Pro-footballer Jay Ruttman and international rock star Sebastian Saunders are back.
Used to the press, used to the public interest, and used to being just the two of them, they’ve forged a life juggling their high-profile careers with their low-key relationship. And it’s working. Mostly.
There's only two things left hanging that could elevate their contentment to perfection—marriage and a child.
Six years since bridge-gate, and Jay’s spectacular proposal on the Millennium Bridge, the bill has now passed for legal same-sex marriage. It looks like they might be able to finally tie the knot, and the pitter patter of tiny feet isn’t as far flung an idea as it might have first seemed.
Until Jay has his first call up to play for the national team and must, once again, decide what’s more important—family or football.
This is an add-on novella to wrap up The District Line series.
Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
Extra Time is not a stand-alone story. It’s more an enchanting epilogue to the District Line series, which is a heart-breaking and heart-warming story about two young men from opposite sides of the tracks, with completely opposing personalities, coming together to find strength in one another. Jay makes Seb want to be a better person, and for Seb, Jay will be every inch the hero his boyfriend thinks he is.
This story gives us a chance to revisit Seb and Jay now that they’re in their 30s, having had success and happiness and love. Watching Jay struggle to make the choice to delay the wedding — a year, it’s only a year or so –is painful. After all, Seb went to New York, didn’t he? So why shouldn’t Jay for once take a chance on his dream to play for the National team? He’s getting older. He won’t be playing at a competitive level for much longer, and this is probably his last chance.
My only issue is there should definitely be a trigger warning for premature birth.
As someone who experienced a stillbirth at 26 weeks, I tend to avoid any books with any type of premature birth or baby loss unless I've emotionally prepared myself beforehand, but it was just dropped on me.
The physical description of a 26 week baby was also completely inaccurate for a baby that was classed healthy - my baby was classed small and was much bigger than the author depicted. Not a big thing, but again as someone who encountered the more tragic outcome it's something that stays with you.
Other than this, I was extremely happy for Jay and Seb and I'm really glad I spotted this series in a Facebook recommendation group.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a bonus “epilogue” novella for the District Line trilogy and while it’s a complete story on its own – you definitely need to read/listen to the other books, starting with Kick Off. Also, this is labeled as a novella – but it must fall just under some word count because it felt like a full length book and in no way was it lacking.
Oh CF White! I didn’t think I was capable of loving Jay & Seb any more than I did at the end of Come Back and she proved me wrong. The hardest part of reviewing this book is sharing how much I love it without spoiling any of the amazing surprises she has in store for Ruttman & Saunders fans. It is absolutely an emotional ride with highs, lows, disappointments, and celebrations mixed with laughs and family both by blood and those found in friendship. It is the absolute perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Piers Ryman is fantastic. I admit that my first time listening, he struck me as sounding kind of older than I would imagine for guys in their early 20s. However, after listening through the whole series, and then listening AGAIN in prep for this book – I honestly can’t imagine anyone else being Seb & Jay. White brings some pretty emotional scenes into this book and Ryman’s delivery had me laughing out loud and also wiping away tears. Kudos! and I will be seeking out more of his work.
Extra Time, the fourth book in The District Line series is absolutely fabulous. I love this entire CF White series.
It's wonderful to see Seb and Jay happy together. This time around we get to see them approaching marriage and children. Yay!
It's no surprise that I love this part of their adventures. They feel like family by now, and they continue to make me smile and laugh. And cry too.
These two men always have their ups and downs, but their love for one another is never in question. They love one another fiercely and they will fight for one another till the end. They ooze love and chemistry, and I'm in love with this extended look into their lives.
If you've been following The District Line series, you will absolutely adore this finale. CF White has given their readers more than they could have ever asked for. Extra Time is just that, extra time for us readers to spend time with this wonderful couple! You won't be disappointed.
Indie rock musician, Seb, and premier league footballer, Jay, are back in this very satisfying final extra which tackles the possibility of marriage and children in a substantial story with lots of interesting subplots. One of the many reasons this series has worked so well is because Seb and Jay are fully-drawn characters with big hearts - you get to know them well and you really want them to triumph over their stacked decks. CF White has anchored these characters amongst realistic colleagues, family, and friends and it was great to see them all again. Listening to Piers Ryman’s narration of these all characters was like snuggling under a favourite blanket, comfortingly warm and familiar. I loved every moment!
Loved having Seb and Jay back, I didn’t realise how much I’d missed them until this released.
Fast forward and things have changed for these two lovebirds, same sex marriage is legal but things are never that easy are they? If they were then we wouldn’t get to hear Seb’s views on the matter in only the way he can do it.
I won’t give anything away other as you really do need to read this to understand not only just how far these two have come, but also just how much their love for each other has strengthened and grown. For me, this is CF White at her best, bringing her best lines, humour and trademark Seb snark into my Kindle, making me snort with laughter on more than one occasion.
I am missing these two already, and really do hope there will be more in the future.
We finally see Jay and Sebs dreams of family and wedding come true but not without more drama, more added plot points which made this series even longer.
These reviews are all my own and others may have a totally different view of this series.
I have to say I'm glad to see this series is ended as for me it just kept going and going.
The Footballer and the Rockstar Forever (an audio review)
I have a huge crush on Sebastian and Jay. Back from when they first ran into each other through to their happily ever after, I’ve rooted for them, I’ve occasionally wanted to slap some sense into them, and I’ve fallen in love with them. From virtual unknowns to one of the best footballers in the UK and a famous rock star, they’ve stayed true to their roots and to each other.
So what happens when it all comes crashing down?
Jay has the opportunity of a lifetime. Play for the national team. One small problem – he plays in a game where being gay isn’t just frowned up, it doesn’t happen. He and Sebastian are out as a couple and that’s okay in the UK, but there are countries where being a homosexual is illegal. Where Jay won’t be welcome. But all he’s ever wanted is to play in the big leagues. And Sebastian understands. To a point. He also wants his happily ever after and when gay marriage becomes legal, he figures it’s time to make it official. The tattoos on the ring fingers are nice, but he wants the piece of paper that goes with the real thing.
On top of that, things are moving forward in their personal lives. They have always had the dream of starting a family and when it looks like that’s going to happen, things get even crazier.
So the question is – can they achieve their dreams and stay true to who they are? Can they keep the eye on the prize and the focus on the happiness they share?
Well, this is a romance so you probably know the answer. But I was still on the edge of my seat a few times. I wanted them to have everything but wasn’t sure they could. It was a big ask.
I’ll round off by talking about the narrator Piers Ryman. He’s done a brilliant job with this series and I look forward to more books narrated by him. As well as more books from Ms. White. I admit I’m going to miss Sebastian and Jay. Like I said, I’ve fallen in love with them. I’ll also say it takes talent to hold my interest for not just one book, but four – all with the same couple. So well done. Definitely a great ending to a lovely series.
I didn't want to start reading this book, because I don't want the series to end! Fortunately, the author has some free stories on their website to soften the blow! heheh
Dare I say, this is the final hurdle for Seb and Jay? Jay has been called up to play for the national team but there's a catch. Even though marriage is legal now... Jay is faced with having to make a decision once more that may have consequences for his relationship. He's asked to postpone his wedding to Seb.
So, here is another hurdle for Jay and Seb. They've been through a lot by this point - overcoming challenges that may tear others apart. But this is a big one. Seb has wanted to be married for a long time, and perhaps, more than that... he wants to be someone's first choice. The world of football is tough and still coming to terms with things like two men marrying.
I enjoyed the battle for Jay and Seb's marriage... and because I was confident in the author I just went along for the ride.
I’ve binged straight through this District Line Series over a few days while recuperating from an OP. And I’ve loved every page, even through the streams of tears at what these two MC’s, Jay and Sep, had to go through to reach their ‘ Extra Time’. The whole series is a dream to read, so well constructed and researched covering such diverse characters as well as their way of life, a young English man trying to make it in the top levels of Soccer and another Punk Rocker trying to make it in the Entertainment industry. Their schedules just clash as much as the opposing fans do when facing their week-end opponents on the football pitch and in the stands.
This book is exactly as the title, when all ends that ends well, with a very decisive result. 😍🥰
This was my last read of 2020 and I definitely saved the best for last. I cannot tell you how much I adore Jay and Seb and this book is a beautiful insight into their lives after the original trilogy ended. In true District Line series fashion there are ups and downs but running through everything is the utter devotion these two guys have for one another. We can all only hope to have a love like theirs, it’s makes my heart swoon with they way they are together. The writing is beautiful, it’s feels very real and authentic. I’m still not ready to leave these guys so I hope we get more chances to read about them.
Jay Ruttman and Sebastian Saunders are back, that's what the author wrote and boy are they.
I have loved this series and the two main characters have gone through so much. If you love an English book then read these, you won't be dissapointed.
Going to miss these boys, but at least I can reread or listen to them all again.
The narration is exceptional, but i did read at 1.15 speed.
Extra Time The District Line #4 By: C F White Narrated by: Piers Ryman Series: The District Line, Book 4 Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration 📚📚📚📚📚 Story Read at 1.15 speed on Audible
This is basically an extended epilogue. It's the story of what happens when the original story is over. We know Jay proposed to Seb and they've agreed to get married whenever it becomes legal in the previous books. Well, now it's become legal and Seb has expectations. This is the story of what happens when a couple who lived happily ever after lives in the real world, with real work opportunities that clash with life commitments. They overcome these challenges and do get their HEA on not only a whole new chapter of their lives, but a whole new book of their lives, that includes our old favorite characters from the previous books, especially Anne, who does them a huge favor 😘
After the previous theee books, visiting Jay and Seb again is like visiting good friends. I love then as characters and absolutely loved their journey in the whole series. Extra Time is an additional chapter I never knew I needed that now feels like an obvious conclusion to the adventure. Development those two go through in this chapter is amazing! As before, CF White captured the emotions and heartache in such vivid and visceral detail, it’s impossible to remain impartial. I cried a really good cry with this story and smiled an even better smile. It was an amazingly good visit. Hopefully not the last.
I found this novella so sweet, it really captured Seb and Jay's relationship- with it's struggles that are real and not overly dramatic. I liked that a lot about this series- how the drama dies down instead of blowing up. I enjoyed seeing where they are now, and the changes they each went through- as well as the shared goals they accomplished together. It was funny, and expertly narrated by Piers Ryman- some emotional parts blew me away with how he manipulated his voice to get the emotion through. It was a gt punch every time, to hear how well he channeled the characters.
What a great series . The book is awesome the audiobook is wonderful.
The conclusion took my breathe away to say I loved this audiobook is an understatement. This is such a wonderful — beautiful story that made me cry with joy .. All the characters have huge substance , .They have a presence that makes the audiobook so very real. I won’t give any spoilers— I have been honoured to listen to these audiobooks. Wonderful writing by C.F. White with incredible narration by Piers Ryman .
Great series about fighting for the right to be exactly who you were meant to be alongside exactly who you were meant to be with. These boys love so fiercely! Their families, their friends, their professions, music, sport, but mostly and especially each other. Book 4 is the absolute perfect ending to an absolutely spectacular series!
Love these two men and their journey. I was in tears. I have been immersed in their story from the first book through this one. I hope there is an update on them in the future.
It’s the absolutely perfect ending to the District Lines series that you didn’t know you needed. CF White has managed to capture the essence of Jay & Seb’s entire journey wrapped up in this final installment - all the love, angst and chemistry that make Jay & Seb perfect together.
Edited 2/26/21 to add my comments about the audiobook.
Audiobook review:
Overall – 5 Story – 5 Performance – 5
Fantastic! The book I didn't know I needed.
I loved this audiobook so much! In my review of the ebook (see below) I said the only thing that could make this better would be for Piers Ryman to perform the audiobook. He didn’t disappoint me. Even though it hasn’t been that long since I read the book, listening to Piers read it to me was like experiencing the book for the first time. I just can’t say enough good things about this audiobook.
Below is my original review of the book:
I almost don’t know what to say about this book other than I absolutely loved it. I loved every slightly angsty moment (there were a few) and every happy moment. I was really very satisfied when I finished with book three in the original trilogy so I was surprised, but delighted, that C F White decided to write another story for Seb and Jay.
The blurb really tells you everything that the story is about. I can tell you how I felt reading it. I laughed and I cried and I sat on the edge of my seat during certain parts waiting for the outcome of a few different pivotal scenes. This truly was the story I didn’t know I needed but I am so happy that I got to spend more time with Seb and Jay.
Extra Time is much more than an extended epilogue for the for original trilogy. If you were a fan of those books you definitely do not want to miss reading this story. The only thing that could make this better for me is to hear Piers Ryman perform the words for me. I don’t know if that’s going to happen or not but if it does, I will be more than ready to experience this story all over again. Thank you, C F White, reading this book made my day!
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Just like the box set of the previous threeAfter a couple listens and a few days to contemplate, I finally figured out what it was about this story that had me captivated but also frustrated.
The story has the elements of a true-to-life fairy tale. Two wonderful characters face big challengesto keep hold their relationship together. Even in this wrap up novella, Seb and Jay continue to develop and grow as individuals and as a team.
This book had some very intense moments, I appreciate how well the author maintained the tension. I also appreciate that she didn’t let the parents become the unrepentent villains. They are given a chance to set things right. The resolution was good. As a reader I was happy to have a chance to get another glimpse into Jay and Seb's life, and I liked the ending. From the perspective of a writer, I feel like the end was too abrupt. Yes, most things were resolved, but the reader doesn't have enough of a chance to relax before the story is over. I also think Ann needed some more page time. She is Jay's best friend. I think she deserved a bigger role.
This must have been a difficult story to complete. How do you let go of two characters who make you feel so much? At this time, there are three more short stories that show glimpses of Jay and Seb's life. Those stories answer a few more questions for me, but I still want more. That is the real issue I have with this story. I didn’t want to stop listening to Piers Ryman tell me the stories that CF White has written about two characters who made me cry and laugh.
If you are looking for a story that makes you feel an epic range of emotions and shows you the joys of building a loving family, this is one of the best.
You know how, when a series ends, we always want more time with our favorite characters? Just one more epilogue or one more bonus short? Just. One. More. Well, I can’t speak for everyone, or for every series out there, but C F White gives it to us with Seb and Jay.
After everything they went through in books one through three to get to their HEA, it’s great to check back in with them. Seb and Jay are great characters, and easy to love and root for. How can you not?
This was another well written, and wonderfully thought out storyline by C F White. The characters are as well developed, and relatable, as they were when we last saw them in book three. I really enjoyed it!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***