What do you think?
Rate this book
Standby
Tom’s day has not gone well. He bombed the job interview in San Francisco and missed his flight connection back to Iowa. Now he’s stuck at the Minneapolis airport, on standby for an early morning plane home. But things begin to look up when a handsome man named Rafael strikes up a conversation. Rafael says he used to fly but, having made mistakes, was grounded. Now he has to be content with watching jets take off. What at first seems to be a short tryst in the wee hours of the morning may turn out to be much more. The universe contains surprises, and perhaps being stuck at the airport could have some long-term benefits.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
17 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
176 books1,308 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 26, 2023
Another very short yet magical Kim Fielding story. This one has a spiritual vibe, a surreal air that gives you the impression you’re in a dream too. Don’t look for hidden depths or complex plot, it’s a simple book , perfect for a coffee break but it’s done in that special Kim Fielding way that keeps you reading and wishing it wouldn’t end too soon.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up .
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up .
March 21, 2015
You're not human if you don't feel sorry for Tom. Not cool enough for the hip marketing job in California, Tom has been stranded at the airport all day.
When he meets the magical Rafael, Tom thinks he must be dreaming.
Maybe he is.
Standby is a sweet, lightly sensual fantasy about two lost men meeting, and meeting again.
The story is short and the central idea is ambiguous at best, but it includes a bit of magic and a hint of a true HEA.
You just have to believe.
When he meets the magical Rafael, Tom thinks he must be dreaming.
Maybe he is.
Standby is a sweet, lightly sensual fantasy about two lost men meeting, and meeting again.
The story is short and the central idea is ambiguous at best, but it includes a bit of magic and a hint of a true HEA.
You just have to believe.
December 29, 2023
“Well, miracles do happen.” “They certainly do.”
It’s a very short novella, with a fairytale quality to it. It’s about Tom, who’s has to spend the night at an airport because he missed his plane. And who meets Rafael, who - you guessed correctly - is an angel who lost his wings and is stuck on Earth.
It’s sweet, and I loved the dreamlike quality. It’s difficult to rate because it’s so short, but I’ll go with 4 stars. Thank you, Nicole, for making me pick this one up ❤️
It’s a very short novella, with a fairytale quality to it. It’s about Tom, who’s has to spend the night at an airport because he missed his plane. And who meets Rafael, who - you guessed correctly - is an angel who lost his wings and is stuck on Earth.
It’s sweet, and I loved the dreamlike quality. It’s difficult to rate because it’s so short, but I’ll go with 4 stars. Thank you, Nicole, for making me pick this one up ❤️
probably-not-but-freebie
March 20, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Standby-Kim-...
Want to read
March 20, 20193/20/19
Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...
Purchased 4/17: Per author, all royalties to benefit Doctors w/o Borders.
Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...
Purchased 4/17: Per author, all royalties to benefit Doctors w/o Borders.
March 14, 2018
2.5 stars
A cute, short read. Although well written, like everything Kim Fielding writes, it didn't particularly grab me, but the end was so sweet that I rounded the rating up to 3 stars anyway.
A cute, short read. Although well written, like everything Kim Fielding writes, it didn't particularly grab me, but the end was so sweet that I rounded the rating up to 3 stars anyway.
April 4, 2018
A short little nibble of a story set in an airport. Tom is in standby hell, and meets Rafael, who likes to watch the airplanes. Tom jokes that he doesn't believe in airplanes, but maybe his "suspension of disbelief" is enough to keep the airplane in the air. When reading this charming fantastical tale, suspend your disbelief and just enjoy. 3.5 stars.
April 5, 2015
I really like Kim Fielding’s books. I love her writing and her characters and so far her stories haven’t disappointed me, which is why I was really excited to get this to read and review.
Standby is a contemporary story with a fantasy element. It’s beautifully written, with nice characters and a nice story. I really enjoyed reading this.Standby Inside Cover
Tom and Rafael meet at the airport late one night. Tom’s stranded at the airport, waiting for a flight and Rafael can no longer fly, so he likes to watch the planes come in and out.
There’s a connection between Tom and Rafael straight away. And what starts out as a steamy encounter in the storage room very quickly becomes a lot more and Rafael opens up to Tom about losing his wings and his desire for finding true love. It really is a very sweet scene in the story and it’s hand down my favorite scene.
Standby BannerThis story might seem a bit unrealistic to some. Things happen very fast and the ending requires the reader to suspend disbelief. But honestly? It’s a lovely story about two lost men who manage to find each other in an airport.
This is an easy 4 stars for me. This story might not be for everyone. But if you like a little steam, enjoy a strong connection between characters and don’t mind a story being a little unrealistic than this might be a story for you. The writing is beautiful and it’s a very enjoyable read.
Standby is a contemporary story with a fantasy element. It’s beautifully written, with nice characters and a nice story. I really enjoyed reading this.Standby Inside Cover
Tom and Rafael meet at the airport late one night. Tom’s stranded at the airport, waiting for a flight and Rafael can no longer fly, so he likes to watch the planes come in and out.
There’s a connection between Tom and Rafael straight away. And what starts out as a steamy encounter in the storage room very quickly becomes a lot more and Rafael opens up to Tom about losing his wings and his desire for finding true love. It really is a very sweet scene in the story and it’s hand down my favorite scene.
“I want the whole shebang,” he admitted. “True love. Mushy pet names. Stupid in-jokes that annoy everyone else. Happily ever after.”
Standby BannerThis story might seem a bit unrealistic to some. Things happen very fast and the ending requires the reader to suspend disbelief. But honestly? It’s a lovely story about two lost men who manage to find each other in an airport.
And because sometimes you just had to chuck rational thought and believe in beautiful magic, that’s just what they did.
This is an easy 4 stars for me. This story might not be for everyone. But if you like a little steam, enjoy a strong connection between characters and don’t mind a story being a little unrealistic than this might be a story for you. The writing is beautiful and it’s a very enjoyable read.
March 25, 2018
A cute sweet little story with magic, just not quite enough there to make it memorable.
Can't help feeling for Tom and his very bad day, but the romance is insta-insta I need there to be more connecting them than some magical touch.
Can't help feeling for Tom and his very bad day, but the romance is insta-insta I need there to be more connecting them than some magical touch.
February 21, 2015
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, too insta-love for my preference. The twist was good, but I also guessed it quite early after one/two clues. So yeah, not my favorite from Kim Fielding :(
Unfortunately, too insta-love for my preference. The twist was good, but I also guessed it quite early after one/two clues. So yeah, not my favorite from Kim Fielding :(
February 21, 2020
I'm not sure what to say but... too short and too fast. I had no time to get an idea about the characters, and that insta-everything is not really my thing. Still, well written and good to spend a moment in between books.
----
And What.The.Hell Goodreads?? I'm feed up with you adding aleatory dates to my books, I haven't had read this one before...
----
And What.The.Hell Goodreads?? I'm feed up with you adding aleatory dates to my books, I haven't had read this one before...
April 11, 2017
Short & sweet ❤️
March 24, 2018
Good
3 ⭐️
I didn’t read the blurb before starting this one, so where it went kind of surprised me. A well done short that left me wanting more from these two.
3 ⭐️
I didn’t read the blurb before starting this one, so where it went kind of surprised me. A well done short that left me wanting more from these two.
January 2, 2016
Melencholy and sweet.
March 30, 2018
Heavenly!
This short story was simply delightful and magical. How can Kim Fielding pack so much in a few short scenes?
Read this wonderfully lovely short which takes place during a layover in Minneapolis.
This short story was simply delightful and magical. How can Kim Fielding pack so much in a few short scenes?
Read this wonderfully lovely short which takes place during a layover in Minneapolis.
March 16, 2018
Short & sweet but perhaps too short?
I didn’t have a chance to connect.
It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. It just...was.
I didn’t have a chance to connect.
It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. It just...was.
December 31, 2016
Short sweet story
March 22, 2018
3 stars. So cute to be so incredibly short. It's only about 30 or so pages but it was a good 30 or so pages.
The writing is really good. This was my first book by this author and I definitely want to read more from her. I really liked the slight fantasy aspect of it and I think the author made it work. She managed to make Tom such a likeable character in such a short span that it was really easy to root for him. You start off feeling so bad for the poor guy so by the end you just want everything to work out in his favor. My only complaint is that its only 30 pages and I want more. I wish this would've been longer but for what it is it's really short and sweet.
The writing is really good. This was my first book by this author and I definitely want to read more from her. I really liked the slight fantasy aspect of it and I think the author made it work. She managed to make Tom such a likeable character in such a short span that it was really easy to root for him. You start off feeling so bad for the poor guy so by the end you just want everything to work out in his favor. My only complaint is that its only 30 pages and I want more. I wish this would've been longer but for what it is it's really short and sweet.
May 23, 2017
Sweet, magical story. I'd sure love to know how this plays out.
February 8, 2015
Part of the Stranded anthology. Let me start by saying that I generally really like Kim Fielding's books... but unfortunately, this one just did not work for me. The ending saved it a bit but my basic issue is that this was insta-love times infinity. They literally "feel" a jolt when they touch and then must immediately get it on. I actually read the beginning, skipped the sex scene because I had zero emotional connection with these guys and was honestly just bored, and then read the ending which had an interesting little twist. Sorry Kim!
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
March 15, 2018
I started reading this with zero expectations other than, hey, free short story by talented author. I was rewarded with a too-familiar site (too long in an airport) and an intriguing surprise. Really enjoyed this punchy little story.
March 26, 2019
This magical story lifted my up after having a crummy day today. It put a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. I wish it was longer.
Read
October 9, 20201.5 stars
February 26, 2015
2.5, 3 Stars
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Kim Fielding brings us a Paranormal short about Tom, an unemployed man who’s stranded at the airport on his way home. After a failed job interview, his phone battery died and he was put on standby… three times. Desperate, alone and frustrated, Tom observes people at the airport through the different times of day. Rafael, also stranded, observes the planes taking off, longing to be able to do the same. As the two men chat, they can’t help but feel a deep connection between them. However, with Tom’s flight on the horizon and Rafael stranded in more ways than one, what will happen to the feeling of belonging rising between them?
Read the entire review here: https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.c...
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Kim Fielding brings us a Paranormal short about Tom, an unemployed man who’s stranded at the airport on his way home. After a failed job interview, his phone battery died and he was put on standby… three times. Desperate, alone and frustrated, Tom observes people at the airport through the different times of day. Rafael, also stranded, observes the planes taking off, longing to be able to do the same. As the two men chat, they can’t help but feel a deep connection between them. However, with Tom’s flight on the horizon and Rafael stranded in more ways than one, what will happen to the feeling of belonging rising between them?
Read the entire review here: https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.c...
May 28, 2017
I dint know why I loved this so much, but the overall tone was a perfect fit for me. Sweet and adorable.
April 4, 2017
I just really like Kim Fielding's writing... lovely short. Wish it was longer. I'd be glad to read more of this.
October 7, 2018
A feel good story
Really short, but totally feel good, and so cute.
How to feel better when everything feels like it is falling apart.
Really short, but totally feel good, and so cute.
How to feel better when everything feels like it is falling apart.
June 17, 2017
4.1 Stars
Of course I immediately sympathized with the MC because OMG who hasn't had to deal with robotic-like ticket & gate agents, who's empty apologies only seem to grate on a last nerve, only to be brushed off with a plastic smile and no real resolution...even when it's the airlines' fault for whatever it is you're trying to get solved? Argh. Of course, it can't always be solved the way Gabi does there at the end (a bit overboard but hey, fantasy) but a bit of sincerity and compassion can do more for a peace of mind than vouchers, ya know?
Anywho, yeah, hot guy sex in an airport supply closet. This is exactly why I people watch while waiting for my flights because I HAVE seen a couple duck into a family restroom together and re-appear 10 minutes later looking much more disheveled than they did going in. (Pre TSA lockdown/crackdown, though. *sigh*)
Of course I immediately sympathized with the MC because OMG who hasn't had to deal with robotic-like ticket & gate agents, who's empty apologies only seem to grate on a last nerve, only to be brushed off with a plastic smile and no real resolution...even when it's the airlines' fault for whatever it is you're trying to get solved? Argh. Of course, it can't always be solved the way Gabi does there at the end (a bit overboard but hey, fantasy) but a bit of sincerity and compassion can do more for a peace of mind than vouchers, ya know?
Anywho, yeah, hot guy sex in an airport supply closet. This is exactly why I people watch while waiting for my flights because I HAVE seen a couple duck into a family restroom together and re-appear 10 minutes later looking much more disheveled than they did going in. (Pre TSA lockdown/crackdown, though. *sigh*)
April 10, 2019
Short and sweet (with a little steam)
This was a quick read (about twenty minutes). It was a sweet story about Tom, who is just trying to get home, but keeps getting put on standby for the next flight. After spending a long night watching as the airport clears out, he meets an intriguing man and there is magic between them from the start. Tom is sure, when he wakes the next morning, that he dreamt his encounter with the strikingly handsome stranger. Finally, Tom gets a guaranteed flight home and just might have some company on his way there.
This was a quick read (about twenty minutes). It was a sweet story about Tom, who is just trying to get home, but keeps getting put on standby for the next flight. After spending a long night watching as the airport clears out, he meets an intriguing man and there is magic between them from the start. Tom is sure, when he wakes the next morning, that he dreamt his encounter with the strikingly handsome stranger. Finally, Tom gets a guaranteed flight home and just might have some company on his way there.
March 17, 2018
It's short and cute and I liked the fantasy twist, but it did not really grab me.
The characters are necessarily rather flat and it's insta-love and I just didn't quite get the chemistry.
There's nothing wrong with the book, it just felt mediocre. It lacks something unique to make it worthwhile. Right now there are just a few tropes I've seen a bunch of times before and not enough page count to make it good on character and writing alone.
The characters are necessarily rather flat and it's insta-love and I just didn't quite get the chemistry.
There's nothing wrong with the book, it just felt mediocre. It lacks something unique to make it worthwhile. Right now there are just a few tropes I've seen a bunch of times before and not enough page count to make it good on character and writing alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews