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Flight HA1710 #3
Flashbulb
Blythe Harris was taking his first flight to the USA and hopefully a whole new client base for his bespoke upholstery business. An adventure for him, he was both nervous and excited to attract the attention of a handsome steward. Things might have gone further – if Flight HA1710 hadn’t failed.
Marc Stafford is a self-confessed player, and he used his charm to seduce his cute passenger. But in the aftermath of the crash, he’s struggling to recover his confidence. The TV declares him a hero for saving passengers, but at night his nightmares trigger painful flashbulb memories of the crash.
In an Irish hospital, Bly realises that although his broken leg will recover, his career may not. And in Chicago, Marc can’t face returning to work. Neither of them can shake off the memory of their brief, sexy encounter. Both of them need to be with someone who understands exactly what they’ve been through. And on a middle ground they can make all their own.
Marc Stafford is a self-confessed player, and he used his charm to seduce his cute passenger. But in the aftermath of the crash, he’s struggling to recover his confidence. The TV declares him a hero for saving passengers, but at night his nightmares trigger painful flashbulb memories of the crash.
In an Irish hospital, Bly realises that although his broken leg will recover, his career may not. And in Chicago, Marc can’t face returning to work. Neither of them can shake off the memory of their brief, sexy encounter. Both of them need to be with someone who understands exactly what they’ve been through. And on a middle ground they can make all their own.
130 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2015
9 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Clare London
148 books434 followersClare took the pen name London from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant. She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic and sexy characters.
Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter 3 stage and plenty of other projects in mind . . . she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.
All the details and free fiction are available at her website. Visit her today and say hello!
Clare also writes as Stella Shaw and launched a new series of rent boy romances in 2021.
Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter 3 stage and plenty of other projects in mind . . . she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.
All the details and free fiction are available at her website. Visit her today and say hello!
Clare also writes as Stella Shaw and launched a new series of rent boy romances in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 22, 2015
1.5 stars
I have only read True Colors by Clare London and I absolutely loved it. It was an emotional 5 star read for me. When I read the blurb for Flashbulb, the angst lover inside me saw stars. Sadly, I was disappointed with the story.
We meet Bly and Marc on Bly’s first flight to Chicago. Marc is a flight attendant and a frequent user of the mile-high club. He begins to flirt with Bly quite strongly, especially because Bly is so nervous about flying. There is a delicious encounter mid-flight in the lavatories and then all hell breaks loose. The plane crashes. Bly wakes up in a hospital in Ireland with broken bones and no idea if Marc even made it. He decides to stay in Ireland after being discharged from the hospital instead of going back home and facing his upholstery business with a hand that he can’t really use yet. Marc is sulking in his apartment in Chicago, no matter what his charming room-mate tries to do to cheer him up. On a whim, he decides to go looking for Bly and next thing you know, Bly is opening the front door to him.
Here’s where the story took a wrong turn for me.
First of all, there was no detail about the crash. I love survival stories and I really thought I would get a front row seat to the panic and chaos that would have ensued in these last moments before the crash. Those details came later, mainly as flashbacks from Marc, but the transition from on-the-plane to after-the-crash felt choppy to me.
The guys had spent only a few minutes together. So, the whole “I’m flying to Ireland to find you even though I have no idea where you live” didn’t seem convincing. I am guessing it was meant to be a grand gesture of sorts but it fell flat. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs at all, and the first proper sexual encounter wasn’t anything inspiring. Their time together left me feeling bored and anxious to see some action or something exciting happen. They went shopping and Marc gave Bly massages for his hand (which magically started getting better once Marc was in the picture), and just hung out. They didn’t talk much. I felt like I didn’t really know them and that they didn’t really know each other, so why was all of that happening again?
Now for my biggest pet peeve. If you’re going to use flashbulb memories as a theme in your book to the point where it’s the title of your book, please author, use it correctly. Flashbulb memories in and of themselves are not positive or negative. They’re neutral. They could form after a big tragedy but they could also form after a happy occasion that happened to affect a lot of people together. They are not flashbacks. There’s a great definition of flashbulb memories given via nurse Maura, who went to visit Bly and ended up acting like she’s there to have a mini therapy session with Marc. So, while the definition was correct, the term was actually used as a flashback:
”A flashbulb memory is an autobiographical one. You remember an event more vividly because of your strong emotional reactions at the time. The circumstances were so significant to you personally that all the details surrounding it became exaggeratedly clear in your memory. And long-lasting too.” –research suggests that the memories erode over time and are not in fact accurate, but no matter. You get the gist.
And then Marc goes: ”Yeah. I’ve had them ever since the-“...”Doesn’t make any difference whether my sleep’s deep or shallow, whether I’m tired or excited or any which way. The nightmares come and go as they please.”
I also didn’t appreciate how much brit-speak Marc used when he’s supposed to be American. Sometimes it was subtle but it was enough to throw me off the story and notice. If I’m going to nit-pick now, I will say that all these exclamation marks would have been suited to a lighter, fluffier kind of book and I didn’t feel it was suited here. Too many exclamation marks man.
The guys get a HEA but I honestly didn’t care enough about them at that point.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy reading this. The characters didn’t mesh well in my opinion and the trauma from the crash could have been explored better. Maybe I didn’t like it because of my expectations or because things about the writing itself threw me off.
Can’t recommend.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
I have only read True Colors by Clare London and I absolutely loved it. It was an emotional 5 star read for me. When I read the blurb for Flashbulb, the angst lover inside me saw stars. Sadly, I was disappointed with the story.
We meet Bly and Marc on Bly’s first flight to Chicago. Marc is a flight attendant and a frequent user of the mile-high club. He begins to flirt with Bly quite strongly, especially because Bly is so nervous about flying. There is a delicious encounter mid-flight in the lavatories and then all hell breaks loose. The plane crashes. Bly wakes up in a hospital in Ireland with broken bones and no idea if Marc even made it. He decides to stay in Ireland after being discharged from the hospital instead of going back home and facing his upholstery business with a hand that he can’t really use yet. Marc is sulking in his apartment in Chicago, no matter what his charming room-mate tries to do to cheer him up. On a whim, he decides to go looking for Bly and next thing you know, Bly is opening the front door to him.
Here’s where the story took a wrong turn for me.
First of all, there was no detail about the crash. I love survival stories and I really thought I would get a front row seat to the panic and chaos that would have ensued in these last moments before the crash. Those details came later, mainly as flashbacks from Marc, but the transition from on-the-plane to after-the-crash felt choppy to me.
The guys had spent only a few minutes together. So, the whole “I’m flying to Ireland to find you even though I have no idea where you live” didn’t seem convincing. I am guessing it was meant to be a grand gesture of sorts but it fell flat. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs at all, and the first proper sexual encounter wasn’t anything inspiring. Their time together left me feeling bored and anxious to see some action or something exciting happen. They went shopping and Marc gave Bly massages for his hand (which magically started getting better once Marc was in the picture), and just hung out. They didn’t talk much. I felt like I didn’t really know them and that they didn’t really know each other, so why was all of that happening again?
Now for my biggest pet peeve. If you’re going to use flashbulb memories as a theme in your book to the point where it’s the title of your book, please author, use it correctly. Flashbulb memories in and of themselves are not positive or negative. They’re neutral. They could form after a big tragedy but they could also form after a happy occasion that happened to affect a lot of people together. They are not flashbacks. There’s a great definition of flashbulb memories given via nurse Maura, who went to visit Bly and ended up acting like she’s there to have a mini therapy session with Marc. So, while the definition was correct, the term was actually used as a flashback:
”A flashbulb memory is an autobiographical one. You remember an event more vividly because of your strong emotional reactions at the time. The circumstances were so significant to you personally that all the details surrounding it became exaggeratedly clear in your memory. And long-lasting too.” –research suggests that the memories erode over time and are not in fact accurate, but no matter. You get the gist.
And then Marc goes: ”Yeah. I’ve had them ever since the-“...”Doesn’t make any difference whether my sleep’s deep or shallow, whether I’m tired or excited or any which way. The nightmares come and go as they please.”
I also didn’t appreciate how much brit-speak Marc used when he’s supposed to be American. Sometimes it was subtle but it was enough to throw me off the story and notice. If I’m going to nit-pick now, I will say that all these exclamation marks would have been suited to a lighter, fluffier kind of book and I didn’t feel it was suited here. Too many exclamation marks man.
The guys get a HEA but I honestly didn’t care enough about them at that point.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy reading this. The characters didn’t mesh well in my opinion and the trauma from the crash could have been explored better. Maybe I didn’t like it because of my expectations or because things about the writing itself threw me off.
Can’t recommend.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
August 4, 2015
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
While Blythe Harris is nervously awaiting the departure of his first flight to the US, he gets up to get a drink of water from Marc, the cabin steward with whom he had chatted and flirted earlier. The flight has been delayed even though all the passengers have already boarded, so when Marc meets him in the galley at the back of the plane, he gets more than the water he came for.
The two head to the lavatory for a brief, hot handjob, and what they hope will be the start of something more when they land. But the flight never does land— at least not conventionally— it crashes in Ireland.
Bly was unconscious from a hit on the head, and he had a badly broken leg, so he spends quite a bit of time in the hospital. In fact, by the time he becomes more aware of everything around him, he learns that Marc survived and was a hero in the way he helped get everyone off the plane. But Marc is back in the US now, and Bly has to recuperate, and it’s not just his leg that needs to heal. His hands don’t seem to be cooperating with him, causing him pain and being uncoordinated each time he tries to do something that requires dexterity. And that’s sad because he’s self-employed as an upholsterer, and he must have manual dexterity to work.
He decides to continue to recuperate in Ireland for a while and rents a home recommended by one of the nurses who has befriended him. There he stays, trying to come to terms with his inability to work, when he’s suddenly confronted with a visitor from the US. Marc has come back to see him.
Marc isn’t very forthcoming about his reasons for returning until he’s there for a while and finally relaxes in Bly’s presence. Marc is suffering from PTSD and nightmares of the crash in which his guilt over surviving is making it difficult for him to come to terms with his own existence. He hasn’t returned to work yet, and really doesn’t want to. What he does want is to continue to get to know Bly better. Bly feels safe to him and together they face the challenges of surviving that horrific event.
Marc helps Bly recover his dexterity by giving him hand massages until Bly slowly works his way on to doing repair work. Bly helps Marc slowly begin to come to terms with his “flashbulb” memories of the crash. A flashbulb memory is one in which you remember something that happened to you more vividly because of your strong emotional reactions at the time. While with Bly, Marc’s nightmares recede and become almost non-existent. However, reality has to intercede in their relationship and Bly has to return to England while Marc has to return to the US.
It seems hardly possible that the two will ever be able to find a way to be together since neither man is the type to fight for what he wants— until they realize that’s the only thing they can do if they want the happiness they deserve.
I enjoyed this story of two men who appear to be polar opposites, yet have one strong common bond— one thread that links them together enough to forge ahead and build a long-lasting relationship. This book is perfect for a beach read or for spending the afternoon curled up before the fireplace on a cold winter day. A sweet M/M romance, I recommend this to all who enjoy hurt/comfort, opposites attract, or just a light romance complete with HEA.
While Blythe Harris is nervously awaiting the departure of his first flight to the US, he gets up to get a drink of water from Marc, the cabin steward with whom he had chatted and flirted earlier. The flight has been delayed even though all the passengers have already boarded, so when Marc meets him in the galley at the back of the plane, he gets more than the water he came for.
The two head to the lavatory for a brief, hot handjob, and what they hope will be the start of something more when they land. But the flight never does land— at least not conventionally— it crashes in Ireland.
Bly was unconscious from a hit on the head, and he had a badly broken leg, so he spends quite a bit of time in the hospital. In fact, by the time he becomes more aware of everything around him, he learns that Marc survived and was a hero in the way he helped get everyone off the plane. But Marc is back in the US now, and Bly has to recuperate, and it’s not just his leg that needs to heal. His hands don’t seem to be cooperating with him, causing him pain and being uncoordinated each time he tries to do something that requires dexterity. And that’s sad because he’s self-employed as an upholsterer, and he must have manual dexterity to work.
He decides to continue to recuperate in Ireland for a while and rents a home recommended by one of the nurses who has befriended him. There he stays, trying to come to terms with his inability to work, when he’s suddenly confronted with a visitor from the US. Marc has come back to see him.
Marc isn’t very forthcoming about his reasons for returning until he’s there for a while and finally relaxes in Bly’s presence. Marc is suffering from PTSD and nightmares of the crash in which his guilt over surviving is making it difficult for him to come to terms with his own existence. He hasn’t returned to work yet, and really doesn’t want to. What he does want is to continue to get to know Bly better. Bly feels safe to him and together they face the challenges of surviving that horrific event.
Marc helps Bly recover his dexterity by giving him hand massages until Bly slowly works his way on to doing repair work. Bly helps Marc slowly begin to come to terms with his “flashbulb” memories of the crash. A flashbulb memory is one in which you remember something that happened to you more vividly because of your strong emotional reactions at the time. While with Bly, Marc’s nightmares recede and become almost non-existent. However, reality has to intercede in their relationship and Bly has to return to England while Marc has to return to the US.
It seems hardly possible that the two will ever be able to find a way to be together since neither man is the type to fight for what he wants— until they realize that’s the only thing they can do if they want the happiness they deserve.
I enjoyed this story of two men who appear to be polar opposites, yet have one strong common bond— one thread that links them together enough to forge ahead and build a long-lasting relationship. This book is perfect for a beach read or for spending the afternoon curled up before the fireplace on a cold winter day. A sweet M/M romance, I recommend this to all who enjoy hurt/comfort, opposites attract, or just a light romance complete with HEA.
June 3, 2017
Booooooooring.
You'd think this was highly unlikely bc of the plane crash and consequent PTSD... but gah. Nope. Totally sleep inducing plot right there. Even despite the "dramatic" plot line, this is totally stupid, empty, 2-dimensional nothingness.
And. Oh my god. Guys acting like blushing virgins.
Specifically Bly with thoughts like 'Oh good God. Was it possible to full-body blush?' after Mark asks him whether he'd prefer it (you know, sex) facing him or rather from behind (asked with these same tame words)...
Or, after the sex: 'Wow. So this is hard and fast!'
Sorry I can't read shit like this without, idk, some heavy(!) eye-rolling at least.
Yes, harsh review, possibly a little bit too harsh, but most books I recently read were a bit like this. Kind of boring. Bland & non-engaging plot, bland characters -- so maybe that's why I'm so fed up and annoyed right now.
Either way, this book is a no-thank-you for me.
You'd think this was highly unlikely bc of the plane crash and consequent PTSD... but gah. Nope. Totally sleep inducing plot right there. Even despite the "dramatic" plot line, this is totally stupid, empty, 2-dimensional nothingness.
And. Oh my god. Guys acting like blushing virgins.
Specifically Bly with thoughts like 'Oh good God. Was it possible to full-body blush?' after Mark asks him whether he'd prefer it (you know, sex) facing him or rather from behind (asked with these same tame words)...
Or, after the sex: 'Wow. So this is hard and fast!'
Sorry I can't read shit like this without, idk, some heavy(!) eye-rolling at least.
Yes, harsh review, possibly a little bit too harsh, but most books I recently read were a bit like this. Kind of boring. Bland & non-engaging plot, bland characters -- so maybe that's why I'm so fed up and annoyed right now.
Either way, this book is a no-thank-you for me.
November 5, 2015
This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2015/11/review...
4.5 stars for this contemporary M/M romance. This is the third book in the Flight HA1701 series surrounding the crash of the plane in the hills of Ireland. Each book is a standalone read and involves at least one person who survived the crash and how the world shifted in the aftermath.
Bly is a shy, but attractive, Englishman on his first flight across the pond to meet with renowned furnishings makers and discuss expanding his custom upholstery creations business. He’s taken his motion sickness meds and has had a bit of a tipple to settle his jangled nerves, but the best anxiety medicine he encounters is Marc, his sexy steward. Being under a few influences, Bly is able to reciprocate Marc’s suggestive flirting. And yes, had they been in flight when they made it to the back lavatory, they would have joined the Mile High Club.
Marc is a flyboy of the flamboyant sort. He’s a legend in his company for his high energy hijinks and sultry sexcapades. He is unashamedly proud of being a catch and never afraid to be caught. He’s attracted to Bly, and he goes for it with his usual abandon, hoping to turn their lavatory lovin’ into a bit more while Bly stays in Chicago, Marc’s home base.
But they don’t make it to Chicago. The plane goes down. Bly is unconscious soon after the plane loses altitude and is sent to a nearby hospital for his broken leg. He’s overwrought and glad he retains few memories of the crash. Still, he’s not altogether okay. His hands, which have lovingly built furniture and sewed fabrics, now lack the strength to even grasp a needle. While recovering from his psychosomatic issues, he takes up residence in a little cottage in Ireland and refuses to return home to his rural Devonshire workshop where he will not be able to work.
Marc, on the other hand, was completely conscious during the entire crash. He’s riddled with guilt over the loss of a crewmember he had harsh words with before their ill-fated departure. He was an excellent first-responder, helping the capable to de-plane and carrying the injured to a safe place while awaiting assistance from emergency services. Even weeks after the crash, he suffers graphic nightmares and insomnia and cannot report for duty. His best friend urges him to go out and socialize, but clubbing/dating holds no appeal and he’s now frightened of loud, crowded places. The airline has given him an extended leave, and he takes it to go find the one face that isn’t tormented in his flashbulb memories: Bly.
Bly is more than surprised to find Marc on his cottage doorstep, but his memories (and dreams) of their tryst are good and he’s hungry for some companionship. He invites Marc to stay with him, and as they share time they also share memories; Bly comforts Marc through his nightmares and Marc encourages Bly to use his frail hands…on him. But fantasyland always ends sometime. Bly must return to his business—orders have piled up in his absence and his family is clamoring to have him home. Marc’s job calls, and he’s not sure he even wants to do it any longer. Those long haul flights trapped in a hurtling metal missile no longer seems free and easy, but Marc’s not really qualified to do anything else.
This is a lovely hurt/comfort story, with different emotional and physical consequences of the PTSD both men clearly suffer. They take long walks and confide in each other, and they begin the descent into love. I really enjoyed how they found their missing “other half” and together they were so much stronger than alone. After several days in the idyllic space each makes strides toward healing and complete wellness.
I really enjoyed the slow build to feelings in this one. Attraction was immediate, but it is only through continued contact that these men grow together over their shared tragedy. Their cozy cottage becomes a crucible for romance, and it melds them in a way they hadn’t expected. They demand honesty from one another, and it cements their fledgling bond. It’s an emotional read, and still has room for the sexytimes. I loved how these guys started over, and had fun with each other. They certainly deserved it. While this could have been a heavy read, there was enough light-hearted elements to keep a balance. There is a clear HEA for both Marc and Bly and in the place where they both felt most comfortable, but never expected to find love. I really enjoyed it.
4.5 stars for this contemporary M/M romance. This is the third book in the Flight HA1701 series surrounding the crash of the plane in the hills of Ireland. Each book is a standalone read and involves at least one person who survived the crash and how the world shifted in the aftermath.
Bly is a shy, but attractive, Englishman on his first flight across the pond to meet with renowned furnishings makers and discuss expanding his custom upholstery creations business. He’s taken his motion sickness meds and has had a bit of a tipple to settle his jangled nerves, but the best anxiety medicine he encounters is Marc, his sexy steward. Being under a few influences, Bly is able to reciprocate Marc’s suggestive flirting. And yes, had they been in flight when they made it to the back lavatory, they would have joined the Mile High Club.
Marc is a flyboy of the flamboyant sort. He’s a legend in his company for his high energy hijinks and sultry sexcapades. He is unashamedly proud of being a catch and never afraid to be caught. He’s attracted to Bly, and he goes for it with his usual abandon, hoping to turn their lavatory lovin’ into a bit more while Bly stays in Chicago, Marc’s home base.
But they don’t make it to Chicago. The plane goes down. Bly is unconscious soon after the plane loses altitude and is sent to a nearby hospital for his broken leg. He’s overwrought and glad he retains few memories of the crash. Still, he’s not altogether okay. His hands, which have lovingly built furniture and sewed fabrics, now lack the strength to even grasp a needle. While recovering from his psychosomatic issues, he takes up residence in a little cottage in Ireland and refuses to return home to his rural Devonshire workshop where he will not be able to work.
Marc, on the other hand, was completely conscious during the entire crash. He’s riddled with guilt over the loss of a crewmember he had harsh words with before their ill-fated departure. He was an excellent first-responder, helping the capable to de-plane and carrying the injured to a safe place while awaiting assistance from emergency services. Even weeks after the crash, he suffers graphic nightmares and insomnia and cannot report for duty. His best friend urges him to go out and socialize, but clubbing/dating holds no appeal and he’s now frightened of loud, crowded places. The airline has given him an extended leave, and he takes it to go find the one face that isn’t tormented in his flashbulb memories: Bly.
Bly is more than surprised to find Marc on his cottage doorstep, but his memories (and dreams) of their tryst are good and he’s hungry for some companionship. He invites Marc to stay with him, and as they share time they also share memories; Bly comforts Marc through his nightmares and Marc encourages Bly to use his frail hands…on him. But fantasyland always ends sometime. Bly must return to his business—orders have piled up in his absence and his family is clamoring to have him home. Marc’s job calls, and he’s not sure he even wants to do it any longer. Those long haul flights trapped in a hurtling metal missile no longer seems free and easy, but Marc’s not really qualified to do anything else.
This is a lovely hurt/comfort story, with different emotional and physical consequences of the PTSD both men clearly suffer. They take long walks and confide in each other, and they begin the descent into love. I really enjoyed how they found their missing “other half” and together they were so much stronger than alone. After several days in the idyllic space each makes strides toward healing and complete wellness.
I really enjoyed the slow build to feelings in this one. Attraction was immediate, but it is only through continued contact that these men grow together over their shared tragedy. Their cozy cottage becomes a crucible for romance, and it melds them in a way they hadn’t expected. They demand honesty from one another, and it cements their fledgling bond. It’s an emotional read, and still has room for the sexytimes. I loved how these guys started over, and had fun with each other. They certainly deserved it. While this could have been a heavy read, there was enough light-hearted elements to keep a balance. There is a clear HEA for both Marc and Bly and in the place where they both felt most comfortable, but never expected to find love. I really enjoyed it.
July 27, 2015
I have been following this series book by book and have found all the lives involved in this tragic accident quite fascinating. I wondered how this would work. How seeing this horrific crash through everyone's eyes wouldn't get repetitious and it didn't. We follow Marc (a flight attendant of the plane that crashes) and Blythe (a passenger and first time flyer) From an hour before the accident to months after. Marc, a player, is drawn to Blythe even before it all goes up in smoke... literally. Blythe is shy, not at all a player, and equally drawn to Marc. I loved watching them reconnect. Finding solace in each other because no one else could possibly understand what they'd gone through. This series also brought Clare London to my attention. This is the first time I've read her and I love her style of writing. She is quite talented. I recommend this book and this series.
January 20, 2019
Sorry, definitely not one of Clare London’s best books. I did not like her characters after the crash. Yes, I understand people get trauma. Yes, I understand personality changes. But both characters just irritated the hell out of me.
July 19, 2015
Two continents collide in this book and after a quick hand job in an aircraft loo nothing will ever be the same. Blythe is on his way to a meeting in the US and is as nervous as hell as he does not like flying. Dosed up on tranquilizers he is a little more unhibited than he would normally be ad immediately starts to flirt with the air steward, Marc. I just loved the way these two were giving out all the signals to each other but in a position that they could not be too obvious. Well, until they throw caution to the wind and decide to use the aircraft loo for a quickie. this would officially mean that Blythe could join the mile high club except for the fact that the plane was still firmly planted on the ground. But oh my, it was only a hand job but when it has to be quick and in a public place it lends a certain heat to the situation, phew!
However, the nightmare is yet to come and the plane crashes. We never get to read about the plane crash and the events but there is more or less a blackout where Blythe wakes up in a hospital in Ireland. First all I felt a little cheated about not knowing exactly what happened, reading about the events of the crash, etc. but then I accepted the fact that Blythe really had no memory of the event after the plane started to descend rapidly anyway. This for Blythe would be pretty realistic as no doubt it would be for most people. So if you’re telling the story from the MCs point of view then it would seem a little disjointed maybe to get the whole plane crash narrative. Some survived some didn’t but he can’t stop thinking about Marc as the last memory he has of Marc is looking back at him down the aisle, giving him a wink and trying to remain calm where all around him was going to hell.
Marc is having nightmares on the other side of the Atlantic and keeps seeing Blythe in these . So there’s only one thing for it and one of them has to go and find the other. Marc ends up in Ireland and finds Blythe. The first thing I loved about this book was the cultural aspects. Clare writes wonderfully and really gets the feel right between the differences in American and British attitudes. It was not overdone and blatant, it was subtle, was there in the background and still played a roll. Of course everyone is different as an individual but different cultural backgrounds will play a role too. I know! I’m a Brit married to a German but these things can also enrich and enhance a relationship if both people are prepared to learn from each other. This was most definitely the case with Marc and Blythe.
So it was sweet and yet strange. Effectively two strangers who had a quickie being driven together by the force of their attraction and dreams based solely on one single event. I could feel their reservations, especially Bly’s as Marc is the more outgoing one and did wonder how on earth this is ever going to pan out. Developing a relationship out of a stress situation is never really a recipe for success. However, when Marc pitches up on Bly’s doorstep something wonderful happens. They feel they can talk to each other about a shared experience and through it discover more; support, friendship and then love maybe? Well, there is no doubt in the air that these two guys have got something good together and should at least try to hold on to it for the time being. But what do you do when that big ol’ bitch called real-life gets in the way?
In a small village in Ireland, where Blythe was staying to recuperate, it was all really quite idyllic really, something like an extended holiday. They found peace, quiet and solace in each other’s arms but the time comes where they both have to return to work, Blythe has to go back to the UK and Marc to the US. Oh I so felt for the both of them and so sad in one respect. Blythe tried to be the more pragmatic one by almost trying to push Marc away only because he felt it would be best for the pair of them. Yes, real life is a bitch but can you give her a good whipping at times and make things work.
Apart the pair of them are even more miserable than before. So what do you do? Yes, the same thing I did in my life. Either the one or the other has to take the bull by the horns, take a chance, pack their suitcase and go after the other. It’s never that one is giving more up than the other, it’s just a question of which is the most practical solution for both. So who goes after who in the book? Marc or Blythe? Now that would be telling you’ll have to read the book. However, it’s an HEA all round. A perfect way to end, or is it just the beginning? I guess the only who knows this are the boys, Blythe, Marc and of course Clare.
However, the nightmare is yet to come and the plane crashes. We never get to read about the plane crash and the events but there is more or less a blackout where Blythe wakes up in a hospital in Ireland. First all I felt a little cheated about not knowing exactly what happened, reading about the events of the crash, etc. but then I accepted the fact that Blythe really had no memory of the event after the plane started to descend rapidly anyway. This for Blythe would be pretty realistic as no doubt it would be for most people. So if you’re telling the story from the MCs point of view then it would seem a little disjointed maybe to get the whole plane crash narrative. Some survived some didn’t but he can’t stop thinking about Marc as the last memory he has of Marc is looking back at him down the aisle, giving him a wink and trying to remain calm where all around him was going to hell.
Marc is having nightmares on the other side of the Atlantic and keeps seeing Blythe in these . So there’s only one thing for it and one of them has to go and find the other. Marc ends up in Ireland and finds Blythe. The first thing I loved about this book was the cultural aspects. Clare writes wonderfully and really gets the feel right between the differences in American and British attitudes. It was not overdone and blatant, it was subtle, was there in the background and still played a roll. Of course everyone is different as an individual but different cultural backgrounds will play a role too. I know! I’m a Brit married to a German but these things can also enrich and enhance a relationship if both people are prepared to learn from each other. This was most definitely the case with Marc and Blythe.
So it was sweet and yet strange. Effectively two strangers who had a quickie being driven together by the force of their attraction and dreams based solely on one single event. I could feel their reservations, especially Bly’s as Marc is the more outgoing one and did wonder how on earth this is ever going to pan out. Developing a relationship out of a stress situation is never really a recipe for success. However, when Marc pitches up on Bly’s doorstep something wonderful happens. They feel they can talk to each other about a shared experience and through it discover more; support, friendship and then love maybe? Well, there is no doubt in the air that these two guys have got something good together and should at least try to hold on to it for the time being. But what do you do when that big ol’ bitch called real-life gets in the way?
In a small village in Ireland, where Blythe was staying to recuperate, it was all really quite idyllic really, something like an extended holiday. They found peace, quiet and solace in each other’s arms but the time comes where they both have to return to work, Blythe has to go back to the UK and Marc to the US. Oh I so felt for the both of them and so sad in one respect. Blythe tried to be the more pragmatic one by almost trying to push Marc away only because he felt it would be best for the pair of them. Yes, real life is a bitch but can you give her a good whipping at times and make things work.
Apart the pair of them are even more miserable than before. So what do you do? Yes, the same thing I did in my life. Either the one or the other has to take the bull by the horns, take a chance, pack their suitcase and go after the other. It’s never that one is giving more up than the other, it’s just a question of which is the most practical solution for both. So who goes after who in the book? Marc or Blythe? Now that would be telling you’ll have to read the book. However, it’s an HEA all round. A perfect way to end, or is it just the beginning? I guess the only who knows this are the boys, Blythe, Marc and of course Clare.
Want to read
June 7, 20206/7/20 Currently FREE via a Prolific Works giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/9...
June 28, 2015
“If a person wants to be a part of your life, they will make an obvious effort to do so.” ~ Mark Chernoff
Even though their brief encounter is supposed to be a no strings attached deal, Bly and Marc, of 'Flashbulb' by Clare London, feel the flicker of something possibly deeper between them. Before they have an opportunity for it to register properly, much less act on it, the plane they are on crashes, thrusting their lives into chaos and putting a long distance between them. Even after they have physically recovered, they need to talk about their experiences, but feel no one will understand their anguish since they haven't had the same experience.
Bly, usually quite shy, goes out on an unfamiliar limb when he gives in to temptation in an airplane bathroom with the handsome flight attendant, Marc. It's very brief, but lasts long enough to make an impression on both of them. After the crash Bly's recovery is extremely slow, not just physically, but emotionally as well. His broken leg has healed, but emotionally, he's still broken. Also, Bly has never forgotten Marc and not having the opportunity to get to know him, only adds to his despair. His parents are understanding; they want him to take his time to get better, but there is little they can do about him being stuck emotionally. They weren't there and Bly feels they can't begin to understand what he's suffering through. Bly gets a housesitting job for a cute little house in Dublin. Bly loves it there, but has a business to which he should be attending back in England. He's not sure he can ever go back to it. One day, when he's feeling especially blue, there's a knock at the door. Bly isn't expecting company but when he opens the door, Marc is standing there. Finally, he has someone to talk to who will understand.
In spite of the fact he wasn't hurt physically besides some bruises and cuts, and he helped save many passengers in the crash, Marc is in emotional turmoil; he's not able to fly now, not able to settle into any kind of normal life. He's lost in a depression he can not pull himself out of. His roommate is worried about him and tries to motivate him to move on, but to no avail. Marc hasn't forgotten the cute passenger he exchanged mutual gratification with even though their time together was brief. When the nightmares reach monumental proportions, his roommate insists he see someone. The only person Marc can think of who could possibly help is Bly. With his roommate's encouragement, he flies to Bly, hoping to see some peace and finally heal.
This is a moving story about two men who are caught up in a tragedy together and form a bond which helps them both heal. The vivid memories, created by their awful experience, made my heart ache for both of them, but Clare finds a way to take those memories and use them to put Bly and Marc's feelings in perspective and teach them what and who they really want from life. If you like a story with plane crashes, handsome flight attendants, passion, redemption, and forgiveness, you may enjoy this story. Thank you, Clare, for the emotional, yet hopeful read.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Even though their brief encounter is supposed to be a no strings attached deal, Bly and Marc, of 'Flashbulb' by Clare London, feel the flicker of something possibly deeper between them. Before they have an opportunity for it to register properly, much less act on it, the plane they are on crashes, thrusting their lives into chaos and putting a long distance between them. Even after they have physically recovered, they need to talk about their experiences, but feel no one will understand their anguish since they haven't had the same experience.
Bly, usually quite shy, goes out on an unfamiliar limb when he gives in to temptation in an airplane bathroom with the handsome flight attendant, Marc. It's very brief, but lasts long enough to make an impression on both of them. After the crash Bly's recovery is extremely slow, not just physically, but emotionally as well. His broken leg has healed, but emotionally, he's still broken. Also, Bly has never forgotten Marc and not having the opportunity to get to know him, only adds to his despair. His parents are understanding; they want him to take his time to get better, but there is little they can do about him being stuck emotionally. They weren't there and Bly feels they can't begin to understand what he's suffering through. Bly gets a housesitting job for a cute little house in Dublin. Bly loves it there, but has a business to which he should be attending back in England. He's not sure he can ever go back to it. One day, when he's feeling especially blue, there's a knock at the door. Bly isn't expecting company but when he opens the door, Marc is standing there. Finally, he has someone to talk to who will understand.
In spite of the fact he wasn't hurt physically besides some bruises and cuts, and he helped save many passengers in the crash, Marc is in emotional turmoil; he's not able to fly now, not able to settle into any kind of normal life. He's lost in a depression he can not pull himself out of. His roommate is worried about him and tries to motivate him to move on, but to no avail. Marc hasn't forgotten the cute passenger he exchanged mutual gratification with even though their time together was brief. When the nightmares reach monumental proportions, his roommate insists he see someone. The only person Marc can think of who could possibly help is Bly. With his roommate's encouragement, he flies to Bly, hoping to see some peace and finally heal.
This is a moving story about two men who are caught up in a tragedy together and form a bond which helps them both heal. The vivid memories, created by their awful experience, made my heart ache for both of them, but Clare finds a way to take those memories and use them to put Bly and Marc's feelings in perspective and teach them what and who they really want from life. If you like a story with plane crashes, handsome flight attendants, passion, redemption, and forgiveness, you may enjoy this story. Thank you, Clare, for the emotional, yet hopeful read.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 28, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request: Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 #3) by Clare London
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
I have been following the Flight HA1710 series since I first read Retrograde by RJ Scott. This is a series revolving around one tragic plane crash that killed around 7 people but those affected went beyond the cabin of that plane. In Flashbulb, we see two people who survived the crash.
We have Marc Stafford, a mile-high junkie and all-around playboy who flirts his way through flights and lay overs. He is not what one would call 'relationship material.' However, he is a great attendant and despite the many complaints lodged against him, he still has his job. The thing is, Marc is not feeling his job anymore. Until, that is, he chances upon first time flyer Blythe Harris whose nervousness Marc found appealing.
On his first flight ever on a plane, Blythe is nervous and not handling it well. The long delay before the plane lifts off is killing him. It was only the presence of Marc, a handsome flight attendant, that manages to calm him. Until that is, the plane lurched and he sees the controlled panic in Marc's face. When he wakes up, it is to a nightmare of broken bones and the inability to be creative once more.
The story of Marc and Bly is one I would consider, the darkest of the three that I have read so far. Their painful process of trying to get out of the funk of PTSD induced nightmares that crosses over to motor skills, it was too real to bear. There were times I wondered if the two would ever manage to get out of their depression. Yes, this is a romance but it is a romance in a stressful setting. In reality, I would not know if theirs would last. I hope it does for the two are just fitting of each other and deserve the peace in their love.
This is a beautiful, if dark, installment to an already dark arc but it is definitely worth the read.
Note: eARC copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
I have been following the Flight HA1710 series since I first read Retrograde by RJ Scott. This is a series revolving around one tragic plane crash that killed around 7 people but those affected went beyond the cabin of that plane. In Flashbulb, we see two people who survived the crash.
We have Marc Stafford, a mile-high junkie and all-around playboy who flirts his way through flights and lay overs. He is not what one would call 'relationship material.' However, he is a great attendant and despite the many complaints lodged against him, he still has his job. The thing is, Marc is not feeling his job anymore. Until, that is, he chances upon first time flyer Blythe Harris whose nervousness Marc found appealing.
On his first flight ever on a plane, Blythe is nervous and not handling it well. The long delay before the plane lifts off is killing him. It was only the presence of Marc, a handsome flight attendant, that manages to calm him. Until that is, the plane lurched and he sees the controlled panic in Marc's face. When he wakes up, it is to a nightmare of broken bones and the inability to be creative once more.
The story of Marc and Bly is one I would consider, the darkest of the three that I have read so far. Their painful process of trying to get out of the funk of PTSD induced nightmares that crosses over to motor skills, it was too real to bear. There were times I wondered if the two would ever manage to get out of their depression. Yes, this is a romance but it is a romance in a stressful setting. In reality, I would not know if theirs would last. I hope it does for the two are just fitting of each other and deserve the peace in their love.
This is a beautiful, if dark, installment to an already dark arc but it is definitely worth the read.
Note: eARC copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
June 24, 2015
I was provided an ARC of this story by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Clare London throws together two very different characters, ignites a spark and then unceremoniously rips them apart. Well rounded characters, well written in both the lead up and aftermath of the plane crash, and how they are changed by both the crash and their brief pre-crash relationship.
An ill conceived noble gesture had me ready to cry or punch a wall but I was cheering for these two from the start.
Read in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
If you've never read Clare London's stories before this is a great place to start.
Clare London throws together two very different characters, ignites a spark and then unceremoniously rips them apart. Well rounded characters, well written in both the lead up and aftermath of the plane crash, and how they are changed by both the crash and their brief pre-crash relationship.
An ill conceived noble gesture had me ready to cry or punch a wall but I was cheering for these two from the start.
Read in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
If you've never read Clare London's stories before this is a great place to start.
June 24, 2015
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I love this book and I will be reading it again in the near future!
It's a sweet, quick read, but packed with more emotion than I would have expected. To be honest, I couldn't put it down.
The characters are round, very well developed. The story flows nicely and there wasn't a single thing out of place. The plot is interesting and the romance well formed. The pairing is surprising, bringing together a high key American flight attendant and a shy British upholster, but Clare London makes it work perfectly. So well in fact that it made me wonder why nobody else thought of that before. LOL
It's a must read!
I love this book and I will be reading it again in the near future!
It's a sweet, quick read, but packed with more emotion than I would have expected. To be honest, I couldn't put it down.
The characters are round, very well developed. The story flows nicely and there wasn't a single thing out of place. The plot is interesting and the romance well formed. The pairing is surprising, bringing together a high key American flight attendant and a shy British upholster, but Clare London makes it work perfectly. So well in fact that it made me wonder why nobody else thought of that before. LOL
It's a must read!
June 29, 2015
Flashbacks Make Things Clear
Another installment of the post-disaster lives of those who were on board the doomed flight, this one brings us the flighty and fickle flight attendant Marc and the somewhat lonely, but ever willing English carpenter-upholsterer Blythe (Bly).
They are instantly attracted while the plane is delayed, sneak off for a round of Mile High clubbing, and then, crash!
What follows is a charming, sometimes frustrating, but pleasantly plotted transatlantic courting, with strong women as usual leading Marc and Bly to take chances they never would have otherwise. Nicely done, sweet.
Another installment of the post-disaster lives of those who were on board the doomed flight, this one brings us the flighty and fickle flight attendant Marc and the somewhat lonely, but ever willing English carpenter-upholsterer Blythe (Bly).
They are instantly attracted while the plane is delayed, sneak off for a round of Mile High clubbing, and then, crash!
What follows is a charming, sometimes frustrating, but pleasantly plotted transatlantic courting, with strong women as usual leading Marc and Bly to take chances they never would have otherwise. Nicely done, sweet.
June 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this story, as it is the perfect 'if things are meant to be' tale. Marc and Bly have you routing for them as a couple from the get go.
So what would make me recommend this over other gay romances? The unusual event that separates our couple first of all, as well as the fact that everything is not plain sailing when they come back into each other's lives. A heartwarming page turner!
So what would make me recommend this over other gay romances? The unusual event that separates our couple first of all, as well as the fact that everything is not plain sailing when they come back into each other's lives. A heartwarming page turner!
Read
July 27, 2015review to follow
March 8, 2019
I really wanted to like this more than I did, but I struggled. I’ve read other works by Ms. London (such as the With A Kick series) and enjoyed them so much more than this one. My biggest problem with it was that I was bored. I kept on waiting for something big and dramatic but it never came. Even the crash itself, which was central to the plot, came and went.....nothing. One chapter we’re on the plane as the flight starts failing, then the next we are suddenly three weeks later. There was no drama or angst taking us through the disaster so we have no idea what really occurred which made it rather difficult to relate to this “flashbulb” thing. Yes, I called it a thing because until Bly’s friend Maura explains it to Marc at about 60% through the book, I had absolutely no idea what the title meant.
Now as a geography buff, I was rather confused at times about where this was taking place. After the crash, Bly is in “Downe Hospital in Northern Ireland.” From that point, their location is referred to mostly as Ireland, with the occassional “Northern” thrown in and then referring to the airport as being in Belfast. So were they in Northern Ireland or Ireland (Republic of)? Whenever Bly or his family discussed his returning home, it alternated between returning to England and returning to the UK. If they were in Northern Ireland, returning to the UK doesn’t make sense. Isn’t Norther Ireland a part of the UK?
So, bottom line for me: This was an ok read, slow burn romance with almost no drama or angst. Ms. London is a very good author but this was just not one of her best.
Now as a geography buff, I was rather confused at times about where this was taking place. After the crash, Bly is in “Downe Hospital in Northern Ireland.” From that point, their location is referred to mostly as Ireland, with the occassional “Northern” thrown in and then referring to the airport as being in Belfast. So were they in Northern Ireland or Ireland (Republic of)? Whenever Bly or his family discussed his returning home, it alternated between returning to England and returning to the UK. If they were in Northern Ireland, returning to the UK doesn’t make sense. Isn’t Norther Ireland a part of the UK?
So, bottom line for me: This was an ok read, slow burn romance with almost no drama or angst. Ms. London is a very good author but this was just not one of her best.
January 27, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, though to be honest I thought with the opening quick hook up I would not.... like a relationship to develop and it surely did with these two, Bly and Marc. bot lads to be honest at times are annoying and others love them.
it gives a new meaning to love at first sight.... well at least lust and then eventually love..
two souls afraid to trust and open up to another person through fate and a crash find that their salvation is in someone they met briefly and share a horrific experience.
would be nice in a while to hear how Bly and Marc settle back into life (Married) in NI.
it gives a new meaning to love at first sight.... well at least lust and then eventually love..
two souls afraid to trust and open up to another person through fate and a crash find that their salvation is in someone they met briefly and share a horrific experience.
would be nice in a while to hear how Bly and Marc settle back into life (Married) in NI.
September 24, 2021
Mile high on the tarmac
A cute and humorous tale, set mostly in Ireland, with MCs Blythe, an Englishman furniture and home fixtures sole prop, and Marc, the American flight attendant. Hanky lanky in the plane loo during a delayed departure, the craft ditches in Ireland. Rehab, and rendezvous build the story in a quaint village into a relationship. A practical break proves a disaster and the HEA closes the story. London allows us into the minds of the twenty somethings, revealing the fears and foibles each faces as PTSD rears. Brilliant setting descriptions and crucial supporting cast make this a good read.
A cute and humorous tale, set mostly in Ireland, with MCs Blythe, an Englishman furniture and home fixtures sole prop, and Marc, the American flight attendant. Hanky lanky in the plane loo during a delayed departure, the craft ditches in Ireland. Rehab, and rendezvous build the story in a quaint village into a relationship. A practical break proves a disaster and the HEA closes the story. London allows us into the minds of the twenty somethings, revealing the fears and foibles each faces as PTSD rears. Brilliant setting descriptions and crucial supporting cast make this a good read.
June 4, 2020
3.4 stars
I liked it better than story #2, but not quite as much as story #1. The one MC who's American sure used plenty of British phrases that not a single Yank would use, even ones who fly internationally as a job -- I think I quit counting around the fourth extremely Brit statement, but I know there were at least three or four more after that. Anyway, Bly and Marc work pretty well together, once they finally make it to being together. Plenty of angsty times but also plenty of smexiness.
I liked it better than story #2, but not quite as much as story #1. The one MC who's American sure used plenty of British phrases that not a single Yank would use, even ones who fly internationally as a job -- I think I quit counting around the fourth extremely Brit statement, but I know there were at least three or four more after that. Anyway, Bly and Marc work pretty well together, once they finally make it to being together. Plenty of angsty times but also plenty of smexiness.
December 20, 2023
Two guys have an intense moment in a plane followed by a tragic plane crash. Unforgettable for them , the incident haunted both of them and the only solace was to be found in each other's arms.
Lovely story, a bit intense at times and so much better than I expected
Lovely story, a bit intense at times and so much better than I expected
January 29, 2019
***2 1/2 stars***
September 5, 2015
4 Heart Review by Tammy
Blythe Harris was on his first ever flight. He was understandably nervous and more than a bit scared but he’d taken two or three doses of sedative in the last twenty-four hours so he was all set. If the trip wasn’t needed for his bespoke upholstery business he for sure would not have set foot on a plane. When he saw the incredibly good-looking flight attendant coming his way he had to admit he had a few naughty thoughts!
When Marc Stafford saw Blythe Harris sitting alone looking very nervous he couldn’t help but notice how attractive he was. He couldn’t help flirting with him because as a self-confessed player he knows all the tricks to seduce his cute passengers! After yet another fight with his purser Darcey, Marc is in a foul temper and decides then and there that he’s going to see just how far he can go with his cute passenger Blythe.
The longer the plane takes before they can take-off the more nervous Blythe is getting. When the cute flight attendant sits down next to him they talk about the fact that he’s so nervous now and doesn’t know how to calm himself down. They start talking about anything and everything, soon they’re swapping mini versions of their life story’s and decide to meet up in Chicago after Blythe has attended his meeting. One thing leads to another and they end up squashed together in the toilet, after a mutual hand-job Blythe went back to his seat completely relaxed so he wasn’t all that scared when the flight took off. And then everything went haywire, the plane kept lurching and dropping and then he was terrified. The last thing Blythe remembered was staring into Marc’s eyes then everything went black.
Three weeks after the crash and Blythe was still in hospital with his badly broken leg and scraped hands. He had formed an obsession with learning everything he could about the crash, he learnt that there was seven dead with an awful lot of wounded spread over three different hospitals. With every day that passes more and more people are going home but Blythe is still there. The only person he really wants to know about is Marc but as he’s back in Chicago he has no way of finding out how he is, he knew he had survived the crash but that was it. He can’t wait to go home!
Marc is actually hiding out in his apartment, his flatmate Lily has had enough of him lying around all day, every day she just wants him to do something. Marc isn’t sleeping the best, in fact when he tries he has horrific nightmares about the crash. He can’t stop thinking about the fight he had with Darcy and somehow he feels responsible for her dying in the crash. He’s going stark raving mad not doing anything but even more, not being able to do anything without having “flashbulb” memories. He has to find out where Blythe is and how he is, he’s all he thinks about now.
Six weeks after the crash Marc turns up in Ireland on Blythe’s doorstep and despite the shock of seeing Marc again Blythe can’t help but be relieved that he’s alright and excited because Marc came looking for him! They get into a routine that glosses over the aftereffects of the crash and yet they both know things can’t continue the way they are but the longer they can bury their heads in the sand the better. Everything comes to a head and they’re both forced to face what happened and as we all know it’s the best thing that happens for them. It’s a slow process but at least both Marc and Blythe are willing to work together to overcome the stress and nightmares left after the crash. Flight HA1710 has turned out to be an incredibly thought-provoking series of books and Flashbulb is another well written piece of the puzzle that I have no hesitation in recommending to everyone I know.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Blythe Harris was on his first ever flight. He was understandably nervous and more than a bit scared but he’d taken two or three doses of sedative in the last twenty-four hours so he was all set. If the trip wasn’t needed for his bespoke upholstery business he for sure would not have set foot on a plane. When he saw the incredibly good-looking flight attendant coming his way he had to admit he had a few naughty thoughts!
When Marc Stafford saw Blythe Harris sitting alone looking very nervous he couldn’t help but notice how attractive he was. He couldn’t help flirting with him because as a self-confessed player he knows all the tricks to seduce his cute passengers! After yet another fight with his purser Darcey, Marc is in a foul temper and decides then and there that he’s going to see just how far he can go with his cute passenger Blythe.
The longer the plane takes before they can take-off the more nervous Blythe is getting. When the cute flight attendant sits down next to him they talk about the fact that he’s so nervous now and doesn’t know how to calm himself down. They start talking about anything and everything, soon they’re swapping mini versions of their life story’s and decide to meet up in Chicago after Blythe has attended his meeting. One thing leads to another and they end up squashed together in the toilet, after a mutual hand-job Blythe went back to his seat completely relaxed so he wasn’t all that scared when the flight took off. And then everything went haywire, the plane kept lurching and dropping and then he was terrified. The last thing Blythe remembered was staring into Marc’s eyes then everything went black.
Three weeks after the crash and Blythe was still in hospital with his badly broken leg and scraped hands. He had formed an obsession with learning everything he could about the crash, he learnt that there was seven dead with an awful lot of wounded spread over three different hospitals. With every day that passes more and more people are going home but Blythe is still there. The only person he really wants to know about is Marc but as he’s back in Chicago he has no way of finding out how he is, he knew he had survived the crash but that was it. He can’t wait to go home!
Marc is actually hiding out in his apartment, his flatmate Lily has had enough of him lying around all day, every day she just wants him to do something. Marc isn’t sleeping the best, in fact when he tries he has horrific nightmares about the crash. He can’t stop thinking about the fight he had with Darcy and somehow he feels responsible for her dying in the crash. He’s going stark raving mad not doing anything but even more, not being able to do anything without having “flashbulb” memories. He has to find out where Blythe is and how he is, he’s all he thinks about now.
Six weeks after the crash Marc turns up in Ireland on Blythe’s doorstep and despite the shock of seeing Marc again Blythe can’t help but be relieved that he’s alright and excited because Marc came looking for him! They get into a routine that glosses over the aftereffects of the crash and yet they both know things can’t continue the way they are but the longer they can bury their heads in the sand the better. Everything comes to a head and they’re both forced to face what happened and as we all know it’s the best thing that happens for them. It’s a slow process but at least both Marc and Blythe are willing to work together to overcome the stress and nightmares left after the crash. Flight HA1710 has turned out to be an incredibly thought-provoking series of books and Flashbulb is another well written piece of the puzzle that I have no hesitation in recommending to everyone I know.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 17, 2015
Being a huge fan of the Flight HA1710 Series, I had high hopes for this book. Flashbulb is book three, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book to get the full benefit of the details of the crash.
Marc works as a flight attendant and Blythe (aka Bly) is a first time passenger on the long haul flight. The two hit it off while waiting for the plane to take off and end up in a bathroom together before long. Marc has been in trouble before and the staff is used to his wantonly ways. But, after the crash, he can’t help but feel completely guilty for not saving the head attendant when he finds out that she hit her head and died immediately after the crash. Marc has been deemed a hero for saving as many people as he could – even going in to the plane after rescue crews got to the scene. Even so, he suffers from PTSD and horrible nightmares that cause him to relive the crash over and over, again.
Meanwhile, Bly suffered from a broken leg and for some reason his hands and wrists are giving him so trouble, too. Plus, he also suffers from nightmares and the doctors think his motor skill issues are psychosomatic. Bly won’t fly again any time soon, so he stays in Ireland to recover –which is where Marc shows up to find him. Both men need each other in a way neither thought possible. Marc is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy and Bly has been hurt before and doesn’t want to suffer from heartache, again. But, they find comfort and healing in their bond which eventually leads to more.
I really enjoyed the tale of these two men. Even though the crash happened, it eventually brought them together in a way that would not have happened. I found Marc to be immature and a player – which made his growth throughout the book that much more realistic and able to be seen. Bly’s demeanor was calm for someone injured in a crash. But, his fear of flying and PTSD after his injuries was believable. The fact that Marc did not want to face the fallout or even mention the word crash made him even more endearing and realistic.
This is such an amazing series and this book lived up to what I expected it to be.
*Copy was provided for review.
Marc works as a flight attendant and Blythe (aka Bly) is a first time passenger on the long haul flight. The two hit it off while waiting for the plane to take off and end up in a bathroom together before long. Marc has been in trouble before and the staff is used to his wantonly ways. But, after the crash, he can’t help but feel completely guilty for not saving the head attendant when he finds out that she hit her head and died immediately after the crash. Marc has been deemed a hero for saving as many people as he could – even going in to the plane after rescue crews got to the scene. Even so, he suffers from PTSD and horrible nightmares that cause him to relive the crash over and over, again.
Meanwhile, Bly suffered from a broken leg and for some reason his hands and wrists are giving him so trouble, too. Plus, he also suffers from nightmares and the doctors think his motor skill issues are psychosomatic. Bly won’t fly again any time soon, so he stays in Ireland to recover –which is where Marc shows up to find him. Both men need each other in a way neither thought possible. Marc is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy and Bly has been hurt before and doesn’t want to suffer from heartache, again. But, they find comfort and healing in their bond which eventually leads to more.
I really enjoyed the tale of these two men. Even though the crash happened, it eventually brought them together in a way that would not have happened. I found Marc to be immature and a player – which made his growth throughout the book that much more realistic and able to be seen. Bly’s demeanor was calm for someone injured in a crash. But, his fear of flying and PTSD after his injuries was believable. The fact that Marc did not want to face the fallout or even mention the word crash made him even more endearing and realistic.
This is such an amazing series and this book lived up to what I expected it to be.
*Copy was provided for review.
September 12, 2015
Flashbulb is a brilliant story of a midair fling, a tragedy, connections, love, and a person's reactions to all of it. Incredibly well written with likable characters that you just know will only help each heal, even if they don't know it at the time.
Overall series review and rating: 5 Stars
Each story is technically a standalone although everything is tied together around Flight HA1710 and I think it flows better if you read the series in order. I have heard of all the authors in this series but had only previously read RJ Scott and Serena Yates so this was a great way to become familiar with the others. I have definitely added Sara York, Meredith Russell, Clare London, and Amber Kell to my authors-to-read list.
Overall series review and rating: 5 Stars
Each story is technically a standalone although everything is tied together around Flight HA1710 and I think it flows better if you read the series in order. I have heard of all the authors in this series but had only previously read RJ Scott and Serena Yates so this was a great way to become familiar with the others. I have definitely added Sara York, Meredith Russell, Clare London, and Amber Kell to my authors-to-read list.
February 5, 2017
3/3.5*
The story did grow on me, Marc and Bly taking a while to get to me.
I would have liked more about the crash, it does seem very in the background for an event that formed their relationship.
I liked that Marc and Bly are each others haven. I'd hope in real life more therapy would be given. Though I'm certain Marc's employer was true to life - one hand supportive but other hand pressure!
The story did grow on me, Marc and Bly taking a while to get to me.
I would have liked more about the crash, it does seem very in the background for an event that formed their relationship.
I liked that Marc and Bly are each others haven. I'd hope in real life more therapy would be given. Though I'm certain Marc's employer was true to life - one hand supportive but other hand pressure!
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