Fight or Flight

Fight or Flight is utterly compelling. A story of judgments based on first impressions, the projection of past experience onto another person, the clouding of perception because of the previous life experiences alongside the way in which past events can define the person we become. Not only does the plot contain all of the aforementioned elements it is multi-layered to include fate and destiny, but family, friendship and forgiveness 💘 Fight or Flight is also an acknowledgment of Samantha's writing talent and ability to ingeniously control so many elements within a story. Ava has had a turbulent few days and is looking forward to returning to her orderly life where she is able to control the elements in it to the best of her ability. However, fate has other plans for her when a certain hot yet arrogant Scotsman, Caleb, keeps getting thrown into her path. There is no denying the explosive chemistry between Ava and Caleb, resulting in a very out of character encounter for Ava!!!! The rendezvous has a lingering effect on both Ava and Caleb, an unforgettable memory which knocks both parties plans for the future out of line. The past has a significant hold on both Ava and Caleb, defining who they are and the way in which they view relationships. The reasons behind their barriers are revealed slowly throughout the plot adding to the tension within the story. As each puzzle piece falls into place there is a greater understanding of the characters and also the understanding between each of them.  I absolutely loved the emotional breakthrough within the narrative, even though more than a few tears where involved along the way 😢 It reinforces the certainty of the past not defining the future, only the individual can control which path they take 💕 The peripheral characters are also phenomenal adding additional tiers to the plot and I am hoping each will get their own story - Harper, Leo and Jamie to start PLEASE 🙏🤞 Although I also desperately need the other books in the Hart's Boardwalk series!!!!! NEED DESPERATELY!!!!! If you get the chance check out Penny Reid's review of this book on Goodreads - she puts it all so eloquently and succinctly 💘💖💓

Three and a half stars. Ava Breevort is travelling home to Boston following the funeral of her former best friend. Her attempt to upgrade is thwarted by a big Scottish guy who looks like a Viking and rudely pushes in front of her snagging the last seat in first class. Then as if fate is laughing at her, everywhere she goes in the airport he is there, pushing in, being rude. But what starts out as name-calling and dislike soon morphs into attraction. What starts out as a one-night stand turns into more when Ava's client introduces her to a 'family friend' who is stuck in Boston for a couple of weeks due to the Icelandic volcano eruption creating flight havoc - you guessed it, the family friend is none other than the unfriendly Viking, Caleb Scott, and Ava's client wants Ava to show him around the city. Of course Ava and Caleb both have 'issues', they also have preconceptions about each other, its almost Pride and Prejudice, what concerned me was that Ava seemed deluded when it came to Caleb. In fact I would go as far to say that he was not a nice man. He only appears to be polite to friends, family and people of a higher social status - waitress etc get not a word of thanks - and Ava thinks this is okay. She realises that her ex-boyfriend only ever complimented her on her looks, never on her personality, and yet she thinks it is okay that Caleb only ever compliments her on her body and how it makes him feel - because he's honest about it? I'm sorry I don't see the difference. Also, because this is told from Ava's POV I really don't understand Caleb's motivations - I think if he had been more likable this would have got four stars. Although there's a lot of brogue it wasn't irritating, probably because Samantha lives in Scotland and therefore understand the natural cadence of the accent and which words to use when. And how refreshing to have a Scottish hero who doesn't wander around wearing a kilt, playing the bagpipes, or owning a Castle! I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Is this second chance romance? Enemies to lovers? Sexy alpha male romance? Obnoxious, sexy Scot with a beard sizzling romance? How about all the above, and more. Let’s not forget the angst, the heartache, and one stubborn as all hell character who meets a fiery interior designer under untimely circumstances in an airport, and although they instantly hate each other, the chemistry between them is undeniable. When it’s apparent that they’re going to be living in the same city, the stakes are very much raised. No matter how much they try to remain casual, feelings always seem to get in the way, and when love is unrequited and emotions start ruling, drastic measures must be taken. Wonderful writing, fab story with in-depth characters. I was hooked from start to finish. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author via NetGalley. This is my honest review.