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Michael ‘Thing Two’ Petersen had a legacy to live up to… and was failing – badly. Every time he turned around, it was like the rug was being pulled out from underneath him… including his beloved Poppy.

Penelope Walters was everyone’s friend – or at least she tried to be. There was no such thing as a stranger in her mind, and a newcomer was just a person in need of an introduction. So why was Michael avoiding her, ignoring her, and practically running away when she entered the room?

Was it because of that single stolen kiss?

… And what happens if she takes matters into her own hands?



***
Author's note: Alpo's son - and Houdini's daughter from the series FLYBOYS

Each story is a stand-alone love story, giving you a glimpse of your favorite Flyboy characters in a sweet, secondary epilogue that you didn’t know you needed!

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2024

28 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Ginny Sterling

403 books729 followers
Ginny Sterling is an avid romance writer. She lives to tell sweet, inspirational, tender tales that tug at the heart, leaving the reader smiling, laughing, or crying. Her book series include many titles such as FLYBOYS, Healing Hearts, Flirt’s Battalion, Reserve Ranch, Hotshots, and more.

Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!

https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,787 reviews42 followers
September 22, 2025
This one tagged out my heart. What happens to Michael and the depression he falls into tough to read. But I loved how Poppy gave him the space in time he needed. As well as how their whole community rallied around him.
Profile Image for Gwen Chester.
595 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2024
This is the story of young love and a case of loving each other secretly for years and never telling the other person. This is the story of Poppy Walters and Michael Petersen. When they graduated Michael hinted that he loved Poppy, and it did not go over to well, so he went away to the military academy and Poppy proceeded with her plans to be a travel writer. This way she got to do what she loved travel to new places and to write about them and hope other people would want to go there too.

Michael had a twin sister Madison that he was very close too and he hated leaving home and not getting to see her daily. She was best friends with Poppy as well. Their families were close as well being part of the Flyboys Family of retired military pilots. They all took care of each other, most of them worked together and partied together at picnics and barbeques.

One night Michael and some of his buddies when out for beers and as they sat there talking and drinking a lady came over and sat with them. She was an undercover policewoman and said that one of the guys had propositioned her so all 5 of them ended up in jail. Because of this and Michael's grades he was kicked out of the academy. Feeling like a total failure he moped around the house after he got home until Poppy's dad came and gave him a job with them. When he came home it was like a different person then what had left a few weeks earlier.

Will Michael ever get out of his slump? Will Poppy and Michael ever be friends again? This book was short but very sweet and will give you all of the answers. Check it out!

I got this great book from BookSirens and will be happy to leave my review.
Profile Image for Kath.
922 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2024
This was an easy read for a young couple who cared about each other at the end of high school, before their first adventure into life and learning skills and schooling for future use.

This couple, Michael who went into the Air Force Academy and after 2 years he was not happy there, but didn't want to call it and ended up leaving and returning home. Michael's release from the Academy seemed to be an unfair call, which left him beside himself with depression and self-loathing and developed a stutter even because of it. Then there's Poppy who always cared for him, but when she needed to make that claim she did not and lead their parents and Michael to believe he was not cared for by her. She dealt with this while he was away and never heard from him while away at the academy because he was devastated by her words and actions.

Most of the story happens after Michael comes home and the rollercoaster of a ride these young people dealt with in just seeing each other. They went through a lot if emotions, drama to get back together. They were helped immensely by their parents in refocusing correctly on what is important in life.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for C.Y..
157 reviews
June 11, 2024
The only regret I have when I’m reading Ginny’s books is that I came into them later. I think I started the Fly Boys on book 17, and this is the first younger generation book that I’ve read in the series. I know you can read it as a standalone, that part is true, but I would’ve loved to have started from the beginning to all these characters. Someday I’ll go back and read the series from the beginning. I do love these books.

Michael reminded me so much of my dad which is ironic since my dad‘s name is Michael. My dad was in the Air Force for four years and refused to resign for more years. Since it’s a novella, some parts of the story seemed a little rushed, but it didn’t take away from enjoying the love connection between Poppy and Michael.

I love the support that not only the immediate family has for each other, but also the Fly Boy’s family. I like how they look out for each other. It’s a feel good.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,075 reviews13 followers
June 19, 2024
Michael wanted to fly airplanes and he has a family legacy to live up to so he went to the Air Force Academy and joined the Air Force. Before he left, he broke his best friend (and girlfriend's) heart thinking he was setting her free only to realize later that she would have waited for him forever. When he returns home after an embarrassing situation, he is devastated and tries to avoid Poppy. He is a broken man and seeing her will only remind him of all he has lost.

Poppy doesn't understand why Michael is avoiding her and the more she tries to show him she will be there for him when he is ready to talk, the more frustrating and sad she becomes about their situation. Will they be able to mend each other's hearts and learn to love again?

This is a sweet, clean, wholesome story about forgiveness and love. I have really enjoyed reading this flyboy series. Each story can be read as a stand alone story but it is wonderful to revisit characters from the other books and lean how they are doing.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willing offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Roberta aka Bobbie.
306 reviews
June 7, 2024
I recommend this Flyboy's Second Generation story. It is about Michael "Thing Two" Peterson and his problems living up to expectations. He thinks he loves Poppy but it's against Air Force Academy regulations to have a relationship. He's caught trying to kiss Poppy and when his dad stops him he overhears Poppy tell her dad that she "likes" him. That pretty much ended any attraction Michael felt. Or did it?

Michael is going on his third year at the Academy. He and some fellow cadets get liberty and go into town for a couple beers. The fun turns ugly and long story short, Michael is kicked out of the Academy. What will he do now?

I think the author, Ginny Sterling, did an awesome job portraying how broken Michael is, and how he slowly heals and becomes a strong, focused young man.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author. All thoughts and comments are mine given voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,053 reviews64 followers
June 6, 2024
This is another short, sweet romance about my favorite fictional group. The Flyboys are some of my favorite characters. This is a second generation story of my favorite soldiers and their families.

Michael and Poppy have unfinished business. Poppy broke Michael's heart. Things are a little tense between them, so Michael uses the old avoidance excuse. This was a charming romance between two people who were meant to be together. I loved the reference to the Coffee Loft. I enjoy the way that Ginny Sterling ties her characters together in each story. It makes me feel as if I know them personally as I read more about them. The Flyboys take care of one another.

Love is in the air for the Flyboys again.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
772 reviews
June 17, 2024
Enjoyed this second chance flyboys second gen romance.

Michael 'thing Two'Peterson is in love with Poppy ,but just before he goes away events lead go heartbreak for them both.

Nothing turns out the way Michael was hoping for and he comes back home.

Everything is going well for Poppy except her love life.

She is back home,but Michael is avoiding her.

They eventually sort out their issues with the help of their families and get to a very sweet happily ever after.

Loved how everyone supported them both when they needed it.A very emotional read.

Cannot wait to read more in the series.

I recieved an advanced review copy for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for MacKenzie Emery.
575 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2024
I know I saw this every time but I love the second generation flyboy stories. It’s like a giant epilogue to stories we have loved before and as someone who gets way too attached to characters, it is fantastic. I appreciated this story because like many of Ginny’s characters we see a person that isn’t always represented in stories. I love the redemption and acceptance in this story. We see Michael go through some hard times and see him accept that it’s okay to fail at something. I also appreciated how much Poppy supported Michael even when it was hard for her. I feel like that is the true meaning of love.

This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel.
Profile Image for HEATHER.
1,273 reviews23 followers
June 4, 2024
Ginny Sterling does it again people!! I absolutely love The Flyboys series and I'm loving these second generation novellas. This was another sweet romance story. The characters are well written and so easy to love. I loved Poppy and Michael's story. They have to find themselves to get back to each other. Once they started reconnecting it was beautiful! I loved having the flyboy characters in this and seeing them as parents. I can't wait to see what's next for this series. I can't recommended this book or series enough! Also anything that Ginny writes I will highly recommend!

Thank you Booksiren and Ginny Sterling for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
999 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2024
Another heartwarming story in the Flyboy series by Ginny Sterling.
Poppy and Michael have been attracted to each other for a long time. He thought she loved him but he’s leaving for the Air Force Academy right after graduation. Their last time together as they kissed, their parents react badly and both get their feelings hurt.
Life sometimes brings hardships in order for people to grow and become who they’re supposed to be.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kimberly Prytherch.
473 reviews16 followers
June 5, 2024
I just loved this one from start to finish! Poppy and Michael started off as friends, and after a little drama, it was so great to see them work it through. All of the little Easter eggs from May The Froth Be With You were so much fun, and watching that story unfold in the background of Poppy and Michael’s story was a blast! Don’t worry, though, if you didn’t read that book already, you won’t really miss anything. I love all of the Flyboys and it was so great to see them coming and going throughout the book, and Poppy and Michael’s story was beautiful. I highly suggest this sweet romance.
Profile Image for Kayla H | Mom Devours Books.
110 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this second generation book. Michael's life took an unexpected turn, which ultimately led him back to Poppy. They were able to find their way back to each other in the end. Ginny also left several Easter eggs in this book to connect it to others, but the book totally works as a stand alone. These second gen books close the loop on the stories from other characters, and are always a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
27 reviews
June 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this story! Michael was at the lowest of lows, and didn't see any hope for his future - but luckily for him, Poppy held enough hope for the two of them. This is a beautiful story in its own right, but what makes it shine is how we get to revisit Alpo and Glory, and Houdini and Abby from the main Flyboys series. The house painting scene had me cry-laughing. Another amazing story from Ginny :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Joni.
3 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2024
A great story, telling of the romance between Michael and Poppy. The story is short and sweet. I found myself lost several times because I haven’t read all of the previous books and this story relies on you knowing who some of the characters are. I think I would have enjoyed the story a little more if I had read all the previous books. That said, the book still works as a stand-alone story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Melissa.
229 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2024
This is a sweet second chance romance. The main characters needed to grow up a little bit in order to truly embrace their love for each other. It was a little emotional at the beginning because Michael had to go through an emotionaly traumatic experience. There is a little bit of innuendo, but the door stays firmly closed. This is an excellent story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,503 reviews19 followers
June 7, 2024
who you are
I loved Michael and Poppy´s story, it puts a spotlight on finding the courage to be who you truly are. In our modern world it seems everybody is an overachiever, you always have to be better than the rest, how are you supposed to live with such pressure all your life? I was happy for Michael to have friends and realatives to have his back that showed him that life is not about following other people´s footsteps but making your own footprints.
543 reviews
June 7, 2024
This was a wonderful quick read and if you've followed the series, you will love this addition. If you haven't followed the series, you will want to just to meet and get to know the other characters. I love how Ginny tied this into her book in the Coffee Loft series. I love the humor in this book but also love the support the parents give their grown children. These characters are so lovable! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
263 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2024
This novella was sweet. The history and tension between Poppy & Michael are palpable -- especially if they can ever be found in the same location at the same time.

Michael avoids Poppy, but not because he doesn't love her. Will he be willing to risk it all and give them another chance?

❤️ Interrupted Kiss
❤️ Tornado Shelter 
❤️ Man to Dad Chats
❤️ Travelling Blogger 
❤️ Overcoming Obstacles 
❤️ Treehouse

Thank you for a copy of this book Ginny. This is my genuine review.
Profile Image for Debbie Walker.
276 reviews26 followers
June 4, 2024
This was such a cute book! I’m new to the Flyboys stories and after reading this one, I can’t wait to read them all and learn more about the rest of the characters! Poppy and Michael are adorable together and I loved the interactions they had with their families and friends. I enjoyed seeing them grow over the years and find not only each other, but themselves as well.
23 reviews
June 5, 2024
This second generation book is a fun look into the lives of two of the Flyboys children. It is a sweet short story focused on Michael and Poppy. You can also easily read, “May The Froth Be With You” from the Coffee Loft Series to read about Michael’s twin sister Madison and her crush Emmett. Such sweet fun short stories that are perfect for your next vacation.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,422 reviews15 followers
June 7, 2024
Clean Standalone Romance Interconnected Series HEA

Michael and Penelope were in love in school. When he left for the military feelings were hurt. A night out with the guys lands him in trouble and back home broken. Will they be able to rebuild? What happened and can he recover? Can't wait for the next book(s).

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
4,541 reviews38 followers
June 7, 2024
Forever Focused is a short, clean and sweet, second chance romance about the second generation of Flyboys. I enjoyed watching Michael and Poppy take charge of their own lives - figuring out what they wanted and letting go of other people’s expectations. I love the support that Michael received from Poppy’s father. The Flyboys community takes care of its own!
Profile Image for Mitzi Neiderhiser.
77 reviews
June 12, 2024
Loved this book!! Can be read as a standalone, but definitely better when you read the other Flyboys. Seeing the next generation and catching up with old favorites is tons of fun.

Michael and Poppy are so much fun finding their forever. We get to see all twists and root for them as they stumble along.

Definitely recommend this story and all the Flyboys!!!
157 reviews
June 3, 2024
I love leaving reviews for new books. Being able to read a book before it is released to me is an honor. Forever Focused is another Ginny Sterling masterpiece. Michael and Poppy were always made for each other and the love they have is one of a kind. True love will prevail.
Profile Image for Abby Huffer.
786 reviews12 followers
June 8, 2024
Loved this one so much! These second generation novellas have my heart🤎. I love that the story continues on. Loved Michael & Poppy together. I loved that he found himself with the help of an unlikely source. Such a fabulous group of found family!
Profile Image for Pat  Comer.
520 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2024
Wonderful Story.

Thanks, Ginny Sterling I really enjoyed Micheal and Poppy love story, all the up's and downs and fun, the tree cabin was really a cool idea. The kitchen cabinet was the best of all. It worked for sure.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,220 reviews85 followers
June 3, 2024
Super cute, and heartfelt! Endearing characters.. Love how it extends the parents' love story!
299 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2024
Absolutely a cute heartfelt love story. Love does concur all. Micheal and poppy story is sweet. Love this short story. Highly emotional
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2024
As always, perfect

Fly boys is my favorite series. The stories are all so good. You just know that there will be surprises and laughs and a few tears. Ginny is the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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