Afterburner

Afterburner #1

by Lex Valentine

The specter of Don't Ask, Don't Tell hovers ominously over the romance between former USAF Thunderbird pilots, Sebastian Marchetti and Ryder Beckett.

Sebastian Marchetti has spent his life doing two things, hiding his sexuality and flying. After leaving the USAF, Bas meets active duty pilot Ryder Beckett. Bas loves Ryder enough to be his dirty little secret. But Ryder loves his man so much he'll risk court martial to be with Bas.

This story was originally part of the anthology DON'T ASK DON'T TELL.

Genres: M M Romance, Military Fiction, Audiobook

77 pages, ebook

First published February 15, 2012

About the author

Award-winning author Lex Valentine writes across genres from contemporary to urban fantasy but mostly M/M these days. A native of California, Lex lives in Orange County, with her husband Rott and a bunch of cats she collectively calls “babies.” She's a 17 year employee of a 100+ year old cemetery, builds her own computers and is generally considered the IT geek at work and to her family and friends.

A member of the Romance Writers of America, Lex is active in her local Orange County chapter and is a past treasurer for PASIC. Her publishers include Loose Id, Ellora's Cave, and MLR Press. She's the author of the self-published ARe and Amazon best selling series Souls in Bondage.

Lex loves to hear from her readers. Her door is always open at lex@lexvalentine.com or on her personal or author Facebook pages.

Website: http://lexvalentine.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lexvalentineauthor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cemeterywinter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lexvalentine

Reviews

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is my first Lex Valentine. She has a distinct style of writing I’m still not sure how I feel about it.
Book one and two should be read together.
There are some lovely poignant moments.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bas is a retired Air Force pilot who isn't out. Then he meets the man who took his place on the squad when Ryder comes to him wanting to rent the room he used to rent from Bas' father. Since his father passed, Bas hasn't thought much about that room, but seeing as how much he's attracted to Ryder, he knows he can't let this opportunity pass him by.



That attraction burns instantly, and hot, but can they sustain it in the face of DADT? Will Bas ever gain the confidence and courage to come out? What about Ryder, how will his feelings for Bas affect his military career?



I really liked Afterburner. It's sweet, steamy and both Bas and Ryder are wonderful characters. I loved seeing them come to terms with their feelings. I even loved their struggles, because they felt authentic and real. No ott dramatics, just a relationship both men are trying to maintain during the days of DADT. I am looking forward to much more from this author.

ARC via LesCourt ARC Team.

Full review posted here ---> Live Through Books Blog.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian Marchetti and Ryder Beckett are wonderful characters who take a chance on love by no longer hiding their secrets. I love their chemistry- they fall in love and lust and I love it. I found this story sweet and well told. Loved it all!

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was short and sweet

It had all the elements that make a great story. The writing was good, military men, and some don’t ask don’t tell drama. My only complaint is in the beginning pilot was used to refer to Ryder a bit much.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this military romance novella. This is a short, sweet and sexy read that will hold your attention until the last page. I really enjoyed the relationship between Sebastian Marchetti and Ryder Beckett.

[Addicted2M/M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pet peeve: You don't fucking out someone. You just don't. Asshole.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has written a fantastic, powerful, beautiful, awesome, engaging, and grab-you-by-the-feels story about the strength of love, family, and doing whatever it takes to keep them safe.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Afterburner, book one by Lex Valentine. This is a great story! Absolutely loved the characters! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more.

[Gema Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining short story, well written and with good characters.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story and narration.

Chris Chambers' voice and slow cadence is, IMO, so much better suited to a southern accent. That's when he really shines :)

[Regencyfan93 · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my taste, the MCs met, had, sex and fell in love too quickly. That all happened in the space of an hour or so. I prefer a growth in the characters before they fall into bed or into love.

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I really liked this story that spans a couple years in the history of this couple. Sebastian Marchetti is a retired Air Force pilot and former Thunderbird. Ryder Beckett is active duty Air Force and also a former Thunderbird - in fact he got Bas's plane when he left the team. Now Bas is taking things easy since his father passed away his retirement from the Air Force and he has been helping his brothers with their airshow business. Out of the blue, Ryder shows up asking to rent the apartment he had rented previously from Bas's dad and the sparks fly! Ryder is still in the AF, but he is wildly attracted to Bas and acts on it. Bas still has 20 years of DADT ingrained in him and it's a little more difficult for him. The story is told in glimpses into their lives at various intervals through the first two years of their relationship.

I really liked these two guys and all the characters around them. They really loved and understood each other and were there for each other when it counted. Ryder is a couple of years younger and had more issues with his family, but he is definitely the more confident in knowing what he wants from the beginning - even is he is still active duty and faces some additional risk. I'm on to read Breath of Heaven: An Afterburner Sequel.

[Tully Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely short novella of military pilots. Plenty hot, and I wish it had been longer and more detailed as I enjoyed both of these guys and the location. One scene totally had my heart in my throat!! Thanks to the author for providing me this audiobook as a celebration prize.

[Indigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[❀~Amy~❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story. =D