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The Flight #1
Flight SQA016
City professional Olivia Lewis is coming to terms with her latest romantic failure by attempting to throw herself into her work. But with clients suddenly leaving Applewood Financial in their droves it becomes clear that old enemies have decided to strike and Olivia realises that she is losing everything.
Meanwhile the world of first-class flight attendant Emily White comes crashing down around her when she loses her job with Crown Airlines. With no income, enormous debts and a broken-hearted five-year-old son she thinks that things can’t get any worse. That is until a blast from the past threatens it all. When a twist of fate brings them together will they finally be able to understand each other?
Meanwhile the world of first-class flight attendant Emily White comes crashing down around her when she loses her job with Crown Airlines. With no income, enormous debts and a broken-hearted five-year-old son she thinks that things can’t get any worse. That is until a blast from the past threatens it all. When a twist of fate brings them together will they finally be able to understand each other?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
73 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Radley
30 books467 followers***While I have a profile here on Goodreads, it is only to administer my books when necessary (add them, change covers etc).
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 28, 2018
First of all, more kudos to Ylva for recognizing yet another interesting online author. Flight SQA016 started as a Swan Queen fanfic (popular romantic pairing of Emma Swan and Regina Mills from the TV show Once Upon a Time) of the same name. The book is well written and well edited. The plot is original and interesting and I liked it a lot, except for the last chapter. The last chapter annoyed the hell out of me because not only it ends on a cliffhanger (I hate cliffhangers!), but also is generally forced and unconvincing. The author has tried to create a conflict in the relationship between the main characters in a way that does not correspond to the previous plot development.
I've read the original fanfic Flight SQA016 too, and the point at which the published book abruptly stopped is in the middle of the fanfic version. The same conflict there is not thrown out of normal proportions as in the published book. It's much better done and the plot continues smoothly. In my opinion, the published ending was not a good move, and I'm curious how the author will wriggle out of it in the sequel called Grounded, which will arrive later this year. The author said that the sequel will tell an original story (different from the fanfic) with the same characters and setting.
Unfortunately, not even the ending of the fanfic version is quite satisfactory because the author rushed the last few ending chapters due to having to work on the published version of the book. Two books and two unsatisfactory endings. Damn! Waiting for Grounded, and hoping for a good ending there.
3.5 stars, rounded down considering that I'm currently not at all happy with the ending
Apr 9, 2016
I've read the original fanfic Flight SQA016 too, and the point at which the published book abruptly stopped is in the middle of the fanfic version. The same conflict there is not thrown out of normal proportions as in the published book. It's much better done and the plot continues smoothly. In my opinion, the published ending was not a good move, and I'm curious how the author will wriggle out of it in the sequel called Grounded, which will arrive later this year. The author said that the sequel will tell an original story (different from the fanfic) with the same characters and setting.
Unfortunately, not even the ending of the fanfic version is quite satisfactory because the author rushed the last few ending chapters due to having to work on the published version of the book. Two books and two unsatisfactory endings. Damn! Waiting for Grounded, and hoping for a good ending there.
3.5 stars, rounded down considering that I'm currently not at all happy with the ending
Apr 9, 2016
March 28, 2017
5 STARS!
For a good review - see Tiff's review... what she said.
I really enjoyed this book. So much so I read it in one shot and I rarely do that. Well, OK if you don't count the break when I fell asleep at 2AM with my ipad in my hands. I did finish the last couple of chapters when I woke up. I had that euphoria you sometimes get after reading a really good book. I also typed up a review but Goodreads ate it. Arrgg. It was brilliant. :-)
I did discover that I love characters like Olivia in this book and Nora in KD Williamson's Blurred Lines. Characters who are focused, socially awkward, brutally honest (they see no need not to be), loyal, and brilliant at what they do. However, characters like these, need very capable authors such as Radley and Williamson, with the talent to write them so they are not comical and/or unlikable.
This series will definitely be a re-read for me.
For a good review - see Tiff's review... what she said.
I really enjoyed this book. So much so I read it in one shot and I rarely do that. Well, OK if you don't count the break when I fell asleep at 2AM with my ipad in my hands. I did finish the last couple of chapters when I woke up. I had that euphoria you sometimes get after reading a really good book. I also typed up a review but Goodreads ate it. Arrgg. It was brilliant. :-)
I did discover that I love characters like Olivia in this book and Nora in KD Williamson's Blurred Lines. Characters who are focused, socially awkward, brutally honest (they see no need not to be), loyal, and brilliant at what they do. However, characters like these, need very capable authors such as Radley and Williamson, with the talent to write them so they are not comical and/or unlikable.
This series will definitely be a re-read for me.
July 18, 2021
I picked up Flight SQA016 because I thought it would be a dreamy, sexy in-flight romance between an ultra-rich first-class frequent flyer and a flight attendant. What I got was something else entirely (okay, I didn't pay close enough attention to the blurb, lol) but I was still thoroughly entertained.
Olivia jets around on the London-NY route, twice a week without fail and only in first class. She calls the economy class 'savages'. :) Some think she's a snob. Others think she's weird. She herself thinks she's socially inept. More at home in the cold comfort and certainty of numbers rather than the artifice, ambiguity and unpredictability of human interactions, she's nevertheless managed to carve out a successful career as head of a financial services firm.
Emily on the other hand, is neck-deep in debt. A lifetime of bad choices and bad luck has left her with crippling credit card debt. To help get her finances under control, she has chosen to work a brutal schedule on transatlantic flights. It pays well, but it meant leaving her 5 year old son with a friend most days. A medical emergency threatens to derail all her well-laid plans but an incredible stroke of luck offers her a chance to make everything right, and finally get a life...and fall in love in the process.
I went into this knowing its fanfic roots so I wasn't really expecting anything more than a sweet and simple romance--a comfort read after a mad work week. It more than lived up to my expectations in that regard. Lovely characters you can identify and emphatize with, an emotional, heart-tugging storyline, a generous sprinkling of humor--these elements combine to give this reader a nice, laid-back, weekend read. But the romance doesn't develop in the usual way. You know the saying that the way to a man's heart is thru his stomach? Apparently, the way to this woman's is through her kid. Emily's 5-year old toddler Henry has almost as much screen-time as the two leading ladies. If the reviews had mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book at all, as I don't care much for kid-centric stories. Yet, not once did I feel like the kid usurped too much attention. In fact, I think the author really 'got' him, more than all the other characters. When the book ended, I realized that even though no one joined the 'mile high club', I didn't miss it. (maybe in the next book? A girl can dream...lol)
The thing I dislike most about ex-fanfics is that they tend to gloss over the details of real-life work, places and stuff. So while my right brain was going all awwww.... over Olivia and Henry's bonding and Olivia and Emma's awkward but endearing encounters, my left brain was busy trying to rationalize stuff....things like: $12,000 for a roundtrip ticket at 104x a year (@2x a week)!?!? how does the board justify that extravagance? A socially-challenged CEO!?!? how did she become CEO, a very PR-intensive position. An impeccably-groomed woman with a spectrum disorder!?!? Only if grooming was their obsession, duh... Eventually, the author did give a fairly credible glimpse into both Olivia's and Emma's work that was enough to quiet my left brain for the duration of book, at least until the last 5%, when something totally unexpected happens. This is one of those love-it or hate-it plot developments. My right brain cried Yesss!! DRAMA!! My left brain said, what the hell just happened??? One character just made a 180-degree turn-around--completely negating all her character development in the book. We're back to square one!
Unfortunately, I'm not sure which side of my brain will win the argument until the sequel comes out, because the book ends on a cliffhanger!
4.3 stars
ARC from Ylva
Olivia jets around on the London-NY route, twice a week without fail and only in first class. She calls the economy class 'savages'. :) Some think she's a snob. Others think she's weird. She herself thinks she's socially inept. More at home in the cold comfort and certainty of numbers rather than the artifice, ambiguity and unpredictability of human interactions, she's nevertheless managed to carve out a successful career as head of a financial services firm.
Emily on the other hand, is neck-deep in debt. A lifetime of bad choices and bad luck has left her with crippling credit card debt. To help get her finances under control, she has chosen to work a brutal schedule on transatlantic flights. It pays well, but it meant leaving her 5 year old son with a friend most days. A medical emergency threatens to derail all her well-laid plans but an incredible stroke of luck offers her a chance to make everything right, and finally get a life...and fall in love in the process.
I went into this knowing its fanfic roots so I wasn't really expecting anything more than a sweet and simple romance--a comfort read after a mad work week. It more than lived up to my expectations in that regard. Lovely characters you can identify and emphatize with, an emotional, heart-tugging storyline, a generous sprinkling of humor--these elements combine to give this reader a nice, laid-back, weekend read. But the romance doesn't develop in the usual way. You know the saying that the way to a man's heart is thru his stomach? Apparently, the way to this woman's is through her kid. Emily's 5-year old toddler Henry has almost as much screen-time as the two leading ladies. If the reviews had mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book at all, as I don't care much for kid-centric stories. Yet, not once did I feel like the kid usurped too much attention. In fact, I think the author really 'got' him, more than all the other characters. When the book ended, I realized that even though no one joined the 'mile high club', I didn't miss it. (maybe in the next book? A girl can dream...lol)
The thing I dislike most about ex-fanfics is that they tend to gloss over the details of real-life work, places and stuff. So while my right brain was going all awwww.... over Olivia and Henry's bonding and Olivia and Emma's awkward but endearing encounters, my left brain was busy trying to rationalize stuff....things like: $12,000 for a roundtrip ticket at 104x a year (@2x a week)!?!? how does the board justify that extravagance? A socially-challenged CEO!?!? how did she become CEO, a very PR-intensive position. An impeccably-groomed woman with a spectrum disorder!?!? Only if grooming was their obsession, duh... Eventually, the author did give a fairly credible glimpse into both Olivia's and Emma's work that was enough to quiet my left brain for the duration of book, at least until the last 5%, when something totally unexpected happens. This is one of those love-it or hate-it plot developments. My right brain cried Yesss!! DRAMA!! My left brain said, what the hell just happened??? One character just made a 180-degree turn-around--completely negating all her character development in the book. We're back to square one!
Unfortunately, I'm not sure which side of my brain will win the argument until the sequel comes out, because the book ends on a cliffhanger!
4.3 stars
ARC from Ylva
December 27, 2018
Oh Olivia Lewis, you had me at the origami swan using a hundred dollar bill. This was a weird slow burn, both hs had issues a mile long but Olivia stole the limelight with her quirkiness, generosity and the things that she was willing to do for Henry, Emily's son. Ms.Radley paid a lot of attention on establishing the relationship between Olivia and Henry which was commendable as I disliked it when a character went through the kid to get the mum's attention.
Emily's maternal instinct was understandable but her onced bitten, twice shy policy was stretching out a bit and I hated her for some of her inner thoughts on Olivia. That woman had been nothing but a godsend to her and Henry. Olivia's interest towards Emily was clear but chemistry was none existent and the few kissing scenes were unnatural as they felt forced.. 2 books following after this so Ms.Radley shouldn't rush. Basically, this book was about Olivia and Henry - and it was written splendidly hence the 4 stars ratings.
Emily's maternal instinct was understandable but her onced bitten, twice shy policy was stretching out a bit and I hated her for some of her inner thoughts on Olivia. That woman had been nothing but a godsend to her and Henry. Olivia's interest towards Emily was clear but chemistry was none existent and the few kissing scenes were unnatural as they felt forced.. 2 books following after this so Ms.Radley shouldn't rush. Basically, this book was about Olivia and Henry - and it was written splendidly hence the 4 stars ratings.
May 31, 2016
Wow, I really loved this book, couldn't put it down. It didn't get five stars from me mostly because of the cliffhanger ending.
Can't wait for the sequel slash second part!
Can't wait for the sequel slash second part!
February 10, 2017
I absolutely loved this book, and I hated it when the real world interrupted and made me put it down.
But I still can't believe it just ended like that. I need the next book now. :)
But I still can't believe it just ended like that. I need the next book now. :)
November 20, 2017
I'm probably following along way behind everyone else with this series, so I'll be brief. The fact that I wanted to wait until after I had completed the second book before writing a review for this book probably plays some part in my lack of desire to be extra wordy (you know, like several hundred sentences as long and wordy as this one here).
When I say that I'm probably long way behind everyone else, I'm not just blowing smoke. Something like 35 of the people I am friends with or follow on here have read this book, and roughly 415 others have also already read this book. Soooo....
The book opens with Emily White being driven, somewhat recklessly, towards the airport and the start of her new job by a man named Tom. First thought: crap, this is another 'not-a-lesbian' who opens the book with a boyfriend (or husband)? mmphs. But wait! Tom's the husband of Lucy and both of them are allowing Emily stay in their house (along with Henry, Emily's ~5 going on 6 year old son). That new job? I forget the exact word used, since it has kind of changed over the almost century of flight - wait, no, first commercial flight was in 1914, so century plus of flight. From stewardess to flight attendant to . . . um . . well, those two at least. Cabin attendant. Flight crew. Or I'll be as vague as the book description: Emily has just taken a job working the first class cabin. For reasons which may or may not be spoiler-y and therefore won't be mentioned, Emily makes the flight from New York to London and London to New York twice a week (as in 2 round-trip flights, though not back to back).
While working at this job, Emily meets the other main character of deep importance (I know the second book has many many point of views, but I forget if this one has more than just a few). That being Olivia Lewis (Olivia, I've recently learned, is a massively popular name in the English world - falling within the top 1 to 2 spots (everywhere being Canada (2), Australia (1), England (1), New Zealand (1), USA (2nd), Scotland (1) - except Ireland where Olivia is 14th on the popularity list, 5th in Northern Ireland). Olivia is the head of a financial services organization. She also has an undiagnosed condition that may or may not be aspergers.
Over a long period of time the two women form a friendship - though it is hard, sometimes, to tell if the relationship being watched by the reader is between Henry and Olivia or between Olivia and Emily (Emily, by the way, is also a super popular name world wide).
The story that unfolds is quite enjoyable to watch.
Rating: 4....something. Something around 4.5 stars.
November 17 2017
When I say that I'm probably long way behind everyone else, I'm not just blowing smoke. Something like 35 of the people I am friends with or follow on here have read this book, and roughly 415 others have also already read this book. Soooo....
The book opens with Emily White being driven, somewhat recklessly, towards the airport and the start of her new job by a man named Tom. First thought: crap, this is another 'not-a-lesbian' who opens the book with a boyfriend (or husband)? mmphs. But wait! Tom's the husband of Lucy and both of them are allowing Emily stay in their house (along with Henry, Emily's ~5 going on 6 year old son). That new job? I forget the exact word used, since it has kind of changed over the almost century of flight - wait, no, first commercial flight was in 1914, so century plus of flight. From stewardess to flight attendant to . . . um . . well, those two at least. Cabin attendant. Flight crew. Or I'll be as vague as the book description: Emily has just taken a job working the first class cabin. For reasons which may or may not be spoiler-y and therefore won't be mentioned, Emily makes the flight from New York to London and London to New York twice a week (as in 2 round-trip flights, though not back to back).
While working at this job, Emily meets the other main character of deep importance (I know the second book has many many point of views, but I forget if this one has more than just a few). That being Olivia Lewis (Olivia, I've recently learned, is a massively popular name in the English world - falling within the top 1 to 2 spots (everywhere being Canada (2), Australia (1), England (1), New Zealand (1), USA (2nd), Scotland (1) - except Ireland where Olivia is 14th on the popularity list, 5th in Northern Ireland). Olivia is the head of a financial services organization. She also has an undiagnosed condition that may or may not be aspergers.
Over a long period of time the two women form a friendship - though it is hard, sometimes, to tell if the relationship being watched by the reader is between Henry and Olivia or between Olivia and Emily (Emily, by the way, is also a super popular name world wide).
The story that unfolds is quite enjoyable to watch.
Rating: 4....something. Something around 4.5 stars.
November 17 2017
July 28, 2017
I'm so glad I picked this book up because I think I've found my new favourite series!
This story starts when Emily meets business woman, Olivia, while working the transatlantic flight twice a week as Cabin Crew aboard the plane. Olivia is attracted to Emily instantly however due to her social awkwardness and Emilys reluctance to date, these two have a tough ride from the beginning and talk about opposites attracting... wow! But as in all romance novels, you don't find your great love without some obstacles.
The love brewing between these two is beautifully written and I was onboard from the beginning. I had some laugh out loud moments because this is British rom-com at its best. The secondary characters really added to the novel and the rollercoaster ride that is this book.
The writing is tight and pace is perfect, which for a debut novel surprised me. My only suggestion to readers is to buy the sequel while purchasing Flight SQA016 because this book ends on a cliff hanger and you'll want to get straight into Book 2, 'Grounded'.
5 stars
This story starts when Emily meets business woman, Olivia, while working the transatlantic flight twice a week as Cabin Crew aboard the plane. Olivia is attracted to Emily instantly however due to her social awkwardness and Emilys reluctance to date, these two have a tough ride from the beginning and talk about opposites attracting... wow! But as in all romance novels, you don't find your great love without some obstacles.
The love brewing between these two is beautifully written and I was onboard from the beginning. I had some laugh out loud moments because this is British rom-com at its best. The secondary characters really added to the novel and the rollercoaster ride that is this book.
The writing is tight and pace is perfect, which for a debut novel surprised me. My only suggestion to readers is to buy the sequel while purchasing Flight SQA016 because this book ends on a cliff hanger and you'll want to get straight into Book 2, 'Grounded'.
5 stars
April 5, 2017
Great romance, terrible ending! It felt disjointed and rushed as if the author wasn't super keen on this cliffhanger. Still, reviews of the sequel are positive so hopefully this story is turned around.
A whole star was given for writing a likeable child character, I usually find children in fiction either over the top pretentious or silent plot devices. Henry was a strong character in his own right.
A whole star was given for writing a likeable child character, I usually find children in fiction either over the top pretentious or silent plot devices. Henry was a strong character in his own right.
May 14, 2016
I'm going to have to wait and give my full review after the second book because to be honest I feel that the author didn't know how to end the book so she just paused it! So I'm on pause now too cuz if I would rate it now it would be unfair to the story. I must say that Olivia is such an interesting character! If I would give an advice here: wait until the second book is out and read them both together..
September 15, 2018
An addictive read. I'm happy I waited until the full series was published as that cliffie ending after a sweet slow build romance would have driven me bonkers.
Olivia's Asperger social faux pas and Henry's straight forward world of 5yr old "why"s blend together and contrast nicely with the only adult in the room, Emily. She's my least favourite of the main players but I do understand her reluctance to trust anyone with her sons heart.
On to Grounded.
Olivia's Asperger social faux pas and Henry's straight forward world of 5yr old "why"s blend together and contrast nicely with the only adult in the room, Emily. She's my least favourite of the main players but I do understand her reluctance to trust anyone with her sons heart.
On to Grounded.
April 11, 2016
Flight SQA016 by A.E. Radley is a curious story of two women who meet on a transatlantic flight. These two women couldn’t be more different, I am talking polar opposites. Opposites attract in a big way!
Emily White is living the American dream. Just kidding this young mother is in debt up to her eyeballs. Her credit card’s credit card is maxed out. Every penny is accounted for and there are just not enough of them to live on. So, Emily starts working for Crown Airlines as a flight attendant in first class. Her weekly schedule is packed full of flights from London to New York. Her grueling schedule will hopefully generate enough income to start to put a dent in the debt she has accumulated. She has no other choice, her five year old son has a heart condition, and she has to do what she has to do to get him the help he needs.
Olivia Lewis is the other main character in this tale. She is very different from most characters you have read before. She is abrupt, she has no filter, and she has zero concept of how to be subtle. With that being said she has an enormous heart and exudes kindness if you can get past her sometimes daunting behavior. Olivia is the owner of a major corporate finance company. She has more funds in her bank account than some small countries. Every week she takes two transatlantic flights. Her home is New York but her company is in London. This is how Olivia and Emily become acquainted.
I vacillated back on forth on what impression this book left me with. First let me say the concept of the book is interesting and I loved that it was an original plot for this genre. Even more than that, is the fact that the writing is outstanding. The story flows perfectly and the transitions are smooth and seamless. I loved the main characters! I thought their interactions were stimulating and I was awestruck by their unlikely friendship. Even the secondary characters have a noticeable voice in the story and bring dimension to Olivia and Emily and their relationship.
So, for 90-plus percent of the book I love it, and then I realized wait there is only a handful of pages left. Perplexing! This is where I find myself frustrated and uncertain of my feelings. Upon finishing, Flight SQA016 leaves you with a giant cliffhanger. That’s it see you in a couple months kind of cliffhanger, season finale TV kind of ending. My guess is the book was a rather large one and they decided to cut it into two parts. I have to say I am not a huge fan of this concept. The book and the reader deserved to finish the story. I must say I think it would have been an awesome one. The last chapter made no sense. The characters and their reactions to one another completely deviated off course. I had a little bit of whiplash, where is my neck brace?
Overall, this book is great. I will undeniably read the sequel, Grounded. I am perturbed that I have to though. So read this book, it will hands down be worth it, you just need to gear yourself up for the conclusion and then the wait. Patience is a virtue!
Emily White is living the American dream. Just kidding this young mother is in debt up to her eyeballs. Her credit card’s credit card is maxed out. Every penny is accounted for and there are just not enough of them to live on. So, Emily starts working for Crown Airlines as a flight attendant in first class. Her weekly schedule is packed full of flights from London to New York. Her grueling schedule will hopefully generate enough income to start to put a dent in the debt she has accumulated. She has no other choice, her five year old son has a heart condition, and she has to do what she has to do to get him the help he needs.
Olivia Lewis is the other main character in this tale. She is very different from most characters you have read before. She is abrupt, she has no filter, and she has zero concept of how to be subtle. With that being said she has an enormous heart and exudes kindness if you can get past her sometimes daunting behavior. Olivia is the owner of a major corporate finance company. She has more funds in her bank account than some small countries. Every week she takes two transatlantic flights. Her home is New York but her company is in London. This is how Olivia and Emily become acquainted.
I vacillated back on forth on what impression this book left me with. First let me say the concept of the book is interesting and I loved that it was an original plot for this genre. Even more than that, is the fact that the writing is outstanding. The story flows perfectly and the transitions are smooth and seamless. I loved the main characters! I thought their interactions were stimulating and I was awestruck by their unlikely friendship. Even the secondary characters have a noticeable voice in the story and bring dimension to Olivia and Emily and their relationship.
So, for 90-plus percent of the book I love it, and then I realized wait there is only a handful of pages left. Perplexing! This is where I find myself frustrated and uncertain of my feelings. Upon finishing, Flight SQA016 leaves you with a giant cliffhanger. That’s it see you in a couple months kind of cliffhanger, season finale TV kind of ending. My guess is the book was a rather large one and they decided to cut it into two parts. I have to say I am not a huge fan of this concept. The book and the reader deserved to finish the story. I must say I think it would have been an awesome one. The last chapter made no sense. The characters and their reactions to one another completely deviated off course. I had a little bit of whiplash, where is my neck brace?
Overall, this book is great. I will undeniably read the sequel, Grounded. I am perturbed that I have to though. So read this book, it will hands down be worth it, you just need to gear yourself up for the conclusion and then the wait. Patience is a virtue!
April 22, 2019
This was my first reading of this author. I have never read any fanfic or anything else written by her prior to this book. I need to start by saying I enjoyed the book, especially Olivia. I tend to adore characters that are not perfect. Internal conflict written in this way will pull me in every single time. I was cheering for Olivia and Emily from the very beginning. I breezed through the book, didn't want to stop and wham! The ending of this book is my #1 pet peeve in a book. It isn't necessarily the cliffhanger.. I am okay with those if I feel I resolved something in the book. If I feel the characters moved forward. I didn't feel that at all with this one. I took the bait.. purchased book 2 immediately after ending book 1. I wasn't thrilled about it though. I felt like I needed to pick up book 2 only so I could finish book 1 and that isn't a great feeling. I would have expected this from amazon authors, who write books in parts, but was surprised I got it from YLVA. 85 ish percent of the book was great for me. I thought Radley did great with creating characters which are highly relatable to readers. I could have given this 5 stars all day, but after finishing it I wanted to give it 3. I am now 40% into book 2 and have decided I can be less bitter now. I still think the book is worth reading, but I would think of Book 1 and 2 (and probably the 3rd one too) as a book best read all together. So if you are taking a vacation and want to commit to a 3 book relationship this is perfect for you.
June 26, 2021
Still a 5 star book.
August 27, 2020
A nice feel good romance with a difference. But still with a bit of light angst and drama that was well written enough not to feel forced.
Communication between Olivia and Emily was good and their feelings of frustration with eachother, yet attraction, felt real and true.
Emily is a first class air hostess, and Olivia is a regular first class passenger who is a little odd and 'artless' as she says. Emily is in severe debt because of her sweet son, Henry's, heart condition.
There's a lot of misunderstandings between both women, but they are refreshingly tackled straight on by both women who are confident and know what they want, if not even downright stubborn! Which is where most of the conflict comes from.
Emily doesn't want to accept help from anyone, but desperately needs it. Olivia doesn't get social cues and misinterprets situations in awkward yet heartfelt ways. She truly wants to help Emily and Henry and so they butt heads when their pride gets knocked.
It all felt very real and believable and the fact they took the time to explain to eachother their intentions and try to understand one another really helped solidify the characters and relationship that is just barely starting out in this first installment.
I look forward to reading the sequel next.
Communication between Olivia and Emily was good and their feelings of frustration with eachother, yet attraction, felt real and true.
Emily is a first class air hostess, and Olivia is a regular first class passenger who is a little odd and 'artless' as she says. Emily is in severe debt because of her sweet son, Henry's, heart condition.
There's a lot of misunderstandings between both women, but they are refreshingly tackled straight on by both women who are confident and know what they want, if not even downright stubborn! Which is where most of the conflict comes from.
Emily doesn't want to accept help from anyone, but desperately needs it. Olivia doesn't get social cues and misinterprets situations in awkward yet heartfelt ways. She truly wants to help Emily and Henry and so they butt heads when their pride gets knocked.
It all felt very real and believable and the fact they took the time to explain to eachother their intentions and try to understand one another really helped solidify the characters and relationship that is just barely starting out in this first installment.
I look forward to reading the sequel next.
August 24, 2017
I've been putting to read this off for more than a year. Whew! I read this on a perfect time especially that the sequel is also out.
It's well written. I really like how the author tells the story.
What made this special to me is I know someone like Olivia.
I understand her more. Yes, I agree they view things differently. Sometimes or most of the time they come out rude or mean. They have their routines. They're afraid to come out of their comfort zones. They don't know how to communicate well. But they are also very loving and caring they just show on their own way.
I like Olivia despite her oddness she still risk to be with Emily she still took the chance. They're two different people from different walks of life. The chemistry is really strong.
Henry is so adorable! I'm in love with him!
Simon Simon Simon! Why is it that I'm getting strong vibes that he's not straight? Haha! I know it was repeated that he is totally straight and is in love with a girl barista but..
It's like I can picture him in my head. Maybe a different Simon.
4.25-4.5
It's well written. I really like how the author tells the story.
What made this special to me is I know someone like Olivia.
I understand her more. Yes, I agree they view things differently. Sometimes or most of the time they come out rude or mean. They have their routines. They're afraid to come out of their comfort zones. They don't know how to communicate well. But they are also very loving and caring they just show on their own way.
I like Olivia despite her oddness she still risk to be with Emily she still took the chance. They're two different people from different walks of life. The chemistry is really strong.
Henry is so adorable! I'm in love with him!
Simon Simon Simon! Why is it that I'm getting strong vibes that he's not straight? Haha! I know it was repeated that he is totally straight and is in love with a girl barista but..
It's like I can picture him in my head. Maybe a different Simon.
4.25-4.5
April 20, 2017
According to the other reviews, this was a fanfic and I had no idea or even if there is something missing from not reading it before...regardless, I absolutely, 100% LOVED this book and am anxiously awaiting the next in the series. The story is about in debt mother Emily, her giraffe obsessed son Henry, and socially awkward billionaire Olivia. The chemistry between all three characters is very easily seen and felt and you instantly fall in love with all of them, faults and all. It's a great starter to what I am seeing to be one of my favorite series. Give it a read, you will not be disappointed.
January 29, 2017
I held off on this as the reviews told me it ended on a cliffhanger. I dislike that approach so I waited. Now the second part is due soon, I thought I'd read this.
It's hard writing unlikable characters, and Olivia is as unlikable as they come and the kid was annoying. Camryn Eyde managed it in her Tricky book, Harper Bliss did it in her Hollywood one (forget the title) but I don't think A. E. Radley quite pulled it off. I found the whole thing a bit melodramatic and I never really invested in the plot.
I won't rush to the second one.
It's hard writing unlikable characters, and Olivia is as unlikable as they come and the kid was annoying. Camryn Eyde managed it in her Tricky book, Harper Bliss did it in her Hollywood one (forget the title) but I don't think A. E. Radley quite pulled it off. I found the whole thing a bit melodramatic and I never really invested in the plot.
I won't rush to the second one.
December 9, 2024
I love them so much I can't.
I need to order and read the second book ASAP.
I enjoyed the book from the beginning but it just got better and better.
I love both Emily and Olivia separately and together.
Olivia has my whole heart, definitely one of my new favorite book characters.
The only thing I didn't love is Henry.
I usually really enjoy kids in books but he wasn't my favorite.
Just a little annoying and I honestly prefer it when the kid is a girl.
I contemplated not giving this book 5 stars because of that reason but I just couldn't not, since everything else was literally perfect.
But Henry did grew on me towards the end.
And I love Amanda Radleys writing and pacing, it just works for me.
I need to order and read the second book ASAP.
I enjoyed the book from the beginning but it just got better and better.
I love both Emily and Olivia separately and together.
Olivia has my whole heart, definitely one of my new favorite book characters.
The only thing I didn't love is Henry.
I usually really enjoy kids in books but he wasn't my favorite.
Just a little annoying and I honestly prefer it when the kid is a girl.
I contemplated not giving this book 5 stars because of that reason but I just couldn't not, since everything else was literally perfect.
But Henry did grew on me towards the end.
And I love Amanda Radleys writing and pacing, it just works for me.
April 18, 2016
First of all - what the hell was that for an ending?!
Thankfully, I found an original fanfiction and I'm going to read it, because I cannot wait until the second book. BUT... as I found out, the part where the book ends is completely different from the fanfiction. Like completely different. So... that leaves me with nothing. Dammit. So I'm going to read the fanfiction and then I'll have to wait anyway, because the book is different. Dammit again.
I hate cliffhangers.
Okay, enough of my ranting. Back to the book.
I loved it. Obviously. That's why I gave it 5 stars, which I rarely give. I loved everything about it (except the ending). I don't often like kids in ff romances, but little Henry was adorable. I didn't even mind that there was A LOT of him.
What sometimes bothered me was the way Emily acted towards Olivia. Sometimes it seemed like she was talking to a child, explaining everything. I am aware why she was doing it, that Olivia was different, but I couldn't help it and found it annoying.
Thankfully, I found an original fanfiction and I'm going to read it, because I cannot wait until the second book. BUT... as I found out, the part where the book ends is completely different from the fanfiction. Like completely different. So... that leaves me with nothing. Dammit. So I'm going to read the fanfiction and then I'll have to wait anyway, because the book is different. Dammit again.
I hate cliffhangers.
Okay, enough of my ranting. Back to the book.
I loved it. Obviously. That's why I gave it 5 stars, which I rarely give. I loved everything about it (except the ending). I don't often like kids in ff romances, but little Henry was adorable. I didn't even mind that there was A LOT of him.
What sometimes bothered me was the way Emily acted towards Olivia. Sometimes it seemed like she was talking to a child, explaining everything. I am aware why she was doing it, that Olivia was different, but I couldn't help it and found it annoying.
March 15, 2020
An enjoyable read!! Two opposites character, as opposite as you can get in rich socially awkward Olivia Lewis and debt-ridden affable Emily White. They met on SQA016 where Emily was a cabin crew and Olivia a high flying executive; got thrown together through Henry. Ending was not an ending which one would favour - you need to make time and continue with book 2.
Note to self: Sometimes, you just gotta swallowed your damn pride and just accept help in whatever way it’s being rendered to you 😌
Note to self: Sometimes, you just gotta swallowed your damn pride and just accept help in whatever way it’s being rendered to you 😌
February 25, 2017
I was glad to finally get to read the end of Olivia and Emily's story - I had been waiting for what felt like forever! Full review on my blog here.
July 15, 2023
Amazing read!!
I've read it about three times, over the years. 10/10.
I've read it about three times, over the years. 10/10.
May 28, 2021
Airplane love story
First book in the series we get to meet the characters and the start and stop of the relationship. A.E. Bradley writes an angsty novel with strong chemistry and passion. It is enjoyable as well as meeting 5 year old Henry who brings light laughter to the book. I look forward to book 2.
First book in the series we get to meet the characters and the start and stop of the relationship. A.E. Bradley writes an angsty novel with strong chemistry and passion. It is enjoyable as well as meeting 5 year old Henry who brings light laughter to the book. I look forward to book 2.
May 7, 2016
I loved this. I adore the characters and the set up is sweet. It's funny, and full of heart. And then it stops. In the middle. I have nothing against series and have been known to devour them, like a box set or a Netflix binge, but this felt really sudden. I can't wait to read more, but I'd have preferred a tiny bit more closure, or resolution, or something at the end of part one. And that makes choosing a rating really difficult. I wouldn't pay $18 for a romance novel, and so I feel a bit ripped off paying $9 for half of one.
May 3, 2017
O.M.G. I loved this book. Olivia is hilarious... read then you'll understand why. Who cares about social manners we all should say what we mean. I read this in a day because it was so easy to read. The characters are really likeable, and its funny as well. Radley has an awesome writing style which allows you to get involved with the plot and characters. It is an all round excellent book. Read you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
June 16, 2017
This was a very enjoyable book and up until the last chapter my only mild annoyance was the way Emily kept saying she understood Olivia’s difficulties, then on the next page had a temper tantrum because Olivia had messed up again.
This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, but what did was the ending. I really hate cliff-hanger endings, at least in this case I know there is a sequel, so there is hope for the relationship.
This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, but what did was the ending. I really hate cliff-hanger endings, at least in this case I know there is a sequel, so there is hope for the relationship.
January 25, 2017
Just re-read this book in preparation for the next and I enjoyed it much more, somehow the second time round it felt quite different to the first. A well written novel with a natural progression that appeals to my realist side. All in all I'm now inpatient for 'Grounded' to be released.
May 20, 2024
This story is set primarily around the child. Not really my thing. Also, the constant need written into the story for Emily needing Olivia's money is a big turn off.
November 11, 2019
This book is essentially a love circle between a high-powered businesswoman Olivia, a down-on-her-luck single mother Emily, and Emily’s five year old son, Henry. I call it a circle because the three of them complete each other. The story starts off from Emily’s POV and from chapter six switches between both Emily and Olivia. I felt there was a bit more Emily, but I really loved the Olivia chapters.
Olivia is financially brilliant yet socially awkward, picky, uptight and completely blind to social cues, but she has a heart of gold and tries so hard in her own way to help where she can. Olivia’s character really resonated with me. She makes mistakes and is up-front about taking responsibility for them, she makes an effort to communicate and is honest to a fault, which gets her into trouble a few times.
In addition, Olivia has a great support system that I think really helps to define her as a character. We are privy to some exchanges between them that really shed light on Olivia’s complicated, flawed but noble character. Her PA is a wonderful man who acts as a liaison between her and the outside world. OMG, I really need someone like this in my life! Honestly, he is a miracle worker. Olivia’s best friend is also super supportive and doesn’t engage in any teasing or edgy “banter” that borders on bullying and lets us explore the complicated inner workings of Olivia’s mind and heart safely and with care.
Emily is a bit difficult to like. She is extremely protective of her son and her own pride, and she is the source of most of the conflict in the book (IMO) but she has a lot of redeeming features. While she has made some bad decisions in her past, she never shirks responsibility. I think I learned more about parenting from this book than any other I’ve ever read. The tension between Emily and Olivia is always present, whether it is sexual or monetary. That tension kept me flipping pages and nearly missing my stop on the train. The few kiss scenes we get are hot and well-written. I really like how they don’t immediately hop into bed and instead talk and set boundaries. (But that up against the door scene...swoon!!)
Okay, let’s talk about the ending. Yes, it is a cliffhanger and yes, it isn’t a HEA. However this is the first book in a trilogy and I think a HEA isn’t possible for our two MCs at the point they are in their relationship and lives. So instead of a love circle, I’m going to call this a love spiral. They need to come back to the starting point of their relationship and do it all over, the hesitant first touch, the gradual withdrawing of barriers, but since it is a spiral, they are elevated by the knowledge of their past interactions.
I would like to end with this is the most hopeful, positive non-HEA I have ever read. We are left with Olivia on the verge of committing her heart and soul to making things right with Emily (and Henry).
My rating: 4.9999999 to infinity
Olivia is financially brilliant yet socially awkward, picky, uptight and completely blind to social cues, but she has a heart of gold and tries so hard in her own way to help where she can. Olivia’s character really resonated with me. She makes mistakes and is up-front about taking responsibility for them, she makes an effort to communicate and is honest to a fault, which gets her into trouble a few times.
In addition, Olivia has a great support system that I think really helps to define her as a character. We are privy to some exchanges between them that really shed light on Olivia’s complicated, flawed but noble character. Her PA is a wonderful man who acts as a liaison between her and the outside world. OMG, I really need someone like this in my life! Honestly, he is a miracle worker. Olivia’s best friend is also super supportive and doesn’t engage in any teasing or edgy “banter” that borders on bullying and lets us explore the complicated inner workings of Olivia’s mind and heart safely and with care.
Emily is a bit difficult to like. She is extremely protective of her son and her own pride, and she is the source of most of the conflict in the book (IMO) but she has a lot of redeeming features. While she has made some bad decisions in her past, she never shirks responsibility. I think I learned more about parenting from this book than any other I’ve ever read. The tension between Emily and Olivia is always present, whether it is sexual or monetary. That tension kept me flipping pages and nearly missing my stop on the train. The few kiss scenes we get are hot and well-written. I really like how they don’t immediately hop into bed and instead talk and set boundaries. (But that up against the door scene...swoon!!)
Okay, let’s talk about the ending. Yes, it is a cliffhanger and yes, it isn’t a HEA. However this is the first book in a trilogy and I think a HEA isn’t possible for our two MCs at the point they are in their relationship and lives. So instead of a love circle, I’m going to call this a love spiral. They need to come back to the starting point of their relationship and do it all over, the hesitant first touch, the gradual withdrawing of barriers, but since it is a spiral, they are elevated by the knowledge of their past interactions.
I would like to end with this is the most hopeful, positive non-HEA I have ever read. We are left with Olivia on the verge of committing her heart and soul to making things right with Emily (and Henry).
My rating: 4.9999999 to infinity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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