Sandy M’s review of Fight or Flight by Samantha Young
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 9 Oct 18
I know I say this with every Samantha Young book I review, but she’s become an absolute favorite of mine. She never fails to push the emotional envelope, and this story will leave you with such deep heartache. It’s all worth it in the end, however, because we know that happily ever after is on its way, despite what Caleb Scott believes.
Caleb and Ava start out disliking each other from moment one. They’re vying for the same first-class upgrade on their way to Boston – Caleb for business and Ava heading home after a harrowing visit with family and friends. Fate throws them into each other’s path and early on, Caleb wins the battles they wage. This is especially hard on Ava after her visit to Phoenix, where she attended the funeral of a childhood friend and receives nothing but anger from others and continued disinterest from her parents. Ava has had to build a life of her own away from mom and dad, despite their affluence. So she’s trying to get out of Phoenix as fast as she can and that’s when she goes head to head with Caleb.
Though he’s one hot and sexy guy, his attitude toward her causes Ava to label him the Bastard Scot. Though we get tidbits in the beginning about Ava’s past, these early scenes are filled with fun banter, even when Caleb is being boorish and rude. Some readers may not care for him because of this, but I knew Ms. Young would give us one heck of a reason for his behavior. She doesn’t let us down, that’s for darned sure. As much as you feel for Ava and what happened to her, it’s Caleb history that smacks your heart around until it breaks. And this all happens through Ava’s point of view. We never get Caleb’s. That should tell you the depth and caliber of writing that comes from Samantha Young.
Through the beginning battles for these two, they do share a one-night stand while stranded, and that night sizzles the pages something fierce. From there they agree to be friends – yes, with benefits – and I really like the slow build as the relationship deepens, with Caleb fighting it all the way, even after he shares his history with Ava. Normally when a hero or heroine sticks with their stubbornness as long as Caleb does, I get pretty irritated. But I was in love with this man throughout the story, so I was happy to just get more and more of him until he finally gives in to see the light of their future.
Another beautiful winner from Ms. Young. If you haven’t read any of her books, start here. Then go on to her Hart’s Boardwalk series or even her On Dublin Street series. That series has a lot of books so far, so you may want to start small with the Hart’s gang. But I can guarantee you will eventually make it to Dublin Street. She’s just that good.
Grade: A
See Veena’s review here.
Summary:
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…
Read an excerpt.
