What do you think?
Rate this book
Flying into Love #8
American Dream
Can acting out the American dream with his dad’s best friend change an unyielding fantasy into reality?
Eddie Brownlee’s Hollywood dreams turn to nightmare when his safety is threatened.
Ex cop Lee Everett steps in as his reluctant bodyguard.
Stuffed together in hotel rooms with only one bed and navigating the vast desert landscape for their location filming, Eddie’s long-standing crush on his dad’s best friend complicates things. Especially when Eddie ignites something in Lee he’d thought he’d left at the top of a mountain.
Struggling between desire and duty once again, Lee faces a whirlwind of emotions that could threaten everything he holds dear.
This time it's not his career on the line, though. It's Eddie’s life.
And his heart.
American Dream is an age gap, dad’s best friend, forced proximity, bi awakening standalone MM romance novel in the steamy Flying into Love series featuring a lawyer’s son determined to make it big and an ex-firearms cop on a late path to self-discovery.
Eddie Brownlee’s Hollywood dreams turn to nightmare when his safety is threatened.
Ex cop Lee Everett steps in as his reluctant bodyguard.
Stuffed together in hotel rooms with only one bed and navigating the vast desert landscape for their location filming, Eddie’s long-standing crush on his dad’s best friend complicates things. Especially when Eddie ignites something in Lee he’d thought he’d left at the top of a mountain.
Struggling between desire and duty once again, Lee faces a whirlwind of emotions that could threaten everything he holds dear.
This time it's not his career on the line, though. It's Eddie’s life.
And his heart.
American Dream is an age gap, dad’s best friend, forced proximity, bi awakening standalone MM romance novel in the steamy Flying into Love series featuring a lawyer’s son determined to make it big and an ex-firearms cop on a late path to self-discovery.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
About the author
C.F. White
42 books300 followersBrought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 9, 2024
Even though this series had its up and downs, it was one of the series I have enjoyed more in the last few years. I am sad it came to an end (for now?) and I just wish more people had read it.
None of the books beats Irish Charm, my ultimate favourite, but some are pretty good like French Kiss, Spanish Siesta & Highland Fling. Overall, I thought it was pretty good and would love to see more of these as there are still so many countries to go to. As an aside- author, if you ever read this review, hit me up as I can help with anything Portugal related ;)
Time for a reread from the start, me thinks.
None of the books beats Irish Charm, my ultimate favourite, but some are pretty good like French Kiss, Spanish Siesta & Highland Fling. Overall, I thought it was pretty good and would love to see more of these as there are still so many countries to go to. As an aside- author, if you ever read this review, hit me up as I can help with anything Portugal related ;)
Time for a reread from the start, me thinks.
September 3, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
American Dream is the eighth and most likely final book in the Flying into Love series. I have enjoyed the series overall and especially the various locations where the books have been set. This book takes the MCs from England to America and it was clear to me that a non-American author wrote this.
We get caught up quickly on the lives of Lee and Eddie, with Lee having recently lost his job due to a tragic incident and then getting divorced. Eddie has taken on a lot of responsibility since the death of his mother and he’s ready now to go after something for himself. When he learns of the threat against him, he thinks his father is demanding he stay in England, but when he finds out Lee will be joining him in America instead, Eddie is filled with so many emotions.
Many things in this story didn’t work for me, which made for a disappointing finale to the series. It seemed that Eddie only needed protection since he was going to America, which seemed to make a lot of assumptions about Americans.
This series can be read in any order and if the idea of men flying to different destinations to fall in love interests you, I would suggest starting with one of the other books in the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
American Dream is the eighth and most likely final book in the Flying into Love series. I have enjoyed the series overall and especially the various locations where the books have been set. This book takes the MCs from England to America and it was clear to me that a non-American author wrote this.
We get caught up quickly on the lives of Lee and Eddie, with Lee having recently lost his job due to a tragic incident and then getting divorced. Eddie has taken on a lot of responsibility since the death of his mother and he’s ready now to go after something for himself. When he learns of the threat against him, he thinks his father is demanding he stay in England, but when he finds out Lee will be joining him in America instead, Eddie is filled with so many emotions.
Many things in this story didn’t work for me, which made for a disappointing finale to the series. It seemed that Eddie only needed protection since he was going to America, which seemed to make a lot of assumptions about Americans.
This series can be read in any order and if the idea of men flying to different destinations to fall in love interests you, I would suggest starting with one of the other books in the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 23, 2024
God, I love this book sooo much, I cried so much during the end of the book.
Eddie is the son of Lee's best friends and has had a crush on Lee since he was a teenager. When Rupert asks his best friend to watch Eddie when he goes to the US to make a movie, due to a death threat, Lee is faced not with a kid but with a man who will make him doubt all his life.
Perfect end to a fantastic series.
Eddie is the son of Lee's best friends and has had a crush on Lee since he was a teenager. When Rupert asks his best friend to watch Eddie when he goes to the US to make a movie, due to a death threat, Lee is faced not with a kid but with a man who will make him doubt all his life.
Perfect end to a fantastic series.
Did Not Finish
September 30, 2024DNF The two MC's started passing some kind of pill between their tongues while they were dancing. My ick factor was reached. Not interested to go any further.
September 2, 2024
I had so much fun with Eddie and Lee! Loved how this unlikely pair was brought together and how their connection grew. CF White always offers a great deal of insight into the characters' personalities and I really admire her ability to write in a very compelling way, without it ever feeling overdone.
The book is a breeze to read and pure pleasure to experience!
The book is a breeze to read and pure pleasure to experience!
January 17, 2026
The start was ok, nothing bad or special about the exposition.
I had a bit of trouble keeping Lee and Eddie's names straight got some reason. I felt like Lee was more appropriate young, handsome actor and Eddie felt more like a name for a rugged, ex-cop.
I was shocked at how easily Eddie was able to bring up the topic of Cora, Lee's ex wife, and how willing Lee was to entertain that conversation given how much pain he indicated he felt about the whole thing. Felt super inappropriate on Eddie's part imo.
The banter was pretty funny. I liked that Lee wasn't so grumpy that he shut down Eddie's humor.
That first kiss was done very well. I loved the tension and Lee's justification of doing it under "helping Eddie", but also the fact that Eddie admitted it wasn't just acting at the end to avoid the "he's only doing it because he's trying to get into character" conflict.
Eddie massaging Lee and offering to "take care of him" wasn't romantic or tension building, it was inappropriate considering Lee had been very clear on him not wanting to pursue that sort of relationship AND Eddie literally just said that he wasn't going to jump Lee if they'd slept on the same bed (so that was a lie). Lee needed to be the one to make the move after his rejection, not Eddie and it definitely didn't need to be Eddie getting physical with Lee because it just made him look like a selfish creep imposing his desires onto a man who verbally indicated that he didn't want it (regardless of whether or not Lee did want it). Speaking of which,
Def not a fan of the drug use here. Something about using something harder than alcohol to loosen inhibitions feels icky (but that's probably just the anti-drug propaganda in me talking).
What the fuck happened to the writing after It was straight summary without any dialogue for five pages. Why not show the trauma? The comfort? Why was it just summarized??? And why was it just back to business with the film ending as if .
Why didn't the story end after that climax? Why not have Eddie and Lee realize that their relationship was worth fighting for after the Why did we need a whole 70 other pages to do what should've been done already?
Eddie's argument with his dad about his being a coward and hiding when things got rough was so underdeveloped. We got like one conversation earlier in the story where Eddie mentions that to Lee, but suddenly it's the defining factor in Eddie's relationship with his dad? And why the fuck was Cora only there to stir up unjustified drama about Lee, saying that he was "broken" or "damaged". Bitch, you've only been a character for like 4 pages, sit down. Both of those relationship dynamics being hurdles were not nearly well enough established earlier on. It's like the author wanted to write two books (one a thriller about a kidnapping attempt the other an age gap romance where the Eddie's dad and Lee's ex were the main hurdles) and stitched the second one's climax at the end of the first one'sstory. We know that Eddie's dad was going to be told, but given how the story went pacing-wise, he should've been ok with them because the story should've ended when they came back from America. None of that typical "You're fucking my son?" conflict should've been here considering how the main story that had been set up was finished already.
TL;DR: I was soooooo confused at the choices this author chose after the 75% mark. The book should've just ended after the first climax since that was the thing most of the book had been setting up for, everything after was just a mess of emotions we're supposed to feel, but since we'd been in a different continent for a majority of the book, the last 20ish% just felt like the resolution to a different story with the same characters. Would've easily been a 3.5 star rounded up if it just ended earlier, but now it's 2.5 rounded down because of how much the last parts of the book tainted my perception of it .
I had a bit of trouble keeping Lee and Eddie's names straight got some reason. I felt like Lee was more appropriate young, handsome actor and Eddie felt more like a name for a rugged, ex-cop.
I was shocked at how easily Eddie was able to bring up the topic of Cora, Lee's ex wife, and how willing Lee was to entertain that conversation given how much pain he indicated he felt about the whole thing. Felt super inappropriate on Eddie's part imo.
The banter was pretty funny. I liked that Lee wasn't so grumpy that he shut down Eddie's humor.
That first kiss was done very well. I loved the tension and Lee's justification of doing it under "helping Eddie", but also the fact that Eddie admitted it wasn't just acting at the end to avoid the "he's only doing it because he's trying to get into character" conflict.
Eddie massaging Lee and offering to "take care of him" wasn't romantic or tension building, it was inappropriate considering Lee had been very clear on him not wanting to pursue that sort of relationship AND Eddie literally just said that he wasn't going to jump Lee if they'd slept on the same bed (so that was a lie). Lee needed to be the one to make the move after his rejection, not Eddie and it definitely didn't need to be Eddie getting physical with Lee because it just made him look like a selfish creep imposing his desires onto a man who verbally indicated that he didn't want it (regardless of whether or not Lee did want it). Speaking of which,
Def not a fan of the drug use here. Something about using something harder than alcohol to loosen inhibitions feels icky (but that's probably just the anti-drug propaganda in me talking).
What the fuck happened to the writing after It was straight summary without any dialogue for five pages. Why not show the trauma? The comfort? Why was it just summarized??? And why was it just back to business with the film ending as if .
Why didn't the story end after that climax? Why not have Eddie and Lee realize that their relationship was worth fighting for after the Why did we need a whole 70 other pages to do what should've been done already?
Eddie's argument with his dad about his being a coward and hiding when things got rough was so underdeveloped. We got like one conversation earlier in the story where Eddie mentions that to Lee, but suddenly it's the defining factor in Eddie's relationship with his dad? And why the fuck was Cora only there to stir up unjustified drama about Lee, saying that he was "broken" or "damaged". Bitch, you've only been a character for like 4 pages, sit down. Both of those relationship dynamics being hurdles were not nearly well enough established earlier on. It's like the author wanted to write two books (one a thriller about a kidnapping attempt the other an age gap romance where the Eddie's dad and Lee's ex were the main hurdles) and stitched the second one's climax at the end of the first one'sstory. We know that Eddie's dad was going to be told, but given how the story went pacing-wise, he should've been ok with them because the story should've ended when they came back from America. None of that typical "You're fucking my son?" conflict should've been here considering how the main story that had been set up was finished already.
TL;DR: I was soooooo confused at the choices this author chose after the 75% mark. The book should've just ended after the first climax since that was the thing most of the book had been setting up for, everything after was just a mess of emotions we're supposed to feel, but since we'd been in a different continent for a majority of the book, the last 20ish% just felt like the resolution to a different story with the same characters. Would've easily been a 3.5 star rounded up if it just ended earlier, but now it's 2.5 rounded down because of how much the last parts of the book tainted my perception of it .
August 31, 2024
American Dream is the eighth book in the ‘Flying into Love’ series. It stars Eddie Brownlee, a young actor, and Lee Everett, an ex-cop. This is told in third person from Eddie and Lee’s povs.
4 Stars
The blurb does a good job of explaining the basic plot so I won’t go over it again. This has so much angst and emotion. It’s more about character growth than the mystery danger, although there is some of that. It’s about Lee fighting his attraction for Eddie, and Eddie trying to hide his love for Lee, who he’s been in love with from the time he hit puberty.
The author always does a great job of describing the environment where each story takes place. In the other books in this series, I always felt like I was there. This one however, didn’t feel like that for me. Probably because I live in the United States the descriptions of the locations and Las Vegas felt normal, and not exotic like the other books.
I felt sorry for Lee. He suffered many traumas close together. One of the men under his command while he was a cop was killed, and Lee blamed himself. He was guilt-ridden and depressed. His ex-wife couldn’t handle his problems, so she divorced him. Also, his best friend’s wife died, and Lee had helped introduce them. Lee’s best friend Rupert asks Lee to work as a body guard to protect Eddie as he travels to the US to make a movie, because Rupert has received threats of Eddie’s kidnapping and possible murder. Lee agrees to help, but that creates a problem. Eddie is in love with Lee. Lee doesn’t know this, but he can’t resist Eddie’s flame. Eddie is a caretaker; he took care of his mother and sister as his mother was dying. Rupert buried himself in his work. Rupert was a selfish man, ignoring his kids, and requiring loyalty from Lee. Lee cared so much about what Rupert thought of him that he molded his life and behavior around Rupert’s words and ideas that Rupert implied. That is the major conflict when Rupert finds out about Lee and Eddie. I’d say that was more of a conflict than the actual kidnapping. Eddie was a kind young man with ADHD. The ADHD wasn’t really covered as a topic, only that Eddie had to take medication to help him. One of Eddie’s concerns was hiding the fact he was a gay actor. This leads to more tension in the story. The movie could be his big break, but not if people found out he was gay. Eddie accepted all of Lee’s flaws and worries, never trying to change him, and that’s what Lee needed. Rupert and Lee’s ex wanted Lee to change or behave a certain way, but Lee had so much trauma he couldn’t do that. Eddie gave Lee room to heal, and that had Lee falling in love with Eddie. They were good for each other and the author had me believing in them as a couple.
American Dream has terrific characters with distinct and consistent personalities. The tension between Lee and Eddie about their mutual attraction was high. The only part that didn’t work for me were the locations, but that is personal because I live in the US, and readers living in other countries may not find the locations ordinary. I give this book, 4 Stars and recommend it, as well as the other ones in this series. Since this book is probably the last in the series, for now, I hope the author changes their mind and decides to add more in the future.
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
4 Stars
The blurb does a good job of explaining the basic plot so I won’t go over it again. This has so much angst and emotion. It’s more about character growth than the mystery danger, although there is some of that. It’s about Lee fighting his attraction for Eddie, and Eddie trying to hide his love for Lee, who he’s been in love with from the time he hit puberty.
The author always does a great job of describing the environment where each story takes place. In the other books in this series, I always felt like I was there. This one however, didn’t feel like that for me. Probably because I live in the United States the descriptions of the locations and Las Vegas felt normal, and not exotic like the other books.
I felt sorry for Lee. He suffered many traumas close together. One of the men under his command while he was a cop was killed, and Lee blamed himself. He was guilt-ridden and depressed. His ex-wife couldn’t handle his problems, so she divorced him. Also, his best friend’s wife died, and Lee had helped introduce them. Lee’s best friend Rupert asks Lee to work as a body guard to protect Eddie as he travels to the US to make a movie, because Rupert has received threats of Eddie’s kidnapping and possible murder. Lee agrees to help, but that creates a problem. Eddie is in love with Lee. Lee doesn’t know this, but he can’t resist Eddie’s flame. Eddie is a caretaker; he took care of his mother and sister as his mother was dying. Rupert buried himself in his work. Rupert was a selfish man, ignoring his kids, and requiring loyalty from Lee. Lee cared so much about what Rupert thought of him that he molded his life and behavior around Rupert’s words and ideas that Rupert implied. That is the major conflict when Rupert finds out about Lee and Eddie. I’d say that was more of a conflict than the actual kidnapping. Eddie was a kind young man with ADHD. The ADHD wasn’t really covered as a topic, only that Eddie had to take medication to help him. One of Eddie’s concerns was hiding the fact he was a gay actor. This leads to more tension in the story. The movie could be his big break, but not if people found out he was gay. Eddie accepted all of Lee’s flaws and worries, never trying to change him, and that’s what Lee needed. Rupert and Lee’s ex wanted Lee to change or behave a certain way, but Lee had so much trauma he couldn’t do that. Eddie gave Lee room to heal, and that had Lee falling in love with Eddie. They were good for each other and the author had me believing in them as a couple.
American Dream has terrific characters with distinct and consistent personalities. The tension between Lee and Eddie about their mutual attraction was high. The only part that didn’t work for me were the locations, but that is personal because I live in the US, and readers living in other countries may not find the locations ordinary. I give this book, 4 Stars and recommend it, as well as the other ones in this series. Since this book is probably the last in the series, for now, I hope the author changes their mind and decides to add more in the future.
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 27, 2024
4 Stars!
This is a story with hurt/comfort and bodyguard themes surrounding a dad's best friend trope. I was really looking forward to reading this one based on the blurb, but I had a hard time getting into it. Once I was over a third of the way through that, I felt more engaged with the story and characters. Thankfully, my interest and investment in both Lee and Eddie continued to increase until the end. Give this one a chance if you are interested in it, you may find the beginning works better for you than it did for me.
Lee has been friends with Eddie's father, Rupert, for a long time; they have been there for each other through many highs and lows. At the beginning of the book, Lee feels lost in both his personal and professional lives but doesn't hesitate when Rupert asks him to keep Eddie safe. Eddie has his own pain that no one sees and a long-standing crush on Lee, which makes everything about this situation more complicated for him.
Eddie and Lee slowly got to know each other as they traveled and learned Eddie got the acting job he auditioned for. It's a bit of a slow burn since it takes Lee a while to see Eddie as a desirable ma, not the child he watched grow up. I liked that Eddie found ways to help Lee slowly open up and talk about his past and present; Lee's past has a definite hold on him. I was glad to see Lee trying to let some of the past go and even better receive some closure eventually. I liked that Lee was able to see the pain that Eddie was carrying and that he saw past the masks Eddie had been using for years. By the end of the book, I was rooting for them and was glad that Eddie stood up to Cora for Lee. The pain of their separation was clear, and their relationship being outed to family and friends was unfortunate, but I was glad that things worked out for them. The bodyguard portion of the story was ok. I felt like it was mostly just a good way to get Eddie and Lee together away from home, but otherwise was not well fleshed out. Overall, it was a good read.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
This is a story with hurt/comfort and bodyguard themes surrounding a dad's best friend trope. I was really looking forward to reading this one based on the blurb, but I had a hard time getting into it. Once I was over a third of the way through that, I felt more engaged with the story and characters. Thankfully, my interest and investment in both Lee and Eddie continued to increase until the end. Give this one a chance if you are interested in it, you may find the beginning works better for you than it did for me.
Lee has been friends with Eddie's father, Rupert, for a long time; they have been there for each other through many highs and lows. At the beginning of the book, Lee feels lost in both his personal and professional lives but doesn't hesitate when Rupert asks him to keep Eddie safe. Eddie has his own pain that no one sees and a long-standing crush on Lee, which makes everything about this situation more complicated for him.
Eddie and Lee slowly got to know each other as they traveled and learned Eddie got the acting job he auditioned for. It's a bit of a slow burn since it takes Lee a while to see Eddie as a desirable ma, not the child he watched grow up. I liked that Eddie found ways to help Lee slowly open up and talk about his past and present; Lee's past has a definite hold on him. I was glad to see Lee trying to let some of the past go and even better receive some closure eventually. I liked that Lee was able to see the pain that Eddie was carrying and that he saw past the masks Eddie had been using for years. By the end of the book, I was rooting for them and was glad that Eddie stood up to Cora for Lee. The pain of their separation was clear, and their relationship being outed to family and friends was unfortunate, but I was glad that things worked out for them. The bodyguard portion of the story was ok. I felt like it was mostly just a good way to get Eddie and Lee together away from home, but otherwise was not well fleshed out. Overall, it was a good read.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
August 25, 2024
C. F. White concludes Volume One of her fantastic Flying Into Love series with American Dream.
Ex-police officer Lee Everett hasn’t had the easiest time lately. An event at work has left him at a crossroads, dealing with PTSD, and his wife is divorcing him, and keeping his dog.
So when his best friend Rupert confides a case he’s prosecuting on has led to some threats about his son, Eddie, he asks Lee to look after him while he’s in America working on a film.
This has so many great tropes: Dad’s best friend/Best friend’s son, Age gap (23/49), Forced proximity, Only one bed, and a Bi re-awakening. Throw in the mystery of who’s after Eddie - you’ll start to suspect everyone- and the suspense is amazing.
Both men have suffered. Lee feels guilt over the collapse of his career and marriage. After his mother died, Eddie became de facto parent to his sister while his dad buried his grief in work. Eddie’s own feelings of loss and not being the son his danger-loving dad wanted, coupled with his ADHD and anxiety leave his adrift.
It’s no surprise they’re drawn to each other. Eddie has had a crush on Lee forever - even though he thought he was straight. And Lee appreciates the man Eddie ha become - talented, clever, and so darn enticing. Amid movie sets and the backdrop of the American West, it’s lovely to watch these two lonely men fall for each other. They save each other. This has ALL the emotions, get ready!
Back home in England they have to deal with the fallout of an angry, betrayed Rupert. I understood where he was coming from, but loved Eddie’s gentle reminder that he was far from a role model growing up, and he deserved happiness.
I loved both these character and appreciated their growth and the closure they found. A great read!
This series has taken me to Australia,
Ireland, Spain, Scotland, France, and Jersey. I still need to read Greek God, and can’t wait. Every booking is a lovely escape, and a chance to vicariously visit stunning locations and immerse yourself in complicated men falling in love. 4 1/2 stars.
Ex-police officer Lee Everett hasn’t had the easiest time lately. An event at work has left him at a crossroads, dealing with PTSD, and his wife is divorcing him, and keeping his dog.
So when his best friend Rupert confides a case he’s prosecuting on has led to some threats about his son, Eddie, he asks Lee to look after him while he’s in America working on a film.
This has so many great tropes: Dad’s best friend/Best friend’s son, Age gap (23/49), Forced proximity, Only one bed, and a Bi re-awakening. Throw in the mystery of who’s after Eddie - you’ll start to suspect everyone- and the suspense is amazing.
Both men have suffered. Lee feels guilt over the collapse of his career and marriage. After his mother died, Eddie became de facto parent to his sister while his dad buried his grief in work. Eddie’s own feelings of loss and not being the son his danger-loving dad wanted, coupled with his ADHD and anxiety leave his adrift.
It’s no surprise they’re drawn to each other. Eddie has had a crush on Lee forever - even though he thought he was straight. And Lee appreciates the man Eddie ha become - talented, clever, and so darn enticing. Amid movie sets and the backdrop of the American West, it’s lovely to watch these two lonely men fall for each other. They save each other. This has ALL the emotions, get ready!
Back home in England they have to deal with the fallout of an angry, betrayed Rupert. I understood where he was coming from, but loved Eddie’s gentle reminder that he was far from a role model growing up, and he deserved happiness.
I loved both these character and appreciated their growth and the closure they found. A great read!
This series has taken me to Australia,
Ireland, Spain, Scotland, France, and Jersey. I still need to read Greek God, and can’t wait. Every booking is a lovely escape, and a chance to vicariously visit stunning locations and immerse yourself in complicated men falling in love. 4 1/2 stars.
May 9, 2025
I gave this 5 stars because I think it excelled at what it set out to do and was incredibly satisfying. And the sex was hot. Which it wouldn't have been without context and awesome characters.
Also - bodyguard! Yes, please, and thank you.
Ennahoo...I'm not usually one for age-gap romances, and this one was a larger age gap than I've usually seen - 26 years. The gap was always referred to as 30 years or nearly 30 years, which kind of made me crazy, but whatever.
Anyway, age gap romances work for me only when the younger MC is an old soul and/or has had life experiences that caused them to mature unusually early. That was the case here. Eddie was old for his 23 years because he had cared for his dying mother for so long, with little to no help from his father. So I was able to get my brain around a much older man being able to relate to him as a partner.
Lee was to die for, if you like older muscle-y angst-ridden alpha-male sweet guys who have been suppressing their bisexuality. Which, apparently, I do. :)
So, the plot was really interesting. Eddie is going from England to L.A. to star in his first film, and his dad's ex-cop bestie is going with him to protect him from a threat from the mafia, because dad is prosecuting an international sex trade thing. Lots of color with the movie sets and locales, but mostly a lot of really great relationship development. A bit of action, with Lee playing the hero, but that didn't at all dominate the plot, which I liked.
What I also liked was that the author took a satisfying amount of time working through the reality of Lee and Eddie coming home to the U.K. and not being able to be together because Eddie's dad would lose his sh*t if he knew. I thought the way C.F. White brought them through revealing their relationship and coming to terms with the family and other entanglements was exceptionally well done.
Audiobook: Audible 8-book set, so an amazing bargain! Narrator Piers Ryman is extremely good, and I'm very hard to please. I'll be seeking out his other projects!
Also - bodyguard! Yes, please, and thank you.
Ennahoo...I'm not usually one for age-gap romances, and this one was a larger age gap than I've usually seen - 26 years. The gap was always referred to as 30 years or nearly 30 years, which kind of made me crazy, but whatever.
Anyway, age gap romances work for me only when the younger MC is an old soul and/or has had life experiences that caused them to mature unusually early. That was the case here. Eddie was old for his 23 years because he had cared for his dying mother for so long, with little to no help from his father. So I was able to get my brain around a much older man being able to relate to him as a partner.
Lee was to die for, if you like older muscle-y angst-ridden alpha-male sweet guys who have been suppressing their bisexuality. Which, apparently, I do. :)
So, the plot was really interesting. Eddie is going from England to L.A. to star in his first film, and his dad's ex-cop bestie is going with him to protect him from a threat from the mafia, because dad is prosecuting an international sex trade thing. Lots of color with the movie sets and locales, but mostly a lot of really great relationship development. A bit of action, with Lee playing the hero, but that didn't at all dominate the plot, which I liked.
What I also liked was that the author took a satisfying amount of time working through the reality of Lee and Eddie coming home to the U.K. and not being able to be together because Eddie's dad would lose his sh*t if he knew. I thought the way C.F. White brought them through revealing their relationship and coming to terms with the family and other entanglements was exceptionally well done.
Audiobook: Audible 8-book set, so an amazing bargain! Narrator Piers Ryman is extremely good, and I'm very hard to please. I'll be seeking out his other projects!
November 7, 2024
I love this series! (an audio review)
CF’s series has been a wonderful journey around the world – Australia, Greece, Spain, Jersey, Scotland, Ireland, and France. Now we wind up in America. Not just America, but California and Hollywood specifically. We’ve got British actor Eddie who has landed a leading role in a new film. He’s excited but is also facing the reality that threats have been made against his life. His father is prosecuting a case back in England and certain criminal elements aren’t happy about that. They want to kidnap Eddie as leverage to get Eddie’s father to back down.
Enter Lee. Lee has been Eddie’s father (Rupert) best friend forever. Lee’s newly divorced, out of the Met, and in need of direction. He’s not thrilled about being hired as a bodyguard but he’ll do anything to keep Rupert’s son safe. What Lee doesn’t expect, as he and Eddie head to America, is the attraction he feels toward the younger man.
Eddie, on the other hand, has had a crush on Lee his entire life pretty much. Or at least as long as he’s known he was gay. Eddie’s mum, who died tragically, even warned him to be less obvious about his lust for Lee. Now Eddie, still in the closet for the sake of his career, is 24/7 with the man he’s always wanted and never thought he could have.
Except what happens in America stays in America…right?
This is a CF White romance, so I suspect you know the answer. Lee and Eddie have plenty of obstacles to overcome and I loved watching them do it.
I’ll say Piers Ryman has become a favorite narrator of mine since he and CF started putting out audios. He’s done a great job with this series. I didn’t love his American accent, but I’ve heard much worse. In all, he did a fantastic job. It seems this is the last book – which is disappointing - but I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride across the world. Thank you, CF.
CF’s series has been a wonderful journey around the world – Australia, Greece, Spain, Jersey, Scotland, Ireland, and France. Now we wind up in America. Not just America, but California and Hollywood specifically. We’ve got British actor Eddie who has landed a leading role in a new film. He’s excited but is also facing the reality that threats have been made against his life. His father is prosecuting a case back in England and certain criminal elements aren’t happy about that. They want to kidnap Eddie as leverage to get Eddie’s father to back down.
Enter Lee. Lee has been Eddie’s father (Rupert) best friend forever. Lee’s newly divorced, out of the Met, and in need of direction. He’s not thrilled about being hired as a bodyguard but he’ll do anything to keep Rupert’s son safe. What Lee doesn’t expect, as he and Eddie head to America, is the attraction he feels toward the younger man.
Eddie, on the other hand, has had a crush on Lee his entire life pretty much. Or at least as long as he’s known he was gay. Eddie’s mum, who died tragically, even warned him to be less obvious about his lust for Lee. Now Eddie, still in the closet for the sake of his career, is 24/7 with the man he’s always wanted and never thought he could have.
Except what happens in America stays in America…right?
This is a CF White romance, so I suspect you know the answer. Lee and Eddie have plenty of obstacles to overcome and I loved watching them do it.
I’ll say Piers Ryman has become a favorite narrator of mine since he and CF started putting out audios. He’s done a great job with this series. I didn’t love his American accent, but I’ve heard much worse. In all, he did a fantastic job. It seems this is the last book – which is disappointing - but I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride across the world. Thank you, CF.
January 4, 2025
It finally clicked - why I am not a fan of age gap. Cause the age gap in this particular story... I want to say it was okay. That it could be worse. IRL I'd say love is love and can be found at any age and seeing an elderly couple or like whatever is your idea of older people (mine is currently around late fifties) finding happiness with another person should be just as celebrated as you the young love that is plastered all over media and films. Well, in books, I just can't say that and mean it and I finally know why. I was heading to this realization for quite some time but it finally clicked here - I think it's tragic.
As in, books are a warped mirror of reality, and I also use a bit different set of rules for it - the optimistic and dreamer rules where true love exists and people don't always break up (or get divorced) so when I am presented with a couple where the love interest is practically twice the MC's age??? I don't think 'oh, how romantic' I think 'how tragic, how crushing to realise your The One, your person, is so much older than you'. They'll die sooner, they are already at a different stage of life and so on and so forth. It's like finding that one thing you were hoping for and looking for just to realise it's very different from what you wanted. I am not sure I am explaining this right but my usual age gap is, say, ten years max and this 'my best friend's son' situation was enough for my brain to connect the dots - I am not against some age difference in a couple, I just tend to focus too much on what "life" (in this case the author) took from them with said age difference and the sadness of that realisation overwhelmed the happy, romance parts. Didn't help that the older beefcake was in quite a sad situation at the beginning already so the whole book was just really not jaming my jam... Whatever I meant by that 😅.
DNF, but thanks for the epiphany.
As in, books are a warped mirror of reality, and I also use a bit different set of rules for it - the optimistic and dreamer rules where true love exists and people don't always break up (or get divorced) so when I am presented with a couple where the love interest is practically twice the MC's age??? I don't think 'oh, how romantic' I think 'how tragic, how crushing to realise your The One, your person, is so much older than you'. They'll die sooner, they are already at a different stage of life and so on and so forth. It's like finding that one thing you were hoping for and looking for just to realise it's very different from what you wanted. I am not sure I am explaining this right but my usual age gap is, say, ten years max and this 'my best friend's son' situation was enough for my brain to connect the dots - I am not against some age difference in a couple, I just tend to focus too much on what "life" (in this case the author) took from them with said age difference and the sadness of that realisation overwhelmed the happy, romance parts. Didn't help that the older beefcake was in quite a sad situation at the beginning already so the whole book was just really not jaming my jam... Whatever I meant by that 😅.
DNF, but thanks for the epiphany.
August 30, 2024
American Dream is exactly what you would expect from a romance novel, and more. It is a compelling mixture of love, passion, action, suspense, and danger that keeps the reader’s attention from the first to the last page. Profound introspection into thoughts and emotions, with a touch of humor, adds depth to the characters, making their decisions and reactions relatable and easy to understand.
The third-person narrative is a refreshing deviation from the standard dual POV in the genre. The dynamic and fluent writing style and the exciting plot make this novel an immersive and rewarding read.
The writing sometimes leans into an over-descriptive narrative, but it never crosses the threshold of boredom. Eddie and Lee, the main characters, are no strangers, having known each other since Eddie’s birth. To complicate things further, Lee is much older, Eddie's father’s best friend, and his teenage crush. Moreover, Eddie identifies as gay, while Lee, who is divorced, is as straight as they come. Lee is a retired cop, and Eddie is an aspiring actor. When they suddenly reconnect after years of distance and find themselves in close proximity, their relationship takes unexpected turns. The slow-paced transition Lee experiences going from a straight-alpha male to falling for Eddie, combined with action and danger, adds to the overall pull of the story.
Though the novel is not a dark drama or emotionally overbearing, nor does it address complex issues and characters, it still might cater to a broad spectrum of reading preferences. You can read the book as a standalone, and it ends with a satisfying HEA.
Disclaimer: I received a free advance reader copy of this book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.
The third-person narrative is a refreshing deviation from the standard dual POV in the genre. The dynamic and fluent writing style and the exciting plot make this novel an immersive and rewarding read.
The writing sometimes leans into an over-descriptive narrative, but it never crosses the threshold of boredom. Eddie and Lee, the main characters, are no strangers, having known each other since Eddie’s birth. To complicate things further, Lee is much older, Eddie's father’s best friend, and his teenage crush. Moreover, Eddie identifies as gay, while Lee, who is divorced, is as straight as they come. Lee is a retired cop, and Eddie is an aspiring actor. When they suddenly reconnect after years of distance and find themselves in close proximity, their relationship takes unexpected turns. The slow-paced transition Lee experiences going from a straight-alpha male to falling for Eddie, combined with action and danger, adds to the overall pull of the story.
Though the novel is not a dark drama or emotionally overbearing, nor does it address complex issues and characters, it still might cater to a broad spectrum of reading preferences. You can read the book as a standalone, and it ends with a satisfying HEA.
Disclaimer: I received a free advance reader copy of this book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.
September 1, 2024
Eddie and Lee’s story drew me in and I was soon invested in this blossoming relationship amid the background of the film industry. Eddie was barely managing to keep his decade long crush for Lee from overwhelming him, and Lee was experiencing feelings about Eddie that he was having trouble deciphering, while trying to keep his mind on all the reasons this couldn’t work. But proximity and dangerous threats to Eddie’s life kept ramping up the attraction until something had to give.
The characters were believable and the movie parts seemed realistic as the setting changed locations due to filming, much like real life filming for movies over the years. I found the mention of an intimacy coordinator on set to be interesting, as that has been a new push for the comfort of the actors in intimate scenes over the last few years, along with closed sets and limited numbers of crew on set during filming of those scenes.
Both characters were haunted by deaths from the past, both had baggage they carried with them as they tried to get through “normal” daily life without losing it, and both benefited from the support for each other in their darkest times. Their past ghosts actually benefited their relationship as each was experiencing many of the same emotions which they kept tightly under control. With each other, they could finally feel that someone actually saw them and thought they were enough.
I found this to be an interesting book with enough action to keep things interesting, spicy scenes to ramp up the heat, and a developing relationship which seemed to flow naturally over time, entertaining me to the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were believable and the movie parts seemed realistic as the setting changed locations due to filming, much like real life filming for movies over the years. I found the mention of an intimacy coordinator on set to be interesting, as that has been a new push for the comfort of the actors in intimate scenes over the last few years, along with closed sets and limited numbers of crew on set during filming of those scenes.
Both characters were haunted by deaths from the past, both had baggage they carried with them as they tried to get through “normal” daily life without losing it, and both benefited from the support for each other in their darkest times. Their past ghosts actually benefited their relationship as each was experiencing many of the same emotions which they kept tightly under control. With each other, they could finally feel that someone actually saw them and thought they were enough.
I found this to be an interesting book with enough action to keep things interesting, spicy scenes to ramp up the heat, and a developing relationship which seemed to flow naturally over time, entertaining me to the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2024
Lee is Eddie’s father’s best friend. They grew up together and have stood by each other through thick and thin. Eddie’s father Ru is a Crown Prosecutor who has a big court case going on and threats were made against Eddie to try and scare his dad out of prosecuting. Eddie is heading off to the US to film a movie, and being so far away after having threats made against him has his father terrified so he asks Lee to accompany him as a bodyguard which he agrees to do. Eddie has had a massive crush on Lee since he was thirteen and was even part of him realising he was gay. Their forced proximity drives Eddie mad as he realises he feels deeper than mere attraction for Lee but has to fight his feelings as Lee is straight. As they travel between locations for filming, and share a bed, Lee slowly starts to feel an attraction to Eddie he has only felt a few times before but their large age gap and being Ru’s son is an unbreakable wall in his mind.
I enjoyed the slow burn as it felt appropriate for their circumstances, but I felt there was still a lot of unresolved tension between Eddie and his father by the end in relation to their pre-existing issues. I wish they had a bigger confrontation and understanding by Ru on why their relationship was already so strained before he found out about them dating. Eddie has been (understandably) holding onto resentment for years but it seemed so quickly glossed over. Cora can also take a hike.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I enjoyed the slow burn as it felt appropriate for their circumstances, but I felt there was still a lot of unresolved tension between Eddie and his father by the end in relation to their pre-existing issues. I wish they had a bigger confrontation and understanding by Ru on why their relationship was already so strained before he found out about them dating. Eddie has been (understandably) holding onto resentment for years but it seemed so quickly glossed over. Cora can also take a hike.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 28, 2024
Eddie has a bodyguard, who’s his father’s best friend. The very one he has had a crush on for years, the very freshly divorced straight one.
It’s torture to have the big guy around 24/7.
When Lee’s best friend asks him to protect his son because of a threat, he packs his bag and travels with Eddie to America.
Eddie is a British actor, his late mom was a movie star, and he’s carrying her legacy, that’s why he got this chance, no need to mention he’s gay, that would reduce his chances again.
While Lee acts mostly cool, his life isn’t cool at all, he’s drowning in guilt, the trauma he’s been through is still echoing in his ears and head, loudly. His feelings are complicated, there are nightmares, insomnia, an uncertain future, and last but not least, there’s Eddie, his friend's way younger son.
Even though Lee is very protective, Eddie knows he’s only here because of his father, not for him.
The longer they are together the stronger his feelings become.
There’s way more to this story than their friendship or their blooming complicated ’more’.
The guys are amazingly layered, it was both very hard and a joy to meet their exposed personalities.
It’s a slow burn, thank goodness I got through it, there’s lots of pining, lots of sexual tension, deeply moving thoughts and conversations.
You can imagine how complicated this all is/was. Thank goodness for the HEA.
A beautiful emotional story, the whole series was marvelous!
It’s torture to have the big guy around 24/7.
When Lee’s best friend asks him to protect his son because of a threat, he packs his bag and travels with Eddie to America.
Eddie is a British actor, his late mom was a movie star, and he’s carrying her legacy, that’s why he got this chance, no need to mention he’s gay, that would reduce his chances again.
While Lee acts mostly cool, his life isn’t cool at all, he’s drowning in guilt, the trauma he’s been through is still echoing in his ears and head, loudly. His feelings are complicated, there are nightmares, insomnia, an uncertain future, and last but not least, there’s Eddie, his friend's way younger son.
Even though Lee is very protective, Eddie knows he’s only here because of his father, not for him.
The longer they are together the stronger his feelings become.
There’s way more to this story than their friendship or their blooming complicated ’more’.
The guys are amazingly layered, it was both very hard and a joy to meet their exposed personalities.
It’s a slow burn, thank goodness I got through it, there’s lots of pining, lots of sexual tension, deeply moving thoughts and conversations.
You can imagine how complicated this all is/was. Thank goodness for the HEA.
A beautiful emotional story, the whole series was marvelous!
August 22, 2024
I can always count on C.F. White for romantic suspense, and this story delivers it in spades. Eddie’s reaching for the stars, pursuing his acting career and following in his late mother’s footsteps all the way to Hollywood. There’s just one problem - a threat to his life could mean the end of his American dream.
To ensure Eddie’s safety in the States, his dad calls in a favor from his best friend, Lee. He’s an ex-cop who’s picking up the pieces after a failed marriage and being forced into early retirement. His advanced tactical training makes him the perfect candidate to protect Eddie on his trip. There’s just one problem - Eddie’s massive crush on his dad’s best friend. Bodyguard romance, anyone? Yes, please!
This book checks a lot of boxes for me: forbidden romance, a secret crush, forced proximity, and only one bed. Lee joins Eddie on his trip at the very last minute, so there’s no time to make arrangements to accommodate two people. (What a shame!) Being forced together gives them plenty of time to discover things about themselves and each other, revealing truths they never imagined. It’s exciting, complicated, and emotional, and I was on edge, wondering how it could possibly all work out.
I highly recommend this story if you enjoy age gap, father’s best friend romances. A word of caution for anyone who’s sensitive to stories that include terminal illness: Eddie’s mother’s death as a result of a terminal illness (not cancer) is a major part of his journey. It happens in the past, off page, but is frequently discussed. Please take care when reading.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
To ensure Eddie’s safety in the States, his dad calls in a favor from his best friend, Lee. He’s an ex-cop who’s picking up the pieces after a failed marriage and being forced into early retirement. His advanced tactical training makes him the perfect candidate to protect Eddie on his trip. There’s just one problem - Eddie’s massive crush on his dad’s best friend. Bodyguard romance, anyone? Yes, please!
This book checks a lot of boxes for me: forbidden romance, a secret crush, forced proximity, and only one bed. Lee joins Eddie on his trip at the very last minute, so there’s no time to make arrangements to accommodate two people. (What a shame!) Being forced together gives them plenty of time to discover things about themselves and each other, revealing truths they never imagined. It’s exciting, complicated, and emotional, and I was on edge, wondering how it could possibly all work out.
I highly recommend this story if you enjoy age gap, father’s best friend romances. A word of caution for anyone who’s sensitive to stories that include terminal illness: Eddie’s mother’s death as a result of a terminal illness (not cancer) is a major part of his journey. It happens in the past, off page, but is frequently discussed. Please take care when reading.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
September 1, 2024
This series is so beautiful and emotional. I’ve only read the last three, but I have loved every one of them. I need to go back and read the other books in this series because I know that they will be just as entertaining. American Dreame by C.F. White focuses on Eddie Hart, an actor who has been threatened because of his father’s job. He’s heading to America and there have been credible threats to his life. Eddie’s dad, Rupert, asks his best friend Lee to step in as a bodyguard. Lee is going through some pretty emotional stuff, getting let go from his job after being deemed unfit, PTSD from the experience, and a divorce. He agrees because he owes his friend so much. While together, Eddie and Lee fall in a relationship and eventually love. However, Lee determines that they cannot be together due to the age-gap and the fact that Eddie’s dad is his best friend. I love the slow-burn, the angst, the romance when these two finally give in. I wish that Lee had fought a little more for Eddie but it was such a great ending. I wish that we had seen them a few years in the future. What would there lives have looked like? However, this series is just so well-written and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
Read
August 31, 2024I'm so sad that the Flying into Love series is wrapping up (for now) but I love that CF White gave us a father's best friend, age gap, forced proximity, bi-awakening love story that featured a fair amount of external drama, some major angst on Lee's part and a dogged determination on Eddie's part to not only live his Hollywood dream but also his fairytale one...
This story is a delicious romp filled with only one bed hotel rooms, a wonky shooting schedule that takes them all over the place... and the fact that Eddie uses Lee as inspiration for his intimacy scenes with his female co-star have these two all over the place...
I love watching Eddie wear down Lee, and also watching Lee as he grows to understand just how deep his feelings for Eddie are, especially when dealing with a huge crisis...
This book was a great read and a great way to finish the series, although the author does say that there's a possibility of future tales at some point in the distant future. All of these books feature leaving comfortable surroundings to explore elsewhere, but they can easily be read standalone.
This story is a delicious romp filled with only one bed hotel rooms, a wonky shooting schedule that takes them all over the place... and the fact that Eddie uses Lee as inspiration for his intimacy scenes with his female co-star have these two all over the place...
I love watching Eddie wear down Lee, and also watching Lee as he grows to understand just how deep his feelings for Eddie are, especially when dealing with a huge crisis...
This book was a great read and a great way to finish the series, although the author does say that there's a possibility of future tales at some point in the distant future. All of these books feature leaving comfortable surroundings to explore elsewhere, but they can easily be read standalone.
September 3, 2024
This book is part of the Flying Into Love series and the first one I’ve read out of the eight included in the series but I didn’t have any trouble following along so it’s safe to say it’s completely a standalone.
For those readers who aren’t fans of the shorter novellas, this one will be right up your alley. It’s a full length, slow burn, novel and includes lots of yearning, suspense, mystery, danger, dad’s best friend and plenty of good ol’ fashioned spicy goodness.
I loved both Lee and Eddie so much. Both gorgeous men in their own right, they were still full of feelings of insecurity and doubt for what they had to offer anyone else after both having experienced loss and were psychologically damaged by it. I absolutely loved that they were able to comfort each other, they both needed it desperately.
There’s really nothing else I can say that hasn’t already been said by either the blurb or other reviews without tons of repetition so all I’ll say is you need to read this book. Their coming together was beautiful and so worth your time reading it. 5 awesome stars!!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
For those readers who aren’t fans of the shorter novellas, this one will be right up your alley. It’s a full length, slow burn, novel and includes lots of yearning, suspense, mystery, danger, dad’s best friend and plenty of good ol’ fashioned spicy goodness.
I loved both Lee and Eddie so much. Both gorgeous men in their own right, they were still full of feelings of insecurity and doubt for what they had to offer anyone else after both having experienced loss and were psychologically damaged by it. I absolutely loved that they were able to comfort each other, they both needed it desperately.
There’s really nothing else I can say that hasn’t already been said by either the blurb or other reviews without tons of repetition so all I’ll say is you need to read this book. Their coming together was beautiful and so worth your time reading it. 5 awesome stars!!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2024
American Dream follows Eddie, a young British actor who is getting his big break in Hollywood, and Lee, a former detective with the Met and Eddie’s father’s best friend. Lee agrees to accompany Eddie to America for filming and provide protection after he is targeted by members of a trafficking ring when Eddie’s father begins prosecuting members of the ring. Eddie and Lee are forced into close quarters when the low budget production provides accommodations for Eddie only. This only complicates things for Eddie who has had a raging crush on Lee since he was thirteen years old. When their relationship develops into something more, Lee and Eddie have to come to terms with their feelings for each other and how it will affect their relationships with the others in their lives. This book was very up and down for me so it averages out to just being okay. I loved Eddie and Lee together but then they seemed to keep getting stuck in the same place over and over again. A decided lack of communication led to a lot of the drawn out angst that I felt bogged down the story. I did like Lee wrestling with the idea of being with someone so much younger than him and his reluctance to pursue things with Eddie due to his relationship with Eddie’s father. I also liked the way Lee’s trauma was handled except I wish that therapy had a hand as a part of the treatment rather than the relationship.
August 30, 2024
I have sort of mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I loved it, it kept me glued to my Kindle to see how things between Eddie and his lifelong crush, and his dad’s best friend, Lee, would develop. On the other hand, I wanted to scream in frustration at the unfairness of their situation, Lee’s hesitancy and outside world interference. I guess I am just the kind of girl that doesn’t think or consider any obstacles where love is concerned, so the (very reasonable) reasons that hindered or delayed their being together just made me want to scream and cry in frustration.
I loved Eddie, he is young but very mature for his age, having had to grow up way too soon, and he is the one keeping a level head while Lee, let’s face it, has more than one freakouts throughout the book. Honestly, though, trying to keep Eddie alive and safe while figuring out his feelings for him and questioning his loyalty to his best friends may not have been the easiest of things.
I loved Eddie, he is young but very mature for his age, having had to grow up way too soon, and he is the one keeping a level head while Lee, let’s face it, has more than one freakouts throughout the book. Honestly, though, trying to keep Eddie alive and safe while figuring out his feelings for him and questioning his loyalty to his best friends may not have been the easiest of things.
September 1, 2024
I’ve read all the books in the series and have loved visiting all the beautiful locations, it’s pretty impressive how many lovely places the author has covered. The final story is in the US, as British actor Eddie has a role in a Hollywood movie; his dad’s best friend Lee along as his bodyguard. Father’s best friend is a favorite trope of mine, and I enjoy Lee and Eddie together. I did miss the beautifully described international settings of the earlier books, Hollywood is not that for me - but I’m sure others will enjoy it. I mostly loved that Lee finally found someone who really pays attention to him and his struggles, as it seems Lee’s life has been focused on what Rupert needs or what Cora wants. I loved how Eddie stands up for what Lee needs. He shows admirable strength in a tough spot and really comes through for Lee.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 8, 2024
MM - American Dream
How lucky was I to get an arc copy of this book?
Although this is number 8 in the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
The American Dream, or is it? Eddie hopes to break out his career in America, but he has to take along a bodyguard as per his father's request. However, the bodyguard is his long-time boyhood lust fantasy. How will he cope?
I love how CF White writes; you feel immersed in the characters and story. This is true of each of her books. Her characters always have complex backgrounds that pull you in and make you feel that you know these people and have a connection with them.
Brilliant writing, heart-stopping and sad in parts, some parts I wanted to bang their heads together. I recommend you read this book and the whole series.
I can't wait for this to be out in audio.
American Dream : Flying into Love #8 Kindle Edition
by
C.F. White
❤❤❤❤❤ Story
How lucky was I to get an arc copy of this book?
Although this is number 8 in the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
The American Dream, or is it? Eddie hopes to break out his career in America, but he has to take along a bodyguard as per his father's request. However, the bodyguard is his long-time boyhood lust fantasy. How will he cope?
I love how CF White writes; you feel immersed in the characters and story. This is true of each of her books. Her characters always have complex backgrounds that pull you in and make you feel that you know these people and have a connection with them.
Brilliant writing, heart-stopping and sad in parts, some parts I wanted to bang their heads together. I recommend you read this book and the whole series.
I can't wait for this to be out in audio.
American Dream : Flying into Love #8 Kindle Edition
by
C.F. White
❤❤❤❤❤ Story
August 11, 2024
Made me cry.
Felt like I was in their bubble when I finished. Definitely felt hung over.
I’ve been looking forward to this book, I enjoyed Greek God so much that I knew I had to pick this one up. I buckled myself in as I knew I was in for a ride.
Lee and Eddie are complicated characters, both with their own trauma and playing roles that others want them to, but only when they are together, they can shed those roles and just be themselves.
Knowing this was a dad’s best friend trope, I questioned how could this romance be not creepy, since the older MC has seen the younger MC in diapers no doubt. But I think the author did a good job of separating the dad’s friendship and the relationship between two adult males in the end, we just had to get on board with it since Eddie saw no problem with it whatsoever. If he’s ok with it, then WHY should we yuck him yum.
I was surprised that the third act breakup made me cry, as I feared Lee was going to lose Rupert as a friend and had to choose either love or friendship. Thankfully HEA all around.
Felt like I was in their bubble when I finished. Definitely felt hung over.
I’ve been looking forward to this book, I enjoyed Greek God so much that I knew I had to pick this one up. I buckled myself in as I knew I was in for a ride.
Lee and Eddie are complicated characters, both with their own trauma and playing roles that others want them to, but only when they are together, they can shed those roles and just be themselves.
Knowing this was a dad’s best friend trope, I questioned how could this romance be not creepy, since the older MC has seen the younger MC in diapers no doubt. But I think the author did a good job of separating the dad’s friendship and the relationship between two adult males in the end, we just had to get on board with it since Eddie saw no problem with it whatsoever. If he’s ok with it, then WHY should we yuck him yum.
I was surprised that the third act breakup made me cry, as I feared Lee was going to lose Rupert as a friend and had to choose either love or friendship. Thankfully HEA all around.
August 24, 2024
I really enjoy C.F. White's contemporary romances and I'm sorry to learn that her charming Flying into Love series is coming to a close with American Dream. Luckily there are eight novels in this wonderful standalone series, and you can read them in any order.
American Dream is a steamy hot age-gap, father's best friend romance that will melt your socks off! White builds great tension between these two men and they have good chemistry. There's also a powerful hurt/comfort aspect to the novel, which adds to their relationship.
Hopefully we can convince C.F. White to throw us a few holiday shorts for some of the characters in the Flying into Love series. I hate to think this is really the end :).
an arc of American Dream was provided by the author at my request for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
American Dream is a steamy hot age-gap, father's best friend romance that will melt your socks off! White builds great tension between these two men and they have good chemistry. There's also a powerful hurt/comfort aspect to the novel, which adds to their relationship.
Hopefully we can convince C.F. White to throw us a few holiday shorts for some of the characters in the Flying into Love series. I hate to think this is really the end :).
an arc of American Dream was provided by the author at my request for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
January 4, 2025
I love this series, and enjoyed Eddie and Lee’s story, which is a wonderful age-gap romance read. I liked the insert into the acting world, and how these two both come with baggage from their pasts.
Poor Lee’s been through a lot. His dad has a lot to answer for, and it’s no wonder Lee’s shoved so much down instead of working through things. I liked how Eddie gets him out of himself. I liked that they’re both dealing with things, with Eddie’s grief over his mum, and Lee’s PTSD. These two are good together and for each other, despite trying to ignore their mutual attraction – once Lee figures things out.
I loved the complication of Lee’s best friend being Eddie’s dad. I thought Rupert’s reaction was realistic and loved the resolution of that side of the story. I also liked Cora.
The action/drama part of the plot is tense, and edge-of-seat. I loved Lee and Eddie’s HEA.
Poor Lee’s been through a lot. His dad has a lot to answer for, and it’s no wonder Lee’s shoved so much down instead of working through things. I liked how Eddie gets him out of himself. I liked that they’re both dealing with things, with Eddie’s grief over his mum, and Lee’s PTSD. These two are good together and for each other, despite trying to ignore their mutual attraction – once Lee figures things out.
I loved the complication of Lee’s best friend being Eddie’s dad. I thought Rupert’s reaction was realistic and loved the resolution of that side of the story. I also liked Cora.
The action/drama part of the plot is tense, and edge-of-seat. I loved Lee and Eddie’s HEA.
August 26, 2024
It took a little while for me to get into this book, but once I did---WOW, was it great! Eddie is an actor that lost his mother a few years ago to ALS. Lee is his father's best friend, almost 30 years older than Eddie. However, that doesn't stop Eddie from crushing on this "straight" guy that was married to a woman until recently. Lee has PTSD from a time when he was an anti-terrorist police sniper (I think?), and has remained closed off to all of his love interests in the past until Eddie. Eddie helps him open up and tell what happened to him, allowing him to get a good night's sleep in the first time for awhile. The only problem is that his Dad and Lee have been friends for some time, so this will all end when they go home, right?
September 3, 2024
This is the first book I read from the series and I felt comfortable with all the context provided throughout that I didn’t feel I missed anything major from not having read the prior books.
The story was cute, for me personally it took me awhile to get into the story. I enjoyed the growing chemistry between Lee and Eddie. I enjoyed seeing the tension grow but also their relationship and how they truly got to know one another. I also appreciate the honesty they have within themselves, that they part ways at first before deciding to go all in. The biggest angsty part was Eddie’s dad/Lee’s bestie Rupert finding out.
Overall I enjoyed the character growth from Lee, as Eddie truly allowed him to be himself and is what Lee also gave Eddie.
The story was cute, for me personally it took me awhile to get into the story. I enjoyed the growing chemistry between Lee and Eddie. I enjoyed seeing the tension grow but also their relationship and how they truly got to know one another. I also appreciate the honesty they have within themselves, that they part ways at first before deciding to go all in. The biggest angsty part was Eddie’s dad/Lee’s bestie Rupert finding out.
Overall I enjoyed the character growth from Lee, as Eddie truly allowed him to be himself and is what Lee also gave Eddie.
August 30, 2024
Lee, Eddie's father’s best friend, has always been a steadfast ally. With Eddie's father Ru facing threats due to a high-profile court case, Lee agrees to accompany Eddie to the US as a bodyguard. Eddie, who has harbored a crush on Lee since he was thirteen and who played a role in his realization of his own sexuality, finds himself grappling with deeper feelings as they spend time together. Despite Eddie’s growing attraction, Lee, who is straight and significantly older, struggles with his own feelings and the barriers of their relationship. The slow-burn romance unfolds amid their travel and shared moments
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews