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Afterburn
Crystal is an enlisted mechanic with a tragic past. Grant is an officer and a pilot with a broken heart. When faced with a difficult decision, will Crystal choose wisely or lose the best thing that ever happened to her?
The love between them burns hot, but their relationship won't stay fueled if they can't beat the obstacles in their way. Besides breaking the fraternization rules, Grant and Crystal have the difference of race between them…but can they prove to the rest of the world, and to each other, that love is color blind?
Afterburn is about overcoming one's past, not judging others, learning to forgive, and what it's like to be a woman in a "man's world."
The love between them burns hot, but their relationship won't stay fueled if they can't beat the obstacles in their way. Besides breaking the fraternization rules, Grant and Crystal have the difference of race between them…but can they prove to the rest of the world, and to each other, that love is color blind?
Afterburn is about overcoming one's past, not judging others, learning to forgive, and what it's like to be a woman in a "man's world."
ebook
First published March 23, 2012
21 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Hightower
13 books17 followersSonia Hightower is a pen name for Tara Chevrestt, a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.
Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn't allowed to be unleashed until the last year.
They both agree, however, that strong is sexy, and they don't write the average, simpering damsel. They write about women who see what they want and obtain it.
While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/ or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-C....
Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn't allowed to be unleashed until the last year.
They both agree, however, that strong is sexy, and they don't write the average, simpering damsel. They write about women who see what they want and obtain it.
While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/ or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-C....
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 29, 2012
I really did enjoy this multi-faceted story. There are many different layers and angles within the story and it stimulates thoughts on all of those aspects.
There are prejudices to cope with. There are mental stresses and fears. There is fun. There is excitement, action and hot sex. There is courage and weakness. There is so much to experience in this short novel and it is well worth the download and the small amount of effort that it takes to read it.
I suppose that another reason that I liked this book so much was that there was a reflection of an event in my own life in the storyline. Well, I was a young naval officer, and . . . . I think I should leave the rest to your imaginations, don't you?
The one thing that, to me, is the fire at the centre, which fuels the whole story and its conclusion, is the song. That may surprise some readers, and even the author, but I just love the song and what it does to the main characters. It is a brilliant touch.
To find out what I mean, you will have to read this. I hope that you will understand. I can't tell you any more without revealing too much and spoiling it for you. So read it today. You won't be disappointed!
There are prejudices to cope with. There are mental stresses and fears. There is fun. There is excitement, action and hot sex. There is courage and weakness. There is so much to experience in this short novel and it is well worth the download and the small amount of effort that it takes to read it.
I suppose that another reason that I liked this book so much was that there was a reflection of an event in my own life in the storyline. Well, I was a young naval officer, and . . . . I think I should leave the rest to your imaginations, don't you?
The one thing that, to me, is the fire at the centre, which fuels the whole story and its conclusion, is the song. That may surprise some readers, and even the author, but I just love the song and what it does to the main characters. It is a brilliant touch.
To find out what I mean, you will have to read this. I hope that you will understand. I can't tell you any more without revealing too much and spoiling it for you. So read it today. You won't be disappointed!
April 2, 2012
Afterburn was a wonderful read that addressed several issues. Some of the issues were ones I was blind to until recently. When I read this manuscript I thought, Oh, this level of racism doesn't still happen. Then I started seeing it around me. 2012 and we're still pointing fingers at mixed couples. It's shameful.
One of the other issues that the couple faces in this military romance is sexual harassment. I really love how the author handled the situation and the emotions. I love the conflict that arises and how it is resolved. What I love most, though, is how the conflict wakes another character up in the story. Stories that make people quit being sheeple are awesome!
This book wasn't about sex, despite the fact sex is in it. It's about real people facing real issues that modern society can't get a grip on. This makes Afterburn a MUST READ! ~ D. F. Krieger
One of the other issues that the couple faces in this military romance is sexual harassment. I really love how the author handled the situation and the emotions. I love the conflict that arises and how it is resolved. What I love most, though, is how the conflict wakes another character up in the story. Stories that make people quit being sheeple are awesome!
This book wasn't about sex, despite the fact sex is in it. It's about real people facing real issues that modern society can't get a grip on. This makes Afterburn a MUST READ! ~ D. F. Krieger
April 7, 2012
Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
I don’t know how Ms. Hightower managed to pack so much into just seventy-nine pages! Despite the shortened length, I finished feeling completely satisfied! This author writes from a place of realness that makes me believe in the characters and the plots she’s unveiling at the time. As a military wife I can be particular about an authors’ portrayal of the lifestyle, but she was spot- on. I appreciated the research I’m sure she put in, as well as the disclaimer at the end of the book. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an uplifting tail of romance, struggle, triumph and sensual loving. I say sensual because though it steamed up the page, the focus was always on the emotions the couple invoked from one another.
I don’t know how Ms. Hightower managed to pack so much into just seventy-nine pages! Despite the shortened length, I finished feeling completely satisfied! This author writes from a place of realness that makes me believe in the characters and the plots she’s unveiling at the time. As a military wife I can be particular about an authors’ portrayal of the lifestyle, but she was spot- on. I appreciated the research I’m sure she put in, as well as the disclaimer at the end of the book. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an uplifting tail of romance, struggle, triumph and sensual loving. I say sensual because though it steamed up the page, the focus was always on the emotions the couple invoked from one another.
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March 24, 2012First of all I can not rate this book due to the fact this is my daughter. I will however, tell you what I think. I found this to be a great book. Maybe it is because it is a story line I understand but I found the characters very real and the subject that was addressed is very prevalent still today. I like the courage and the determination of the characters also. I had to finish it once I started it. There was no putting it down.
To my daughter I say job well done. You captured the issues and I have to say you go girl.
To my daughter I say job well done. You captured the issues and I have to say you go girl.
April 16, 2012
Working with the military gives me a unique perspective on a lot of things. For one, the amount of training I must endure yearly on subjects such as security, EEO, and sexual harassment. It's a necessary evil to make sure one knows the good from the bad. It's not about if it offends you, it's about if it will offend the person sitting two seats from you. A very delicate issue indeed.
Enter Sonia Hightower's Afterburn. It not only tackles the subject of interracial relationships but the sexual harassment that still goes on today in the military--despite all the mandatory training. While I read this novel, I became enraged at what was happening to Crystal. My agitation grew when she allowed the harassment to happen not only to her but a fellow co-worker. However, I also know when it's close quarters, no amount of complaint to a CO could stop the potential backlash. It's a sad state of affairs, really. Still, I loved that Crystal found the courage to not only report it but stand her ground.
Now onto the reason she did--Grant. Grant's had his share of the discrimination pool as well. Again, Ms Hightower sucked me emotionally to what he went through. While I don't see the color of someone's skin, I know others in this world refuse to be color blind. More's the pity for them. He took a chance on a fair-skinned woman once and it bit him in the backside. I think that taking that leap again showed perseverance on his part to look beyond what people think.
Of course being the person I am, I have a few parts that didn't sink well with me. The back story of both characters, for instance, I found way too brief and left me with too many questions. I believe deciding to enlist is a big step in a person's life. I would have liked to see why they made their decision. Sure, I could draw a picture of it and guess but I didn't want to. I wanted to know who these characters were before the Air Force. Beyond Grant's rejection and Crystal's heartbreak of losing her parents.
Another thing I thought a bit jarring was how fast they went into the sack together. I would have liked to see more interaction between the two and Crystal, given that she's dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, show a little more distrust in the beginning as far as warming up to Grant. It was almost a little too insta-love for me.
Regardless, I thought the writing to be well done and most important--even with my nick picks--I was emotionally engaged with the characters. I rooted for them to win in the end and have their happily ever after.
Thank you, Ms Hightower, for giving me the opportunity to read your book. I'll be looking forward to more.
Enter Sonia Hightower's Afterburn. It not only tackles the subject of interracial relationships but the sexual harassment that still goes on today in the military--despite all the mandatory training. While I read this novel, I became enraged at what was happening to Crystal. My agitation grew when she allowed the harassment to happen not only to her but a fellow co-worker. However, I also know when it's close quarters, no amount of complaint to a CO could stop the potential backlash. It's a sad state of affairs, really. Still, I loved that Crystal found the courage to not only report it but stand her ground.
Now onto the reason she did--Grant. Grant's had his share of the discrimination pool as well. Again, Ms Hightower sucked me emotionally to what he went through. While I don't see the color of someone's skin, I know others in this world refuse to be color blind. More's the pity for them. He took a chance on a fair-skinned woman once and it bit him in the backside. I think that taking that leap again showed perseverance on his part to look beyond what people think.
Of course being the person I am, I have a few parts that didn't sink well with me. The back story of both characters, for instance, I found way too brief and left me with too many questions. I believe deciding to enlist is a big step in a person's life. I would have liked to see why they made their decision. Sure, I could draw a picture of it and guess but I didn't want to. I wanted to know who these characters were before the Air Force. Beyond Grant's rejection and Crystal's heartbreak of losing her parents.
Another thing I thought a bit jarring was how fast they went into the sack together. I would have liked to see more interaction between the two and Crystal, given that she's dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, show a little more distrust in the beginning as far as warming up to Grant. It was almost a little too insta-love for me.
Regardless, I thought the writing to be well done and most important--even with my nick picks--I was emotionally engaged with the characters. I rooted for them to win in the end and have their happily ever after.
Thank you, Ms Hightower, for giving me the opportunity to read your book. I'll be looking forward to more.
March 24, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book. Though it was a novella, Ms. Hightower was able to give a concise and thorough thumbnail sketch of the main characters, giving us enough information through prologue to understand how they became the people they are when the main story begins. In addition, she is able to convey their motivations through their actions – it’s clear that these are two very strong willed people who have to learn to give a little to get a lot.
I think what I most liked about this book was the way Ms. Hightower drew us into the world of the Air Force, affording the reader an inside peek at what really goes on at the bases. The subplot of sexual harassment, racial intolerance and how it is addressed by the various characters was handled very well, allowing a secondary character room to grow in the story.
Ms. Hightower added enough detail about the military and how it works (sometimes well, sometimes..not so well) in the protection and support of women. She didn’t hold back with the descriptions of what could (and probably does) go on behind military doors. However, she doesn’t bash, she also shows how the individual and the system can work together for the greater good. In addition, the reader will learn a lot about military jets – I was fascinated by some of the facts that she conveyed in the story.
Even with all that, Ms. Hightower still manages to keep us focused on the romance. Much of the conflict between Crystal and Grant have nothing to do with their race, but the fact that they have both been hurt in the past and/or they have unresolved fears, in addition to some external pressures. Through it all, though, I think that Crystal and Grant both did a little growing and a little healing too. I won’t give away too much, because I don’t want to rob the reader of the joy of the story unfolding.
One thing I would have liked more of was a “peek behind the curtain” of the male supporting characters, perhaps give us a little insight into their behavior. But that’s just me seeking more information. :)
All in all, I would recommend this book as a hot (but way sweet) romance with a military setting.
I think what I most liked about this book was the way Ms. Hightower drew us into the world of the Air Force, affording the reader an inside peek at what really goes on at the bases. The subplot of sexual harassment, racial intolerance and how it is addressed by the various characters was handled very well, allowing a secondary character room to grow in the story.
Ms. Hightower added enough detail about the military and how it works (sometimes well, sometimes..not so well) in the protection and support of women. She didn’t hold back with the descriptions of what could (and probably does) go on behind military doors. However, she doesn’t bash, she also shows how the individual and the system can work together for the greater good. In addition, the reader will learn a lot about military jets – I was fascinated by some of the facts that she conveyed in the story.
Even with all that, Ms. Hightower still manages to keep us focused on the romance. Much of the conflict between Crystal and Grant have nothing to do with their race, but the fact that they have both been hurt in the past and/or they have unresolved fears, in addition to some external pressures. Through it all, though, I think that Crystal and Grant both did a little growing and a little healing too. I won’t give away too much, because I don’t want to rob the reader of the joy of the story unfolding.
One thing I would have liked more of was a “peek behind the curtain” of the male supporting characters, perhaps give us a little insight into their behavior. But that’s just me seeking more information. :)
All in all, I would recommend this book as a hot (but way sweet) romance with a military setting.
May 24, 2012
Description: When Crystal, a white Air Force mechanic falls for Grant, a black pilot and officer, will their love fly or will real-world circumstances ground them?
The Good: I loved the heroine, even more so because she was dealing with an extremely hostile work environment. The author also did a good job with a secondary character, who could have just been used as a dumb foil, but ended up having layers. The obstacles Crystal faced as an Air Force mechanic in an interracial relationship felt very realistic, and made for a compelling read. When I wasn’t getting angry on her behalf, I found myself really rooting for her.
The Bad: There are a couple of big craft problems, starting with the prologue, which really isn’t needed and doesn’t add to the story, especially since the hero’s POV was somewhat under-developed. The heroine has such a strong character and situation that one might argue the book should have been exclusively written from her point-of-view. Also, the author goes through a lot of trouble to establish how easy it is for this couple to be honest with each other, only to have one of them lie for a rather shaky reason, which made the main love conflict feel forced.
The Naughty: Sensual. Hotel room sex.
Editing issues: No typos found. 2 instances of head-hopping.
Publisher: Breathless Press
Length: 25,000+
Final Grade: B
*This review is based on an e-copy of the book provided to me by either the author or her representative.
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
The Good: I loved the heroine, even more so because she was dealing with an extremely hostile work environment. The author also did a good job with a secondary character, who could have just been used as a dumb foil, but ended up having layers. The obstacles Crystal faced as an Air Force mechanic in an interracial relationship felt very realistic, and made for a compelling read. When I wasn’t getting angry on her behalf, I found myself really rooting for her.
The Bad: There are a couple of big craft problems, starting with the prologue, which really isn’t needed and doesn’t add to the story, especially since the hero’s POV was somewhat under-developed. The heroine has such a strong character and situation that one might argue the book should have been exclusively written from her point-of-view. Also, the author goes through a lot of trouble to establish how easy it is for this couple to be honest with each other, only to have one of them lie for a rather shaky reason, which made the main love conflict feel forced.
The Naughty: Sensual. Hotel room sex.
Editing issues: No typos found. 2 instances of head-hopping.
Publisher: Breathless Press
Length: 25,000+
Final Grade: B
*This review is based on an e-copy of the book provided to me by either the author or her representative.
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
August 7, 2013
Crystal loves being a mechanic even if it working on the jets brings back memories of her past. Working in the male dominated field she has to deal with overbearing superiors. Grant is an officer and when Crystal fixes his jet he can't deny he is attracted to her. He has been burned in the past and doesn't know if he can get over the fear their different races may cause him to get hurt. With their jobs and hearts on the line they will have to decide if it's worth the risk taking their relationship further.
Crystal is a character I found very easy to relate to. I know it's hard to be respected in what is considered a man's profession. She has many fears but works hard to overcome them. She is bullied at work and harassed but still tries to keep it together.Grant is a strong smart sexy man with a heart that still hasn't healed. I like him as he helps Crystal stand up for herself.
This is a book I read in one sitting as it is easy to connect with the story and characters. It is a different story than ones I have read but a great one that everyone should read. It really has several things you can take away after reading it. I won't give anything away but both main characters in a way make it possible for others to follow their actions. This is a story about love, real life and overcoming their past and one everyone should read.
Crystal is a character I found very easy to relate to. I know it's hard to be respected in what is considered a man's profession. She has many fears but works hard to overcome them. She is bullied at work and harassed but still tries to keep it together.Grant is a strong smart sexy man with a heart that still hasn't healed. I like him as he helps Crystal stand up for herself.
This is a book I read in one sitting as it is easy to connect with the story and characters. It is a different story than ones I have read but a great one that everyone should read. It really has several things you can take away after reading it. I won't give anything away but both main characters in a way make it possible for others to follow their actions. This is a story about love, real life and overcoming their past and one everyone should read.
May 23, 2012
Hightower does a very good job in AFTERBURN of describing the challenges of women in the military, officer/enlisted relationships and inter-racial couples. In this brief book, she covers each of these topics while weaving a tender love story. The attraction between Crystal and Grant is practically love at first sight but they must overcome challenges from the pains of their pasts to current issues with her supervisor’s sexual harassment. As a former military officer, I was very pleased with Hightower’s accuracy and realness. Unlike many books of this short length, AFTERBURN was a well-rounded, complete story. This is a great, quick read.
Rating: 4.0
Heat Rating: Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy, mild violence or profanity.
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
Rating: 4.0
Heat Rating: Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy, mild violence or profanity.
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
May 5, 2012
Hightower does a very good job in AFTERBURN of describing the challenges of women in the military, officer/enlisted relationships and inter-racial couples. In this brief book, she covers each of these topics while weaving a tender love story. The attraction between Crystal and Grant is practically love at first sight but they must overcome challenges from the pains of their pasts to current issues with her supervisor’s sexual harassment. As a former military officer, I was very pleased with Hightower’s accuracy and realness. Unlike many books of this short length, AFTERBURN was a well-rounded, complete story. This is a great, quick read.
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
May 9, 2012
THe only reason I've not given this book 5* is because I wanted it to be longer and go into everything in more depth.
I was hooked from the first page, not only because of the military background which I found fascinating, but because of the depth of knowledge there.
Plus the writing was tight, the story fast paced and the ideas brilliant.
Can you tell I enjoyed it? i was supposed to be editing and writing. I took a guilty time out and just read this from start to finish!
As I said, I only wished it had been twice as long.
And it certainly gave me food for thought...
A GREAT BOOK.
I was hooked from the first page, not only because of the military background which I found fascinating, but because of the depth of knowledge there.
Plus the writing was tight, the story fast paced and the ideas brilliant.
Can you tell I enjoyed it? i was supposed to be editing and writing. I took a guilty time out and just read this from start to finish!
As I said, I only wished it had been twice as long.
And it certainly gave me food for thought...
A GREAT BOOK.
May 7, 2012
I can relate to this book. Since my husband is a different race, the discrimination is always there in some way, shape, or form. We've always ignored those probing stares but you can "feel" them. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone dealing with the stress of dating out their race as well as sexual harassment at work.
March 28, 2012
To be updated soon
Sonia Hightower
Sonia Hightower
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews