Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

Fight or Flight

by Samantha Young

'Mysterious, all-consuming and pretty damn good' Closer

'Humour, heartbreak, drama, and passion.' The Reading Café

A series of serendipitous encounters lead to sizzling romance in this new book from the New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Hero . . .

The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. She's flying home to Boston for the saddest of reasons when her emotional cloud becomes a real one - of volcanic ash. Stranded, her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip is thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, 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 is - jet-lag induced insanity - until Caleb, AKA Mr Arrogant Himself, shows up on her doorstep.

Pure chance has landed Caleb in Boston, but he's determined to enjoy himself - and Ava - while he's there. Ava gives in because a) her heart is safe since she barely likes Caleb, b) his existence in her life is temporary and c) it's by a mile high club the best sex of her life. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. And 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 . . .

'Heartwarming, sizzling and captivating. . . . [Young's characters] are complex, a little flawed, and at their core good people struggling to make it in this crazy world. . . . ' Caffeinated Book Reviewer

'Ridiculously incendiary chemistry.' Dear Author

'Scotland's answer to E. L. James' Sunday Post

'A true gift for storytelling' Daily Record

'Young writes stories that stay with you long after you flip that last page.' Under the Covers

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

4 of 5 stars

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I am always up for a good hate-to-love romance, and Young gave me just that.

Who?
Ava - An control freak, type A Boston-based interior designer, who had stepped out of the dating pool after a long-term relationship ended in betrayal.
Caleb - A gruff Scottish CFO, who just says "no" to commitment after being badly burned in his last relationship.
What?

While traveling from Arizona to Boston, every encounter between Ava and Caleb ended in confrontation, until ire gave way to desire, and they enjoyed, what they thought, would be one night of passion. When the universe brought them together once again, they agreed to a no-strings-attached physical relationship, which quickly turned into something more, but would Caleb and Ava be able to put their past behind them, and embark on a future together? Would it be fight or flight?

Why?

There are so many things to love about this book!

Ava was a fabulous heroine. She was smart and sassy, and appeared to be a perfectionist, but under that glossy veneer was someone damaged by her past. Once the details of her upbringing and her broken engagement came to light, I understood Ava a lot better, and was really proud of the progress she made over the course of this book.

Caleb was the perfect grumpy hero. I have no idea why I love the grumpy one's so much. Maybe it's because when they are sweet and tender, it seems so much more meaningful. It's a side of themselves they only reveal to those who earn it, and that was the case with Caleb. Like Ava, he suffered some great losses. It was pretty heartbreaking, when he finally confessed about his past, and quite understandable why it was difficult for him to trust another woman. Though, I must admit, he made me nutty quite a few times during this book, however, right when my frustration peaked, it would ebb, because he would do something sweet to offset my irritation.

Ava and Caleb together were sparks and fireworks, like every time. Their interactions were marked by fun and witty banter, as well as lots of heat. But there were some really quite and beautiful moments too. Slowly, they each peeled aways the layers, and were able to see what was below the surface, and it terrified them as their hearts cracked open bit by bit. The way they reacted caused me some heartache, but this is a true romance book, so don't worry, Young made it up to me in some big ways.

I am sort of hoping this is the beginning of a series, because there were two characters, who I would love to see more of. Harper, Ava's bestie, was a stellar friend, and she had quite a storyline in this book. I would love to learn more about the past, which was eluded to, and see her get her HEA. I was also intrigued by Caleb's brother. He was an artist with a little darkness residing inside him from his own loss, and there is definitely a book there.

Overall: A fabulous hate-to-love romance, which was fun, sexy, and packed with feels.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 September, 2018: Finished reading
  • 27 September, 2018: Reviewed