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Lily knows she is easier to love in small doses. Wellness Influencer, Lily Long, appears to have it all together now. A decade ago she left her small town and her teen-marriage behind, starting over…and over…and over. Searching for a place to belong she’s constantly trying to to fit the expectations others seem to have of her.
River knows old secrets could destroy his chances with the one who got away.River Hendrix, is an anxious shell of his old goofball self. After taking over the family business from his ailing father, he has worked diligently to prove he’s worthy and capable of growing their multi-generation town legacy. This single-minded pursuit might have come at the cost of his personal life, but what does it matter when the girl of his dreams left town long ago?
Now Lily is returning to Peacock Springs to celebrate their friend's engagement. Will Lily’s carefully curated facade survive the close-up scrutiny of those who love her best? Will River find the confidence to admit to her how he’s always felt? Luckily their meddling friends see this opportunity to bring Lily home, help River relax, and reunite their little “fr-amily.” That is, so long as everyone can survive the fallout of the secret River’s held onto and a weird town mandate they can’t make go away.
Are they flying towards the adventure of a lifetime or just running from the past? Flying includes a M/F, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance full of quirky townies, found family, spice, and a guaranteed HEA. It is the first book in a series of interconnected romantic traum-com stories, exploring human stress response behavior. Set in Peacock Springs, NJ, they highlight healing through laughter and love.
River knows old secrets could destroy his chances with the one who got away.River Hendrix, is an anxious shell of his old goofball self. After taking over the family business from his ailing father, he has worked diligently to prove he’s worthy and capable of growing their multi-generation town legacy. This single-minded pursuit might have come at the cost of his personal life, but what does it matter when the girl of his dreams left town long ago?
Now Lily is returning to Peacock Springs to celebrate their friend's engagement. Will Lily’s carefully curated facade survive the close-up scrutiny of those who love her best? Will River find the confidence to admit to her how he’s always felt? Luckily their meddling friends see this opportunity to bring Lily home, help River relax, and reunite their little “fr-amily.” That is, so long as everyone can survive the fallout of the secret River’s held onto and a weird town mandate they can’t make go away.
Are they flying towards the adventure of a lifetime or just running from the past? Flying includes a M/F, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance full of quirky townies, found family, spice, and a guaranteed HEA. It is the first book in a series of interconnected romantic traum-com stories, exploring human stress response behavior. Set in Peacock Springs, NJ, they highlight healing through laughter and love.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2024
64 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Jordana Blake
4 books63 followersJordana is a textbook Millennial-Eldest Daughter-Caring Professional with Gifted Kid Burn Out. She's been reading past her bedtime since she learned to read, loves sitcoms, and can't function without coffee. She writes contemporary romantic "traum-com" based on the belief that we can heal through laughter and love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 28, 2024
I adored this debut from Jordana Blake - this small town romance with characters that felt so real and human was such a great read. The late in life ADHD diagnosis representation was incredibly well done and I loved River and Lily’s story. It’s hard to believe this is a debut but I’m definitely looking forward to the next book by Jordana Blake!
I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Want to read
January 1, 2025Flying is a quirky, adorable (and steamy) debut!
You should read Flying by Jordana Blake if you love:
🦚 Small Towns
🦚 Found Family
🦚 Friends to Lovers
🦚 Secret Pining
🦚 He Falls First (and hard AF!)
🦚 Mental Health Representation (ADHD)
Oh and did I mention all of the millennial pop culture references AND Gilmore Girls vibes? Congratulations to Jordana on your debut novel!
You should read Flying by Jordana Blake if you love:
🦚 Small Towns
🦚 Found Family
🦚 Friends to Lovers
🦚 Secret Pining
🦚 He Falls First (and hard AF!)
🦚 Mental Health Representation (ADHD)
Oh and did I mention all of the millennial pop culture references AND Gilmore Girls vibes? Congratulations to Jordana on your debut novel!
July 13, 2024
✨ ARC REVIEW✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 3/5 spice
I absolutely ADORED this book. The author did an amazing job at representing Lily and her anxiety and other conditions. You really see the character become herself and shed the notion she needs to be perfect and the town will hate her for something she did at 19.
This book has a lot of real life situations for the character to get through. Watching all the characters grow and the romance fall into place was BEAUTIFUL. I was absolutely addicted to this book.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 3/5 spice
I absolutely ADORED this book. The author did an amazing job at representing Lily and her anxiety and other conditions. You really see the character become herself and shed the notion she needs to be perfect and the town will hate her for something she did at 19.
This book has a lot of real life situations for the character to get through. Watching all the characters grow and the romance fall into place was BEAUTIFUL. I was absolutely addicted to this book.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
January 28, 2026
4.5 and only docking that half point because of the restaurant owner deciding to brew his own beer and moonshine to sell in his restaurant which would never happen in NJ without an enormous amount of red tape 😂
But other than that, I loved this! I picked it up from the bookish event at a local brewery and got the author to sign it! I loved all the NJ references and really connected to the later in life ADHD diagnosis (something I’ve been struggling with as well). Plus the tense relationship with parents (that I loved was not magically resolved by the end of the book).
The supporting characters were so fun and I’m obsessed with the (maybe) mob butcher and salon owners. If you want Gilmore Girls but NJ give this a shot! I’m so excited to read the next one.
But other than that, I loved this! I picked it up from the bookish event at a local brewery and got the author to sign it! I loved all the NJ references and really connected to the later in life ADHD diagnosis (something I’ve been struggling with as well). Plus the tense relationship with parents (that I loved was not magically resolved by the end of the book).
The supporting characters were so fun and I’m obsessed with the (maybe) mob butcher and salon owners. If you want Gilmore Girls but NJ give this a shot! I’m so excited to read the next one.
November 3, 2024
Jordana is such a gifted writer. This book has such an incredible found family, a semi slow burn with lotsss of pining and it is so deeply feminist in the best way. I adored this book!!
August 2, 2024
First thought: Enjoyed this one. The characters felt real and relatable. Even though this story broached a few heavy topics it was written in a way, that the story didn’t bring you down. If you love found family, second chance romance, lol moments, dogs, one bed, cute nicknames, quirky traditions and small town vibes this one’s for you!
Lily fled Peacock Springs after the town came after her figuratively with pitchforks after her failed marriage to her HS sweetheart. She never returned home and built a lifestyle as a fitness influencer traveling the world, but her life isn’t as glamours as her insta feed may portray. Now her bestie is getting engaged and it’s time to face her past and head home to support her friends who have become her true family.
River has been in love with Lily since they were kids, he bit his tongue when she dated and married his friend from the hockey team. He saved her by tipping her off and helping her escape when the town came after her all those years ago. He always has been in her corner and wanting more from their friendship, but he also has a secret that could destroy it all if she found out. Now he’s juggling running the family bar, and the pressure of it all is giving him anxiety.
When Lily finally returns home for a weekend she collides into River and the sparks fly. Can River convince Lily it’s time to stop running and to return home for good? Or does Peacock Springs just have too much trauma for Lily to over come. If friends to lovers is your jam hit add to TBR right now!
Literally Themes you’ll find:
* Bar Owner x Fitness Influencer
* Best Friends to Lovers
* Second Chance
* Found Family
* He Falls First
* Mental Health Rep
* Small Town
* Dual POV
* Mild Spice 🔥
QOTD: You have the honor of naming the town’s peacocks - one male/one female - what are their names?
🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-JrfXWp5...
Lily fled Peacock Springs after the town came after her figuratively with pitchforks after her failed marriage to her HS sweetheart. She never returned home and built a lifestyle as a fitness influencer traveling the world, but her life isn’t as glamours as her insta feed may portray. Now her bestie is getting engaged and it’s time to face her past and head home to support her friends who have become her true family.
River has been in love with Lily since they were kids, he bit his tongue when she dated and married his friend from the hockey team. He saved her by tipping her off and helping her escape when the town came after her all those years ago. He always has been in her corner and wanting more from their friendship, but he also has a secret that could destroy it all if she found out. Now he’s juggling running the family bar, and the pressure of it all is giving him anxiety.
When Lily finally returns home for a weekend she collides into River and the sparks fly. Can River convince Lily it’s time to stop running and to return home for good? Or does Peacock Springs just have too much trauma for Lily to over come. If friends to lovers is your jam hit add to TBR right now!
Literally Themes you’ll find:
* Bar Owner x Fitness Influencer
* Best Friends to Lovers
* Second Chance
* Found Family
* He Falls First
* Mental Health Rep
* Small Town
* Dual POV
* Mild Spice 🔥
QOTD: You have the honor of naming the town’s peacocks - one male/one female - what are their names?
🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚💙🦚
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-JrfXWp5...
September 12, 2024
Flying was such a cute story!!☺️
I’d first like to start with mentioning the biggest reason I love this book. The ADHD representation is so beautifully done! It shows how it is being diagnosed as an adult and wondering why you were so different when you were younger. Overstimulation, executive dysfunction, anxiety, hyperfixations, getting too excited, being “different”. It shows the ways to help with some of these things, like hugging can help calm down spiraling. As someone with ADHD who got diagnosed as an adult, I felt seen🥹 I’ve never wanted anything more than that!
Now, onto the love story! Lily left home after a horrible divorce and didn’t look back. However, her friends were left at home and she always seemed pushed away to be with herself. Until her friends Steph and Lee get married! On her way into town, she sneaks around to avoid being the talk of the town again. BAM she runs into River! River, OH River!! He had always loved her. But speaking up and waiting for the right time, just came hard to him.
I LOVED the love story between the two! I need an understanding and amazing man like River in my life! All he wants is to make Lily happy. He will do anything to show her how much she is truly loved! Gosh, it's just so good!!🩵
This one would've been 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if i had read it quicker than I did. I got strep then immediately got COVID. I definitely will reread this so it can flow better for me!
And I cannot WAIT for Nessa and Mateo’s story!!
I’d first like to start with mentioning the biggest reason I love this book. The ADHD representation is so beautifully done! It shows how it is being diagnosed as an adult and wondering why you were so different when you were younger. Overstimulation, executive dysfunction, anxiety, hyperfixations, getting too excited, being “different”. It shows the ways to help with some of these things, like hugging can help calm down spiraling. As someone with ADHD who got diagnosed as an adult, I felt seen🥹 I’ve never wanted anything more than that!
Now, onto the love story! Lily left home after a horrible divorce and didn’t look back. However, her friends were left at home and she always seemed pushed away to be with herself. Until her friends Steph and Lee get married! On her way into town, she sneaks around to avoid being the talk of the town again. BAM she runs into River! River, OH River!! He had always loved her. But speaking up and waiting for the right time, just came hard to him.
I LOVED the love story between the two! I need an understanding and amazing man like River in my life! All he wants is to make Lily happy. He will do anything to show her how much she is truly loved! Gosh, it's just so good!!🩵
This one would've been 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if i had read it quicker than I did. I got strep then immediately got COVID. I definitely will reread this so it can flow better for me!
And I cannot WAIT for Nessa and Mateo’s story!!
July 28, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and these are my thoughts:
I liked this story but wanted to love it more. I would say I probably read it at a rather busy time for me and so, found myself rushing through it, which didn’t help. I feel I didn’t connect with the story as much as I’d have liked to.
What I did like: mental health representation - late ADHD diagnosis/being neurodivergent. I very much appreciated the way the mental health issues presented were handled. How Lily received an adult diagnosis of ADHD that helped her understand why she was the way she was and not just “defected”. It was also interesting to see how Lily had to redefine herself (but not be labelled). I felt represented and seen. The way she was messy and all over the place and kept losing focus on her tasks and thoughts, was very relatable.
Lily is a character that grows throughout the whole book. I appreciated that she went to therapy - not because she was told to but because she finally wanted to stop running away from her problems and fears. I liked how she stood up for herself and decided enough was enough and that she wasn’t going to let others define her any longer.
I liked this story but wanted to love it more. I would say I probably read it at a rather busy time for me and so, found myself rushing through it, which didn’t help. I feel I didn’t connect with the story as much as I’d have liked to.
What I did like: mental health representation - late ADHD diagnosis/being neurodivergent. I very much appreciated the way the mental health issues presented were handled. How Lily received an adult diagnosis of ADHD that helped her understand why she was the way she was and not just “defected”. It was also interesting to see how Lily had to redefine herself (but not be labelled). I felt represented and seen. The way she was messy and all over the place and kept losing focus on her tasks and thoughts, was very relatable.
Lily is a character that grows throughout the whole book. I appreciated that she went to therapy - not because she was told to but because she finally wanted to stop running away from her problems and fears. I liked how she stood up for herself and decided enough was enough and that she wasn’t going to let others define her any longer.
August 6, 2024
After Lily gets a divorce from Grant, her parents turn their backs on her, and she hasn't been back in 10 yrs. Lily and her dog Pete "Peter Pan" are on her way back to her hometown cause her friend Stef is gettin married to another friend from her past Lee. She doesn't wanna go back, but her friend was there for her. And Lily is gonna run into an old friend of her ex-husband and her best friend River. This is a small town romance, and it shows lots of Lilies' struggles with anxiety and other conditions. And how River has loved her for so long from afar. We get to see Lily and River blossom from friends to lovers. This is a cute real life experiences. I can't wait to read book 2.
July 4, 2024
Friends to lovers is not usually my favorite trope. I’m more of an enemies to lovers type 🤓. BUT this book did it for me. It was deep into mental health and awareness and figuring out how to heal from trauma. Some parts of the town “punishments” were different to me and took some getting used to, but the main focus of the story was the bond between main characters so that won me over. The spice in this was sooooo good too! I’m now obsessed with the term, Darling 🥵
“We won’t fall?
“No, darling, but we might fly”
“We won’t fall?
“No, darling, but we might fly”
July 1, 2024
ARC Review
4⭐️ 1.5🌶️
Congrats to Jordana on her debut novel! This story was cute, relatable, and made me appreciate New Jersey a little more! Lily’s emotional dysregulation and panic disorder really resonated with me. To have someone by your side who knows how to calm you makes all the difference, and I’m glad she has that in River. He is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
4⭐️ 1.5🌶️
Congrats to Jordana on her debut novel! This story was cute, relatable, and made me appreciate New Jersey a little more! Lily’s emotional dysregulation and panic disorder really resonated with me. To have someone by your side who knows how to calm you makes all the difference, and I’m glad she has that in River. He is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
May 13, 2025
Loved it ♡
This was such an amazing story . Small town friends to lovers gets me every time. Plus watching these yo help each other out to continue on makes it even better. Two people who had known each other for so long and end up coming together as they where meant to make me want scream and shout for them . Love it ♥︎
This was such an amazing story . Small town friends to lovers gets me every time. Plus watching these yo help each other out to continue on makes it even better. Two people who had known each other for so long and end up coming together as they where meant to make me want scream and shout for them . Love it ♥︎
June 15, 2024
What a good representation of ADHD. I feel heard! Loved the character development and story and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
August 13, 2024
This was a wonderful plattee cleanser for me. It really sucked me in and I enjoyed reading the first book in the series. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
July 11, 2024
A small town romance about finding your way back home.
Lily (FMC): Fitness Influencer, left town and divorced at 18, used to be besties with River, late diagnosed ADHD, suffers from anxiety attacks, afraid to admit she might want to open her heart up again
River (MMC): Owner and operator of The Featherweight (bar & grille and family business for over a century), holds guilt for keeping a decade old secret, anxious goofball who is afraid to confess his feelings for his ex-bestie
Peter Pan aka Pete (animal sidekick): spunky shiba inu, adopted Lily in Japan after she fed him sushi under the table, has anxiety, loves greeting new people by 🐫 their leg
Tropes:
🍻 Friends to Lovers
🧘🏼♀️ Quirky Small Town
🍻 Found Family
🧘🏼♀️ ADHD Rep (Late Diagnosed)
🍻 Text Conversations
🧘🏼♀️ Animal Sidekick
🍻 Nicknames
Rating: 🦚🦚.🐕 (2.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑(self pleasure, 🐫, hair pulling, dirty talk, 👅, toys as teammates)*
*Sadly the few scenes we get were confusing and lackluster. We wait so long for a spicy scene but when the moment finally happens, we didn't even get a completion. If you're going to write spicy scenes go full out and don't leave us with blue balls.
T/W: cheating (referenced, in past), divorce (referenced, in past), toxic family dynamic (on page), minor verbal abuse (referenced, in past), panic attack (on page)
I really wanted to like this book but like most birds, pretty to look at but just leaves a big mess. The storyline at times felted disjointed and chaotic. I did love the found family aspect and the author did a good job writing the love story between River and Lily. The rest of the story just felt long and fell flat. Ultimately this book just wasn't for me.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Lily (FMC): Fitness Influencer, left town and divorced at 18, used to be besties with River, late diagnosed ADHD, suffers from anxiety attacks, afraid to admit she might want to open her heart up again
River (MMC): Owner and operator of The Featherweight (bar & grille and family business for over a century), holds guilt for keeping a decade old secret, anxious goofball who is afraid to confess his feelings for his ex-bestie
Peter Pan aka Pete (animal sidekick): spunky shiba inu, adopted Lily in Japan after she fed him sushi under the table, has anxiety, loves greeting new people by 🐫 their leg
Tropes:
🍻 Friends to Lovers
🧘🏼♀️ Quirky Small Town
🍻 Found Family
🧘🏼♀️ ADHD Rep (Late Diagnosed)
🍻 Text Conversations
🧘🏼♀️ Animal Sidekick
🍻 Nicknames
Rating: 🦚🦚.🐕 (2.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑(self pleasure, 🐫, hair pulling, dirty talk, 👅, toys as teammates)*
*Sadly the few scenes we get were confusing and lackluster. We wait so long for a spicy scene but when the moment finally happens, we didn't even get a completion. If you're going to write spicy scenes go full out and don't leave us with blue balls.
T/W: cheating (referenced, in past), divorce (referenced, in past), toxic family dynamic (on page), minor verbal abuse (referenced, in past), panic attack (on page)
I really wanted to like this book but like most birds, pretty to look at but just leaves a big mess. The storyline at times felted disjointed and chaotic. I did love the found family aspect and the author did a good job writing the love story between River and Lily. The rest of the story just felt long and fell flat. Ultimately this book just wasn't for me.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
June 17, 2024
First thing I want to ask is… are the parents of New Jersey okay? Serious question. This is the 3rd book I’ve read this year where a woman is cheated on by her husband pretty openly and her parents side with him… wtf?
Anyway, that aside, I love the spicy brained millennial girl rep here. I thought the book could use a bit of tightening. Lots of dragging in the middle with stuff that didn’t lead anywhere.
Overall, cute, sweet, etc. More or less what you’d expect. Found family abounds. Friends to lovers. Childhood friends. Those parts all work. I liked River. The spice level is probably 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Anyway, that aside, I love the spicy brained millennial girl rep here. I thought the book could use a bit of tightening. Lots of dragging in the middle with stuff that didn’t lead anywhere.
Overall, cute, sweet, etc. More or less what you’d expect. Found family abounds. Friends to lovers. Childhood friends. Those parts all work. I liked River. The spice level is probably 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
July 29, 2024
As a woman with ADHD, I could see myself in this spicy little Rom-com. I loved Lily and River and I’m so sad to see this story end. But… I know good things are bound to happen in her next book.
Thanks for the great read.
Thanks for the great read.
August 1, 2024
"We won't fall?
No darling, but we will fly"🕊️❤️
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice- 🌶️.5
Tropes
- Small town romance
- Mental health rep
- Friends to lovers
- Childhood Trauma
- Found family
- Second Chance
Lily is a fitness influencer FMC. She has gone through alot in her life. She got betrayed by her husband. She is going back to the place which broke her to attend her best friend's wedding.
River , green flag MMC and he talks dirty and is the steadiest friend in her life. His love and feelings for her are profound. Will he take a leap of faith?
Lily was diagnosed with ADHD and she got so anxious in certain situations and at some points i feel like i can go and hug her.
The emotional, romantic journey was amazing and don't forget the spicy scenes, the hair pull was a sexy one.
Overall it's a soothing journey covering all the aspects of a person's growth when it comes to a second chance 😉
No darling, but we will fly"🕊️❤️
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice- 🌶️.5
Tropes
- Small town romance
- Mental health rep
- Friends to lovers
- Childhood Trauma
- Found family
- Second Chance
Lily is a fitness influencer FMC. She has gone through alot in her life. She got betrayed by her husband. She is going back to the place which broke her to attend her best friend's wedding.
River , green flag MMC and he talks dirty and is the steadiest friend in her life. His love and feelings for her are profound. Will he take a leap of faith?
Lily was diagnosed with ADHD and she got so anxious in certain situations and at some points i feel like i can go and hug her.
The emotional, romantic journey was amazing and don't forget the spicy scenes, the hair pull was a sexy one.
Overall it's a soothing journey covering all the aspects of a person's growth when it comes to a second chance 😉
August 10, 2024
“The girl who has a heart almost as big as her hair.”
Lily, a very relatable fmc with adhd is masking to make everyone else “accept her in small doses.” I felt very seen reading her pov. Her journey of overcoming her own self loathing and finding her voice made it so empowering to read. It’s a lot more than just a small town romance.
River 🥵All the green flags this man is… He gave Lily everything she deserved and more. He didn’t just love the idea of her but knew how to make the slow approach with the foundation of friendship first.
Honorable mention to Rivers mother, Elizabeth. I aim to be half as cool as her to my kids.
Peacock Springs is giving Stars Hollow and all the supporting characters made this even more hilarious and special. I cannot wait to read Nessa and Mateo’s story 😏
🦚Small Town Romance
🦚Friends to Lovers
🦚Found Family
🦚ADHD Rep
Thank you, Jordana for sending me an arc 😍
Lily, a very relatable fmc with adhd is masking to make everyone else “accept her in small doses.” I felt very seen reading her pov. Her journey of overcoming her own self loathing and finding her voice made it so empowering to read. It’s a lot more than just a small town romance.
River 🥵All the green flags this man is… He gave Lily everything she deserved and more. He didn’t just love the idea of her but knew how to make the slow approach with the foundation of friendship first.
Honorable mention to Rivers mother, Elizabeth. I aim to be half as cool as her to my kids.
Peacock Springs is giving Stars Hollow and all the supporting characters made this even more hilarious and special. I cannot wait to read Nessa and Mateo’s story 😏
🦚Small Town Romance
🦚Friends to Lovers
🦚Found Family
🦚ADHD Rep
Thank you, Jordana for sending me an arc 😍
August 1, 2025
⭐Book Review ⭐
Flying
Jordana Blake
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing second-chance romance! There are so many parts of this book that were absolutely incredible.
I loved the main female character—she was so relatable, and the mental health representation was phenomenal. It's so important to read about and understand people who experience these challenges and how they fight to overcome them. She was truly inspiring!
The main male character was fun, loving, and just everything you'd want in a partner. This was the best second-chance love story!
The ending got to me—it was so swoon-worthy and amazing!
I really enjoyed the journey of this book; it felt like a true adventure. The entire cast of characters was fun and relatable, and I couldn't put it down. I hope there's more to come from this charming New Jersey town!
What to expect:
Small Town Romance
Mental Health Rep
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
Childhood Trauma
Found Family
Flying
Jordana Blake
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing second-chance romance! There are so many parts of this book that were absolutely incredible.
I loved the main female character—she was so relatable, and the mental health representation was phenomenal. It's so important to read about and understand people who experience these challenges and how they fight to overcome them. She was truly inspiring!
The main male character was fun, loving, and just everything you'd want in a partner. This was the best second-chance love story!
The ending got to me—it was so swoon-worthy and amazing!
I really enjoyed the journey of this book; it felt like a true adventure. The entire cast of characters was fun and relatable, and I couldn't put it down. I hope there's more to come from this charming New Jersey town!
What to expect:
Small Town Romance
Mental Health Rep
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
Childhood Trauma
Found Family
July 29, 2024
Loved reading about Lily’s struggle with being diagnosed with ADHD late in life. I could really relate to her and loved how River accommodated for her and was there for her in every aspect.
September 3, 2024
Lily loved and just wanted love in return. That shouldn't be too much to ask from your Parents, and Husband but that was exactly what happened. When finding out later in life she has ADHD she life differently. And with that she finds there is also people who love her and those are her friends. River her childhood friend has always loved her from the sidelines. When River visits Lilly for Christmas things will be revealed. It is lovely how Lily's love ones help her see the wonderful person she is.
May 28, 2025
The 1 star reviews of this are all completely accurate.
The 2 star reviews are being generous in giving that extra star.
I almost DNF’d around 60%. It was pulling teeth to get to 60%. This was just.. not it. And at some points the writing is so completely disjointed and feels like pieces of important info is missing. And other times there is so much descriptive information about nothing important I questioned my own sanity in why I was choosing to finish this.
And WTF is up with the whole stocks storyline?? It isn’t kooky and small town it is weird as hell. Not in a good way.
The 2 star reviews are being generous in giving that extra star.
I almost DNF’d around 60%. It was pulling teeth to get to 60%. This was just.. not it. And at some points the writing is so completely disjointed and feels like pieces of important info is missing. And other times there is so much descriptive information about nothing important I questioned my own sanity in why I was choosing to finish this.
And WTF is up with the whole stocks storyline?? It isn’t kooky and small town it is weird as hell. Not in a good way.
September 3, 2024
Thank you for the wonderful and sweet ARC! I loved this sweet friends to lovers (my fave trope), small town, cinna dom MMC novel. Love the Filipino American representation too, which is truly hard to find! Love the discussion of neurodivergent characters and making it a main topic but not defining their lives with their struggles. Spice was just enough as well! Great read! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 spice level!
July 4, 2024
Flying by Jordana Blake is a true storybook romance. It is a touching and emotional journey of love, resilience, and self-discovery. The story takes place in Peacock Springs a small town in New Jersey. The main character, Lily, fled Peacock Springs a decade ago after a devastating betrayal by her husband and the subsequent shunning by her family and others in the town.
Lily's return to Peacock Springs for her best friend Steph's wedding is fraught with tension and anxiety. Having been disowned by her family and criticized by others, Lily must face the ghosts of her past and confront the people who once turned their backs on her. Blake does a great job portraying Lily's emotional turmoil and her struggle to reclaim her sense of self in a place filled with painful memories. Her subsequent therapy and diagnosis are written really well and true to the characters experience.
When Lily returns, we also meet River, a steadfast friend from Lily's past who has always harbored deep feelings for her. River's love for Lily is profound, yet he has carried the weight of guilt for the past ten years. His support and dedication to Lily are beautifully depicted. His research into ways to help her, his emotional courage, and even his willingness to take on a punishment for her sake are heartfelt. River's actions speak volumes about his love and commitment, making him an admirable character worthy of his own happiness. I was rooting for him the whole time. I just wanted them both to get out of their own way to find happiness together.
Lily's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring. She learns how to best confront her fears and anxieties, realizing her own strength and resilience. The support of her found family, including River and her best friends, play a crucial role in her healing process.
This book has a perfect blend of romance, drama, and growth by the main characters. I really felt like I was involved with the characters and Prudence? Every town needs a Prudence, I loved her! Flying is a heartwarming story and reminded me that true happiness comes from embracing your past, leaning on those who love us unconditionally, and having the courage to forge a new path. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance and stories of personal triumph. I can't wait to read Nessa and Mateo, how will they get out of this one!
Lily's return to Peacock Springs for her best friend Steph's wedding is fraught with tension and anxiety. Having been disowned by her family and criticized by others, Lily must face the ghosts of her past and confront the people who once turned their backs on her. Blake does a great job portraying Lily's emotional turmoil and her struggle to reclaim her sense of self in a place filled with painful memories. Her subsequent therapy and diagnosis are written really well and true to the characters experience.
When Lily returns, we also meet River, a steadfast friend from Lily's past who has always harbored deep feelings for her. River's love for Lily is profound, yet he has carried the weight of guilt for the past ten years. His support and dedication to Lily are beautifully depicted. His research into ways to help her, his emotional courage, and even his willingness to take on a punishment for her sake are heartfelt. River's actions speak volumes about his love and commitment, making him an admirable character worthy of his own happiness. I was rooting for him the whole time. I just wanted them both to get out of their own way to find happiness together.
Lily's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring. She learns how to best confront her fears and anxieties, realizing her own strength and resilience. The support of her found family, including River and her best friends, play a crucial role in her healing process.
This book has a perfect blend of romance, drama, and growth by the main characters. I really felt like I was involved with the characters and Prudence? Every town needs a Prudence, I loved her! Flying is a heartwarming story and reminded me that true happiness comes from embracing your past, leaning on those who love us unconditionally, and having the courage to forge a new path. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance and stories of personal triumph. I can't wait to read Nessa and Mateo, how will they get out of this one!
July 15, 2024
📚BOOK REVIEW 📚
⭐️Goodread Rating: 4.14/ 5⭐️
💫My Rating: 4/5 💫
⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Late diagnosed ADHD, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), emotional dysregulation. sex scenes, reference to marriage immediately after high school that ends in cheating and divorce, toxic family dynamics, minor verbal abuse, and the use of alcohol and cannabis.
📝My Review📝
To begin my review, I want to say that I appreciated Jordana Blake’s ability to write and represent late diagnosed ADHD. As someone who is traveling this journey now, I felt seen and related to Lily (MFC) on many aspects that she experienced on her own journey. “Flying” is a novel that will give you the fun, quirky small town feels mixed with the angst of friends-to-lovers, and the struggles of redefining predetermined stereotypes,
Throughout my reading experience I felt like I was walking through a PG-13 Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the overall plot but I found some of the little details to be a bit unique. However it’s part of what made the Hallmark journey come to life. The MFC’s growth in her understanding and acceptance of herself is inspiring and realistic. In addition, there are swoon worthy and sweep you off your feet moments between the MFC and MMC.
This story is written in different POVs between the MCs. However, you are introduced to a variety of characters that support the main story and add comical flare throughout the book. As the story unfolds, Blake begins the foundational ground work for future stories that will include some of these side characters stepping into the role of a MC.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, mental health representation, and a quirky small town setting, this novel should be your next read! I have no doubt that you will connect, love, and become frustrated with many individuals all at once but you will throughly enjoy the ride!
🤍Thanks to for trusting me with their novel in return for my personal review🤍
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #indieauthorreads #supportindieauthors #indieauthors #graveyardreads #goodreads #bookreview #booklover #bookaddict #bookishlove #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #booksta #bookish #bookaesthetic #read #readersgonnaread #letsconnect #bookfriendsarethebestfriends #bookfriends #bookfriendsarethebest #bookfriendwanted #smalltownromance #adhdwomen #adhdrepresentation #friendstolovers
⭐️Goodread Rating: 4.14/ 5⭐️
💫My Rating: 4/5 💫
⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Late diagnosed ADHD, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), emotional dysregulation. sex scenes, reference to marriage immediately after high school that ends in cheating and divorce, toxic family dynamics, minor verbal abuse, and the use of alcohol and cannabis.
📝My Review📝
To begin my review, I want to say that I appreciated Jordana Blake’s ability to write and represent late diagnosed ADHD. As someone who is traveling this journey now, I felt seen and related to Lily (MFC) on many aspects that she experienced on her own journey. “Flying” is a novel that will give you the fun, quirky small town feels mixed with the angst of friends-to-lovers, and the struggles of redefining predetermined stereotypes,
Throughout my reading experience I felt like I was walking through a PG-13 Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the overall plot but I found some of the little details to be a bit unique. However it’s part of what made the Hallmark journey come to life. The MFC’s growth in her understanding and acceptance of herself is inspiring and realistic. In addition, there are swoon worthy and sweep you off your feet moments between the MFC and MMC.
This story is written in different POVs between the MCs. However, you are introduced to a variety of characters that support the main story and add comical flare throughout the book. As the story unfolds, Blake begins the foundational ground work for future stories that will include some of these side characters stepping into the role of a MC.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, mental health representation, and a quirky small town setting, this novel should be your next read! I have no doubt that you will connect, love, and become frustrated with many individuals all at once but you will throughly enjoy the ride!
🤍Thanks to for trusting me with their novel in return for my personal review🤍
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #indieauthorreads #supportindieauthors #indieauthors #graveyardreads #goodreads #bookreview #booklover #bookaddict #bookishlove #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #booksta #bookish #bookaesthetic #read #readersgonnaread #letsconnect #bookfriendsarethebestfriends #bookfriends #bookfriendsarethebest #bookfriendwanted #smalltownromance #adhdwomen #adhdrepresentation #friendstolovers
September 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was so good! I really enjoyed Jordana’s writing style and her voice. She touched on some heavy topics within the pages, but it was done respectfully and it seemed as though she did her research. I loved how she brought attention to ADHD being diagnosed later in female’s lives, compared to males, because it is something that has come to light and has affected many females.
When Lily ended her marriage to her high school sweetheart, she was the run ran out of town. She left and built a brand for herself, traveling the world as a fitness influencer. Yet, as it is in real life, social media does not portray the truth, just want the person wants you to see. She is lonely, still hurt, and has never found anywhere else that feels like home. But when her best friend gets engaged, she returns home. Of course she isn’t going to miss celebrating this occasion with her bestie!
River, who has known Lily since there were kids, has always had feelings for her. He was the good guy in high school and stepped aside when his best friend and Lily began dating. But he was always more loyal to her. He is the one who tipped Lily off about her now ex-husband and helped her leave town safely. He saw how secrets destroyed her before and refuses to hurt her like that again. He has a secret that could destroy both of them. Between his secret and running his family bar, he is beginning to feel the stress of it all.
When they run into each other again, the attraction between them is immediate and leaps off the pages. How can River convince Lily to stay, without ruining her with his secret? Can Lily start over in a town that holds the most traumatic event of her life?
Jordana brings Peacock Springs to life so vividly in her writing. Both MCs and side characters are so well developed throughout the book but go through so much growth at the same time. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics (as mentioned earlier). The whole book was easy to relate to and I enjoyed it very much.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
❤️ Small Town Romance
❤️ Friends to Lovers
❤️ Found Family
❤️ Steamy
❤️ Cinna-Dom MMC
❤️ Late Diagnosed ADHD Rep (her)
❤️ HEA
This book was so good! I really enjoyed Jordana’s writing style and her voice. She touched on some heavy topics within the pages, but it was done respectfully and it seemed as though she did her research. I loved how she brought attention to ADHD being diagnosed later in female’s lives, compared to males, because it is something that has come to light and has affected many females.
When Lily ended her marriage to her high school sweetheart, she was the run ran out of town. She left and built a brand for herself, traveling the world as a fitness influencer. Yet, as it is in real life, social media does not portray the truth, just want the person wants you to see. She is lonely, still hurt, and has never found anywhere else that feels like home. But when her best friend gets engaged, she returns home. Of course she isn’t going to miss celebrating this occasion with her bestie!
River, who has known Lily since there were kids, has always had feelings for her. He was the good guy in high school and stepped aside when his best friend and Lily began dating. But he was always more loyal to her. He is the one who tipped Lily off about her now ex-husband and helped her leave town safely. He saw how secrets destroyed her before and refuses to hurt her like that again. He has a secret that could destroy both of them. Between his secret and running his family bar, he is beginning to feel the stress of it all.
When they run into each other again, the attraction between them is immediate and leaps off the pages. How can River convince Lily to stay, without ruining her with his secret? Can Lily start over in a town that holds the most traumatic event of her life?
Jordana brings Peacock Springs to life so vividly in her writing. Both MCs and side characters are so well developed throughout the book but go through so much growth at the same time. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics (as mentioned earlier). The whole book was easy to relate to and I enjoyed it very much.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
❤️ Small Town Romance
❤️ Friends to Lovers
❤️ Found Family
❤️ Steamy
❤️ Cinna-Dom MMC
❤️ Late Diagnosed ADHD Rep (her)
❤️ HEA
July 2, 2024
4.5⭐️
“Why can’t I spit out what I need to say? Does nobody catch my reference? Sometimes, it can be that my brain explains things perfectly. But only to me. Everyone else is staring like I have snakes for hair.”
First I want to thank Jordana for sending me this ARC. I was so excited when I got this ARC. I ATE this book up.
Lily Long is our amazing FMC. She has gone through so much in life. I wanted to hug her so many times throughout this book. Lily went through an awful public divorce that pretty much destroyed everything for her.. she even lost her family in the process (Belinda and Neal can die). Her best friend is getting married and she has to face the town that broke her.
River is our green flag MMC. River has always had feelings for Lily. He also has a secret he’s been keeping from her. So when he sees Lily back in town will he admit his feelings for her? Will he tell her the secret he’s been keeping for almost 10 years? River is one of my favorite male characters of all time. River can do no wrong in my eyes.
This book had amazing ADHD rep. I felt like Lily in so many situations. I think it was described perfectly in this book. It’s done so well that Lily gave me anxiety in some situations. Girl stressed me out 🤣
Overall….I absolutely loved this book. I loved the town, character development, Pete the Shiba Inu… The ending was amazing. I wish I could’ve seen more of the future between River and Lily…but maybe in the next book.
🦚 River is my new book boyfriend
🦚The oopsie shower scene..🤣🤣
🦚 Belinda and Neal can suck a dick
🦚 Amazing character development
🦚 ADHD rep
🦚 Spicy
🦚 Small-Town Romance
“Why can’t I spit out what I need to say? Does nobody catch my reference? Sometimes, it can be that my brain explains things perfectly. But only to me. Everyone else is staring like I have snakes for hair.”
First I want to thank Jordana for sending me this ARC. I was so excited when I got this ARC. I ATE this book up.
Lily Long is our amazing FMC. She has gone through so much in life. I wanted to hug her so many times throughout this book. Lily went through an awful public divorce that pretty much destroyed everything for her.. she even lost her family in the process (Belinda and Neal can die). Her best friend is getting married and she has to face the town that broke her.
River is our green flag MMC. River has always had feelings for Lily. He also has a secret he’s been keeping from her. So when he sees Lily back in town will he admit his feelings for her? Will he tell her the secret he’s been keeping for almost 10 years? River is one of my favorite male characters of all time. River can do no wrong in my eyes.
This book had amazing ADHD rep. I felt like Lily in so many situations. I think it was described perfectly in this book. It’s done so well that Lily gave me anxiety in some situations. Girl stressed me out 🤣
Overall….I absolutely loved this book. I loved the town, character development, Pete the Shiba Inu… The ending was amazing. I wish I could’ve seen more of the future between River and Lily…but maybe in the next book.
🦚 River is my new book boyfriend
🦚The oopsie shower scene..🤣🤣
🦚 Belinda and Neal can suck a dick
🦚 Amazing character development
🦚 ADHD rep
🦚 Spicy
🦚 Small-Town Romance
July 7, 2024
I love a good book that has a reconnection with a past best friend that becomes more. Thank you, Jordana and Happily Booked PR, for sending this ARC.
I had to dive on this book when I saw the puppy on the cover, but he's also a shiba, and he's adorable. I also saw this book focuses on later in life diagnosis of ADHD, and thought it would be nice for me, since a very close family member was recently diagnosed later in life with ADHD as well. It was good for me to see the FMC go through this and learn about that perspective. I thought it was well done and could connect with that.
River and Lily were really cute. I loved River's character. He reconnects with Lily and brings all of his past feelings to the forefront of his mind again. He can't believe she's back home and wants to do everything he can to get her to stay, and he's definitely ultimately book boyfriend material.
Lily's story was so heartbreaking and made me feel so much for her. She feels like she's been run out of her hometown, her parents won't speak to her, and feels like she's floundering and just trying to get through life one day at a time. She's all over the place and struggles. One of her best friends is getting engaged/married, and she's working really hard to work through her anxiety to be back home and be there for her friend as her maid of honor. She's been staying away for a lot of reasons, but there is a pretty outlandish tradition her town has that especially keeps her from returning. It did make the story kind of funny and interesting for sure.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Found Family
Mental Health Rep
Late Diagnosed ADHD Rep
🌶🌶.5
I had to dive on this book when I saw the puppy on the cover, but he's also a shiba, and he's adorable. I also saw this book focuses on later in life diagnosis of ADHD, and thought it would be nice for me, since a very close family member was recently diagnosed later in life with ADHD as well. It was good for me to see the FMC go through this and learn about that perspective. I thought it was well done and could connect with that.
River and Lily were really cute. I loved River's character. He reconnects with Lily and brings all of his past feelings to the forefront of his mind again. He can't believe she's back home and wants to do everything he can to get her to stay, and he's definitely ultimately book boyfriend material.
Lily's story was so heartbreaking and made me feel so much for her. She feels like she's been run out of her hometown, her parents won't speak to her, and feels like she's floundering and just trying to get through life one day at a time. She's all over the place and struggles. One of her best friends is getting engaged/married, and she's working really hard to work through her anxiety to be back home and be there for her friend as her maid of honor. She's been staying away for a lot of reasons, but there is a pretty outlandish tradition her town has that especially keeps her from returning. It did make the story kind of funny and interesting for sure.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Found Family
Mental Health Rep
Late Diagnosed ADHD Rep
🌶🌶.5
July 30, 2024
After a disaster marriage and divorce Lily comes back to her hometown for a friend’s engagement and runs into one of her former best friends River. She is estranged from her parents but has kept in touch with her close group of friends who still live in town.
Buckle up! I am sad to say that I struggled with this one. It wasn’t difficult to get into but it was difficult to stay invested.
Lily was insufferable. She is diagnosed as an adult with ADHD but the way she acted paints her as childish instead of someone with mental struggles. I hoped to relate to her due to my own issues but instead was annoyed.
The MMC was fantastic! Three cheers for River! I genuinely liked him! He is kind, hard working, and a gentleman.
The town was just plain weird. The town essentially has a committee that puts people in the stocks in the town square as punishment. I’m not kidding. Also, Lily’s parents decided she was the problem when her husband cheated on her and that honestly made me so mad. The town was described as a quirky small town in New England. I myself am from a small New England town and this was a swing and a miss. I will say the best part of the town was a Beagle that delivers bagels. Every town needs that!
The chapters at times felt disjointed, I skipped pages and missed nothing, and the ending felt very abrupt. As always read it for yourself! If quirky, Taylor Swift references, and friends to lovers are your thing then definitely check it out. It just wasn’t for me.
🦚 Small Town Romance
🦚Friends to Lovers
🦚Found Family
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Buckle up! I am sad to say that I struggled with this one. It wasn’t difficult to get into but it was difficult to stay invested.
Lily was insufferable. She is diagnosed as an adult with ADHD but the way she acted paints her as childish instead of someone with mental struggles. I hoped to relate to her due to my own issues but instead was annoyed.
The MMC was fantastic! Three cheers for River! I genuinely liked him! He is kind, hard working, and a gentleman.
The town was just plain weird. The town essentially has a committee that puts people in the stocks in the town square as punishment. I’m not kidding. Also, Lily’s parents decided she was the problem when her husband cheated on her and that honestly made me so mad. The town was described as a quirky small town in New England. I myself am from a small New England town and this was a swing and a miss. I will say the best part of the town was a Beagle that delivers bagels. Every town needs that!
The chapters at times felt disjointed, I skipped pages and missed nothing, and the ending felt very abrupt. As always read it for yourself! If quirky, Taylor Swift references, and friends to lovers are your thing then definitely check it out. It just wasn’t for me.
🦚 Small Town Romance
🦚Friends to Lovers
🦚Found Family
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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