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Firsts and Forever #13
Worlds Away
Does love stand a chance between two men from different worlds, when they’re both being pulled in opposite directions?
Sawyer MacNeil is looking for answers. His time in the Army didn’t go as planned, and he’s still reeling from the end of a relationship that never should have happened in the first place. Now he’s trying to get his life together, while struggling to come to terms with a side of himself he’s always kept hidden.
Sparks fly when Sawyer meets Alastair, an upper-class British graduate student whose future has been mapped out since birth. Alastair can’t promise anything more than a hook-up. He doesn’t have much time left in the States, and a mountain of responsibility and a disapproving family are waiting for him back in the UK. And yet, whatever’s happening between them feels like so much more than a fling.
When tragedy strikes and the two are separated just days after meeting, will Sawyer risk everything to follow his heart?
Worlds Away is the thirteenth novel in Alexa Land's Firsts and Forever Series, but each book is written to stand alone, so jump in anywhere. This gay romance is approximately 98,000 words. Please note: contains adult language and graphic sex and is intended for adults only.
Sawyer MacNeil is looking for answers. His time in the Army didn’t go as planned, and he’s still reeling from the end of a relationship that never should have happened in the first place. Now he’s trying to get his life together, while struggling to come to terms with a side of himself he’s always kept hidden.
Sparks fly when Sawyer meets Alastair, an upper-class British graduate student whose future has been mapped out since birth. Alastair can’t promise anything more than a hook-up. He doesn’t have much time left in the States, and a mountain of responsibility and a disapproving family are waiting for him back in the UK. And yet, whatever’s happening between them feels like so much more than a fling.
When tragedy strikes and the two are separated just days after meeting, will Sawyer risk everything to follow his heart?
Worlds Away is the thirteenth novel in Alexa Land's Firsts and Forever Series, but each book is written to stand alone, so jump in anywhere. This gay romance is approximately 98,000 words. Please note: contains adult language and graphic sex and is intended for adults only.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
99 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books786 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 9, 2017
*** This wonderful set of stories, "Firsts and Forever," continue here
with Alistair, the British student/car racer, Jessie's friend.
the adorable nerd...
Sawyer is just out of the Military and finding his way.
These two are worlds apart and opposite in so many ways, but when together, they are electric. We hear about Sawyer's failed relationship of unrequited love, and his douche ex, plus the fact that he's yet to come out to his Dad. Alastair is so open and giving, so genuine.
Sawyer tells Alistair his "secret" nearly right away,
so it won't be a deal breaker, but Alistair opens his arms and welcomes Sawyer completely.
We see lots of the fun previous characters, but each book can stand alone.
Our guy's characters are well formed, with an engrossing story, and explosive, electric, erotic, and totally hot sex scenes, including some first times !
Deep emotions top it off ! The plot flows beautifully, and it's "unputdownable", as we follow the progress.
We also see the firehouse LGBT redo, the coffee shop, London and more surprises. I loved Alistair because he's so open, genuine, caring and solid, plus unpretentious.
Sawyer is tall, big, hunky, a very opposite (monetarily and physically) of Alistair, but he's equally lovable, giving and has a zest for life, too, as he can finally be his true self.
LOVED IT ! Highly recommended ! ENJOY !
=====================================
with Alistair, the British student/car racer, Jessie's friend.
the adorable nerd...
Sawyer is just out of the Military and finding his way.
These two are worlds apart and opposite in so many ways, but when together, they are electric. We hear about Sawyer's failed relationship of unrequited love, and his douche ex, plus the fact that he's yet to come out to his Dad. Alastair is so open and giving, so genuine.
Sawyer tells Alistair his "secret" nearly right away,
so it won't be a deal breaker, but Alistair opens his arms and welcomes Sawyer completely.
We see lots of the fun previous characters, but each book can stand alone.
Our guy's characters are well formed, with an engrossing story, and explosive, electric, erotic, and totally hot sex scenes, including some first times !
Deep emotions top it off ! The plot flows beautifully, and it's "unputdownable", as we follow the progress.
We also see the firehouse LGBT redo, the coffee shop, London and more surprises. I loved Alistair because he's so open, genuine, caring and solid, plus unpretentious.
Sawyer is tall, big, hunky, a very opposite (monetarily and physically) of Alistair, but he's equally lovable, giving and has a zest for life, too, as he can finally be his true self.
LOVED IT ! Highly recommended ! ENJOY !
=====================================
December 22, 2020
This is definitely one of my favorites from the series. The first 11 books are all good, but there's not much queer diversity. In book 12, we finally get a pansexual secondary character and a gay trans secondary character which was awesome. In this one, those both play another role, we also get a genderfluid secondary character and one of our mains is gay but defies gender norms. He doesn't settle on a label but embraces feminine clothing sometimes and relates a lot to the genderfluid character. It's magnificent. I loved that they tackled the assumption that nonbinary people have to be slim and small. Sawyer is a large muscles ex army man who happens to also wear corsets and heels and skirts and lipstick. I'm here for it.
December 28, 2017
After a dozen books, I’ll never remember how every single person got drawn into this ever-expanding circle of friends. But I remember Sawyer and Alastair’s names and their romance is like most have been; issues are defeated and following the heart wins. Sawyer’s memories of his affair in the military with Tracy was a tad disturbing but even he gets redeemed eventually. Nana is far less front and center, which I appreciated, as there’s only so much inappropriate old lady I can handle.
I like that Alexa adds diverse characters, in this case Sawyer likes to cross-dress, blending the binary with his clothing and makeup. Prejudice and homophobia isn’t ignored in any of these books but always gets beaten back with the perpetually upbeat characters, acting as the worlds biggest support group. It’s nice, having a lot of unique people, with differing looks, tastes, sexuality types, all finding this group where they’re accepted as they are. It’s a very positive sort of message, although it’s oftentimes very Disney-esque and perhaps a little saccharine. Sometimes you just need a guaranteed warm and fuzzy, happy ending.
I like that Alexa adds diverse characters, in this case Sawyer likes to cross-dress, blending the binary with his clothing and makeup. Prejudice and homophobia isn’t ignored in any of these books but always gets beaten back with the perpetually upbeat characters, acting as the worlds biggest support group. It’s nice, having a lot of unique people, with differing looks, tastes, sexuality types, all finding this group where they’re accepted as they are. It’s a very positive sort of message, although it’s oftentimes very Disney-esque and perhaps a little saccharine. Sometimes you just need a guaranteed warm and fuzzy, happy ending.
December 31, 2016
Yet another disappointment for 2016.
Is there nothing this year can't ruin?
I wouldn't say Alexa Land is one of my favorite m/m authors, but I have sincerely enjoyed this series...for the most part. This is one of those books that just seemed like a waste of time. Land appears to be moving further away from the stories heavily featuring Nana Dombruso, and while I applaud this because it was beginning to get old, I also miss the humor. Because in its place, Land seems content to add a lot of smarmy, cheesy romance and unrealistic dialogue. And I absolutely hated how pathetic Sawyer could be. He was just a doormat in heels.
This series appears to be tiring at a quick pace.
Is there nothing this year can't ruin?
I wouldn't say Alexa Land is one of my favorite m/m authors, but I have sincerely enjoyed this series...for the most part. This is one of those books that just seemed like a waste of time. Land appears to be moving further away from the stories heavily featuring Nana Dombruso, and while I applaud this because it was beginning to get old, I also miss the humor. Because in its place, Land seems content to add a lot of smarmy, cheesy romance and unrealistic dialogue. And I absolutely hated how pathetic Sawyer could be. He was just a doormat in heels.
This series appears to be tiring at a quick pace.
June 12, 2021
I love this series.
There was so much I loved about this story, especially the characters, but most of all I loved that there wasn't any manufactured angst or drama. Definitely one of my favorites in the series.
There was so much I loved about this story, especially the characters, but most of all I loved that there wasn't any manufactured angst or drama. Definitely one of my favorites in the series.
January 13, 2018
I really enjoyed Sawyer's and Alistair's romance.
This is a much mellower book than many of the others in this series. For me, this is a good thing.
A lot of the attention in on the love story. Alistair's plans seem a little not thoughtful as a conflict but I loved Sawyer's journey to come to understand himself and also find his way after the army,
Alistair is a wonderful character in his kindness and genuine acceptance. I love the new characters that come in and the time in London.
Can be read as a stand alone much more easily than the other books in the series.
This is a much mellower book than many of the others in this series. For me, this is a good thing.
A lot of the attention in on the love story. Alistair's plans seem a little not thoughtful as a conflict but I loved Sawyer's journey to come to understand himself and also find his way after the army,
Alistair is a wonderful character in his kindness and genuine acceptance. I love the new characters that come in and the time in London.
Can be read as a stand alone much more easily than the other books in the series.
January 9, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
Number thirteen is not unlucky for fans of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever series. Sawyer and Alastair’s story contains much of the sweetness that touches all the series’ prior couples. Book twelve, Who I Used to Be, dealt with some heavy subjects, but Worlds Away definitely falls on the lighter side, concentrating on Sawyer and Alastair falling for each other and doing what it takes to make things work even if an ocean separates them.
Alastair doesn’t resent the expectation that he will take over the family business, in fact he is proud of the family legacy, the many people they employ and the charitable acts that are made possible by their money. What he does resent is the way his family expects him to change to fit their mold. They expect him to return to London when he turns 21 in a few months and to not only devote every waking hour to the business and family name, but to hide his personality and his sexuality. His grandfather told him he needs to marry a suitable woman and if necessary, discretely take care of his homosexual proclivities on the side like it’s always been done.
Sawyer allowed himself to be pushed into the Army by his father, who is not subtle in his disappointment about Sawyer not re-enlisting. Their relationship is tenuous even though Sawyer is currently living with him, but he has an amazing relationship with his father’s ex-wife Sherry who lives on the other side of their duplex. A bad relationship while he was enlisted has left him a shell of who he was. He has given up everything he used to enjoy and is just sort of going through the motions of life. If you paid attention to the brief times Sawyer was on page in the prior book, you probably know that he has a bit of a secret that involves feminine clothing. It’s a side of himself he’s always hidden, even from his closest friends.
Sawyer and Alastair have been nursing crushes on each other since they briefly met a few months back. Alastair finally makes a big move at TJ and Zach’s wedding. Knowing Alastair only has months before he will be moving back to London, the two agree to a casual arrangement that soon goes flying out the window. On paper they are as different as can be, but they fit perfectly and quickly fall for each other as they find they can both really be themselves around the other. In fact Alastair so loves the side Sawyer has always hidden it makes for some incredibly sexy moments. I absolutely adored Sawyer learning to embrace who he is and express himself even if others don’t approve and had no problem picturing his changing looks in my mind. We don’t get Alastair’s point of view, but it is always very clear what he is thinking since these two have no communication issues at all. Even the reappearance of Sawyer’s ex and Alastair’s disapproving family can’t really shake the foundation these two men build.
Alexa Land again works her magic, not only endearing the two main characters to us, but building up some of the secondary characters that have been introduced in the last few books to full-fledged members of the Firsts and Forever family. Sawyer and Alastair become a support system for Darwin, Elijah and Gabriel, all of whom I expect will have their stories told in the future. Of course there are a few new characters that will have you begging for more, especially Alastair’s bodyguard Roger.
Half of the story takes place away from San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten! It wouldn’t be the same without Nana making an appearance. Although she has been toned down recently, she never fails to make an impression and her love still knows no bounds when it comes to her extended and always growing family.
This installment, more than some prior ones, would work well as a standalone since the number of recurring side characters is smaller and Alastair and Sawyer have only had small roles in the last two stories. While I love the emotional punch Alexa Land can deliver with some of the heavier books, it was also nice to read a no-angst story full of romance and fun.
Number thirteen is not unlucky for fans of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever series. Sawyer and Alastair’s story contains much of the sweetness that touches all the series’ prior couples. Book twelve, Who I Used to Be, dealt with some heavy subjects, but Worlds Away definitely falls on the lighter side, concentrating on Sawyer and Alastair falling for each other and doing what it takes to make things work even if an ocean separates them.
Alastair doesn’t resent the expectation that he will take over the family business, in fact he is proud of the family legacy, the many people they employ and the charitable acts that are made possible by their money. What he does resent is the way his family expects him to change to fit their mold. They expect him to return to London when he turns 21 in a few months and to not only devote every waking hour to the business and family name, but to hide his personality and his sexuality. His grandfather told him he needs to marry a suitable woman and if necessary, discretely take care of his homosexual proclivities on the side like it’s always been done.
Sawyer allowed himself to be pushed into the Army by his father, who is not subtle in his disappointment about Sawyer not re-enlisting. Their relationship is tenuous even though Sawyer is currently living with him, but he has an amazing relationship with his father’s ex-wife Sherry who lives on the other side of their duplex. A bad relationship while he was enlisted has left him a shell of who he was. He has given up everything he used to enjoy and is just sort of going through the motions of life. If you paid attention to the brief times Sawyer was on page in the prior book, you probably know that he has a bit of a secret that involves feminine clothing. It’s a side of himself he’s always hidden, even from his closest friends.
Sawyer and Alastair have been nursing crushes on each other since they briefly met a few months back. Alastair finally makes a big move at TJ and Zach’s wedding. Knowing Alastair only has months before he will be moving back to London, the two agree to a casual arrangement that soon goes flying out the window. On paper they are as different as can be, but they fit perfectly and quickly fall for each other as they find they can both really be themselves around the other. In fact Alastair so loves the side Sawyer has always hidden it makes for some incredibly sexy moments. I absolutely adored Sawyer learning to embrace who he is and express himself even if others don’t approve and had no problem picturing his changing looks in my mind. We don’t get Alastair’s point of view, but it is always very clear what he is thinking since these two have no communication issues at all. Even the reappearance of Sawyer’s ex and Alastair’s disapproving family can’t really shake the foundation these two men build.
Alexa Land again works her magic, not only endearing the two main characters to us, but building up some of the secondary characters that have been introduced in the last few books to full-fledged members of the Firsts and Forever family. Sawyer and Alastair become a support system for Darwin, Elijah and Gabriel, all of whom I expect will have their stories told in the future. Of course there are a few new characters that will have you begging for more, especially Alastair’s bodyguard Roger.
Half of the story takes place away from San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten! It wouldn’t be the same without Nana making an appearance. Although she has been toned down recently, she never fails to make an impression and her love still knows no bounds when it comes to her extended and always growing family.
This installment, more than some prior ones, would work well as a standalone since the number of recurring side characters is smaller and Alastair and Sawyer have only had small roles in the last two stories. While I love the emotional punch Alexa Land can deliver with some of the heavier books, it was also nice to read a no-angst story full of romance and fun.
December 27, 2016
Saywer and Alistair.....
First, gotta say... there will probably be spoilers, although I'll try not to... I'll also not try very hard, because my reviews are either ranty or gushy.... I don't care if you thumbs down me, or comment to complain... I likely won't see it because once my review is written, I don't go back and check it..... So... SPOILER ALERT POSSIBLE..... that is your warning....
I think this one might be my favorite of this series and I didn't think one would top Charlie and Vincent... This one felt different for me though and I loved it so much!
Sawyer is kind of lost; after a terrible breakup from a forbidden/hidden romance in the army, he moves back home to his fathers house where he never felt accepted or that he could be himself. Attending a party with all the guys from previous books, he gets a chance to formally meet Alistair who'd been staring/flirting with him all night. When they finally meet, its a whirwind romance to say the least. They're adorable cute together, they have fun and take chances and they make each other feel safe and loved and even though they agreed to keep it casual because Alistair has to go back to the UK at the end of summer, they still fall for each other...... and what a beautiful fall it was... It was so genuine and perfect. I loved it for both of them.
The whole story was set in Sawyers POV, but it was so easy to see how Allie felt and where he was at the whole time because he always let it be known. He showed Sawyer how much he cared about him all the time.
Now, Alistair, is a multi-million dollar tycoon from the UK. He came to the states for education and I believe to run away from his familial obligations because his family was just awful... Suggesting he hide who he is and go against himself to make them look good.... blah, terrible people. I wish they'd have gotten a better karmatic kick in the teeth, but.... whatever, they still didn't get their way in the end....so that was good. And Alistair, he truly fell for Sawyer, the REAL Sawyer, which I have to say I did not see all that was him, coming, but I absolutely adored the side of him that he no longer had to keep hidden when he met his Allie.
I have to say, the ending was a bit predictable when he took Sawyer to see his childhood home but I was plesantly surprised how that turned out. I loved seeing everyone else (specially Nana) and watching this epic love story play out... I could honestly gush and gush about this series and this story in particular, but I don't want to sit here and give everything away and I know I will if I keep going.
You should definitely give this one a chance though... you will not regret it.... It's perfect!!!
First, gotta say... there will probably be spoilers, although I'll try not to... I'll also not try very hard, because my reviews are either ranty or gushy.... I don't care if you thumbs down me, or comment to complain... I likely won't see it because once my review is written, I don't go back and check it..... So... SPOILER ALERT POSSIBLE..... that is your warning....
I think this one might be my favorite of this series and I didn't think one would top Charlie and Vincent... This one felt different for me though and I loved it so much!
Sawyer is kind of lost; after a terrible breakup from a forbidden/hidden romance in the army, he moves back home to his fathers house where he never felt accepted or that he could be himself. Attending a party with all the guys from previous books, he gets a chance to formally meet Alistair who'd been staring/flirting with him all night. When they finally meet, its a whirwind romance to say the least. They're adorable cute together, they have fun and take chances and they make each other feel safe and loved and even though they agreed to keep it casual because Alistair has to go back to the UK at the end of summer, they still fall for each other...... and what a beautiful fall it was... It was so genuine and perfect. I loved it for both of them.
The whole story was set in Sawyers POV, but it was so easy to see how Allie felt and where he was at the whole time because he always let it be known. He showed Sawyer how much he cared about him all the time.
Now, Alistair, is a multi-million dollar tycoon from the UK. He came to the states for education and I believe to run away from his familial obligations because his family was just awful... Suggesting he hide who he is and go against himself to make them look good.... blah, terrible people. I wish they'd have gotten a better karmatic kick in the teeth, but.... whatever, they still didn't get their way in the end....so that was good. And Alistair, he truly fell for Sawyer, the REAL Sawyer, which I have to say I did not see all that was him, coming, but I absolutely adored the side of him that he no longer had to keep hidden when he met his Allie.
I have to say, the ending was a bit predictable when he took Sawyer to see his childhood home but I was plesantly surprised how that turned out. I loved seeing everyone else (specially Nana) and watching this epic love story play out... I could honestly gush and gush about this series and this story in particular, but I don't want to sit here and give everything away and I know I will if I keep going.
You should definitely give this one a chance though... you will not regret it.... It's perfect!!!
December 26, 2016
Another 5 star read. Fresh and better than ever. Love it!
March 1, 2017
I'm not sure what to say about this installment to the Firsts and Forever series, I have to give it some thought but for now I'll say.....I didn't love it but I also didn't hate it. There were some things I had issues with and those are the things I need to think about before I write a proper review, if I'm even able to write one. At the moment I'm a bit perplexed about this story.
Feb 28, 2017
I've given it some thought and I still don't think I can write a proper review so I'll just note the two things that bothered me the most.
The first thing was the really strong sense of deja vu I had when I started reading. At first I thought I'd read this before but there is no way I could have since it's a new release. I'm NOT saying I've read this in some other book because honestly I have no idea if I have or not it was just a really weird feeling. The deja vu feeling didn't continue past the beginning but it was enough to throw me.
The second was the amount of characters that show up in this story especially at the beginning. Having read all the books in this series I remember them all but holy crap it was so freakin' overwhelming.
So overall not a good start and I think that may have clouded my judgement of this story.
Feb 28, 2017
I've given it some thought and I still don't think I can write a proper review so I'll just note the two things that bothered me the most.
The first thing was the really strong sense of deja vu I had when I started reading. At first I thought I'd read this before but there is no way I could have since it's a new release. I'm NOT saying I've read this in some other book because honestly I have no idea if I have or not it was just a really weird feeling. The deja vu feeling didn't continue past the beginning but it was enough to throw me.
The second was the amount of characters that show up in this story especially at the beginning. Having read all the books in this series I remember them all but holy crap it was so freakin' overwhelming.
So overall not a good start and I think that may have clouded my judgement of this story.
September 29, 2024
Loved so much
World's away was such a beautiful written story it was so wonderful how part was in San Francisco and London england it was awesomely written that way
I fell so in love with Alistair and Sawyer there relationship was so intense it was perfect
Worlds away had me on the edge of my seat I couldn't put the book down from page one I was hooked
I loved the way we saw previous characters from previous books
I loved following Alistair and sawyers journey they stole my heart
Thank you Alexa land for another installment from the first and forever series
World's away was such a beautiful written story it was so wonderful how part was in San Francisco and London england it was awesomely written that way
I fell so in love with Alistair and Sawyer there relationship was so intense it was perfect
Worlds away had me on the edge of my seat I couldn't put the book down from page one I was hooked
I loved the way we saw previous characters from previous books
I loved following Alistair and sawyers journey they stole my heart
Thank you Alexa land for another installment from the first and forever series
October 5, 2018
3.5 stars
I was totally committed to Sawyer and his finding himself. I could have used even more of his thinking and growth.
I loved Alister he was interesting but
It was overall a good installment to the series.
I was totally committed to Sawyer and his finding himself. I could have used even more of his thinking and growth.
I loved Alister he was interesting but
It was overall a good installment to the series.
December 30, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes.)
Yet again, an Alexa Land book keeps me from doing anything else until I can get to the end, sigh, and think damn I liked that. And I’m not joking. I really enjoyed this latest book in Ms. Land’s The Firsts and Forever Series. Just when I think she might run out of characters, more show up. And lest you think this series might get stale, let me tell you it doesn’t. Every time I pick up one of her books I’m enthralled and spend way too much time with my eyes glued to the Kindle screen.
A little background. I had read and reviewed the first eleven books, but hadn’t had a chance until yesterday to pick up Who I Used To Be, Book 12, which someone else reviewed on the blog. I read that one yesterday and this one today. I loved them both.
In Worlds Away, our story turns to Sawyer who we met previously in the series. Sawyer is ex-military, and a big tough motorcycle riding man with some dark secrets from his military past and his relationship with his abusive ex-lover who was also his Commanding Officer in Afghanistan. Sawyer also has another huge secret which he hasn’t shared with anyone…and it is a doozy.
Sawyer has been eyeing this sexy British graduate student named Alastair, who those of you reading along with this series will remember well from several spots in the series, beginning I think (if I remember correctly) with his stint as a street racer. Sawyer thinks Alastair is beyond his reach. Little does he know that Alastair has been eyeing him right back. I loved the tale of these two men, their inner insecurities, and their wildly divergent backgrounds. It was truly a Prince and a Pauper tale. But as always with Ms. Land, you know there is going to be a happily ever after in there somewhere. But…there might just be a lot of crap, and some surprises along the way to that happy-ending! No further spoilers…I’ll just say that I’m really happy they both got their tale.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I can’t wait to read the upcoming novella and other books in the series in the future. If you haven’t started reading the series, I’d recommend you do. You could read them out of order, but I wouldn’t. Characters flow from one book to the next in this series, especially my favorite character Nana. If you don’t know Nana yet…get reading!
Yet again, an Alexa Land book keeps me from doing anything else until I can get to the end, sigh, and think damn I liked that. And I’m not joking. I really enjoyed this latest book in Ms. Land’s The Firsts and Forever Series. Just when I think she might run out of characters, more show up. And lest you think this series might get stale, let me tell you it doesn’t. Every time I pick up one of her books I’m enthralled and spend way too much time with my eyes glued to the Kindle screen.
A little background. I had read and reviewed the first eleven books, but hadn’t had a chance until yesterday to pick up Who I Used To Be, Book 12, which someone else reviewed on the blog. I read that one yesterday and this one today. I loved them both.
In Worlds Away, our story turns to Sawyer who we met previously in the series. Sawyer is ex-military, and a big tough motorcycle riding man with some dark secrets from his military past and his relationship with his abusive ex-lover who was also his Commanding Officer in Afghanistan. Sawyer also has another huge secret which he hasn’t shared with anyone…and it is a doozy.
Sawyer has been eyeing this sexy British graduate student named Alastair, who those of you reading along with this series will remember well from several spots in the series, beginning I think (if I remember correctly) with his stint as a street racer. Sawyer thinks Alastair is beyond his reach. Little does he know that Alastair has been eyeing him right back. I loved the tale of these two men, their inner insecurities, and their wildly divergent backgrounds. It was truly a Prince and a Pauper tale. But as always with Ms. Land, you know there is going to be a happily ever after in there somewhere. But…there might just be a lot of crap, and some surprises along the way to that happy-ending! No further spoilers…I’ll just say that I’m really happy they both got their tale.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I can’t wait to read the upcoming novella and other books in the series in the future. If you haven’t started reading the series, I’d recommend you do. You could read them out of order, but I wouldn’t. Characters flow from one book to the next in this series, especially my favorite character Nana. If you don’t know Nana yet…get reading!
September 2, 2019
First I must say that this is one of my all time favorite series. I buy every book as soon as it's released. I have loved all of these characters and their stories so much that I've purchased the whole set for family members to introduce them to my beloved m/m genre.
Sadly, though while I love the characters, I didn't love the book. I liked it and I enjoyed seeing Nana and many of the others. However, as a devoted reader of this series I already know ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND THEIR STORIES! I WANT A NEW BOOK!! NOT a book riddled with gratuitous introductions of ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND INFO DUMPS OF THEIR STORIES! I want to watch the main characters work through problems not have the potential problem introduced then settled with a simple conversation or self reflection or simply being surprised to discover that it wasn't actually a problem at all except in their own heads. SMH
Sadly, this is not the first time that I've had this complaint about this series....
Sadly, I've stopped reading several other series in 2016 because of this same problem...
Once a series gets so big the authors need to decide whether they want to give their LOYAL readers a FULL STORY or if they want to give new readers ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND THEIR STORIES!
Ms Land has added a "Who's Who and How They're Related" section, which I applaud. However, if the author truly wants NEW readers to be aware that these are characters in previous books, in my humble opinion, it should be in the beginning, not the end. That way as the main characters interact with characters from previous books new readers will have some idea of who they are yet LOYAL READERS WON'T be bored with the info dumps and new readers can be encouraged to actually buy the other books in the series.
Sadly, though while I love the characters, I didn't love the book. I liked it and I enjoyed seeing Nana and many of the others. However, as a devoted reader of this series I already know ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND THEIR STORIES! I WANT A NEW BOOK!! NOT a book riddled with gratuitous introductions of ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND INFO DUMPS OF THEIR STORIES! I want to watch the main characters work through problems not have the potential problem introduced then settled with a simple conversation or self reflection or simply being surprised to discover that it wasn't actually a problem at all except in their own heads. SMH
Sadly, this is not the first time that I've had this complaint about this series....
Sadly, I've stopped reading several other series in 2016 because of this same problem...
Once a series gets so big the authors need to decide whether they want to give their LOYAL readers a FULL STORY or if they want to give new readers ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND THEIR STORIES!
Ms Land has added a "Who's Who and How They're Related" section, which I applaud. However, if the author truly wants NEW readers to be aware that these are characters in previous books, in my humble opinion, it should be in the beginning, not the end. That way as the main characters interact with characters from previous books new readers will have some idea of who they are yet LOYAL READERS WON'T be bored with the info dumps and new readers can be encouraged to actually buy the other books in the series.
October 5, 2025
I have to say that I was a massive fan of this series, I have read and re read all of the books up until the last two. I don't know if it's that I've 'outgrown' them, or if the stories are just getting so outlandish and unlikely that I've had enough. I rolled my eyes so much while i was reading this one, they practically fell out! Alistair was like a cross between Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins and P G Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster. I cringed at the rampant stereotyping of the British, the dialogue was often majorly embarrassing, especially when Alistair's underlings were speaking. Also, I 'm unsure where Ms Land got her info, but since when in the UK were we concerned about the Americans taking our jobs? Pur-lease!!!!! I will read the next book, because I find them strangely addictive. I do hope, however, that the next one is a keeper. I hate having an incomplete series, but found that I've deleted the last two with no qualms whatsoever.
February 23, 2017
So I LOVE the 'Firsts and Forever'-series, BUT I had a hard time getting started with the series, since the writing in the first couple of books was... Paced?! Simple?!
It got better however and with the introduction of Nana, I was hooked.
This book though, was a sort of a backslide to the first books in the series. The storyline wasn't bad (it wasn't my favourite), but the writing felt simple (?!) and/or paced (?!).
I didn't connect to these MCs as I have with others in this series, BUT this is not the last FsandF-book I will read.
I am a fan for life I think, because they are humerous, warm and a fun break from the -sometimes- convoluted books found in the MM-genre.
It got better however and with the introduction of Nana, I was hooked.
This book though, was a sort of a backslide to the first books in the series. The storyline wasn't bad (it wasn't my favourite), but the writing felt simple (?!) and/or paced (?!).
I didn't connect to these MCs as I have with others in this series, BUT this is not the last FsandF-book I will read.
I am a fan for life I think, because they are humerous, warm and a fun break from the -sometimes- convoluted books found in the MM-genre.
December 26, 2016
Yesss!
Another fantastic read from Alexa Land. From beginning to end totally engrossing. Allie and Sawyer brought tears to my eyes. Beautifully done!
Another fantastic read from Alexa Land. From beginning to end totally engrossing. Allie and Sawyer brought tears to my eyes. Beautifully done!
December 27, 2016
Great read! By far, one of the best books in this series. I felt that it was a more mature read than some in the past, good depth of characters.
January 21, 2017
Took off one star because I wanted more of Nana. Still loved the book. Loved the two MCs. Realistic? No, but who cares.
So special that Sawyer was a big man who loved feminine clothes, but he did not trust the reactions of others so kept it a secret.
I, uh...I think you're brave. I just wanted to tell you that. I've always admired people who can just...be who they are." Okay, wow, that sounded stupid. Gabriel turned toward me and appraised me carefully before asking, "And who are you, Sawyer?" I'm..." I hesitated, then pulled up the hem of my shirt a few inches, revealing a black silk corset. "I'm the same as you, but on the inside." I dropped the shirt and studied the welcome mat. "I'm guessing most people don't know that about you, right?" "Right." "Screw labels," Gabriel said. "Be who you are and call it whatever the hell you want."
Sawyer wanted to share both of his sides with Alastair, but was afraid to trust.
I wasn't ready to show him that other side of me just yet, the part so few understood, the part I didn't understand myself.
Alastair has his own secrets. His family expected him to return home, work in the family business and marry an appropriate woman.
My family knows I'm gay, but they think it's just some rebellious phase I'm going through for shock value, and they expect me to be done with it by the time I come home. How the bloody hell am I supposed to just be done with who I am?"
The interaction between Sawyer and Alastair touched my heart. I loved their story.
So special that Sawyer was a big man who loved feminine clothes, but he did not trust the reactions of others so kept it a secret.
I, uh...I think you're brave. I just wanted to tell you that. I've always admired people who can just...be who they are." Okay, wow, that sounded stupid. Gabriel turned toward me and appraised me carefully before asking, "And who are you, Sawyer?" I'm..." I hesitated, then pulled up the hem of my shirt a few inches, revealing a black silk corset. "I'm the same as you, but on the inside." I dropped the shirt and studied the welcome mat. "I'm guessing most people don't know that about you, right?" "Right." "Screw labels," Gabriel said. "Be who you are and call it whatever the hell you want."
Sawyer wanted to share both of his sides with Alastair, but was afraid to trust.
I wasn't ready to show him that other side of me just yet, the part so few understood, the part I didn't understand myself.
Alastair has his own secrets. His family expected him to return home, work in the family business and marry an appropriate woman.
My family knows I'm gay, but they think it's just some rebellious phase I'm going through for shock value, and they expect me to be done with it by the time I come home. How the bloody hell am I supposed to just be done with who I am?"
The interaction between Sawyer and Alastair touched my heart. I loved their story.
January 4, 2017
What can I say? I love Alexa Land and her Firsts and Forever series. Like all the books this is very well written, with characters you can relate to at times and others just want to be in their world. I loved Alistair and Sawyer, though their story seems set apart from the others. Partly because of the distance, the characters moving to England for a good amount of time in the book. There were appearances from some very well liked characters, and new ones introduced. My list of characters that I want stories about continues to grow. I am looking forward to the novella coming out this year and hopefully another book featuring one or more of the side characters we have come to love as much as the main characters.
January 8, 2017
I had given up on this series several books back but decided to give this one a try as it was on KU. On the plus side, Worlds Away was blissfully Nana-lite. However, the huge cast of interchangeable characters from previous (and presumably future) books in the series was intrusive and just plain annoying. Despite the confusion over who on earth was who, I was actually enjoying the story until about the half-way point and then two things happened: 1) the need for a good editor to stop the story from wandering all over the place became evident 2) Alastair and Sawyer came to London. Oh dear.
To be fair, I think the author tried to be authentic, but at times the effort was all a bit "Cor blimey, Mary Poppins" Dick Van Dyke excruciating (see Roger the bodyguard and the security guard at Alastair's office). There were so many mistakes that would have been picked up by just asking an English person to have a read through! Well yes, we Briddish people do love our tea, but amazingly enough we do drink coffee too and will usually have a coffee machine or cafetière in our homes, I would think especially if that home were a stately home like the cringeworthily-named "Wordsworth Manor" (no idea what the "Mr Coffee" is that the housekeeper has, presumably an American brand - and we don't have coffee in cans). And yes, the Briddish tabloids are appalling, but even they would never stoop to using the term "poofter" on their front pages. By this point, the story had become pure soap opera melodrama anyway, I suppose, and any attempt at realism had flown far away.
Finally, it is really irritating when an author clearly cannot be bothered to spend five minutes of research time googling "US and UK visa regulations". Instead she just seemed to make up rules to suit the storyline! Of course Sawyer wouldn't have been able to get a job in the UK if he was here on a tourist visa, we have the same visa regulations in that respect as many other countries, including the US. It was implied in this book that there was a special rule to "stop Americans taking jobs away from British people". Huh? No, he just needed to apply for a work visa. Similarly, Alastair would have been in the US on a student visa which would not have allowed him to work there either.
So, by the time the book had limped and rambled through the final 30% I was left feeling really irritated - by the sloppy research and editing, by the over-the-top drama with family and media, by the saccharine-sweetness of the whirlwind romance with young millionaire (it was never quite clear how the family had quite so much money just from owning a department store in this era of decline in the retail industry). I found myself longing for the silly slapstick of disastrous cooking shows and old ladies twerking from the earlier books, however much I had hated it at the time.
Bring back Nana, all is forgiven.
To be fair, I think the author tried to be authentic, but at times the effort was all a bit "Cor blimey, Mary Poppins" Dick Van Dyke excruciating (see Roger the bodyguard and the security guard at Alastair's office). There were so many mistakes that would have been picked up by just asking an English person to have a read through! Well yes, we Briddish people do love our tea, but amazingly enough we do drink coffee too and will usually have a coffee machine or cafetière in our homes, I would think especially if that home were a stately home like the cringeworthily-named "Wordsworth Manor" (no idea what the "Mr Coffee" is that the housekeeper has, presumably an American brand - and we don't have coffee in cans). And yes, the Briddish tabloids are appalling, but even they would never stoop to using the term "poofter" on their front pages. By this point, the story had become pure soap opera melodrama anyway, I suppose, and any attempt at realism had flown far away.
Finally, it is really irritating when an author clearly cannot be bothered to spend five minutes of research time googling "US and UK visa regulations". Instead she just seemed to make up rules to suit the storyline! Of course Sawyer wouldn't have been able to get a job in the UK if he was here on a tourist visa, we have the same visa regulations in that respect as many other countries, including the US. It was implied in this book that there was a special rule to "stop Americans taking jobs away from British people". Huh? No, he just needed to apply for a work visa. Similarly, Alastair would have been in the US on a student visa which would not have allowed him to work there either.
So, by the time the book had limped and rambled through the final 30% I was left feeling really irritated - by the sloppy research and editing, by the over-the-top drama with family and media, by the saccharine-sweetness of the whirlwind romance with young millionaire (it was never quite clear how the family had quite so much money just from owning a department store in this era of decline in the retail industry). I found myself longing for the silly slapstick of disastrous cooking shows and old ladies twerking from the earlier books, however much I had hated it at the time.
Bring back Nana, all is forgiven.
April 19, 2023
I am an inarticulate puddle of emotion right now. For real. Wow. Alastair is, hands down, the sweetest human alive (yeah yeah, fictional, I know. hush) and I loved getting his story. Bonus, seeing more of Elijah and Darwin was spectacular. The whole gang is wonderful, of course, and with each book I find myself wanting to know about more of them.
December 30, 2016
No Hiding Who He Is
This is a sweet story about Sawyer and Alastair finally figuring out how to meet each and determine what type of relationship they can have. They decided it can't be serious because Alastair is going home to the UK in a few months. They are perfect for each other because they can be themselves with each other. Of course, Alexa Land take us through their trials and triumphs, which pulls you into these characters lives and makes you care about them. And when Nana makes an appearance along with some off the other guys, this make the story perfect. Enjoy I did.
This is a sweet story about Sawyer and Alastair finally figuring out how to meet each and determine what type of relationship they can have. They decided it can't be serious because Alastair is going home to the UK in a few months. They are perfect for each other because they can be themselves with each other. Of course, Alexa Land take us through their trials and triumphs, which pulls you into these characters lives and makes you care about them. And when Nana makes an appearance along with some off the other guys, this make the story perfect. Enjoy I did.
December 28, 2016
I was shocked
About Sawyer I don't know if I saw it coming or not. But I'm glad he faced who he was. I'm also glad Alastair finally had it out with his family. At first, I almost stop reading the story because of Sawyer not that I was against him, but because I never read a story like it before. It was very different that's for sure. But I loved how it all unfolded slowly. Another great story by Alexa!
About Sawyer I don't know if I saw it coming or not. But I'm glad he faced who he was. I'm also glad Alastair finally had it out with his family. At first, I almost stop reading the story because of Sawyer not that I was against him, but because I never read a story like it before. It was very different that's for sure. But I loved how it all unfolded slowly. Another great story by Alexa!
February 3, 2017
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
This is book 13 people and this series still isn’t getting old, tired or boring – in fact it keeps getting better. Alexa did a brilliant job once again even though Worlds Away has a very different feel and far less Dombruso – I mean Nana – you know what I mean. Nana doesn’t feature heavily in this story and although I love reading about her shenanigans it felt right that she was slightly more demure this time as Sawyer and Alistair was all about the feels – a love story that appears doomed before it even begins.
We have met Sawyer earlier in the series – a big and brash man who is ex-military, loves his bike and is more than a little messed up from an abusive relationship. Sawyer also has a destructive relationship with his father that doesn’t allow him to move on so when we meet him this time he is in a rut. He has set his sights on a Brit called Alistair who he knows through mutual friends but he is far too scared to do anything about it.
Alistair reels in the man he wants to get up close and personal to with cupcakes. Both men are up for a bit of under the covers loving but neither man is up for anything long term or serious. It’s quickly obvious that neither man is as closed off as they think and that they are both fallible when it comes to falling in love.
I loved the characters, I loved the story-line and I loved the development with a bit of rebellion needed for these men to get what they wanted and deserved. Both men grow personally and together and with our old favourites popping in and out Worlds Away was a great story to end 2016 with.
4.5 Stars
This is book 13 people and this series still isn’t getting old, tired or boring – in fact it keeps getting better. Alexa did a brilliant job once again even though Worlds Away has a very different feel and far less Dombruso – I mean Nana – you know what I mean. Nana doesn’t feature heavily in this story and although I love reading about her shenanigans it felt right that she was slightly more demure this time as Sawyer and Alistair was all about the feels – a love story that appears doomed before it even begins.
We have met Sawyer earlier in the series – a big and brash man who is ex-military, loves his bike and is more than a little messed up from an abusive relationship. Sawyer also has a destructive relationship with his father that doesn’t allow him to move on so when we meet him this time he is in a rut. He has set his sights on a Brit called Alistair who he knows through mutual friends but he is far too scared to do anything about it.
Alistair reels in the man he wants to get up close and personal to with cupcakes. Both men are up for a bit of under the covers loving but neither man is up for anything long term or serious. It’s quickly obvious that neither man is as closed off as they think and that they are both fallible when it comes to falling in love.
I loved the characters, I loved the story-line and I loved the development with a bit of rebellion needed for these men to get what they wanted and deserved. Both men grow personally and together and with our old favourites popping in and out Worlds Away was a great story to end 2016 with.
December 29, 2016
Perfect.
Utterly perfect story for these two guys. So many surprise and a newness to a series that has such an amazing cast of characters. It's always like going to a family reunion, when a new story comes out in this series, but this book added a whole new world and so many possibilities for new storylines. I want all the men in this book to find their H.E.A. I cannot wait to delve back into this universe. Thank you, Alexa, for an amazing story.
Utterly perfect story for these two guys. So many surprise and a newness to a series that has such an amazing cast of characters. It's always like going to a family reunion, when a new story comes out in this series, but this book added a whole new world and so many possibilities for new storylines. I want all the men in this book to find their H.E.A. I cannot wait to delve back into this universe. Thank you, Alexa, for an amazing story.
December 29, 2016
Better and better
Charlie and Dante are still my favorite but this is a close 2nd so sexy and flawed make for best characters. Nana just gets funnier with age...but I am still waiting for a sexy Asian Tattoo artist to get a happy ending!!!
Charlie and Dante are still my favorite but this is a close 2nd so sexy and flawed make for best characters. Nana just gets funnier with age...but I am still waiting for a sexy Asian Tattoo artist to get a happy ending!!!
January 10, 2017
I loved it...Alexa Land is one of my favorite authors and every time she releases a new book i get it right then. I can't get enough of this series and seriously Nana and her motley crew are laugh out loud hilarious.
December 27, 2016
Loved loved loved
Another book knocked out of the park, each book just gets better and better can't wait for the next one.
Another book knocked out of the park, each book just gets better and better can't wait for the next one.
December 28, 2016
LOVE - will provide better review later :).
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