorous, treacherous art to surviving a life on the run.
Above all, be prepared to smile through your tears.
Both books deal with very vulnerable rail riders, but Tyler and Elian are the most fractured of the group. And while this second novel does not have quite the angst level of the flight-to-safety plot in the earlier book, the story holds you with its heart, and with the people who lead with the heart.
In both books, Nicky James manages to show the romance of riding the rails and the unglamorous, treacherous art to surviving a life on the run.
Above all, be prepared to smile through your tears.
Read
December 4, 2021I’m really only writing this as a note to myself…
Like the first book in the series, End of the Line, I enjoyed Lost at the Crossing, but I was even more uncomfortable with the rail riding this time around. While I enjoyed and was invested in Ty and Elian’s relationship, I would have enjoyed the story more without the rail riding element. In my review of End of the Line, I said I didn’t think I’d continue the series due to my discomfort with the rail riding but I continued anyway. I’m not saying continuing was a mistake, but unless someone can tell me the gang gives it up train hopping for good in the next book, DON’T CONTINUE. It’s just too disturbing to me how easily they endanger themselves, their friends and lovers ☹️😬 I dun like it 😰
Like the first book in the series, End of the Line, I enjoyed Lost at the Crossing, but I was even more uncomfortable with the rail riding this time around. While I enjoyed and was invested in Ty and Elian’s relationship, I would have enjoyed the story more without the rail riding element. In my review of End of the Line, I said I didn’t think I’d continue the series due to my discomfort with the rail riding but I continued anyway. I’m not saying continuing was a mistake, but unless someone can tell me the gang gives it up train hopping for good in the next book, DON’T CONTINUE. It’s just too disturbing to me how easily they endanger themselves, their friends and lovers ☹️😬 I dun like it 😰
January 9, 2022
This series is fantastic! I love that we got to see all the other 'riders' but it didn't overshadow Tyler & E.
These two grabbed my heart straightaway. I had nothing but hope for them to find a way. Nicky knows how to pull all the heartstrings just right! Can't wait for Dodgers story!
(Oh and Jace, omg. SOBBING!)
These two grabbed my heart straightaway. I had nothing but hope for them to find a way. Nicky knows how to pull all the heartstrings just right! Can't wait for Dodgers story!
(Oh and Jace, omg. SOBBING!)
November 27, 2021
If I could, I'd give Tyler and Elian's romance 1,000 stars. The sweet, patient, tenderness of their love was absolutely addictive to me, and watching the two of them grow into themselves as they journeyed around Canada was everything I didn't know I was missing. Tyler's steadfast devotion to finding Elian made me fall in love with him right away, and despite how long it'd been I found myself as desperately hopeful as Tyler that he was still out there somewhere. Their reunion brought happy tears to my eyes, and as I discovered more about why Elian had disappeared for so long I lost my heart to him as well. The two of them had such an incredibly special connection, and watching them find their rhythm again and explore a new facet to their relationship was amazing.
Apart from one terrifying rail incident, Elian and Tyler's romance was achingly, heart-meltingly sweet. The way they radiated contentment and happiness in each other's presence was overwhelming in the best way, and I spent the majority of their story soaking in their affection. Yes, the two of them had some serious heart-to-hearts and past trauma to deal with, but the overall tone of their relationship remained hopeful from start to finish. It was easy for me to relax into the rail rider family again and enjoy their daily interactions, no action sequences or drama needed. The themes of found family and inner strength were once again dominant in this story, and those elements are what elevated this adorable romance into a moving journey about two people finding their place in the world. Getting to know these men felt like uncovering a precious treasure, and I'm honored that I got to experience every twist and turn along their path to happiness.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Apart from one terrifying rail incident, Elian and Tyler's romance was achingly, heart-meltingly sweet. The way they radiated contentment and happiness in each other's presence was overwhelming in the best way, and I spent the majority of their story soaking in their affection. Yes, the two of them had some serious heart-to-hearts and past trauma to deal with, but the overall tone of their relationship remained hopeful from start to finish. It was easy for me to relax into the rail rider family again and enjoy their daily interactions, no action sequences or drama needed. The themes of found family and inner strength were once again dominant in this story, and those elements are what elevated this adorable romance into a moving journey about two people finding their place in the world. Getting to know these men felt like uncovering a precious treasure, and I'm honored that I got to experience every twist and turn along their path to happiness.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 5, 2021
4.25*
J’attendais avec impatience la sortie de *Lost at the crossing* car le lien profond que l’on ressentait entre Tyler et Elian dans le 1er tome m’avait marquée. Et je n’ai absolument pas été déçue par ce que nous a concocté l’autrice.
Cette série qui suit la vie trépidante, angoissante mais fascinante de jeunes rail raiders, épris de liberté (et complètement dingues à mon avis), parcourant l’Amérique du Nord sur des trains de marchandises a su me séduire par son originalité et les montées d’adrénaline qui ne manquent pas d’accompagner la lecture.
Même si voir ces gars jouer les acrobates sur des trains en marche réserve son lot de frayeurs, ce tome est moins intense que le premier mais il est aussi plus touchant. Avec une dévotion sans limite, Tyler a passé deux ans a cherché désespérément Elian avec lequel il a pris l’habitude d’échanger des lettres dans des cachettes secrètes, au grès de leurs voyages. Jamais Tyler n’a perdu espoir de retrouver Elian et cette détermination m’a complètement chamboulée et je ne parle même pas des retrouvailles si émouvantes. Ces deux hommes ont chacun leur combat à mener, Tyler est le seul de la bande à ne pas avoir de famille, cela lui pèse et le ronge. Quant à Elian, il souffre et Nicky James a fait un travail formidable avec ce héros tant elle nous dépeint ses tourments avec précision et sensibilité. Chaque geste, chaque regard, chaque mot sont criants de réalisme. Et surtout, Tyler ne sera pas un remède miracle pour Elian ce qui renforce la crédibilité de l’histoire.
Tyler et Elian forme un couple particulièrement touchant et attachant. J’ai tellement aimé partager ces moments simples durant lesquels le bonheur qu’ils éprouvent ne fait aucun doute. Tyler, si bienveillant et patient est une véritable ancre pour Elian mais ce dernier découvrira qu’il aura la force de mener sa propre bataille.
Le fait que ce soit aussi leur première histoire d’amour rend ce couple particulièrement attendrissant. J’ai un gros faible pour ce genre de récit qui a l’habitude de me rendre toute chamallow. Assister à toutes leurs premières fois a été une sorte de privilège, ahlala ils sont tellement adorables avec leurs petits tâtonnements !
Les personnages secondaires sont un des gros points forts de cette série et les retrouver a été un bonheur. Willow, Dodger, Killer et Leo forme une véritable famille et ils le prouveront de la plus belle des manières à Tyler…ils seront toujours là dans les épreuves, un roc solide. Et cela m’a fait chaud au cœur de les voir partager ces moments ensemble dans lesquels on ressent la force de leur attachement. Willow est incroyable dans ce tome, derrière une certaine froideur, un visage impassible, elle cache un cœur énorme comme le prouve la façon dont elle se soucie de Tyler et l’entoure de son soutien. Les passages où elle se crêpe gentiment le chignon avec Dodger (*soupirs*) sont tellement drôles (ils auraient formé un chouette couple…). J’ai tellement hâte de lire leurs histoires !
Dans ce roman, on rencontre aussi un autre joli personnage Sam dont le rôle sera crucial et ce serait génial si l’on pouvait le recroiser…
Vivement les tomes suivants 🥰
J’attendais avec impatience la sortie de *Lost at the crossing* car le lien profond que l’on ressentait entre Tyler et Elian dans le 1er tome m’avait marquée. Et je n’ai absolument pas été déçue par ce que nous a concocté l’autrice.
Cette série qui suit la vie trépidante, angoissante mais fascinante de jeunes rail raiders, épris de liberté (et complètement dingues à mon avis), parcourant l’Amérique du Nord sur des trains de marchandises a su me séduire par son originalité et les montées d’adrénaline qui ne manquent pas d’accompagner la lecture.
Même si voir ces gars jouer les acrobates sur des trains en marche réserve son lot de frayeurs, ce tome est moins intense que le premier mais il est aussi plus touchant. Avec une dévotion sans limite, Tyler a passé deux ans a cherché désespérément Elian avec lequel il a pris l’habitude d’échanger des lettres dans des cachettes secrètes, au grès de leurs voyages. Jamais Tyler n’a perdu espoir de retrouver Elian et cette détermination m’a complètement chamboulée et je ne parle même pas des retrouvailles si émouvantes. Ces deux hommes ont chacun leur combat à mener, Tyler est le seul de la bande à ne pas avoir de famille, cela lui pèse et le ronge. Quant à Elian, il souffre et Nicky James a fait un travail formidable avec ce héros tant elle nous dépeint ses tourments avec précision et sensibilité. Chaque geste, chaque regard, chaque mot sont criants de réalisme. Et surtout, Tyler ne sera pas un remède miracle pour Elian ce qui renforce la crédibilité de l’histoire.
Tyler et Elian forme un couple particulièrement touchant et attachant. J’ai tellement aimé partager ces moments simples durant lesquels le bonheur qu’ils éprouvent ne fait aucun doute. Tyler, si bienveillant et patient est une véritable ancre pour Elian mais ce dernier découvrira qu’il aura la force de mener sa propre bataille.
Le fait que ce soit aussi leur première histoire d’amour rend ce couple particulièrement attendrissant. J’ai un gros faible pour ce genre de récit qui a l’habitude de me rendre toute chamallow. Assister à toutes leurs premières fois a été une sorte de privilège, ahlala ils sont tellement adorables avec leurs petits tâtonnements !
Les personnages secondaires sont un des gros points forts de cette série et les retrouver a été un bonheur. Willow, Dodger, Killer et Leo forme une véritable famille et ils le prouveront de la plus belle des manières à Tyler…ils seront toujours là dans les épreuves, un roc solide. Et cela m’a fait chaud au cœur de les voir partager ces moments ensemble dans lesquels on ressent la force de leur attachement. Willow est incroyable dans ce tome, derrière une certaine froideur, un visage impassible, elle cache un cœur énorme comme le prouve la façon dont elle se soucie de Tyler et l’entoure de son soutien. Les passages où elle se crêpe gentiment le chignon avec Dodger (*soupirs*) sont tellement drôles (ils auraient formé un chouette couple…). J’ai tellement hâte de lire leurs histoires !
Dans ce roman, on rencontre aussi un autre joli personnage Sam dont le rôle sera crucial et ce serait génial si l’on pouvait le recroiser…
Vivement les tomes suivants 🥰
December 8, 2021
I rate this hovering somewhere around 2.5 stars. To me, I found most of this book boring. The best parts happened around the 85% mark forward.
Some of the pros 👍🏻 for me were:
▪️Tucker🐰 and Jace ♥️
▪️Continuous support for both Tyler and Elian from their made family
▪️Nicky’s immense knowledge of different MH issues (Elian’s selective mutism/social anxiety)
▪️Some train 🚂 hopping!!
▪️The sweet innocence of Tyler and Elian’s relationship
Some cons 👎🏻 for me were:
▪️Tyler and Elian shifted to a physical relationship very quickly after reuniting
▪️The word “cock” was completely out of place for this story
▪️A lot of the story dragged for me. It was both too long and too short at the same time.
▪️Elian’s discussion with his father was fade to black. I wanted to read about how Elian finally confronted his father.
▪️Although it holds no bearing on the story, I find the cover (along with the new cover for book one) unattractive and I miss the tattoo logo from the first cover. I was disappointed to have that (the tattoo) discussion barely skimmed over in this book.
After loving book one so much, this one felt like such a letdown. I don’t know if I’ll continue with the series. From the sounds of it, the next book will be Dodger’s and it will center around him and a new guy, Brady, investigating the CP Rail killer. Here’s my issue with that. Unless NJ makes this Brady guy some kind of law enforcement (he’s a U of T student according to what we learned in this book), I feel like this is going to be like one of her previous books that I didn’t enjoy. Having two citizens digging around like the Scooby Gang to solve a mystery is ridiculous. I haven’t enjoyed any of NJ’s “suspense/mystery” books she’s put out yet. There’s always something lacking. I wish she’d stick to her damaged guys who find love and leave out the “suspense/mystery” element. I don’t like saying that because I really enjoy reading that genre.
I also have no interest in reading Willow’s story. While I like her very much as a supporting character, I don’t read FF books. I hope she gets her HEA like the rest of the “family” has been enjoying. She deserves her special someone.
Some of the pros 👍🏻 for me were:
▪️Tucker🐰 and Jace ♥️
▪️Continuous support for both Tyler and Elian from their made family
▪️Nicky’s immense knowledge of different MH issues (Elian’s selective mutism/social anxiety)
▪️Some train 🚂 hopping!!
▪️The sweet innocence of Tyler and Elian’s relationship
Some cons 👎🏻 for me were:
▪️Tyler and Elian shifted to a physical relationship very quickly after reuniting
▪️The word “cock” was completely out of place for this story
▪️A lot of the story dragged for me. It was both too long and too short at the same time.
▪️Elian’s discussion with his father was fade to black. I wanted to read about how Elian finally confronted his father.
▪️Although it holds no bearing on the story, I find the cover (along with the new cover for book one) unattractive and I miss the tattoo logo from the first cover. I was disappointed to have that (the tattoo) discussion barely skimmed over in this book.
After loving book one so much, this one felt like such a letdown. I don’t know if I’ll continue with the series. From the sounds of it, the next book will be Dodger’s and it will center around him and a new guy, Brady, investigating the CP Rail killer. Here’s my issue with that. Unless NJ makes this Brady guy some kind of law enforcement (he’s a U of T student according to what we learned in this book), I feel like this is going to be like one of her previous books that I didn’t enjoy. Having two citizens digging around like the Scooby Gang to solve a mystery is ridiculous. I haven’t enjoyed any of NJ’s “suspense/mystery” books she’s put out yet. There’s always something lacking. I wish she’d stick to her damaged guys who find love and leave out the “suspense/mystery” element. I don’t like saying that because I really enjoy reading that genre.
I also have no interest in reading Willow’s story. While I like her very much as a supporting character, I don’t read FF books. I hope she gets her HEA like the rest of the “family” has been enjoying. She deserves her special someone.
November 28, 2021
Wow! I absolutely loved Tyler and Elian’s story. This was one of those books that from the first page I was drawn in, and invested until the last word. Their story was emotionally charged, with fantastic character chemistry that jumped off the page. I was already intrigued heading into their story, and couldn’t wait to find out how Elian and Tyler would find their way back to each other. I loved the emotions that were conveyed between the two of them as they find their way back together. Tyler was an amazing support system for Elian as he battled his struggles with selective mutism. As always Nicky James handles mental health with the perfect touch. My heart went out to Elian as he faced challenges while he tried to be who he thought Tyler wanted and to be part of Tyler’s family in Willow, Dodger, Killer and Leo. The connection that Tyler and Elian shared was the highlight of the book for me. They were so in tune with each other and you could feel the love between them coming off the pages as you absorbed their story. Their were parts that really got me in the feels and a tissue or two are recommended! As with the first rail riders book, there was heart-stopping action of freight hopping throughout. It was so fascinating learning more about this dangerous and thrilling way of life! I know that Tyler and Elian are two characters that will stick with me for a long time. I finished their story with such a smile on my face and a strong desire to be able to jump right into Dodger’s book! I know the wait will be worth it!
December 16, 2021
First of all, I love these ragtag vagabond kids. The found family vibes of the series continued in this one and I just adore it!
This was a nice follow up to the first book, though Leo and Killian’s story still reigns supreme in my heart.
Elian is Tyler’s “the one that got away” and he’s never stopped looking for him. They had such a deep and intimate connection, one that transcendes words. I enjoyed their soft and gentle dynamic. They both had their struggles but they really became each others rocks.
On that note, I really appreciated that Tyler wasn’t a “love cures all” bandaid for Elian’s anxiety and selective mutism. Neither was Elian for his fear of abandonment. They both had their individual journeys as well.
My one niggle was that the ending wrapped up a bit too quick for me, I wish it was expanded on a little more.
I’m quite excited for the next book, sounds like it’ll be more on the thriller side!
This was a nice follow up to the first book, though Leo and Killian’s story still reigns supreme in my heart.
Elian is Tyler’s “the one that got away” and he’s never stopped looking for him. They had such a deep and intimate connection, one that transcendes words. I enjoyed their soft and gentle dynamic. They both had their struggles but they really became each others rocks.
On that note, I really appreciated that Tyler wasn’t a “love cures all” bandaid for Elian’s anxiety and selective mutism. Neither was Elian for his fear of abandonment. They both had their individual journeys as well.
My one niggle was that the ending wrapped up a bit too quick for me, I wish it was expanded on a little more.
I’m quite excited for the next book, sounds like it’ll be more on the thriller side!
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