The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn't hell enough, a cloud of volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava's ever had. And that's all it was--until Caleb shows up on her doorstep.When pure chance pulls Ava back into Caleb's orbit, he proposes they enjoy their physical connection while he's stranded in Boston. Ava agrees, knowing her heart's in no danger since a) she barely likes Caleb and b) his existence in her life is temporary. Not long thereafter Ava realizes she's made a terrible error because as it turns out Caleb Scott isn't quite so unlikeable after all. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. But even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her....
Audiobook
Published October 9th 2018 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher
Four stars: A fun, flirty romance that starts out with antagonistic banter, but there is more to this one than fluff.
Ava is exhausted after an emotional few days in Phoenix under the most trying circumstances. She wants nothing more than to get on the airplane and get home. Unfortunately, a rude man named Caleb Scott, gets in her way. He steals her first class seat, barks at her and then she finds they are seat mates. They fight and argue on the flight, and then something changes during the lay over. The pair end up in the bedroom. They part ways, not expecting to run into one another again, but fate has other things in mind. The two are thrown together again and their chemistry is off the charts, but neither wants a relationship. The pair agrees to a no strings attached, physical relationship only, but will they be able to walk away when the time is up?
What I Liked:
- Fight or Flight was a fun romance. I loved that it started out completely antagonistic and then it moved into a friendship and so much more. There are layers and layers to the characters and the relationships. This is so much more than a sexy romance.
- Eva and Caleb shine as the main characters. At first, Caleb is brusque and rude. He never utters a please or thank you and he has nothing by snide, snarling remarks for Ada. Ada at first glance, appears to be a superficial pretty woman who is concerned about her appearance, but first impressions are deceiving. There is so much more to these characters. Caleb in reality is kind and caring under that gruff exterior. Ava is damaged and she uses her appearance to bolster her confidence. Both have suffered through major setbacks in their lives, and they are trying to forge ahead. I loved the complexity of both Ava and Caleb.
- The romance is wonderful. It starts out with the two completely at odds, not liking one another at all. Then the sparks of attraction ignite and they find their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Again, the relationship transforms and the duo learn to truly open up and they become friends, and then one more turn and they are genuine lovers. I loved the depth and complexity of the relationship and how they formed a powerful bond that benefitted both of them.
- I enjoyed the secondary cast of characters such as Ava’s best friend Harper and Caleb’s brother, and several others. I loved that there was a strong focus on friendship in this one. The bond between Harper and Ava is wonderful.
- I appreciated that this book had a lot of substance to it, and that it wasn’t all sex, romance and fluff. It takes on some deep issues such as domestic abuse, emotional abuse, child neglect and self doubt and self esteem. I thought the author did a wonderful job with these topics.
- The book ends with a nice happy exclamation point. I was thrilled with the way things settled out, but I was also hopeful that there might be more with other characters in the book.
And The Not So Much:
- I loved Harper, Ava’s bestie, and I wanted so much to see her find her happiness. I am hoping that there might be another book with her as the main character.
- I was bothered by the relationship between Ava and her parents. I wish that there had been some movement in that area.
- I hated the big stumble toward the end. Just when I thought things were on the up and up, Caleb has to go and be a big ass again. Argh. I wish I could have gotten Caleb’s point of view so I could understand him better.
Fight or Flight was a great read. I loved that this book was so much more than a romance. It was a book with depth. I loved the complex characters and the layered relationships. It was one heck of a ride. I grew attached to these characters, and I am hoping that there might be a companion novel in the works featuring Harper.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
