Sandy M’s review of On the Wings of Love by Elizabeth Lane
Historical romance released 1 Jan 08 by Harlequin

It took me a chapter or two to really get into this story, but once I did I enjoyed myself immensely. The early days of aviation is a wonderful backdrop for these two characters who like to push the envelope and live life to its fullest. Living life in such a way, however, has its tragedies and setbacks and Rafe and Alexandra live through more than their fair share.

Rafe’s passion is flying. He thrives on the feeling of independence and freedom when in the skies on the wings he built with his own hands. On a test flight something goes wrong and he crashes on the shore of a beach near the Bromleys’ home, and it is Alexandra who is first on scene, helping rescue the injured pilot. At first these two are going for each other’s throats constantly, a battle of wills. It’s during this period I had a hard time with Alex because of her spoiled attitude, but I still had to admire her for her exuberance and love of life. She goes for what she wants, right or wrong. She needs time to grow up a little more.

There is attraction right away and both fight it, each thinking they couldn’t possibly be attracted to the other. But as time goes on and Alexandra takes a chance and begins to work with Rafe in rebuilding his flying machine, both her passion for aviation blossoms as well as their passion for one another. As much as Rafe tries his damnedest to stay away from the girl because, one, she’s way too young and spoiled, and, two, her father is a force to be reckoned with, their pent-up emotions flare after Alex’s harrowing first flight she practically browbeat Rafe into giving her.

Once Rafe’s plane is rebuilt and their marriage has taken place, he is on the road to show off his creation around the country. He is summoned home after the first of their tragedies hits and he finds a wife who has lost her will to live and doesn’t know what in the world to do for her. Alex finally does begin to live again, but it is her passion for aviation that wakes her up and moves her forward. Despite all of Rafe’s warnings of the danger of flying, his demands as her husband that she not take lessons to become a pilot, Alex’s willfulness is not to be denied. Learning to fly is her dream and because Rafe has the same dream, he should understand, but Alex has no idea the cost such danger can bring into their lives.

The love between these character is real, emotional, joyous, and heartbreaking. It’s a love that can be torn apart by the very same passion that brought them together, but hopefully it’s also a love that can withstand anything, no matter how daunting. I was glad to see Alex grow up and realize all she has to lose because of her recklessness, and she is not unscathed in the process. Rafe is a sensitive and prideful man and knows how fragile life is after seeing the death and destruction his dreams can bring. This is one of those books that will put you through the emotional wringer, but it is a story worth every emotion pulled from you during the read.

Grade: B+

Book summary:

     Alexandra Bromley had everything her father’s money could buy. But what she really wanted was excitement, adventure and independence. When pilot Rafe Garrick fell out of the sky and into her arms, Alex discovered a thrilling new world. But how could she live her dream at the price of Rafe’s love?

     Alex Bromley was trouble. Rafe knew it the first time he set eyes on her. But he couldn’t stay away. Not even if having her meant making a pact with her devil of a father. Now she was his, and it was up to Rafe to tame Alex’s reckless spirit-or lose her to the sky.

     Read an excerpt.