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Lovers in Japan #1
Flight Partners
Can a romance that began a mile high make a smooth landing?
When a charming stranger soothes Andy MacKinnon’s fear of flight, it doesn’t take much before the two are snuggling at 40,000 feet.
Too bad that sexy guy turns out to be Andy’s new coworker, Kenneth Ohno.
Oh no, indeed.
As two expats in Japan teaching at the same school, not only will they work together, they’ll share a small apartment. It’s get along or quit.
After the explosive chemistry of their first meeting, Andy wastes no time in laying down the rules. A relationship is off the table. They aren’t even going to be friends—coworkers is enough to manage for two twenty-somethings who can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.
But it isn’t long before their living arrangements hit turbulence. Kenneth isn’t the first roommate Andy’s fallen for, and the last relationship ended in a nosedive. Can Andy and Kenneth make a smooth landing?
Or will work and play get mixed up one time too many?
Flight Partners is the first in the contemporary new adult Lovers in Japan series, but can be read as a standalone. It features an HEA and several steamy sexual encounters between two hot men. It is intended for audiences ages 18+. No cliffhanger.
When a charming stranger soothes Andy MacKinnon’s fear of flight, it doesn’t take much before the two are snuggling at 40,000 feet.
Too bad that sexy guy turns out to be Andy’s new coworker, Kenneth Ohno.
Oh no, indeed.
As two expats in Japan teaching at the same school, not only will they work together, they’ll share a small apartment. It’s get along or quit.
After the explosive chemistry of their first meeting, Andy wastes no time in laying down the rules. A relationship is off the table. They aren’t even going to be friends—coworkers is enough to manage for two twenty-somethings who can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.
But it isn’t long before their living arrangements hit turbulence. Kenneth isn’t the first roommate Andy’s fallen for, and the last relationship ended in a nosedive. Can Andy and Kenneth make a smooth landing?
Or will work and play get mixed up one time too many?
Flight Partners is the first in the contemporary new adult Lovers in Japan series, but can be read as a standalone. It features an HEA and several steamy sexual encounters between two hot men. It is intended for audiences ages 18+. No cliffhanger.
ebook
First published November 13, 2016
6 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Artemis Fay
4 books6 followersI'm Artemis Fay, author of gay romance set in Japan.
While in university, I studied abroad in Japan for a year. That of course wasn't enough, so having graduated with a degree in Global Studies, I returned to live and work there for nearly three more years.
First I was at an eikaiwa much like the one in Flight Partners. Later I worked at a daycare in another city.
So many of the background details of Flight Partners was taken either from my own experiences, or those I heard from friends. Even things that seem unlikely, like the state of oversight of visas (very lax!), are true to Japan. It's a country of contradictions, but so beautiful it keeps drawing people back.
These days, I live in the US with my husband, writing by day, teaching ESL by night. What can I say, it's a living.
While in university, I studied abroad in Japan for a year. That of course wasn't enough, so having graduated with a degree in Global Studies, I returned to live and work there for nearly three more years.
First I was at an eikaiwa much like the one in Flight Partners. Later I worked at a daycare in another city.
So many of the background details of Flight Partners was taken either from my own experiences, or those I heard from friends. Even things that seem unlikely, like the state of oversight of visas (very lax!), are true to Japan. It's a country of contradictions, but so beautiful it keeps drawing people back.
These days, I live in the US with my husband, writing by day, teaching ESL by night. What can I say, it's a living.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 9, 2016
The trope for this book isn't new - it's one of those stories where two guys meet, have some kind of sexual encounter only to find out soon thereafter that they are colleagues and work together. Ok, this isn't new, but it's a scenario which is quite enjoyable.
What is different here is the location of the story. I can't remember that I've come across a book set in Japan. It was culturally illuminating to read about Japanese culture and everyday practicalities which are so different from ours (What! No take-aways in Japan! *g*) It's obvious that the author has put her own personal knowledge of the country to very good use, to create a realistic environment for the story. Including phrases and sentences in Japanese was part of it, and added to the genuine feel of the set-up.
I'm neither foreign to working in a different country nor to language teaching, so I have to admit that the scenario was very close to home.
So what about the plot and the characters?
Kenneth is such a kind and cute guy, I rooted for him straight away. On a first impression (on the plane) I thought he might turn out completely different - more cocky and self-assured, but he's just the sweetest guy. Come on, he buys chocolates, irons and and does all kinds of really thoughtful things for Andy. Who treats him shockingly for most part of the book.
Andy has been so badly burnt in his last relationship that he simply can't let himself fall in love. He likes Kenneth right from day 1, but once he finds out that he is his new room mate - his shutters come down and any signs of emotions are brutally cut off.
Tbh, after a while I found Andy irritating. Yes, he has a chip the size of Grand Canyon on his shoulder because of his past, he has been hurt, but does that mean he can't be civil? At times he is so rude to Kenneth, I actually winced. And I have NO idea why Kenneth doesn't give up on him. No idea at all. Because he behaves like a total a*****e.
Still Andy's reluctance translates into pretty good UST and when he caves in to at least be friends with benefits we know he is on the slippery slope of falling in love. I guess he knows, too, because he starts giving Kenneth the most confusing hot/cold treatment. Which again made me wonder why Kenneth sticks it out with Andy.
There were actually quite a few things in the plot that left me baffled.
Why does Andy think that his job, future and career would end automatically if he choses to have a relationship with a co-worker? (Of course it's not something we should do, but I bet there are tons of people out there who met at work!)
Why does everyone believe Jeremy? (apart from maybe Rochelle and Gemma?) I can't believe that all these people have no idea about his true character or that they would blame Andy for 'driving his room mates away' What? People in jobs like that come and go. That's life. And I think everyone knew that Kelsey wasn't that nice to start with!
Why would Jeremy actually hate Andy so much? Just because he dumped him?
Why on earth - and this is a real issue for me - do Kenneth and Andy have unprotected sex when they are complete strangers? Just like that. Condoms do not even come into the equation, for neither of them? I mean, what? The topic is never addressed or discussed. They're both just happy about going bareback because they're clean. This is simply stated but I can't remember them speaking about test results or anything, so if I have missed this, I apologize about this rant!
It pains me to say that to me the plot felt fabricated and strange and didn't quite gel, with many people reacting in a way I would consider illogical, odd or simply unrealistic. Like what was that thing with Barbra all about at the end? I thought what happened there was totally OOC.
All in all this isn't a bad book, and I did enjoy parts of it, but I did have some issues with the plot.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What is different here is the location of the story. I can't remember that I've come across a book set in Japan. It was culturally illuminating to read about Japanese culture and everyday practicalities which are so different from ours (What! No take-aways in Japan! *g*) It's obvious that the author has put her own personal knowledge of the country to very good use, to create a realistic environment for the story. Including phrases and sentences in Japanese was part of it, and added to the genuine feel of the set-up.
I'm neither foreign to working in a different country nor to language teaching, so I have to admit that the scenario was very close to home.
So what about the plot and the characters?
Kenneth is such a kind and cute guy, I rooted for him straight away. On a first impression (on the plane) I thought he might turn out completely different - more cocky and self-assured, but he's just the sweetest guy. Come on, he buys chocolates, irons and and does all kinds of really thoughtful things for Andy. Who treats him shockingly for most part of the book.
Andy has been so badly burnt in his last relationship that he simply can't let himself fall in love. He likes Kenneth right from day 1, but once he finds out that he is his new room mate - his shutters come down and any signs of emotions are brutally cut off.
Tbh, after a while I found Andy irritating. Yes, he has a chip the size of Grand Canyon on his shoulder because of his past, he has been hurt, but does that mean he can't be civil? At times he is so rude to Kenneth, I actually winced. And I have NO idea why Kenneth doesn't give up on him. No idea at all. Because he behaves like a total a*****e.
Still Andy's reluctance translates into pretty good UST and when he caves in to at least be friends with benefits we know he is on the slippery slope of falling in love. I guess he knows, too, because he starts giving Kenneth the most confusing hot/cold treatment. Which again made me wonder why Kenneth sticks it out with Andy.
There were actually quite a few things in the plot that left me baffled.
Why does Andy think that his job, future and career would end automatically if he choses to have a relationship with a co-worker? (Of course it's not something we should do, but I bet there are tons of people out there who met at work!)
Why does everyone believe Jeremy? (apart from maybe Rochelle and Gemma?) I can't believe that all these people have no idea about his true character or that they would blame Andy for 'driving his room mates away' What? People in jobs like that come and go. That's life. And I think everyone knew that Kelsey wasn't that nice to start with!
Why would Jeremy actually hate Andy so much? Just because he dumped him?
Why on earth - and this is a real issue for me - do Kenneth and Andy have unprotected sex when they are complete strangers? Just like that. Condoms do not even come into the equation, for neither of them? I mean, what? The topic is never addressed or discussed. They're both just happy about going bareback because they're clean. This is simply stated but I can't remember them speaking about test results or anything, so if I have missed this, I apologize about this rant!
It pains me to say that to me the plot felt fabricated and strange and didn't quite gel, with many people reacting in a way I would consider illogical, odd or simply unrealistic. Like what was that thing with Barbra all about at the end? I thought what happened there was totally OOC.
All in all this isn't a bad book, and I did enjoy parts of it, but I did have some issues with the plot.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2016
I am totally amazed to find a book that is set in the world of expatriate teachers who travel abroad to work in international schools all over the world. As I am working for one of these schools myself and have lots of colleagues who are expats, I couldn't wait to read this brand new novel about young American Andy MacKinnon who teaches English at a private school in Japan.
He's been home in the states for a few weeks and is just now returning to Japan by plane. Andy hates flying, but at least the guy in the seat next to him is hot. And why does this handsome stranger offer to hold Andy's hand during take-off?! Who cares, Andy gladly accepts the distraction from his fear of flying. An overnight flight cuddled against Mr 'Hot Guy' soon turns into a heated encounter that not only unsettles the airplane crew, to say the least.
Finally back in Japan at his apartment, which is provided by his employer, Andy realizes that his roommate is gone and a new person is supposed to take her place. Now guess who's knocking on Andy's door this very moment, LOL.
I loved 'Mr Hot Guy' Kenneth so much. He's a half American/Japanese nursery/elementary teacher whose heritage is visible in his facial features, but he's a pretty tall guy towering above everyone he meets in Japan. He feels like a total stranger in the country his grandparents called home, not even understanding the menus in restaurants. He desperately wants to get along with Andy and even starts to have feelings for the guy, while Andy keeps rejecting him, putting Ken in a weird 'friends with benefits' position, simply because Andy doesn't do relationships with roommates aka co-workers.
I absolutely enjoyed the first half of the story. Ken was the most perfect, likable guy, trying to get in contact with his Japanese relatives, but not speaking any Japanese. I loved seeing him out of words and embarrassed. His getting closer to Andy was a beautiful bonding process, but Andy rejecting him over and over again began to feel painful during the second half of the book.
And THEN we are introduced to one of the most unlikable characters in m/m literature: Jeremy. I think I've read a lot of books where some 'asshole' character took the villain role, but Jeremy really topped it. The way he deliberately spread intrigues and lies about Andy in the close-knit expat community (the only social bonding a foreigner in a strange country has as an expat) really turned my stomach around. I guess I hated him so much, because the things he did were perfectly realistic and could happen anytime, forcing a young guy, who just wants to see the world, to quit his job and leave the country. Unbelievable. That guy really gave me the creeps, in the worst possible way.
I was also a bit surprised about Andy's and Ken's boss, private school owner Barbara, who seems to have some loose attitude about legal employment... I doubt her school will be running for long, if she keeps doing what she did in the book.
All in all, this is a wonderfully fresh story with a unique setting that caught and held my interest up to the last page. Some things in the second half irritated me a bit, making me realize this wasn't exactly a romantic comfort read. Still, Kenneth made up for any unease during the story. I absolutely loved that guy.
I also want to mention the first person narration in present tense, which I consider rather unusual, but once I got used to it, I started to appreciate the feeling of being with the characters here and now.
I understand this is a debut novel. The quality of the writing and the structure really impressed me. I totally recommend this novel and look forward to future works by this author.
Thank you for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I really hope to see more stories set in the world of expatriate teachers!!
4.5 stars
He's been home in the states for a few weeks and is just now returning to Japan by plane. Andy hates flying, but at least the guy in the seat next to him is hot. And why does this handsome stranger offer to hold Andy's hand during take-off?! Who cares, Andy gladly accepts the distraction from his fear of flying. An overnight flight cuddled against Mr 'Hot Guy' soon turns into a heated encounter that not only unsettles the airplane crew, to say the least.
Finally back in Japan at his apartment, which is provided by his employer, Andy realizes that his roommate is gone and a new person is supposed to take her place. Now guess who's knocking on Andy's door this very moment, LOL.
I loved 'Mr Hot Guy' Kenneth so much. He's a half American/Japanese nursery/elementary teacher whose heritage is visible in his facial features, but he's a pretty tall guy towering above everyone he meets in Japan. He feels like a total stranger in the country his grandparents called home, not even understanding the menus in restaurants. He desperately wants to get along with Andy and even starts to have feelings for the guy, while Andy keeps rejecting him, putting Ken in a weird 'friends with benefits' position, simply because Andy doesn't do relationships with roommates aka co-workers.
I absolutely enjoyed the first half of the story. Ken was the most perfect, likable guy, trying to get in contact with his Japanese relatives, but not speaking any Japanese. I loved seeing him out of words and embarrassed. His getting closer to Andy was a beautiful bonding process, but Andy rejecting him over and over again began to feel painful during the second half of the book.
And THEN we are introduced to one of the most unlikable characters in m/m literature: Jeremy. I think I've read a lot of books where some 'asshole' character took the villain role, but Jeremy really topped it. The way he deliberately spread intrigues and lies about Andy in the close-knit expat community (the only social bonding a foreigner in a strange country has as an expat) really turned my stomach around. I guess I hated him so much, because the things he did were perfectly realistic and could happen anytime, forcing a young guy, who just wants to see the world, to quit his job and leave the country. Unbelievable. That guy really gave me the creeps, in the worst possible way.
I was also a bit surprised about Andy's and Ken's boss, private school owner Barbara, who seems to have some loose attitude about legal employment... I doubt her school will be running for long, if she keeps doing what she did in the book.
All in all, this is a wonderfully fresh story with a unique setting that caught and held my interest up to the last page. Some things in the second half irritated me a bit, making me realize this wasn't exactly a romantic comfort read. Still, Kenneth made up for any unease during the story. I absolutely loved that guy.
I also want to mention the first person narration in present tense, which I consider rather unusual, but once I got used to it, I started to appreciate the feeling of being with the characters here and now.
I understand this is a debut novel. The quality of the writing and the structure really impressed me. I totally recommend this novel and look forward to future works by this author.
Thank you for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I really hope to see more stories set in the world of expatriate teachers!!
4.5 stars
December 16, 2016
3 1/2 stars
Good debut book by Artemis Fay. You can tell there was a lot of research done on Japanese culture and expats living in Japan. I learned a lot of new interesting facts.
I loved Kenneth's character. He was sweet and nice to Andy.
Andy, on the other hand, was a little biatch to Ken from the very beginning to the point that, half through the book, I thought Kenneth was going to say enough, crazy chemistry is no worth this shit.
Andy's character had been burned badly by an ex, but I cannot fully sanction his attitude towards Ken.
The other thing I felt uncomfortable with was the unprotected sex between strangers that are not in a committed relationship. Especially since Andy had a cheating ex... mmmm that was a big turn-off to me. If they had time to find lube, they can always get a condom. Just a shame because, otherwise, the sex scenes were nice and steamy.
The book kept me entretained till the last page and I'm looking forward to the next book on this new series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book.
Good debut book by Artemis Fay. You can tell there was a lot of research done on Japanese culture and expats living in Japan. I learned a lot of new interesting facts.
I loved Kenneth's character. He was sweet and nice to Andy.
Andy, on the other hand, was a little biatch to Ken from the very beginning to the point that, half through the book, I thought Kenneth was going to say enough, crazy chemistry is no worth this shit.
Andy's character had been burned badly by an ex, but I cannot fully sanction his attitude towards Ken.
The other thing I felt uncomfortable with was the unprotected sex between strangers that are not in a committed relationship. Especially since Andy had a cheating ex... mmmm that was a big turn-off to me. If they had time to find lube, they can always get a condom. Just a shame because, otherwise, the sex scenes were nice and steamy.
The book kept me entretained till the last page and I'm looking forward to the next book on this new series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book.
December 4, 2016
I really loved this novel, a lot more than I thought I was going to, actually. I don't know how to really express how real this novel was. Andy and Kenneth brought these pages to life and their easy comradery (sometimes) and insane chemistry kept me flipping through this book page after page. This was my first Artemis Fay novel and I can say with absolute certainty that it will not be my last.
As a student of Japanese culture, I was very afraid that this book might be totally off the mark. I knew when I read the blurb that I needed to read this, but I sat down ready to be disappointed in case it didn't live up to what I hoped it would. But I was extremely surprised and overjoyed when I found out that IT WAS REALISTIC and TOTALLY ACCURATE. I almost threw a party right then and there.
So I immediately did some research on this author because I was completely blown away by both the cultural and linguistic accuracy as well as the fantastic writing. And what did I find? Her blog, of course, with the intro and first Chapter posted, as well as an in depth description of Japanese Apartments and how Visas work. It was no surprise after that to find out that she lived in Japan for some time. Very impressed.
Not to mention, Kenneth was a complete and total sweetheart. He was kind and considerate and by Andy's description, a "gentleman." His lack of experience with men didn't deter him from pursuing Andy in the slightest. Kenneth knew from the moment he saw him on the plane that he wanted him and finding out that he was going to be his roommate may have even made him want him more.
Andy, on the other hand, was completely mortified. His past experiences in falling in love with a roommate ended in a complete disaster and he did not want to make that same mistake a second time. He wanted to find love and someone to share his life with... but that person couldn't be his coworker, especially with the massive mid-book surprise that we get regarding Kenneth! Yay! I'm not going to spoil that one for you.
These two just could not keep their hands off of each other. Andy's internal struggle with himself was epic. He knew in his mind that being with Kenneth was a bad idea, absolutely terrible. But for some reason his pants just kept disappearing whenever they were in the same room together. Strange, isn't it? And Kenneth, man, he made absolutely no excuses for his grabby hands and i-want-you behavior. He saw Andy, faults and all, and he loved him all the more for it.
The chemistry was off-the-charts and the sexy times were vocal and steamy. This was a fantastic 5 star read and I definitely recommend it! I'll be keeping my eyes out for book two of this series because Artemis Fay, you may have just become a new favorite author!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
As a student of Japanese culture, I was very afraid that this book might be totally off the mark. I knew when I read the blurb that I needed to read this, but I sat down ready to be disappointed in case it didn't live up to what I hoped it would. But I was extremely surprised and overjoyed when I found out that IT WAS REALISTIC and TOTALLY ACCURATE. I almost threw a party right then and there.
So I immediately did some research on this author because I was completely blown away by both the cultural and linguistic accuracy as well as the fantastic writing. And what did I find? Her blog, of course, with the intro and first Chapter posted, as well as an in depth description of Japanese Apartments and how Visas work. It was no surprise after that to find out that she lived in Japan for some time. Very impressed.
Not to mention, Kenneth was a complete and total sweetheart. He was kind and considerate and by Andy's description, a "gentleman." His lack of experience with men didn't deter him from pursuing Andy in the slightest. Kenneth knew from the moment he saw him on the plane that he wanted him and finding out that he was going to be his roommate may have even made him want him more.
Andy, on the other hand, was completely mortified. His past experiences in falling in love with a roommate ended in a complete disaster and he did not want to make that same mistake a second time. He wanted to find love and someone to share his life with... but that person couldn't be his coworker, especially with the massive mid-book surprise that we get regarding Kenneth! Yay! I'm not going to spoil that one for you.
These two just could not keep their hands off of each other. Andy's internal struggle with himself was epic. He knew in his mind that being with Kenneth was a bad idea, absolutely terrible. But for some reason his pants just kept disappearing whenever they were in the same room together. Strange, isn't it? And Kenneth, man, he made absolutely no excuses for his grabby hands and i-want-you behavior. He saw Andy, faults and all, and he loved him all the more for it.
The chemistry was off-the-charts and the sexy times were vocal and steamy. This was a fantastic 5 star read and I definitely recommend it! I'll be keeping my eyes out for book two of this series because Artemis Fay, you may have just become a new favorite author!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
December 5, 2016
I was given an advance copy of Flight Partners for an honest opinion by Artemis Fay.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I was engrossed with the atmosphere of Japan. The usage of the Japanese language should have been frustrating but for me, it added to the sense of place in the story. The main characters Andy and Kenneth were two polar opposite's who were played off each other very well. As interesting, sweet and captivating Kenneth was, Andy was sometimes totally unlikable. At times slap-able to the point I even wanted to skip some of his lines he annoyed me so much. Watching Kenneth compassionately worm his way into Andy's life was what kept me reading. Oddly enough I don't know if I liked many of the secondary characters except Andy's BFF. The steamy scenes that were well written. I wouldn't mind reading what's next from this writer.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I was engrossed with the atmosphere of Japan. The usage of the Japanese language should have been frustrating but for me, it added to the sense of place in the story. The main characters Andy and Kenneth were two polar opposite's who were played off each other very well. As interesting, sweet and captivating Kenneth was, Andy was sometimes totally unlikable. At times slap-able to the point I even wanted to skip some of his lines he annoyed me so much. Watching Kenneth compassionately worm his way into Andy's life was what kept me reading. Oddly enough I don't know if I liked many of the secondary characters except Andy's BFF. The steamy scenes that were well written. I wouldn't mind reading what's next from this writer.
November 17, 2016
I need to preface this saying I've been through the Japan experience, living there for multiple years.
Reading this book was simultaneously nostalgic and tear-jerking reminding my of my experience there. The author pat the puppy on the head perfectly - the absurd interactions, the strange conversations that border on on insanity, the inquisitive nature of co-workers that you questioned was on candid camera or not... I could go on. Some of these situations from a western point of view may have their intricacies lost on the average reader, but it's still a small cultural insight into a place where, sadly for a developed and first world nation, LGBTQ rights are still somewhat stepped on to "public embarassment" or some other such nonsence.
Which leads to the true core of the book. There's a fantastically tence, fantastically real feeling romance built that leads to happy climax. We have on one side, a character that's been hurt by previous relationships, and a lovely sweet character on the other. Their attitudes throughout the book are wonderfully consistant which leads to the beleivability of the situation, despite the absurdities mentioned above.
Intimate scenes are steamy, always well innitiated and (especially in the opening) just the right amount of morally questionable!
Overwall, I'd strongly reccomend. There's bits and peices that would be slightly lost on some, there's some preposterous conversations that wouldn't happen in the west with side characters, but at the heart of it, it's new, fresh, interesting and most importantly and exciting, gripping read I couldn't put down for 2 days.
Reading this book was simultaneously nostalgic and tear-jerking reminding my of my experience there. The author pat the puppy on the head perfectly - the absurd interactions, the strange conversations that border on on insanity, the inquisitive nature of co-workers that you questioned was on candid camera or not... I could go on. Some of these situations from a western point of view may have their intricacies lost on the average reader, but it's still a small cultural insight into a place where, sadly for a developed and first world nation, LGBTQ rights are still somewhat stepped on to "public embarassment" or some other such nonsence.
Which leads to the true core of the book. There's a fantastically tence, fantastically real feeling romance built that leads to happy climax. We have on one side, a character that's been hurt by previous relationships, and a lovely sweet character on the other. Their attitudes throughout the book are wonderfully consistant which leads to the beleivability of the situation, despite the absurdities mentioned above.
Intimate scenes are steamy, always well innitiated and (especially in the opening) just the right amount of morally questionable!
Overwall, I'd strongly reccomend. There's bits and peices that would be slightly lost on some, there's some preposterous conversations that wouldn't happen in the west with side characters, but at the heart of it, it's new, fresh, interesting and most importantly and exciting, gripping read I couldn't put down for 2 days.
November 18, 2016
I was drawn to this book because of not having seen many books with such a settings. I am liking the concept, and really hope that the idea continues.
This is a romance that feels very real. The characters feel like real characters, and the interactions feel like real interaction. I especially praise the author for the ability to create a setting for them all, and one with has much stigma. Japan has issues with race, and this book points them out. Whilst it has dark meaning behind it, that does not take away from the romance. The main romanance, between two foreigners to Japan, but one with expertience of Japan and one not. This makes for very funny interaction.
The sex within the book is hot and well written, with no odd moments. Everything flows fluid through the book, and everything is easy to understand and picture. They start a relationship being friends, rather than partners, and as coworkers. They eventually end up more together as a relationship. They act as opposites to each other, one wanting to advance on the other, and the other being more passive and pulling away. There author writes the meaning behind this well and I praise them for pull attention to this issue. But, there is a happy ending and the book feels funny thoughout.
Overall, the book was very good. There are dark messages, but very hidden. The author writes a very good romance, well, with good characters and a beleivable setting that I am familiar with. Characters and their talking are real. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
This is a romance that feels very real. The characters feel like real characters, and the interactions feel like real interaction. I especially praise the author for the ability to create a setting for them all, and one with has much stigma. Japan has issues with race, and this book points them out. Whilst it has dark meaning behind it, that does not take away from the romance. The main romanance, between two foreigners to Japan, but one with expertience of Japan and one not. This makes for very funny interaction.
The sex within the book is hot and well written, with no odd moments. Everything flows fluid through the book, and everything is easy to understand and picture. They start a relationship being friends, rather than partners, and as coworkers. They eventually end up more together as a relationship. They act as opposites to each other, one wanting to advance on the other, and the other being more passive and pulling away. There author writes the meaning behind this well and I praise them for pull attention to this issue. But, there is a happy ending and the book feels funny thoughout.
Overall, the book was very good. There are dark messages, but very hidden. The author writes a very good romance, well, with good characters and a beleivable setting that I am familiar with. Characters and their talking are real. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
November 25, 2016
First, let me say that I liked the originality of the setting for this story. I did enjoy this peek into the Japanese culture, and specifically into the expatriate experience. Next, I want to single out Kenneth as my favorite character (more on him in a moment). Those things said, I did have a couple of issues with the story, but in the end I was satisfied with the story overall.
As I said, Kenneth was my favorite, he's a great all-around guy and someone I could see myself personally being good friends with. Now Andy...well, I was irritated with him a good deal of the time. He kept running hot and cold-with a heavier emphasis on cold-and at times his attitude left a lot to be desired. While we do find out near the end why he's like that, for a large part of the story I found it hard to like him.
This is the first time I've read a story set in Japan, so it was interesting to learn more about the culture. While it's a unique setting, I did feel that the Japanese language was a bit overused-while sometimes the meaning of words or phrases was given, and others I could derive from the context in which it was used, it was a bit distracting to me how often this occurred. For me, this made the flow of the story less smooth and I sometimes found my attention wandering because of this.
Flight Partners was a good overall read, and I'd recommend it to M/M romance fans, particularly if you can relate to the expatriate situation. This story is for readers 18+ due to adult language and M/M sexual content.
As I said, Kenneth was my favorite, he's a great all-around guy and someone I could see myself personally being good friends with. Now Andy...well, I was irritated with him a good deal of the time. He kept running hot and cold-with a heavier emphasis on cold-and at times his attitude left a lot to be desired. While we do find out near the end why he's like that, for a large part of the story I found it hard to like him.
This is the first time I've read a story set in Japan, so it was interesting to learn more about the culture. While it's a unique setting, I did feel that the Japanese language was a bit overused-while sometimes the meaning of words or phrases was given, and others I could derive from the context in which it was used, it was a bit distracting to me how often this occurred. For me, this made the flow of the story less smooth and I sometimes found my attention wandering because of this.
Flight Partners was a good overall read, and I'd recommend it to M/M romance fans, particularly if you can relate to the expatriate situation. This story is for readers 18+ due to adult language and M/M sexual content.
December 4, 2016
Alternate title could be: How to Be a Borderline Emotionally Abusive Jackass...Without Sacrificing Your Persecution Complex
Seriously, Andy treats Kenneth like shit thru the entire book, and we are supposed to be ok with that just because Andy had previously been in an abusive relationship earlier? Yeah, that sucks, but that is not an excuse. Not one I'm buying anyway.
The only star for this book goes to Kenneth. He was the one good thing about this mess. I hope to any gods that are listening that he finds someone else to date. Because gods only know how unhealthy it is to be with a guy who basically made Kenneth spend months trying to analyze every thing he did/said/thought that made Andy treat him like shit.
Seriously, Andy treats Kenneth like shit thru the entire book, and we are supposed to be ok with that just because Andy had previously been in an abusive relationship earlier? Yeah, that sucks, but that is not an excuse. Not one I'm buying anyway.
The only star for this book goes to Kenneth. He was the one good thing about this mess. I hope to any gods that are listening that he finds someone else to date. Because gods only know how unhealthy it is to be with a guy who basically made Kenneth spend months trying to analyze every thing he did/said/thought that made Andy treat him like shit.
December 2, 2016
♥.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•♥*´¨)☆♡♥
♡☆(¸.•♥´"I just—I want us to get along. And people who break up can’t do that."
"So let’s not date," Kenneth replies, "Let’s just be friends."
Flight Partners journeys to Japan where Kenneth and Andy meet on a fourteen hour flight...almost consummates their meeting and realises --too late-- that they will be not only coworkers but roommates.
Awkward!!
The rules were simple: ...No presents for Andy... No kissing. No cuddling. Yet, Kenneth is a one-night stand that keeps happening.
Now Andy, who has been living and working in the country for over three years and has blended into the culture resorts to avoidance skills and Kenneth, part Japanese, fresh out of University and wanting to understand his history are unable stay away from each other no matter how hard Andy shuts him down.
He's a guy worth coming out for. I never thought it would happen to a bi guy like me, but I think I might start falling for a man.
Andy was like a yo-yo and I understood as I read why he became the way he was. However, that frustrated the hell out of me. He was saying "no" with his lips while writing "yes" in the sand. I felt sorry for Kenneth being on that roller coaster and constantly trying to convince Andy to take a chance on him.
The author gives a stunning portrayal of the Japanese village where the MCs resides and fuses the tastes, sounds and even the smells and language within this tale, mellowing the culture with a steady burn. Even with the backstabbing, secrets and navigating through lies, Flight Partners manages to remain escapism at its finest.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Badapple Press.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
♡☆(¸.•♥´"I just—I want us to get along. And people who break up can’t do that."
"So let’s not date," Kenneth replies, "Let’s just be friends."
Flight Partners journeys to Japan where Kenneth and Andy meet on a fourteen hour flight...almost consummates their meeting and realises --too late-- that they will be not only coworkers but roommates.
Awkward!!
The rules were simple: ...No presents for Andy... No kissing. No cuddling. Yet, Kenneth is a one-night stand that keeps happening.
Now Andy, who has been living and working in the country for over three years and has blended into the culture resorts to avoidance skills and Kenneth, part Japanese, fresh out of University and wanting to understand his history are unable stay away from each other no matter how hard Andy shuts him down.
He's a guy worth coming out for. I never thought it would happen to a bi guy like me, but I think I might start falling for a man.
Andy was like a yo-yo and I understood as I read why he became the way he was. However, that frustrated the hell out of me. He was saying "no" with his lips while writing "yes" in the sand. I felt sorry for Kenneth being on that roller coaster and constantly trying to convince Andy to take a chance on him.
The author gives a stunning portrayal of the Japanese village where the MCs resides and fuses the tastes, sounds and even the smells and language within this tale, mellowing the culture with a steady burn. Even with the backstabbing, secrets and navigating through lies, Flight Partners manages to remain escapism at its finest.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Badapple Press.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
November 30, 2016
Stories set in countries/places I've never been tend to amaze me. I get geographically starstruck. Flight Partners is set in Japan. I have never been and know little about it's culture. So while I was confused at times I found it to also be fascinating.
Andy is an English teacher ans upon his return to Japan he finds himself seated beside Kenneth. Now, Kenneth is something else! I bet we'd all like to get someone like him to sit next to us on a flight. He's super flirty, super hot, and...dirty but in the good way. But then it gets weird and Andy gets scared and bolts, disappears. When he gets to his apartment his old roommate has moved and a new one is in her place... Kenneth! Now the story starts to get fabulous.
Watching these two co-exist through awkwardness ans the fact they are opposites in a lot of ways was interesting. Andy took some getting used to. Where Kenneth has never been in a real relationship Andy has been hurt so his on again off again attitude toward Kenneth was frustrating.
This is a story about strength and trust no question. Overcoming and discovery. I really enjoyed it on so many levels and absolutely recommend it.
Andy is an English teacher ans upon his return to Japan he finds himself seated beside Kenneth. Now, Kenneth is something else! I bet we'd all like to get someone like him to sit next to us on a flight. He's super flirty, super hot, and...dirty but in the good way. But then it gets weird and Andy gets scared and bolts, disappears. When he gets to his apartment his old roommate has moved and a new one is in her place... Kenneth! Now the story starts to get fabulous.
Watching these two co-exist through awkwardness ans the fact they are opposites in a lot of ways was interesting. Andy took some getting used to. Where Kenneth has never been in a real relationship Andy has been hurt so his on again off again attitude toward Kenneth was frustrating.
This is a story about strength and trust no question. Overcoming and discovery. I really enjoyed it on so many levels and absolutely recommend it.
December 2, 2016
**Reviewed For CherryOBlossoms Promotion**
I gave this book 3.5 stars!
Ok, so I am a big fan for M/M romance but this book was missing something for me. I don't know if it was the way Andy came across or if these two just didn't have the chemistry that other books have. With that being said over all this book was a good read. I like the storyline and how it was set in Japan.
Andy is a English teacher in Japan. He has several room mates over the last few years. Kenneth is part Japanese and has came to Japan to work as a teacher. Andy and Kenneth meet on the flight to Japan from the USA. When flirting hits the Mile High, lines are cross. Andy thinks that he will never see Kenneth again, but little does he know that Kenneth is his new room mate. Andy tries to keep away from Kenneth but doesn't see how, since they work and live together. Can Andy figure it all out or will Kenneth just be another teacher gone because of Andy?
I gave this book 3.5 stars!
Ok, so I am a big fan for M/M romance but this book was missing something for me. I don't know if it was the way Andy came across or if these two just didn't have the chemistry that other books have. With that being said over all this book was a good read. I like the storyline and how it was set in Japan.
Andy is a English teacher in Japan. He has several room mates over the last few years. Kenneth is part Japanese and has came to Japan to work as a teacher. Andy and Kenneth meet on the flight to Japan from the USA. When flirting hits the Mile High, lines are cross. Andy thinks that he will never see Kenneth again, but little does he know that Kenneth is his new room mate. Andy tries to keep away from Kenneth but doesn't see how, since they work and live together. Can Andy figure it all out or will Kenneth just be another teacher gone because of Andy?
November 7, 2016
Review coming soon
November 22, 2016
A chance meeting on a flight to Japan brings Andy MacKinnon in contact with a handsome stranger…yep, I know you’re probably thinking exactly the same as I was… that old chestnut! But having been calmed by the soothing touch of his unfamiliar travelling companion, what should have been an uneventful flight eventually turned into something a tad more memorable but now Andy is back in Japan and facing returning to work and it is all just a fabulous memory…or is it? Because settling in at home in his apartment, he soon learns that what happens in the air doesn’t always stay there because his new roommate is none other than his handsome travelling companion.
So, at this point I was beginning to wonder what the twist was going to be, what was going to set this book apart and if I am being honest I think the only thing I could find was the setting. Had the book not played so heavily on it setting I think I may have laid it aside but I liked the fact that the author had obviously done his homework when it came to Japan and its culture and customs. The use of elements of the Japanese language, the illustration of the cultural differences was a clever touch.
Anyway, back to Andy and his mystery man, who we soon learn is named Kenneth, Andy teaches English and Kenneth his new roomie and colleague has just taken up a new position too. I suppose the question really wasn’t if but when they were going to get together, they obviously had chemistry but it wasn’t actually that straight forward. Kenneth was such a nice guy, maybe a little too nice in some respects and Andy well, he was hard work, I was more than a little frustrated with him as he seemed to be trying to keep Kenneth at arms-length much of the time, I got that he had been hurt previously but how on earth did he ever think he would move on when he behaved the way he did… really man, pack in messing about!
I liked that they eventually grew close, that as Kenneth sought out his Japanese family and tried to integrate it brought him and Andy closer together but by the time the book had turned over 50% Andy was back to being a pain in the butt and I have no idea why Kenneth even bothered.
There were some elements of this book that I found pushed buttons that I wasn’t exactly comfortable with – I understand that this is fiction but there were traits in a couple of the characters that really peeved me …I mean what the heck is it with Jeremy? The guy was a slime ball of the highest order. I know having a character that we can all hate is often a good thing, but I was doing perfectly ok with not getting along with Andy…throw Jeremy into the mix and I was almost at breaking point, the guy was a leech. A vicious, vindictive liar who thought nothing of spreading lies and vitriol where ever possible but who knows, perhaps the character was based in reality because the spite certainly gave that impression.
With the exception of Andy’s best friend, I don’t think I actually liked any of the other characters mentioned in the book, and since it was touch and go with Andy for most of the story, it really was only Kenneth that held my attention.
For a debut novel I think the detail was commendable and the narration was good, I liked the fact that it was told in the first person. The scenes between the main characters were well written but overall I didn’t engage, it is probably just me but there was an undertone that I just didn’t like, elements of deceit where the perpetrators almost revelled in their success and other characterisations that only perpetuated stereotypical views that I found difficult to reconcile.
So, at this point I was beginning to wonder what the twist was going to be, what was going to set this book apart and if I am being honest I think the only thing I could find was the setting. Had the book not played so heavily on it setting I think I may have laid it aside but I liked the fact that the author had obviously done his homework when it came to Japan and its culture and customs. The use of elements of the Japanese language, the illustration of the cultural differences was a clever touch.
Anyway, back to Andy and his mystery man, who we soon learn is named Kenneth, Andy teaches English and Kenneth his new roomie and colleague has just taken up a new position too. I suppose the question really wasn’t if but when they were going to get together, they obviously had chemistry but it wasn’t actually that straight forward. Kenneth was such a nice guy, maybe a little too nice in some respects and Andy well, he was hard work, I was more than a little frustrated with him as he seemed to be trying to keep Kenneth at arms-length much of the time, I got that he had been hurt previously but how on earth did he ever think he would move on when he behaved the way he did… really man, pack in messing about!
I liked that they eventually grew close, that as Kenneth sought out his Japanese family and tried to integrate it brought him and Andy closer together but by the time the book had turned over 50% Andy was back to being a pain in the butt and I have no idea why Kenneth even bothered.
There were some elements of this book that I found pushed buttons that I wasn’t exactly comfortable with – I understand that this is fiction but there were traits in a couple of the characters that really peeved me …I mean what the heck is it with Jeremy? The guy was a slime ball of the highest order. I know having a character that we can all hate is often a good thing, but I was doing perfectly ok with not getting along with Andy…throw Jeremy into the mix and I was almost at breaking point, the guy was a leech. A vicious, vindictive liar who thought nothing of spreading lies and vitriol where ever possible but who knows, perhaps the character was based in reality because the spite certainly gave that impression.
With the exception of Andy’s best friend, I don’t think I actually liked any of the other characters mentioned in the book, and since it was touch and go with Andy for most of the story, it really was only Kenneth that held my attention.
For a debut novel I think the detail was commendable and the narration was good, I liked the fact that it was told in the first person. The scenes between the main characters were well written but overall I didn’t engage, it is probably just me but there was an undertone that I just didn’t like, elements of deceit where the perpetrators almost revelled in their success and other characterisations that only perpetuated stereotypical views that I found difficult to reconcile.
November 28, 2016
This was a very different read for me and I really enjoyed it! Given that it is set in Japan and heavily focuses on that culture there were some things I didn’t completely understand but I don’t think it took away much from the story for me. I really liked seeing the different culture and experiences and that added to the story. Kenneth was easy to love and connect with and while Andy took some work, I eventually loved him too!
Andy is on his way back to Japan where he works as an English teacher. He finds himself sitting next an incredibly hot guy, Kenneth, who flirts with him easily and soon their flirting turns a bit dirtier. Heavy turbulence interrupts the two and awkwardness sets in. Andy just wants to get away now and does so as soon as the plane lands. When he gets to his apartment he soon discovers his old roommate is gone, she’s quit and he has a new roommate and teacher at the school, and it’s Kenneth!
These two definitely struggle through the awkwardness, trying to find a comfortable level of friendship. There is definite chemistry between them which only complicates things for Andy and Kenneth. Kenneth doesn’t know how to do a real relationship and Andy has been burned one too many times by lovers.
There is a lot of push and pull in this story, Andy is very hot and cold and sometimes a bit of a stubborn jerk. He’s not all that easy to love at first, especially when up again Kenneth who is incredibly sweet and caring. Kenneth tries so hard to get on Andy’s good side, but nothing ever seems to work consistently. As the story unfolds though, you start to get a better understanding of why Andy is so guarded. It’s not that he’s such a jerk, more that he’s trying to protect his heart.
I really loved the way the story came together and fell even harder for Kenneth as he stood by Andy and believed in him. He shows Andy that he can trust him and depend on him. These two were a very unlikely couple at first, but they turned out to be perfect for each other. I really do hope there is more to their story, I would love to see how these two grow together! This was my first book from this author, but definitely not my last!
Andy is on his way back to Japan where he works as an English teacher. He finds himself sitting next an incredibly hot guy, Kenneth, who flirts with him easily and soon their flirting turns a bit dirtier. Heavy turbulence interrupts the two and awkwardness sets in. Andy just wants to get away now and does so as soon as the plane lands. When he gets to his apartment he soon discovers his old roommate is gone, she’s quit and he has a new roommate and teacher at the school, and it’s Kenneth!
These two definitely struggle through the awkwardness, trying to find a comfortable level of friendship. There is definite chemistry between them which only complicates things for Andy and Kenneth. Kenneth doesn’t know how to do a real relationship and Andy has been burned one too many times by lovers.
There is a lot of push and pull in this story, Andy is very hot and cold and sometimes a bit of a stubborn jerk. He’s not all that easy to love at first, especially when up again Kenneth who is incredibly sweet and caring. Kenneth tries so hard to get on Andy’s good side, but nothing ever seems to work consistently. As the story unfolds though, you start to get a better understanding of why Andy is so guarded. It’s not that he’s such a jerk, more that he’s trying to protect his heart.
I really loved the way the story came together and fell even harder for Kenneth as he stood by Andy and believed in him. He shows Andy that he can trust him and depend on him. These two were a very unlikely couple at first, but they turned out to be perfect for each other. I really do hope there is more to their story, I would love to see how these two grow together! This was my first book from this author, but definitely not my last!
October 11, 2021
The full review was too long for here. If you'd like to read, let me know and I'll send it to you. Additionally, this is also the first title I’ve read with the intention to review since I came to terms with the fact that I am asexual. I’ll get into how that impacts my writing somewhere else, but for now… As I’m sure you’ll see, I’ve reviewed this the way I have all the titles that have come before it, but I am not as confident in my perception of the book as I usually am. So…yeah.
Long story short.
Along with being completely baffled in regards to Andy's forever changing temperament and me not seeing what Kenneth saw in him, the first quarter of the book was me mostly being outraged and horrified at their handling and understanding of intimacy, relationships, and sex. By chapter four, they'd engaged in mutual masturbation, so that they could get it out of their system--in more ways than one--and friends with benefits was the order of the day. Then, two seconds before Kenneth was about to put his mouth on Andy's penis, he stops to ask him if he's clean.
I just don't know.
I get that people find different things about different people interesting to them but I seriously didn't get what Kenneth saw in Andy. He said that he was amazing, sexy, and everything he dreamed of finding in Japan, but that just sounds like a load of s***. I don't see how Andy is amazing other than the fact that his boss said that he's awesome at what he does. Sexy? Okay, well, that is subjective. And "everything he dreamed of finding in Japan." Really? I'm pretty sure all that Andy is wasn't on the short list that Kenneth detailed at the beginning of the story, but whatever.
But the thing I'm most unsure about or just sort of turned off by is the way Kenneth viewed his sexuality. First he said that Andy was "a guy worth coming out for." Whoa there, buddy. Why don't we just put on the brakes, dude? I know there are uncountable reasons for coming out, but I can't get behind coming out for someone else. Come out for yourself, on your own terms. Come out because you are ready to present yourself as who you understand yourself to be. Not because of your attachment to someone else. Well, perhaps if you're trying to be a role model for your child or something, but even then, they should also learn that people have their own timetables and that's okay.
Second, what the heck did Kenneth mean when he said that he never thought it would happen to a bi guy like him? It being falling for a man. Okay, what? That is what being bi is about. Not specifically a man, but wherever your interests happen to lie, you could possibly fall for someone who falls into those categories. I'd like to blame all of this on him being young (22) and naive, but the onus is on Fay. How does she view bi/sexuality?
Anyway, apart from dealing with whether or not Andy was hot or cold on any given day, both guys had their own side quests to complete. Kenneth is biracial with one half of his ancestry being Japanese. One of the things he wanted to do while he was in Japan was visit his paternal grandmother's family. His main hurdle here was that he wasn't quite fluent in language of the land, so he enlisted Andy to help. As for Andy, when he went back to the States during his vacation, it was to attend his ex's wedding for which he was the best man. But an email exchange between them makes it clear that they have a terrible relationship. David is even more immature than Andy. I don't know what Andy's deal is; he seems, at least in intention, perfectly fine with setting boundaries with Kenneth, but David, his ex... I don't know why he maintains a relationship with him. It would never pass for healthy. Though I don't think David cheated, the person that he married was a friend that Andy introduced David to. The story doesn't go into the particulars of that aspect of their history, but it seems like Andy got the short end of the stick regardless.
While not utterly crucial, Kenneth's side quest is a significant part of his story and one of the ways that he relates to or interacts with people. On the other hand, beyond shortening the word count, Andy's relationship with David and all the dialogue and narration that went with it, could be removed from the book and not affect anything.
As is my habit, I talked-to text this read, but eventually I reached a point at which I just stopped commenting and simply experienced the story. Once I did that--somewhere between 60%-70% of the way through--I was able to see the story beyond its flaws. I can't say that the end justified the means, but when I finally finished the story, I didn't hate it. I wanted to like it because I didn't want to dislike it. I wanted to like it because I was asked by the author to review it. But they wanted an honest review and honestly, I think the story was just OK.
Looking at it as a whole, there is definitely a story here: A pessimist with painful past meets an optimist with hope for the future and, through their bonding, the pessimist learns to trust himself again. That's essentially what the story is about. It wasn't about Andy pushing past his trauma and learning to trust Kenneth and falling in love. It was Andy learning to trust the decisions he made regardless of factors he couldn't control and learning how and when to let go. He'd already gotten past what happened, but he was still dragging it behind him. And he trusted Kenneth from day one, but he was afraid to because he didn't want to go down the road that turned him into the person we met at the beginning of the story. There is no guarantee that Kenneth won't be a jerk, and even if he becomes one, that's not Andy's problem, because Andy won't let someone else control his life anymore.
Stories are often about how people grow and change, but this story ended with them being pretty much the same as page one. It's not a bad thing at all. For me, anyway, it shows that not every person needs to change; sometimes it's really just their circumstances that need a face lift. And in this story's case that was achieved by Andy letting go and Kenneth holding on.
So, I got all of that, you know, it's a solid idea, it's just that a lot of the stuff that it took to turn that paragraph into a novel wasn't grounded enough and often didn't ring true.
I try not to take every read so seriously, but it is hard for me. It's one of the reasons I tend to bypass fluff. And because of that (and other reasons) I may not be the best person to judge some titles. However, this story does have some merit and I don't feel like I completely wasted my time reading it. I know this will hit the spot for someone less stodgy than me.
NB: I received an advanced copy of Flight Partners in exchange for an honest review.
Long story short.
Along with being completely baffled in regards to Andy's forever changing temperament and me not seeing what Kenneth saw in him, the first quarter of the book was me mostly being outraged and horrified at their handling and understanding of intimacy, relationships, and sex. By chapter four, they'd engaged in mutual masturbation, so that they could get it out of their system--in more ways than one--and friends with benefits was the order of the day. Then, two seconds before Kenneth was about to put his mouth on Andy's penis, he stops to ask him if he's clean.
I just don't know.
I get that people find different things about different people interesting to them but I seriously didn't get what Kenneth saw in Andy. He said that he was amazing, sexy, and everything he dreamed of finding in Japan, but that just sounds like a load of s***. I don't see how Andy is amazing other than the fact that his boss said that he's awesome at what he does. Sexy? Okay, well, that is subjective. And "everything he dreamed of finding in Japan." Really? I'm pretty sure all that Andy is wasn't on the short list that Kenneth detailed at the beginning of the story, but whatever.
But the thing I'm most unsure about or just sort of turned off by is the way Kenneth viewed his sexuality. First he said that Andy was "a guy worth coming out for." Whoa there, buddy. Why don't we just put on the brakes, dude? I know there are uncountable reasons for coming out, but I can't get behind coming out for someone else. Come out for yourself, on your own terms. Come out because you are ready to present yourself as who you understand yourself to be. Not because of your attachment to someone else. Well, perhaps if you're trying to be a role model for your child or something, but even then, they should also learn that people have their own timetables and that's okay.
Second, what the heck did Kenneth mean when he said that he never thought it would happen to a bi guy like him? It being falling for a man. Okay, what? That is what being bi is about. Not specifically a man, but wherever your interests happen to lie, you could possibly fall for someone who falls into those categories. I'd like to blame all of this on him being young (22) and naive, but the onus is on Fay. How does she view bi/sexuality?
Anyway, apart from dealing with whether or not Andy was hot or cold on any given day, both guys had their own side quests to complete. Kenneth is biracial with one half of his ancestry being Japanese. One of the things he wanted to do while he was in Japan was visit his paternal grandmother's family. His main hurdle here was that he wasn't quite fluent in language of the land, so he enlisted Andy to help. As for Andy, when he went back to the States during his vacation, it was to attend his ex's wedding for which he was the best man. But an email exchange between them makes it clear that they have a terrible relationship. David is even more immature than Andy. I don't know what Andy's deal is; he seems, at least in intention, perfectly fine with setting boundaries with Kenneth, but David, his ex... I don't know why he maintains a relationship with him. It would never pass for healthy. Though I don't think David cheated, the person that he married was a friend that Andy introduced David to. The story doesn't go into the particulars of that aspect of their history, but it seems like Andy got the short end of the stick regardless.
While not utterly crucial, Kenneth's side quest is a significant part of his story and one of the ways that he relates to or interacts with people. On the other hand, beyond shortening the word count, Andy's relationship with David and all the dialogue and narration that went with it, could be removed from the book and not affect anything.
As is my habit, I talked-to text this read, but eventually I reached a point at which I just stopped commenting and simply experienced the story. Once I did that--somewhere between 60%-70% of the way through--I was able to see the story beyond its flaws. I can't say that the end justified the means, but when I finally finished the story, I didn't hate it. I wanted to like it because I didn't want to dislike it. I wanted to like it because I was asked by the author to review it. But they wanted an honest review and honestly, I think the story was just OK.
Looking at it as a whole, there is definitely a story here: A pessimist with painful past meets an optimist with hope for the future and, through their bonding, the pessimist learns to trust himself again. That's essentially what the story is about. It wasn't about Andy pushing past his trauma and learning to trust Kenneth and falling in love. It was Andy learning to trust the decisions he made regardless of factors he couldn't control and learning how and when to let go. He'd already gotten past what happened, but he was still dragging it behind him. And he trusted Kenneth from day one, but he was afraid to because he didn't want to go down the road that turned him into the person we met at the beginning of the story. There is no guarantee that Kenneth won't be a jerk, and even if he becomes one, that's not Andy's problem, because Andy won't let someone else control his life anymore.
Stories are often about how people grow and change, but this story ended with them being pretty much the same as page one. It's not a bad thing at all. For me, anyway, it shows that not every person needs to change; sometimes it's really just their circumstances that need a face lift. And in this story's case that was achieved by Andy letting go and Kenneth holding on.
So, I got all of that, you know, it's a solid idea, it's just that a lot of the stuff that it took to turn that paragraph into a novel wasn't grounded enough and often didn't ring true.
I try not to take every read so seriously, but it is hard for me. It's one of the reasons I tend to bypass fluff. And because of that (and other reasons) I may not be the best person to judge some titles. However, this story does have some merit and I don't feel like I completely wasted my time reading it. I know this will hit the spot for someone less stodgy than me.
NB: I received an advanced copy of Flight Partners in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2017
When Andy goes back to the USA for an ex's wedding he knew it was a mistake but went anyway. Atleast it gave him the opportunity to see his family. Andy doesn't consider the USA his home anymore, his home is now Japan and he can't wait to get there .Flying has never been his favorite thing. He's actually terrified to do so but when a handsome stranger helps take his mind of of things for awhile the mile high club sounds like just perfect.
Kenneth doesn't mind flying but the handsome stranger next to him is terrified and gorgeous. The attraction between the two is instantaneous. At first Andy is definetely into Kenneth and all he's offering but something happens and has Andy turning away and ignoring him for the remainder of the flight.
When Andy and Kenneth find out they are actually roommates and work together things become even harder and more complicated. The attraction is still there but there is no trust on Andy's part. Andy has had such a rough time adjusting and being accepted in Japan. So when Kenneth persists on trying to be at least friends Andy has a hard time believing him. But circumstance and actions keep pulling them together. Friends with benefits it not the quick fix they think it will be.
Kenneth doesn't mind flying but the handsome stranger next to him is terrified and gorgeous. The attraction between the two is instantaneous. At first Andy is definetely into Kenneth and all he's offering but something happens and has Andy turning away and ignoring him for the remainder of the flight.
When Andy and Kenneth find out they are actually roommates and work together things become even harder and more complicated. The attraction is still there but there is no trust on Andy's part. Andy has had such a rough time adjusting and being accepted in Japan. So when Kenneth persists on trying to be at least friends Andy has a hard time believing him. But circumstance and actions keep pulling them together. Friends with benefits it not the quick fix they think it will be.
November 15, 2016
Artemis Fay happens to be the alter ego of one of my new favorite authors. Why the alternate penname? Because her other series is a dystopian odyssey set in a nightmarish new world order. To say that Flight Partners isn’t that is like saying I like to read. It’s understating the obvious just a titch.
Flight Partner is a contemporary romance novel much like many contemporary romances I’ve read—two men meet by chance, get a little naughty, go their separate ways, and then fate throws them a lovely sucker-punch and they end up roommates in Japan. Okay, maybe it’s not so much like many of the other contemporary romances I’ve read before. What sets this story apart from some of the others are the little details, which the author has some obvious intimate experience with, and they’re what elevate this book above its familiar romantic tropes.
Andy and Kenneth meet on a flight from Chicago to Japan, Andy returning to a teaching job he’s had for the past three years; Kenneth hired as the new replacement for the revolving door of teachers that it appears Andy keeps chasing away. Fourteen hours on an airplane is just enough time for the lust to spark between them, and for them to act on it without considering the consequences of being in a confined public space with hundreds of other passengers. But, the real kicker is that they’re both unaware of who the other is until they arrive at the apartment they’ll be sharing for the schoolyear. Awkward? Obviously. But that’s not the first or the last bit of awkwardness or angst Fay flavors this story with.
When things begin to gain a deeper traction is when the author’s firsthand knowledge of the setting becomes evident. Even without reading her Bio, there’s no ignoring that Fay knows Japan and is familiar with the experience of having taught English there. Details go beyond that of having been a mere tourist to the country. Every single aspect of the setting has a completely organic feel and speaks to a more intimate involvement, one that even the most extensive research couldn’t imitate, and I loved that those details made the story interesting beyond its characters and their relationships. It also made the story itself more interesting by giving Andy and Kenneth a setting that worked against them in so many ways.
I most likely won’t be the first reader to say this in a review of this book, and probably won’t be the last either: Andy McKinnon isn’t an easy guy to like. He’s all fight and flight response—one little “L”, so much Andy. He doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure, so all work and no play has made Andy a bit of a dull boy. But, the great thing about fiction, especially romantic fiction, is that when an author paints one of their characters into a corner, part of the fun is watching that character work his way back out. In other words, Andy had to have a reason for behaving the way he did towards Kenneth—and almost everyone else. I just didn’t know what those reasons were through much of the book, so warming up to Kenneth’s prickly love interest made me wonder if his perseverance was going to be worth the payoff. Fortunately, Fay’s brushstrokes slowly begin to reveal an entire picture of Andy. And, in a nice contrast to Andy’s moodiness and standoffish personality, Kenneth is his polar opposite: sweet, sincere, kind, warm. You name it, Kenneth is it. And watching him struggle to acclimate to a new country with sometimes confusing customs is almost as hard as watching him try to understand the conundrum that is Andy.
For readers who don’t love the limitations of the first person point of view storytelling, Fay takes care of that by writing in both Andy’s and Kenneth’s perspectives; something that, in my familiarity with her work, she’s adept at. There’s not only the bonus of getting in both of their heads, but there’s also the fact that their voices and feelings and experiences are distinct and unique to them, which gives them and their story more depth than it all coming to us in one voice.
Though this isn’t the author’s debut novel, this is her debut in contemporary M/M romance, one that I really liked and would recommend when you’re in the mood for a complete angsty package.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
Flight Partner is a contemporary romance novel much like many contemporary romances I’ve read—two men meet by chance, get a little naughty, go their separate ways, and then fate throws them a lovely sucker-punch and they end up roommates in Japan. Okay, maybe it’s not so much like many of the other contemporary romances I’ve read before. What sets this story apart from some of the others are the little details, which the author has some obvious intimate experience with, and they’re what elevate this book above its familiar romantic tropes.
Andy and Kenneth meet on a flight from Chicago to Japan, Andy returning to a teaching job he’s had for the past three years; Kenneth hired as the new replacement for the revolving door of teachers that it appears Andy keeps chasing away. Fourteen hours on an airplane is just enough time for the lust to spark between them, and for them to act on it without considering the consequences of being in a confined public space with hundreds of other passengers. But, the real kicker is that they’re both unaware of who the other is until they arrive at the apartment they’ll be sharing for the schoolyear. Awkward? Obviously. But that’s not the first or the last bit of awkwardness or angst Fay flavors this story with.
When things begin to gain a deeper traction is when the author’s firsthand knowledge of the setting becomes evident. Even without reading her Bio, there’s no ignoring that Fay knows Japan and is familiar with the experience of having taught English there. Details go beyond that of having been a mere tourist to the country. Every single aspect of the setting has a completely organic feel and speaks to a more intimate involvement, one that even the most extensive research couldn’t imitate, and I loved that those details made the story interesting beyond its characters and their relationships. It also made the story itself more interesting by giving Andy and Kenneth a setting that worked against them in so many ways.
I most likely won’t be the first reader to say this in a review of this book, and probably won’t be the last either: Andy McKinnon isn’t an easy guy to like. He’s all fight and flight response—one little “L”, so much Andy. He doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure, so all work and no play has made Andy a bit of a dull boy. But, the great thing about fiction, especially romantic fiction, is that when an author paints one of their characters into a corner, part of the fun is watching that character work his way back out. In other words, Andy had to have a reason for behaving the way he did towards Kenneth—and almost everyone else. I just didn’t know what those reasons were through much of the book, so warming up to Kenneth’s prickly love interest made me wonder if his perseverance was going to be worth the payoff. Fortunately, Fay’s brushstrokes slowly begin to reveal an entire picture of Andy. And, in a nice contrast to Andy’s moodiness and standoffish personality, Kenneth is his polar opposite: sweet, sincere, kind, warm. You name it, Kenneth is it. And watching him struggle to acclimate to a new country with sometimes confusing customs is almost as hard as watching him try to understand the conundrum that is Andy.
For readers who don’t love the limitations of the first person point of view storytelling, Fay takes care of that by writing in both Andy’s and Kenneth’s perspectives; something that, in my familiarity with her work, she’s adept at. There’s not only the bonus of getting in both of their heads, but there’s also the fact that their voices and feelings and experiences are distinct and unique to them, which gives them and their story more depth than it all coming to us in one voice.
Though this isn’t the author’s debut novel, this is her debut in contemporary M/M romance, one that I really liked and would recommend when you’re in the mood for a complete angsty package.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
February 18, 2017
This was a really interesting book! So much detailed information about family run schools in Japan and the teachers from all over the world who teach at them. Even though this was a work of fiction it was obviously factual in nature.
I understood how the love between Andy and Kenneth slowly grew, even though Andy had definite trust issues to overcome, with good reason.
Jeremy and Barbara both have issues!!! To say nothing of Megan and the rest of the 'foreigners' who chose to follow Jeremy's lead.
I understood how the love between Andy and Kenneth slowly grew, even though Andy had definite trust issues to overcome, with good reason.
Jeremy and Barbara both have issues!!! To say nothing of Megan and the rest of the 'foreigners' who chose to follow Jeremy's lead.
December 5, 2016
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Andy has been living and working in Japan for three years and he loves it there. What he doesn't love is flying, so the flight back from his friend's wedding back to Japan is hell on his nerves. Meeting Kenneth on the plane and having him help soothe his anxiety is godsend, being so attracted to Kenneth is not as good for him, though, especially when a flight attendant notices some of the shenanigans they get up to and warns Andy off, which makes Andy close-off to any of Kenneth's other attempts at flirting.
Back in Japan and in the city he works at, he discovers he has to share his apartment with the new teacher at the school he works at, who coincidentally ends up being Kenneth. Andy has already had a relationship with a coworker crash and burn and is still suffering from it, but could he and Kenneth actually make this work?
I loved Kenneth! He was such a fabulous character. Easygoing and charming and willing to go the extra-mile for Andy, which I truly didn't quite get, but to each their own. I didn't particularly care for Andy, and really couldn't see the appeal or understand why Kenneth was so attracted to him. He was prickly as all hell, wasn't all that welcoming and the hot and cold routine got tiring very fast. The fact that I didn't like Andy, doesn't stop me from admitting that he and Kenneth had some chemistry and their scenes were hot.
There were a few things that I didn't like, like the issue with Andy's ex and how he had everyone fooled, or how Andy and Kenneth's boss dealt with things, but at least the people that needed to, got what they had coming to them, so that was good.
Overall, I have to say that I liked Artemis Fay's writing and I loved the glimpses into an expat's life in Japan, and like I said before I adored Kenneth, so even if I didn't like Andy, I would recommend this book.
Rating: 4 Stars!
Andy has been living and working in Japan for three years and he loves it there. What he doesn't love is flying, so the flight back from his friend's wedding back to Japan is hell on his nerves. Meeting Kenneth on the plane and having him help soothe his anxiety is godsend, being so attracted to Kenneth is not as good for him, though, especially when a flight attendant notices some of the shenanigans they get up to and warns Andy off, which makes Andy close-off to any of Kenneth's other attempts at flirting.
Back in Japan and in the city he works at, he discovers he has to share his apartment with the new teacher at the school he works at, who coincidentally ends up being Kenneth. Andy has already had a relationship with a coworker crash and burn and is still suffering from it, but could he and Kenneth actually make this work?
I loved Kenneth! He was such a fabulous character. Easygoing and charming and willing to go the extra-mile for Andy, which I truly didn't quite get, but to each their own. I didn't particularly care for Andy, and really couldn't see the appeal or understand why Kenneth was so attracted to him. He was prickly as all hell, wasn't all that welcoming and the hot and cold routine got tiring very fast. The fact that I didn't like Andy, doesn't stop me from admitting that he and Kenneth had some chemistry and their scenes were hot.
There were a few things that I didn't like, like the issue with Andy's ex and how he had everyone fooled, or how Andy and Kenneth's boss dealt with things, but at least the people that needed to, got what they had coming to them, so that was good.
Overall, I have to say that I liked Artemis Fay's writing and I loved the glimpses into an expat's life in Japan, and like I said before I adored Kenneth, so even if I didn't like Andy, I would recommend this book.
Rating: 4 Stars!
April 18, 2022
This book was so hard to put down - I ended up devouring it within two days!
What I especially enjoyed was the fact that the story has a solid beginning, middle and end, and I actually felt the progress. The ending left me feeling satisfied and happy for the characters, who both became dear to me.
I'm a total sucker for character development and both Andy and Kenneth were amazing... lovable... witty... human... they felt realistic and like they're actual people, with ups and downs, hopes, fears, making mistakes and worrying about them, and the author did a great job of having them steadily work it all out instead of randomly making things okay just cause.
The romance is slow building but interlaced with just the right amount of sweet sexual tension!
I loved how everything built up to a happy finale, and none of it felt forced or out of place.
If you are a fan of Japan, have travelled there before, or even worked/lived there, then you'll appreciate all the little bits of info (or nostalgia) as well as the Japanese phrases and words thrown in. I found pretty much all of it authentic, the typical (funny and well, a little sad, haha) stereotypical views the Japanese have of foreigners are spot on and if you've stayed in Japan for a bit longer, have spoken to the people there then you'll recognize yourself in the characters, too.
Not everything is overly explained or translated, but I believe it'll be understandable even to people who have no connection to Japan at all.
The writing is excellent: fun, dynamic, and fitting perfectly with the setting.
There's a handful of spelling errors or missing words but not nearly as much as most other books out there so the editing is pretty good.
I'm a big fan of a first person narration if done right, and it was definitely done right in this book!
Altogether a very fun and engaging read - made me laugh, had me feel with the characters, and left me with a happy conclusion!
What I especially enjoyed was the fact that the story has a solid beginning, middle and end, and I actually felt the progress. The ending left me feeling satisfied and happy for the characters, who both became dear to me.
I'm a total sucker for character development and both Andy and Kenneth were amazing... lovable... witty... human... they felt realistic and like they're actual people, with ups and downs, hopes, fears, making mistakes and worrying about them, and the author did a great job of having them steadily work it all out instead of randomly making things okay just cause.
The romance is slow building but interlaced with just the right amount of sweet sexual tension!
I loved how everything built up to a happy finale, and none of it felt forced or out of place.
If you are a fan of Japan, have travelled there before, or even worked/lived there, then you'll appreciate all the little bits of info (or nostalgia) as well as the Japanese phrases and words thrown in. I found pretty much all of it authentic, the typical (funny and well, a little sad, haha) stereotypical views the Japanese have of foreigners are spot on and if you've stayed in Japan for a bit longer, have spoken to the people there then you'll recognize yourself in the characters, too.
Not everything is overly explained or translated, but I believe it'll be understandable even to people who have no connection to Japan at all.
The writing is excellent: fun, dynamic, and fitting perfectly with the setting.
There's a handful of spelling errors or missing words but not nearly as much as most other books out there so the editing is pretty good.
I'm a big fan of a first person narration if done right, and it was definitely done right in this book!
Altogether a very fun and engaging read - made me laugh, had me feel with the characters, and left me with a happy conclusion!
February 18, 2017
I Believe You
This was a really interesting book! So much detailed information about family run schools in Japan and the teachers from all over the world who teach at them. Even though this was a work of fiction it was obviously factual in nature.
I understood how the love between Andy and Kenneth slowly grew, even though Andy had definite trust issues to overcome, with good reason.
Jeremy and Barbara both have issues!!! To say nothing of Megan and the rest of the 'foreigners' who chose to follow Jeremy's lead.
This was a really interesting book! So much detailed information about family run schools in Japan and the teachers from all over the world who teach at them. Even though this was a work of fiction it was obviously factual in nature.
I understood how the love between Andy and Kenneth slowly grew, even though Andy had definite trust issues to overcome, with good reason.
Jeremy and Barbara both have issues!!! To say nothing of Megan and the rest of the 'foreigners' who chose to follow Jeremy's lead.
May 28, 2017
I liked the setting, and the detail. What I didn't like was the slew of wholly unlikable characters. Andy, I suppose, can have a pass due to trauma and all, but what's everybody else's excuse?
December 7, 2016
I gave this book 3.5 stars!
Ok, so I am a big fan for M/M romance but this book was missing something for me. I don't know if it was the way Andy came across or if these two just didn't have the chemistry that other books have. With that being said over all this book was a good read. I like the storyline and how it was set in Japan.
Andy is a English teacher in Japan. He has several room mates over the last few years. Kenneth is part Japanese and has came to Japan to work as a teacher. Andy and Kenneth meet on the flight to Japan from the USA. When flirting hits the Mile High, lines are cross. Andy thinks that he will never see Kenneth again, but little does he know that Kenneth is his new room mate. Andy tries to keep away from Kenneth but doesn't see how, since they work and live together. Can Andy figure it all out or will Kenneth just be another teacher gone because of Andy?
Ok, so I am a big fan for M/M romance but this book was missing something for me. I don't know if it was the way Andy came across or if these two just didn't have the chemistry that other books have. With that being said over all this book was a good read. I like the storyline and how it was set in Japan.
Andy is a English teacher in Japan. He has several room mates over the last few years. Kenneth is part Japanese and has came to Japan to work as a teacher. Andy and Kenneth meet on the flight to Japan from the USA. When flirting hits the Mile High, lines are cross. Andy thinks that he will never see Kenneth again, but little does he know that Kenneth is his new room mate. Andy tries to keep away from Kenneth but doesn't see how, since they work and live together. Can Andy figure it all out or will Kenneth just be another teacher gone because of Andy?
November 28, 2016
Lovely story with unique storyline
This book offers up romance, drama, lots of sexy times
and an introduction to Japanese and expat culture. It makes for a unique backdrop to a romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
This book offers up romance, drama, lots of sexy times
and an introduction to Japanese and expat culture. It makes for a unique backdrop to a romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
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