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The Road to Wings
What does it take to earn air force wings? Your heart, your soul, even your very life? Lieutenant Casey Tompkins is starting the most difficult flight training program in the world. She has to face thunderstorms, the death of friends, and male instructors who want to wash her out.
Captain Kathryn Hardesty is the toughest and best instructor pilot on the base and the chief of flight safety. She’s demanding because she knows the price of failure is tragedy and a smoking hole. She looks out for all the students, especially the female ones.
Casey has to learn to fly a supersonic jet, not get killed in the process, and face a growing forbidden attraction. Can she muster the intelligence, courage, and unbreakable determination to become an air force pilot? Does she have what it takes to earn wings, find love, and not crash and burn?
Captain Kathryn Hardesty is the toughest and best instructor pilot on the base and the chief of flight safety. She’s demanding because she knows the price of failure is tragedy and a smoking hole. She looks out for all the students, especially the female ones.
Casey has to learn to fly a supersonic jet, not get killed in the process, and face a growing forbidden attraction. Can she muster the intelligence, courage, and unbreakable determination to become an air force pilot? Does she have what it takes to earn wings, find love, and not crash and burn?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
17 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 21, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. An enjoyable debut book. This book really worked for me personally, but I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea. If you are interested in flying, the Air Force, and what it takes to survive flight school, get this book. If none of those things sound appealing at all, this book is probably not for you.
Lieutenant Casey Thompson, wants to become an Air Force pilot. She is entering one of the hardest flight training in the world. And in 1992, not many women get this chance. Her flight instructor is the beautiful and talented Captain Kathryn Hardesty. Casey soon finds herself attracted to the Captain. In a time where being a lesbian could mean losing everything, can Casey make it through flight school and have a relationship?
When I said this book will not be for everyone, it is because it is very technical. Julie Tizard, is the first woman military pilot, that writes lesfic. You can absolutely tell she knows exactly what she is talking about. I almost feel like I could go fly a supersonic jet right now. At times I was a little lost in the terminology. I actually wish there was a glossary that explained a little better what certain terms meant/did. But the more I read, the more it became clearer. I felt like I learned a lot, and really enjoyed the time in the jets. I would say 70% of the book is flying and flight school, the other 30% a slow moving romance.
The romance is a slow burn one. In 1992-93, it was so difficult for gays and lesbians in the military. I thought the romance fit in realistically for the times. The chemistry doesn't scream off the pages, but it is there, and I liked the two characters together very much. Hopefully in Tizard's next book, she can balance the romance in a little more 50-50.
I have always wanted to take flying lessons. More helicopter, than these massive jets, but still this book appealed to me. I enjoyed this read and thought it was well done for a debut. If you are interested in flying or the Air Force, you should enjoy this too. I will be keeping my eye out for future books by Tizard.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
Lieutenant Casey Thompson, wants to become an Air Force pilot. She is entering one of the hardest flight training in the world. And in 1992, not many women get this chance. Her flight instructor is the beautiful and talented Captain Kathryn Hardesty. Casey soon finds herself attracted to the Captain. In a time where being a lesbian could mean losing everything, can Casey make it through flight school and have a relationship?
When I said this book will not be for everyone, it is because it is very technical. Julie Tizard, is the first woman military pilot, that writes lesfic. You can absolutely tell she knows exactly what she is talking about. I almost feel like I could go fly a supersonic jet right now. At times I was a little lost in the terminology. I actually wish there was a glossary that explained a little better what certain terms meant/did. But the more I read, the more it became clearer. I felt like I learned a lot, and really enjoyed the time in the jets. I would say 70% of the book is flying and flight school, the other 30% a slow moving romance.
The romance is a slow burn one. In 1992-93, it was so difficult for gays and lesbians in the military. I thought the romance fit in realistically for the times. The chemistry doesn't scream off the pages, but it is there, and I liked the two characters together very much. Hopefully in Tizard's next book, she can balance the romance in a little more 50-50.
I have always wanted to take flying lessons. More helicopter, than these massive jets, but still this book appealed to me. I enjoyed this read and thought it was well done for a debut. If you are interested in flying or the Air Force, you should enjoy this too. I will be keeping my eye out for future books by Tizard.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
November 10, 2017
WOW, wow! I could keep saying wow but it wouldn't make a very interesting review. But seriously, wow!. Let me just say Tizard has set the bar really high for her first novel. Honestly, I can't wait for her second. This book isn't for everyone but for me it pushed all the right buttons. I can imagine that there will be a wide variety of reviews for this book. But for me it was a 5 star novel without a doubt.
Casey Tompkins proves to be a very proud and brave woman fighting against a male privileged area of the U.S.Air force. She is learning to be a pilot. Kathryn Hardesty is one of Casey's instructors and they quickly form a bond. Yeah they fall in love but due to the air force still being anti gay they had to down play their relationship. They could both loose everything. I really liked that there was a kind of underground where these women could connect even with their jobs on the line.
There was a hell of a lot of technical jargon which will put many off. But I found it added to the authenticity of the book. No I didn't understand it all but I guess unless you are a pilot a lot will go over your head. I didn't always understand but I got it. What I also loved was the visual she gave the reader. You spend about three quarters of the time in a jet and it felt so real. There was such a feeling of freedom even when they hit bad situations. The instructors really knew their stuff. You could actually feel their love of flying.
That's what made me give this book 5 stars. You could feel the passion. You could feel their connection. You could feel their love. This book felt personal. Maybe we will get to know more about Casey and Kathryn as I really expect good things from this author. Thanks for sharing with us. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Casey Tompkins proves to be a very proud and brave woman fighting against a male privileged area of the U.S.Air force. She is learning to be a pilot. Kathryn Hardesty is one of Casey's instructors and they quickly form a bond. Yeah they fall in love but due to the air force still being anti gay they had to down play their relationship. They could both loose everything. I really liked that there was a kind of underground where these women could connect even with their jobs on the line.
There was a hell of a lot of technical jargon which will put many off. But I found it added to the authenticity of the book. No I didn't understand it all but I guess unless you are a pilot a lot will go over your head. I didn't always understand but I got it. What I also loved was the visual she gave the reader. You spend about three quarters of the time in a jet and it felt so real. There was such a feeling of freedom even when they hit bad situations. The instructors really knew their stuff. You could actually feel their love of flying.
That's what made me give this book 5 stars. You could feel the passion. You could feel their connection. You could feel their love. This book felt personal. Maybe we will get to know more about Casey and Kathryn as I really expect good things from this author. Thanks for sharing with us. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
September 26, 2018
This book is in my recommended books of the month
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Good debut novel by Julie Tizard that describes the training process of a woman Air Force pilot in the 1990s with a slow-burn romance in the background. The author is a pilot so the book often gets very technical on flying issues and sometimes feels more like a chronicle than a novel, so consider yourself warned. However, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy it but I think at least a minor interest in flying and aircrafts is still essential. In that case, the book is quite informative, entertaining and some scenes keep you turning pages.
Those readers looking for a romance might be disappointed because it is very much in the background. Having said that, the chemistry between the main characters works fine and the cast of supporting characters gives realism to the plot.
It'd be interesting to read in the future another work by Ms. Tizard that wouldn't be so closely related to her personal experience to see if she's got the ability to write outside of her comfort zone.
Overall an informative and sometimes entertaining read on Air Force pilots' training and the situation of women (and lesbians) within the force in the 1990s with a slow-burn romance at the side. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See my other reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Good debut novel by Julie Tizard that describes the training process of a woman Air Force pilot in the 1990s with a slow-burn romance in the background. The author is a pilot so the book often gets very technical on flying issues and sometimes feels more like a chronicle than a novel, so consider yourself warned. However, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy it but I think at least a minor interest in flying and aircrafts is still essential. In that case, the book is quite informative, entertaining and some scenes keep you turning pages.
Those readers looking for a romance might be disappointed because it is very much in the background. Having said that, the chemistry between the main characters works fine and the cast of supporting characters gives realism to the plot.
It'd be interesting to read in the future another work by Ms. Tizard that wouldn't be so closely related to her personal experience to see if she's got the ability to write outside of her comfort zone.
Overall an informative and sometimes entertaining read on Air Force pilots' training and the situation of women (and lesbians) within the force in the 1990s with a slow-burn romance at the side. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See my other reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
October 2, 2017
This was a captivating, heart-pounding, thrilling read/ride. I am so grateful to Julie Tizard for writing this.
If you have ever wondered what Airforce flight school is like, this book is for you.
If you enjoy competent, driven characters facing life and death challenges this book is for you.
There is a heartwarming romance. But the heart of this book is about what it takes to get through flight school, and what it was like for women and lesbians in the Airforce in the early 90's.
If you have ever wondered what Airforce flight school is like, this book is for you.
If you enjoy competent, driven characters facing life and death challenges this book is for you.
There is a heartwarming romance. But the heart of this book is about what it takes to get through flight school, and what it was like for women and lesbians in the Airforce in the early 90's.
October 8, 2017
After reading some of the reviews I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the book due to such a large portion of it focusing on the flight training. Maybe it helped that I went in with a good understanding of what to expect but I was actually surprised that I was so drawn to this story. I don't have a lot of interest in reading about flying and this book does have a major focus on this but it just worked for me. Yes, there are parts during the instruction on the flying that I had to just skim read because I really had no clue what it was going on about but I got the over idea of what was happening and I was keen to know how Casey was going and what would happen next.
I did enjoy the romance I thought the tension was done well and the build up worked perfectly for me. It is interesting to see what so many LGBT people put themselves through for their career, they gave up on so much where they basically need to choose between their career and a life outside of work. It was interesting to see it through their eyes and appreciate how lucky I am that I can be open in every aspect of my life.
I enjoyed the read! I do think you need to go into the book knowing such a large part is around Casey's journey in flight school and that the romance is almost a side story.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I did enjoy the romance I thought the tension was done well and the build up worked perfectly for me. It is interesting to see what so many LGBT people put themselves through for their career, they gave up on so much where they basically need to choose between their career and a life outside of work. It was interesting to see it through their eyes and appreciate how lucky I am that I can be open in every aspect of my life.
I enjoyed the read! I do think you need to go into the book knowing such a large part is around Casey's journey in flight school and that the romance is almost a side story.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 18, 2017
I thought this book was excellent for a debut novel. I always enjoy reading about women in the military and pilots in particular. The story is incredibly detailed as far as what it takes to become a pilot in the Air Force. Some of the flight descriptions were undoubtedly over my head and I wish that there had been less technical information and more emphasis on the romance. Overall though, it was a great read. I look forward to more books from this author.
October 10, 2017
Casey Tompkins is one of the lucky few to be selected to learn how fly fighter jets in the Air Force. She has gruelling months ahead of her in a program that's already hard enough without the extra test of being one of the only women in the program and the men trying extra hard to wash her out of it. Captain Katheryn Hardesty is a flight instructor and chief of safety on the base. She sees a kindred spirit in Casey and takes her under her wing, flying with her every chance she gets. Casey progresses quickly but so does their attraction for each other. Will the two risk their hearts and risk their careers or will they find true love and make all their dreams come true.
There was a lot of detail in this book, which I could see some people getting bored off and find the book too slow. But I loved it! It worked so incredibly well whenever Casey was in a test or emergency situation, and second by second you worked with her through each step and you're not sure if she's going to make it. I stopped breathing at least a dozen times during this book because it was so intense. It worked, it so worked.
I didn't love the character descriptions at the beginning of the book. So and so had blue eyes, blond hair and was tall etc... I would have liked to discover the characters a little more organically. But the characters themselves I loved. Kathryn was so cool- I had so much respect for her. She's a real life inspiration. Casey, gosh she was so fierce, I was so proud of her. My heart just welled up for our two leading ladies, they work so hard and their connection was incredible. I loved Bulldog too, and his wife, he was surprising and wonderful and added a nice dimension to the story.
The oppression of women and LGBT people in the military not so long ago is staggering and I'm sure its not much better now. It's so frustrating but I was always so pleased to see the little ways the ladies made safe spaces for themselves and had an absolute blast. It's so special.
You could tell that this book was a labour of love, and it shone through the characters and the writing. I hope the author will write another book because I will gladly pick it up.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There was a lot of detail in this book, which I could see some people getting bored off and find the book too slow. But I loved it! It worked so incredibly well whenever Casey was in a test or emergency situation, and second by second you worked with her through each step and you're not sure if she's going to make it. I stopped breathing at least a dozen times during this book because it was so intense. It worked, it so worked.
I didn't love the character descriptions at the beginning of the book. So and so had blue eyes, blond hair and was tall etc... I would have liked to discover the characters a little more organically. But the characters themselves I loved. Kathryn was so cool- I had so much respect for her. She's a real life inspiration. Casey, gosh she was so fierce, I was so proud of her. My heart just welled up for our two leading ladies, they work so hard and their connection was incredible. I loved Bulldog too, and his wife, he was surprising and wonderful and added a nice dimension to the story.
The oppression of women and LGBT people in the military not so long ago is staggering and I'm sure its not much better now. It's so frustrating but I was always so pleased to see the little ways the ladies made safe spaces for themselves and had an absolute blast. It's so special.
You could tell that this book was a labour of love, and it shone through the characters and the writing. I hope the author will write another book because I will gladly pick it up.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2017
Wow, what a story. I really liked the airforce pilot setting and how Casey learns to fly. Only an insider can know so much about the process, well done. Top gun part 2 ;) There could be a little more romance, but still a very good book
October 8, 2017
I believe this is the Author's first book. I had some difficulty with the style in the beginning but settled into it about 1/4 of the way through. I felt this was more a book about becoming an Air Force pilot than a romance between two women in the Air Force. It brought attention to how hard it was to have a family as a gay/lesbian in the military with DADT. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for thousands of people-having to choose between career and family. Anyway there is a lot of really technical talk about flying. I found myself skipping over a great deal of it toward the end. The author did manage some beautiful imagery that made me think how cool the view from those planes must be...
All in all it was just ok for me.
3stars
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
All in all it was just ok for me.
3stars
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2018
The parts about flying, about training etc are excellent, even if you don’t really care about planes. The romance could be better but for a debut novel, it’s really ok.
September 17, 2017
This is a read about going after your dream in a hostile yet to some extent, encouraging environment. I now know more about what it takes to be a pilot in the Air Force and specifically, a female pilot. This read reminds us to appreciate the positive changes that have taken place in the military in relation to women. Kathryn Hardesty has put her heart and soul into flying Air Force jets and to some extent sacrificed a personal life because she is a lesbian. Casey Tompkins wants to be where Kathryn is. For both women, it can be a high price to pay but if you have the drive, the passion and know that this is your destiny, then you have deemed it worthy of your effort, time and possibly, your life. How strong you must be to hold it together under the pressure. There is much detail about the day-to-day life of Casey learning to be an Air Force pilot which may drag on for some but this reader viewed it as interesting and educational. Pitch attitude, trim button, and various acrobatic maneuvers. "Fly the jet, just fly the jet, Casey"
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
October 8, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I loved this book, reading about Casey's training got me into this zone where I was so interested. The author did a fantastic job putting everything one needs to know about flying fighter jets into terms that the reader would relate with and love. The relationship was more of a backstory than Casey's struggle to get her wings. This was an awesome read, and I will be looking out for this author in the future.
September 11, 2017
This the story of two Air Force pilots. One a student in jet training, the other her instructor. Both women are ambitious, both women have made the decision that the Air Force is their career and have dedicated their lives to doing what they love. But the Air Force dishonorably discharges lesbians if they're found out. Both know that, but the attraction is stronger than their fear of losing their careers. When push comes to shove, one of them resigns her commission in order to be with the other.
Tizard did what every writer was told she must do - write what she knows. She obviously had first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be an Air Force pilot in the 1980s. Unfortunately, she assumed that her readers would be as fascinated by the the minutae of what the characters had to study and the minute by minute details of every day. This would have been a much better book if Tizard had had a strong editor. Unfortunately, she didn't. The editor let Tizard go on and on and on talking about the dynamics of flight. The characters are secondary to the real star of this novel - surviving flight school - and they suffer for it. Neither character is well drawn and remain almost cardboard like.
If Tizard had focused on the characters and developed them with the flight school in the background as a means to an end, it would have been a much better novel. And the reader would have no need to start flipping pages to get beyond the boredom of the descriptions of what the student was studying.
Let's hope her next novel is better written and better edited than this one.
Tizard did what every writer was told she must do - write what she knows. She obviously had first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be an Air Force pilot in the 1980s. Unfortunately, she assumed that her readers would be as fascinated by the the minutae of what the characters had to study and the minute by minute details of every day. This would have been a much better book if Tizard had had a strong editor. Unfortunately, she didn't. The editor let Tizard go on and on and on talking about the dynamics of flight. The characters are secondary to the real star of this novel - surviving flight school - and they suffer for it. Neither character is well drawn and remain almost cardboard like.
If Tizard had focused on the characters and developed them with the flight school in the background as a means to an end, it would have been a much better novel. And the reader would have no need to start flipping pages to get beyond the boredom of the descriptions of what the student was studying.
Let's hope her next novel is better written and better edited than this one.
November 6, 2017
Debut novel from Julie Tizard. The steps and training involved in being an Air Force pilot are really well developed. Not having any background in flying or military workings I understood what was happening. The flight patterns even though I didn't know them or understand them I could see the planes twisting and turning. Feel the G forces and exhilaration. Although I could never fly in a jet like that, I'd be sick as a dog! Very enjoyable book and look at an amazing career. The love story was slow to build and the characters were well developed. Very good first book!
October 16, 2017
I loved this book! It was a thrill ride with a hot romance and I was sad when it was over. This is an amazing story of what it really is like to become an Air Force pilot while also having to hide the fact that you're a lesbian. The author is clearly an expert in flying and the characters are well developed and courageous. The romance builds, the sex scenes are white hot, and there is an element of forbidden love. This is an outstanding book and I can't wait to read Tizard's next book. I highly recommend it.
January 1, 2022
First book of the year - really good though the ending was both Brick wall and felt contrived. Excellent read, often more flying than romance but it never felt uneven. Recommended.
October 16, 2017
So this book is listed under Romance. I'm not sure how accurate that is. While there is certainly a romance, the story is much more general fiction than romance. I enjoyed getting to know A LOT about flying Air Force training planes, but after a while it became too much detail. The relationship really went to the backseat and when it did pop up it was much to quick to the "I love you" stage. It felt a bit forced. I guess I just got swamped by all the technical aspects of the story. It's not like that would dissuade me from reading another book by Julie Tizard, but hopefully it would be on a different subject. I gave this story 3 stars.
October 8, 2017
Sooo, this should totally be a 3.5 stars, I just couldn't quite bring myself to give it the full 4 given it was a total guilty pleasure (think a slightly more nerdy, dykey Top Gun)
Before I go any further, I feel I should issue a content warning: this novel contains a lot of technical detail about jets. I like planes and I understand how things like flaps, trim, pedals etc. work. If you don't, either be prepared to look stuff up, be bored or skim. (or pick another book).
On to the good stuff, what danger and drama there is, is very well written. Julie Tizard is a former Air Force fighter pilot and really knows her stuff, while still managing to engage the reader very well. The scenes in the training planes are tight and tense and I found myself definitely rooting for Casey as she progresses through what sounds like an incredibly tough programme.
Initially I was puzzled as to why the book was primarily set in 1992 but all became clear when little by little the layers of the armed forces inbuilt sexism and homophobia were revealed. I'm hazarding a guess, but I suspect that our author faced some of these same obstacles herself and as a modern reader it's quite horrific to think that this narrow minded world view was official policy so recently.
So yeah, deep and meaningful stuff...plus hot women in uniform!
Before I go any further, I feel I should issue a content warning: this novel contains a lot of technical detail about jets. I like planes and I understand how things like flaps, trim, pedals etc. work. If you don't, either be prepared to look stuff up, be bored or skim. (or pick another book).
On to the good stuff, what danger and drama there is, is very well written. Julie Tizard is a former Air Force fighter pilot and really knows her stuff, while still managing to engage the reader very well. The scenes in the training planes are tight and tense and I found myself definitely rooting for Casey as she progresses through what sounds like an incredibly tough programme.
Initially I was puzzled as to why the book was primarily set in 1992 but all became clear when little by little the layers of the armed forces inbuilt sexism and homophobia were revealed. I'm hazarding a guess, but I suspect that our author faced some of these same obstacles herself and as a modern reader it's quite horrific to think that this narrow minded world view was official policy so recently.
So yeah, deep and meaningful stuff...plus hot women in uniform!
December 17, 2021
If you like airplanes, and flying, or have any interest in dancing among the clouds this is a good book for you to read. Julie Tizard's writing put me, the reader, behind the controls of the airplane wishing I was the main character. Throughout the book I was transported to a world and life I knew little of, but now have a glimpse of what it takes to be an Air Force pilot. I was rooting and booing during the characters journey, and even sat up when things got intense. That's when you know things are serious as a reader!
The reason for the 4 stars is the book is a lesbian romance. I want to encourage readers not to let that distract them because there are so many wonderful aspects of the book. This was a step outside of my comfort zone and I was able to learn from this book.
The reason for the 4 stars is the book is a lesbian romance. I want to encourage readers not to let that distract them because there are so many wonderful aspects of the book. This was a step outside of my comfort zone and I was able to learn from this book.
October 16, 2017
This is an exceptional book. It's a powerful, passionate love story set in military flight school. I found this book fascinating and I couldn't put it down. The military and flying aspects feel authentic and the main characters are smart and fearless. I felt like I was flying with them. I read a lot of lesfic, and this book is very original. I felt inspired by this story and I'm looking forward to the next book from Julie Tizard. I loved it.
October 16, 2017
Rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Casey and Kathryn lead in this romance about women in the Air Force during the early 1990's. While there was lots of technical jargon related to flying and aircraft, the author's writing was not overwhelming. A gripping read with just the right amount of romance. Excellent debut book. I will look for Ms. Tizard's future books. I recommend it.
4 stars.
Casey and Kathryn lead in this romance about women in the Air Force during the early 1990's. While there was lots of technical jargon related to flying and aircraft, the author's writing was not overwhelming. A gripping read with just the right amount of romance. Excellent debut book. I will look for Ms. Tizard's future books. I recommend it.
4 stars.
November 2, 2017
Awesome Read!
I totally loved this book. The behind the scenes look at Airforce pilot training was very enlightening. The main characters were enchanting and the supporting characters were extremely likeable. Great job from a first time author. Looking forward to more from Ms. Tizard!
I totally loved this book. The behind the scenes look at Airforce pilot training was very enlightening. The main characters were enchanting and the supporting characters were extremely likeable. Great job from a first time author. Looking forward to more from Ms. Tizard!
September 30, 2018
What an amazing book. I was drawn right into the cockpit of each plane and each flight that the MC went on. The way the author described each flight I felt like I was right there. And then to wrap a love story into it as well was a bonus. It was a truly good story. A tremendous amount of talent and polish went into writing this story, I definitely put this book in my top 10 for this year.
May 6, 2021
As an aviator this was fun to read.
I liked the characters and storyline of this book. As an aviator it was fun to read! The author wrote in a way I could visualize the flying.
I liked the characters and storyline of this book. As an aviator it was fun to read! The author wrote in a way I could visualize the flying.
January 9, 2018
I was SO excited to be able to read this novel by Ms. Tizard. What more could someone want, romance, flying, friendship and some bumps along the way. I was also in the Air Force but a few years before women were even allowed to be pilots. My dream was to become a flight nurse but I ended up nursing at a base instead. Ms. Tizard’s descriptions of the “good ole boy”, male dominated, men get away with what women can not, and still get promoted, is all right on target!
The book takes place primarily at a school for pilots though there are several visits to other places as well. The descriptions of flying, what it meant to these women, and the lengths they had to go to in order to pass the program was captivating. I always though piloting an airplane would be a great adventure, but after reading this book I can’t even begin to imagine how much work it takes. Yes, some reviewers thought there was too much detail, but I enjoyed it, I learned vicariously through the characters and experienced their ups and downs right along with them.
The romance between the two main characters was poignant, not too graphic, and had that forbidden quality to it. If anyone is wondering, before allowing gays/lesbians to serve, there were many who lived in constant fear of being found out. If found out, one was either dishonorably discharged or, if given the opportunity, resigned a commission.
This book is a great start and I hope that Ms. Tizard will be writing some other books. She definitely knows her stuff and her writing is captivating. I received a copy of The Road to Wings through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Julie Tizard for the opportunity.
The book takes place primarily at a school for pilots though there are several visits to other places as well. The descriptions of flying, what it meant to these women, and the lengths they had to go to in order to pass the program was captivating. I always though piloting an airplane would be a great adventure, but after reading this book I can’t even begin to imagine how much work it takes. Yes, some reviewers thought there was too much detail, but I enjoyed it, I learned vicariously through the characters and experienced their ups and downs right along with them.
The romance between the two main characters was poignant, not too graphic, and had that forbidden quality to it. If anyone is wondering, before allowing gays/lesbians to serve, there were many who lived in constant fear of being found out. If found out, one was either dishonorably discharged or, if given the opportunity, resigned a commission.
This book is a great start and I hope that Ms. Tizard will be writing some other books. She definitely knows her stuff and her writing is captivating. I received a copy of The Road to Wings through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Julie Tizard for the opportunity.
December 31, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strikes Books for the digital galley of this book.
Welp. I didn’t think I could squeeze in one more book in 2020, but I did it! Flew right through this one at work today (excuse the terrible pun).
Lieutenant Casey Tompkins has just started the most difficult flight training program in the world. She just wants to fly planes in the air force and not get washed out. Captain Kathryn, “Hard-Ass” Hardesty is an excellent instructor, but she doesn’t take any BS from her students, and she doesn’t play favorite. But Casey has talent and a willingness to learn, and maybe a spark of something else. Even though they are attracted to one another, there are so many reasons a relationship would be a bad idea, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a student-instructor relationship, and Kathryn’s still mourning the love of her life who died in a plane crash five years ago.
Look, I don’t know anything about planes, except my tindery when I travel, but I felt like I was in the cockpit with these ladies time and time again in this book. I loved the romance, of course, but this one has a little more than just that. If you’re into military romance, learning new things, and or planes, definitely check this one out.
I love tension done well, and the many reasons these two shouldn’t be together make for some excellent buildup. Even once the initial tension is broken, there are still dangerous waters to navigate if they want to have some semblance of happily ever after, and some things seem to large to overcome.
I enjoyed Casey and Kathryn’s different personalities, and the minor characters are endearing. I’m sorry I waited so long to crack this one open, but I’m glad I got to it before this year is over. My backlog is your gain, because this one is available now, no wait.
Welp. I didn’t think I could squeeze in one more book in 2020, but I did it! Flew right through this one at work today (excuse the terrible pun).
Lieutenant Casey Tompkins has just started the most difficult flight training program in the world. She just wants to fly planes in the air force and not get washed out. Captain Kathryn, “Hard-Ass” Hardesty is an excellent instructor, but she doesn’t take any BS from her students, and she doesn’t play favorite. But Casey has talent and a willingness to learn, and maybe a spark of something else. Even though they are attracted to one another, there are so many reasons a relationship would be a bad idea, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a student-instructor relationship, and Kathryn’s still mourning the love of her life who died in a plane crash five years ago.
Look, I don’t know anything about planes, except my tindery when I travel, but I felt like I was in the cockpit with these ladies time and time again in this book. I loved the romance, of course, but this one has a little more than just that. If you’re into military romance, learning new things, and or planes, definitely check this one out.
I love tension done well, and the many reasons these two shouldn’t be together make for some excellent buildup. Even once the initial tension is broken, there are still dangerous waters to navigate if they want to have some semblance of happily ever after, and some things seem to large to overcome.
I enjoyed Casey and Kathryn’s different personalities, and the minor characters are endearing. I’m sorry I waited so long to crack this one open, but I’m glad I got to it before this year is over. My backlog is your gain, because this one is available now, no wait.
January 6, 2022
Julie Tizard’s THE ROAD TO WINGS is an intense and authentic read. As a graduate of military flight training, I thought Julie did an incredible job of capturing the high stakes, no-fail training environment while putting us right in the action with awesome flying action scenes. I loved that the book was told from both the perspective of the student AND the instructor in this forbidden love affair—one that would be risky enough in a heterosexual relationship, but, set in the early 1990’s, could be career-ending (and worse) for both parties. Julie has captured a snapshot of life for same-sex partners in the military during this zero-tolerance period in our military’s history, while also creating a believable romance with just the right amount of steam. She’s given it even deeper emotional depth with instructor Katherine Hardesty’s backstory. The supporting cast are very accurately drawn, and break stereotypes in all the right places. There were spots I would have liked to see crisper transitions between points of view, but those didn’t detract from my emotional involvement in the characters, the setting, and the story. I’m excited to see what’s next for these two characters. This book was the Aviatrix Book Club December 2021 discussion book. You can find an interview with Julie here Aviatrix Book Review website or on the Aviatrix Book Review podcast.
June 5, 2025
I heard Julie Tizard at a reading in Delaware and was impressed with her flight experience and her writing.
This book was heart pounding, thrilling, informative and inspirational.
I really enjoyed the layers and depth of the story.
The very specific details of attending flight school - red on the flight board, the heat of getting your own helmet made to fit you, the various traditions and level of knowledge required to fly a plane - were wonderfully informative. I really appreciated all this detail as it made me more informed about the Air Force and flying.
The interactions among the nearly all male classmates and students and the various ways that they taught and learned to fly.
The many descriptions of flying of military planes was deeply nuanced with fascinating lingo.
The sapphic love story was a solid relationship as well with its own challenges and some of the secondary characters - other women instructors, Bulldog and Merilee were quite interesting too.
Colonel Tizard set the book in the pivotal 1992 year as well.
I have her other two books and look forward to those.
I have a whole new respect and understanding of the work it takes to fly a plane, especially for the Air Force pilots.
This book was heart pounding, thrilling, informative and inspirational.
I really enjoyed the layers and depth of the story.
The very specific details of attending flight school - red on the flight board, the heat of getting your own helmet made to fit you, the various traditions and level of knowledge required to fly a plane - were wonderfully informative. I really appreciated all this detail as it made me more informed about the Air Force and flying.
The interactions among the nearly all male classmates and students and the various ways that they taught and learned to fly.
The many descriptions of flying of military planes was deeply nuanced with fascinating lingo.
The sapphic love story was a solid relationship as well with its own challenges and some of the secondary characters - other women instructors, Bulldog and Merilee were quite interesting too.
Colonel Tizard set the book in the pivotal 1992 year as well.
I have her other two books and look forward to those.
I have a whole new respect and understanding of the work it takes to fly a plane, especially for the Air Force pilots.
November 16, 2017
Casey Tompkins is a lieutenant in the Air Force who is training to be a pilot. Readers will follow Casey through her 12-month training program to fly jet planes. Ms. Tizard has written a very detailed book and it is apparent that she has done her research. Not only does she write about the program, she explains how to fly the jet planes.
Casey falls for her flight instructor, Kathryn Hardesty. It just so happens that Kathryn is also attracted to Casey. The story is set in 1992 when a relationship between the two women could be career ending for both of them.
I found that the romance was not the main theme of this book. Instead, Ms. Tizard was writing more about the training program and how to fly a jet plane. Unless a reader is interested in flying, the author’s focus on aviation resulted in a slow, dry book. After reading several chapters, I was ready to have the author move on to the relationship between Casey and Kathryn.
Although I rate this book only 2-1/2 stars, I would still give Ms. Tizard’s future writing another try.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Casey falls for her flight instructor, Kathryn Hardesty. It just so happens that Kathryn is also attracted to Casey. The story is set in 1992 when a relationship between the two women could be career ending for both of them.
I found that the romance was not the main theme of this book. Instead, Ms. Tizard was writing more about the training program and how to fly a jet plane. Unless a reader is interested in flying, the author’s focus on aviation resulted in a slow, dry book. After reading several chapters, I was ready to have the author move on to the relationship between Casey and Kathryn.
Although I rate this book only 2-1/2 stars, I would still give Ms. Tizard’s future writing another try.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
November 3, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
There is something about this book which I found enjoyable because I had to finish.
That said, I found the writing to be a bit lacking in that there were many times that I didn't feel any emotion behind the words that the character spoke to one another. Besides the lack of emotion, I did find the story itself to be very interesting which is why I kept coming back until it was finished.
Casey and Kathryn were interesting characters in their own right and the author didn't skimp on the sex so if that's what you look for in a book you won't be disappointed.
A heads up to anyone who does read this book, there is a lot of technical jargon used which does tend to cause the reader to lose interest especially if you are like me and have no interest in planes whatsoever but if you are a plane fanatic then you probably won't be disappointed.
There is something about this book which I found enjoyable because I had to finish.
That said, I found the writing to be a bit lacking in that there were many times that I didn't feel any emotion behind the words that the character spoke to one another. Besides the lack of emotion, I did find the story itself to be very interesting which is why I kept coming back until it was finished.
Casey and Kathryn were interesting characters in their own right and the author didn't skimp on the sex so if that's what you look for in a book you won't be disappointed.
A heads up to anyone who does read this book, there is a lot of technical jargon used which does tend to cause the reader to lose interest especially if you are like me and have no interest in planes whatsoever but if you are a plane fanatic then you probably won't be disappointed.
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