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Flight Risk
Fighter pilot Bennett “Roid-Rage” McKinney has had a crush on one of his squadron mates, Aaron “Tex” Austin, for ages. The snarly RIO is sexy, sarcastic, gay… everything Bennett wants in a man.
When Tex has a rare night off from the chronic pain caused by an ejection a few years ago, he reaches for the nearest warm body… which just so happens to be Bennett’s.
After a hot night, though, Bennett wakes up alone. Tex starts sending him mixed messages—one minute he wants him, the next he’s cold-shouldering him. Bennett isn’t interested in playing games, not even with the man he’s been lusting after. One night stands are fine, but he’s not getting involved with someone who might disappear at the drop of a hat.
But as the men try to resist each other, he realizes he’s not the only one who’s afraid of getting involved with a flight risk…
This 20,000 word novella was previously published as part of the Unconditional Surrender Military Collection.
When Tex has a rare night off from the chronic pain caused by an ejection a few years ago, he reaches for the nearest warm body… which just so happens to be Bennett’s.
After a hot night, though, Bennett wakes up alone. Tex starts sending him mixed messages—one minute he wants him, the next he’s cold-shouldering him. Bennett isn’t interested in playing games, not even with the man he’s been lusting after. One night stands are fine, but he’s not getting involved with someone who might disappear at the drop of a hat.
But as the men try to resist each other, he realizes he’s not the only one who’s afraid of getting involved with a flight risk…
This 20,000 word novella was previously published as part of the Unconditional Surrender Military Collection.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2015
8 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
219 books2,724 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 11, 2015
Witt is one of my comfort authors. So the other day when I was feeling like I needed a hug, I scanned through my mountain of need-to-read books and this one winked at me.
Two pilots? “Snarly, sexy and sarcastic”?
Score! This is exactly what I needed. Military boys are one of my guilty pleasures and Witt knows how to create the best of the best when it comes to a man in a uniform. Bennett and Aaron are prime examples.
Bennett has kept his tongue in his mouth when Aaron, ‘Tex’, has been around but it hasn’t been easy. He’s been crushing on Tex for too long and decides he needs to get out and scratch his itch elsewhere before he makes a dire mistake. When he swings by the bar to get his pre-prowl drink on, Tex sets his itch on fire.
It’s no secret that Tex suffers from chronic pain. He tries to swallow the pain, but some days the feat is impossible. On a rare night when he’s free from its typical iron-grip hand, he feels invincible. Knocking back drinks with the boys he pretends for the moment that he is not on the fast track towards the end of his beloved career. He doesn’t want this high to end and when Bennett slips into the bar, he perks up even higher.
Tex embraces his devil-may-care attitude and pounces on Bennett. Bennett can’t believe his luck. A steamy night brings his dreams to reality. Just as quickly, his dream becomes a nightmare. How can they work together when they can’t even look at each other?
Pain, chronic pain, changes people. It consumes your life and the urge to return to normalcy can be severe. Tex is losing his spirit and along with it, his hopes at finding a partner. Why would any man choose to walk this life with him? It’s no picnic and he can’t imagine anyone saddling up for the burdens he is sure to bring to the table.
Bennett is not looking for someone to simply push his release button. He is ready for more. He is certain he found the man to give this, if only he can convince him that he’s in it for the long haul.
I was reminded of L.A.’s Conduct Unbecoming series which made me smile. Tex was grumpy and made me frown for a bit, but I couldn’t forget his internal struggle as well as physical struggle. Bennett was just the medicine that Tex needed, if only he wouldn’t be stubborn about what’s good for him.
Short, steamy with a striking message: A light sprinkle becomes a drizzle and a drizzle can morph into a brutal storm. When the storms of our life roar around us we must have faith that the sun will shine again. When the storm calms, the beauty it leaves in its wake can take your breath away. Don’t close your eyes and wish the storm away. Hold on and understand that love can be your wings if you let it. The view from atop the clouds is soo much better when you fly with another.
Thanks for the hug L.A. You can count on me to come back for more.
*4 frisky-fly-boys stars*
Two pilots? “Snarly, sexy and sarcastic”?
Score! This is exactly what I needed. Military boys are one of my guilty pleasures and Witt knows how to create the best of the best when it comes to a man in a uniform. Bennett and Aaron are prime examples.
Bennett has kept his tongue in his mouth when Aaron, ‘Tex’, has been around but it hasn’t been easy. He’s been crushing on Tex for too long and decides he needs to get out and scratch his itch elsewhere before he makes a dire mistake. When he swings by the bar to get his pre-prowl drink on, Tex sets his itch on fire.
It’s no secret that Tex suffers from chronic pain. He tries to swallow the pain, but some days the feat is impossible. On a rare night when he’s free from its typical iron-grip hand, he feels invincible. Knocking back drinks with the boys he pretends for the moment that he is not on the fast track towards the end of his beloved career. He doesn’t want this high to end and when Bennett slips into the bar, he perks up even higher.
Tex embraces his devil-may-care attitude and pounces on Bennett. Bennett can’t believe his luck. A steamy night brings his dreams to reality. Just as quickly, his dream becomes a nightmare. How can they work together when they can’t even look at each other?
Pain, chronic pain, changes people. It consumes your life and the urge to return to normalcy can be severe. Tex is losing his spirit and along with it, his hopes at finding a partner. Why would any man choose to walk this life with him? It’s no picnic and he can’t imagine anyone saddling up for the burdens he is sure to bring to the table.
Bennett is not looking for someone to simply push his release button. He is ready for more. He is certain he found the man to give this, if only he can convince him that he’s in it for the long haul.
I was reminded of L.A.’s Conduct Unbecoming series which made me smile. Tex was grumpy and made me frown for a bit, but I couldn’t forget his internal struggle as well as physical struggle. Bennett was just the medicine that Tex needed, if only he wouldn’t be stubborn about what’s good for him.
Short, steamy with a striking message: A light sprinkle becomes a drizzle and a drizzle can morph into a brutal storm. When the storms of our life roar around us we must have faith that the sun will shine again. When the storm calms, the beauty it leaves in its wake can take your breath away. Don’t close your eyes and wish the storm away. Hold on and understand that love can be your wings if you let it. The view from atop the clouds is soo much better when you fly with another.
Thanks for the hug L.A. You can count on me to come back for more.
*4 frisky-fly-boys stars*
Want to read
May 5, 2015Kindle freebie 5/4/15!
November 18, 2017
Even though LA Witt is one of my favorite authors, sometimes, her magic doesn’t work for me. This is one of these rare occasions. Granted, I always have a hard time to connect with MCs in a short story. That maybe the reason it was a miss !
Could have been a nice addition to the conduct unbecoming series for me has the relationship been more developed.
Could have been a nice addition to the conduct unbecoming series for me has the relationship been more developed.
May 7, 2015
This was a nice read. I liked Bennett and Arron a lot. I liked them together even more.
I wish it had been a little longer, but I was happy with how it ended anyway.
I wish it had been a little longer, but I was happy with how it ended anyway.
May 5, 2015
Hot, sexy quickie!
May 19, 2015
I know this is a shortie and it was a freebie and stuff, but I felt no real connection to the characters and I was pretty pissed at Tex honestly and while I think there could have been some real depth to the characters and relationship, we didn't get it.
September 14, 2024
Better than what I was hoping for, which was a military, hot flyboy read. It’s a familiar part of my past and just like in this well written story, when Aaron’s back pain cooperates he has sex. When my heart and memories can take it I read a naval aviation romance.
I actually thought that I was reading a different MM military romance writer and after reading this at Kobo saw that it was L.A. Witt. They did a great job with the Okinawa nightclub setting and the off base living, and with the brief military scenes.
This was pretty much a two MC character driven book with some good side characters of the flight deck.
The dialogue sounded real and there is depth of feelings between the two mature and long time pilots, for whom flying is everything.
The scene where Aaron confronts his inevitable loss of a flying career was excellent. He has been pushing fellow pilot, Bennett, away after years of low key attraction between them. It was great when Bennett tells him that he is staying. This is a Bennett POV narrative and it is well done. Some athletic sex and some gentler back saving sex scenes were excellent.
The ending surprised me in that it is a HFN with a promise of HEA. I haven’t read a HFN ending in a long while and avoid them. This sneaked up on me while they were in bed, lol.
I enjoyed this and recommend. 👍
I actually thought that I was reading a different MM military romance writer and after reading this at Kobo saw that it was L.A. Witt. They did a great job with the Okinawa nightclub setting and the off base living, and with the brief military scenes.
This was pretty much a two MC character driven book with some good side characters of the flight deck.
The dialogue sounded real and there is depth of feelings between the two mature and long time pilots, for whom flying is everything.
The scene where Aaron confronts his inevitable loss of a flying career was excellent. He has been pushing fellow pilot, Bennett, away after years of low key attraction between them. It was great when Bennett tells him that he is staying. This is a Bennett POV narrative and it is well done. Some athletic sex and some gentler back saving sex scenes were excellent.
The ending surprised me in that it is a HFN with a promise of HEA. I haven’t read a HFN ending in a long while and avoid them. This sneaked up on me while they were in bed, lol.
I enjoyed this and recommend. 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2015
3 1/2 stars. Two pilots, one base and multiple reasons to stay apart. Tex was from the East Coast and suffered intense pain from an accident. Roid-Rage was a calm man who knew who he wanted but was unsure how to have Tex in his bed on a permanent basis. Good short story, well written and complete. Not L A Witt''s best. but still better than most other author's efforts. I always want more of her stories.
April 2, 2017
4 Stars
I love how LAW writes military men...I've dated more than my own fair share (ended up with one as well) and she's into their heads so well that I almost feel like the more I read from her on this subject the more I understand my own guy. Sometimes, anyway.
Also, this feels like it could have been a part of her Conduct Unbecoming series with the location and military overlap. A little light on the Okinawa details but given the length I think that was appropriate. (Plus, I had a relatively decent mental image of the area & Palace Habu - plus the men who visited there - given I only read Conduct Unbecoming a short while back.)
I love how LAW writes military men...I've dated more than my own fair share (ended up with one as well) and she's into their heads so well that I almost feel like the more I read from her on this subject the more I understand my own guy. Sometimes, anyway.
Also, this feels like it could have been a part of her Conduct Unbecoming series with the location and military overlap. A little light on the Okinawa details but given the length I think that was appropriate. (Plus, I had a relatively decent mental image of the area & Palace Habu - plus the men who visited there - given I only read Conduct Unbecoming a short while back.)
July 1, 2015
Not what i expected... much more emotional, and deeper, but with some pretty hot sex too. Takes a slightly gritty look at what it takes to be with someone whose life is ruled by chronic pain, and whose injuries have put a time clock on how long he can do the thing (flying) that feeds his soul. Unexpectedly good read.
January 9, 2016
3.5
A pleasant enough stand-alone novelette, but I felt like it was all blown out of proportion. The two were talking and acting like they had to make forever decisions after one night together. I also thought it got a bit repetitive toward the end.
A pleasant enough stand-alone novelette, but I felt like it was all blown out of proportion. The two were talking and acting like they had to make forever decisions after one night together. I also thought it got a bit repetitive toward the end.
June 14, 2016
2.5 stars
This was ok...
It's very short and has very little character development which is a real shame because there could have been so much. It's really lacking in depth and back story.
Both characters have great potential but it felt like an opportunity missed.
This was ok...
It's very short and has very little character development which is a real shame because there could have been so much. It's really lacking in depth and back story.
Both characters have great potential but it felt like an opportunity missed.
June 4, 2015
3.5 stars
Cute. Too bad it's just a novella, it has great potential for a longer story, an actual book.
Cute. Too bad it's just a novella, it has great potential for a longer story, an actual book.
August 31, 2019
I liked it. Cute and short!
Want to read
May 29, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/29/2020)! 🎁
January 3, 2018
In a word: Read the thing. L. A. Witt is fast becoming one of my favourite authors; I usually really like her stuff. This one is no exception. Though I will say that this felt… not incomplete exactly, but I felt like there could’ve been more to it. But there’s only so much story that can be put into something this short (it’s about 20, 000 words long), I suppose. Even so, I still really liked the story and the characters. The whole thing is a small window into the lives of Bennett and Aaron, two fighter pilots living on a military base in Japan. This details the story of how they became more than friends and is strictly a ‘getting together’ story. We don’t get a lot of background for much of anything; we only really get enough information to set the scene. Bennett and Aaron are friends; Bennett is also attracted to Aaron but has no idea if Aaron feels the same way about him. Then they spend a night together and everything changes. The feelings and emotions in this are amazing (as usual with L. A. Witt), and both men contribute their fair share. One thing I really like about this book is that Aaron’s ‘hot-and-cold’ treatment of Bennett after sleeping with him, while aggravating, came from a place of actual concern/fear instead of some stupid misunderstanding. The fact that it was resolved easily but still not completely, given the circumstances, was also a plus. I definitely recommend this one.
[read the full post at In A Word]
[read the full post at In A Word]
March 2, 2018
Lusting after guys in your own squadron is probably not a good idea. But one night, after a few drinks, Fight pilot Bennett “Roid-Rage” McKinney, ends up in bed with the target of his crush, Aaron “Tex” Austin. But in the morning, Tex is gone and doesn’t want to talk.
Bennett can’t work out what happened but after a few days of the cold shoulder, he’s willing to ask. Worst case scenario is they get together again…
Chronic pain can certainly dull your sex life.
[they mentioned it in the summary… so no spoilers, eh]
Tex can’t take medication if he wants to fly so he exists in a pain haze where some days are worse than others. Bennett has already noticed this but Tex is scared of commitment because in the past partners got annoyed when he couldn’t do anything. To fix it surgically means leaving the Military.
[dude, I hear you - got back pain of my own]
For me this kind of didn’t work. I get the story and I understand the issue, but it’s kind of hard to have both the ‘hurting too much to fuck’ AND the ‘hey let’s fuck’. Does that make sense? So I felt… ugh, can’t think of the word. Aaah… If they connected emotionally, Bennett would have been better to offer ice packs and massage; especially if he knew about the pain. You know?
Or ease into a different kind of lovemaking with less stress on his back. That just seems sensible. [oooh sensible sex; what a turn-on AM. *rolls eyes at self*.]
Hopefully being with Bennett will be enough of a push to get him to change his life because Tex can’t keep going like this. He’ll crash and not in the less harmful way.
3 stars
Bennett can’t work out what happened but after a few days of the cold shoulder, he’s willing to ask. Worst case scenario is they get together again…
Chronic pain can certainly dull your sex life.
[they mentioned it in the summary… so no spoilers, eh]
Tex can’t take medication if he wants to fly so he exists in a pain haze where some days are worse than others. Bennett has already noticed this but Tex is scared of commitment because in the past partners got annoyed when he couldn’t do anything. To fix it surgically means leaving the Military.
[dude, I hear you - got back pain of my own]
For me this kind of didn’t work. I get the story and I understand the issue, but it’s kind of hard to have both the ‘hurting too much to fuck’ AND the ‘hey let’s fuck’. Does that make sense? So I felt… ugh, can’t think of the word. Aaah… If they connected emotionally, Bennett would have been better to offer ice packs and massage; especially if he knew about the pain. You know?
Or ease into a different kind of lovemaking with less stress on his back. That just seems sensible. [oooh sensible sex; what a turn-on AM. *rolls eyes at self*.]
Hopefully being with Bennett will be enough of a push to get him to change his life because Tex can’t keep going like this. He’ll crash and not in the less harmful way.
3 stars
November 19, 2015
3.5 stars
Read as part of Unconditional Surrender - An M/M Military Bundle.
Sexy and emotional, with very interesting MCs and an even more interesting conflict core, even if the lack of alternatives for Aaron was exaggerated. Obviously that lack sustains the plot, but that omission in a allegedly realistic story is no mean feat.
Read as part of Unconditional Surrender - An M/M Military Bundle.
Sexy and emotional, with very interesting MCs and an even more interesting conflict core, even if the lack of alternatives for Aaron was exaggerated. Obviously that lack sustains the plot, but that omission in a allegedly realistic story is no mean feat.
July 17, 2017
This book was a 3.5 star for me. I liked the setting (I love Oki!) and I liked the set up-hot hunky pilots in lust? Yes please! I don't usually like a story that starts off with nookie before we get to know our MCs but the author did a good job with the set up before we dive in. But afterwards Tex was a jerk and a bit hard to sympathize with, despite his good reasons. It all works out but only because Bennett is a really great guy, willing to commit despite being in for a lot of unknowns with Texs future back pain and possibly being grounded, etc. Short enjoyable read!
May 12, 2015
At first I wasn't sure if this was set in an alternate universe or not and I wished the acronym RIO was explained. I had to google it and it means Radar Intercept Officer. I also felt like maybe I was missing a previous book and this was a prequel written after the first book. Regardless of these issues, I did enjoy the relationship between Bennett and Aaron. There was a lot of emotion and heart packed into this novella.
June 13, 2016
Good short read, liked the set up and world the guys lived in, interesting take on conflict and figuring out how to be together with Tex's pain issues and the fact they worked together and in the military. Bennett's nickname or call sign was a little weird and awkward, but not mentioned much in the story so eh.
March 28, 2020
Did not like the ending
Two co-workers have a one night stand and things become awkward after when one starts pretending it didn't happen and start to ignore the other. This book was not long enough to make the story believable and the ending was too abrupt. I like L.A. Witt as a writer but this one did not do it for me.
Two co-workers have a one night stand and things become awkward after when one starts pretending it didn't happen and start to ignore the other. This book was not long enough to make the story believable and the ending was too abrupt. I like L.A. Witt as a writer but this one did not do it for me.
March 31, 2015
A 5 Star Short Story!
Awe! Well, this story left with me with a small satisfied smile. For such a short story I understood where Aaron and Bennett were coming from in regards to their feelings for each other and I found the story endearing. Wonderful short read!
Awe! Well, this story left with me with a small satisfied smile. For such a short story I understood where Aaron and Bennett were coming from in regards to their feelings for each other and I found the story endearing. Wonderful short read!
April 4, 2015
3.5 stars.
Short & sweet; I only wish it had been longer. I like to see more of their life together & how things work out.
I'm just not meant to read novellas. They're never enough, I want more. ;)
Short & sweet; I only wish it had been longer. I like to see more of their life together & how things work out.
I'm just not meant to read novellas. They're never enough, I want more. ;)
January 5, 2016
DADT Navy Style?
So different than other military m/m stories I've read. It didn't feel realistic that they were able to be so 'out' even in the modern age.
I did love their romance though.
So different than other military m/m stories I've read. It didn't feel realistic that they were able to be so 'out' even in the modern age.
I did love their romance though.
November 13, 2016
3.5 stars. Read as part of Guys in Love: 4 Short Tales of Gay Romance.
Read
December 16, 2016I really enjoyed this read. The characters are real, unlike many "fictional" characters. They have flaws, physical limitations and still find each other. My only criticism is that it was too short and we didn't get our HEA.
May 31, 2019
Great story
I enjoy LA Witt’s writing and this is another lovely story. I think some people would call it a HEA but for me the endings more of a HFN. I’m still glad I read the story though.
I enjoy LA Witt’s writing and this is another lovely story. I think some people would call it a HEA but for me the endings more of a HFN. I’m still glad I read the story though.
April 25, 2015
* Kindle Unlimited
April 23, 2015
3.75 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews