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Flying First
Flying First
Chloe is down on her luck when she takes an assistant job for Monroe. She’s been dreaming of her new boss for months but only getting icy stares in return. When tensions rise, Chloe is ready to walk out, but Monroe pulls her back in with a promised work trip to India for the two of them. When things go horribly wrong somewhere over the Atlantic will their attraction get the better of them or will the stress finally tear them apart?
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2020
65 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Bexley
10 books415 followersLucy Bexley grew up in Michigan. Her favorite lake is Erie and her favorite Dunes are Sleeping Bear. She started reading romance novels in 2019 and hasn’t been able to put them down since. She fell in love with stories featuring queer women getting their happily ever afters. Lucy lives in Boston with her partner, dog, two cats, and eleven bookcases. She’s a fan of terrible jokes, seltzer, MarioKart, and silence.
www.lucybexley.com
www.lucybexley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 23, 2020
Its cute
I assume this is a play of the Devil Wears, at least that how it came off to me. Though not a huge fan of that fanfiction I did enjoy this short story. Of course because of its length you are not going to get full descriptions or growth or anything like that but despite that I enjoyed the journey. I wanted more, a longer story, more drawn out drama and angst, the whole nine yards which means to me this is a good read. I look forward to more from this writer in the future.
I assume this is a play of the Devil Wears, at least that how it came off to me. Though not a huge fan of that fanfiction I did enjoy this short story. Of course because of its length you are not going to get full descriptions or growth or anything like that but despite that I enjoyed the journey. I wanted more, a longer story, more drawn out drama and angst, the whole nine yards which means to me this is a good read. I look forward to more from this writer in the future.
August 14, 2020
This was actually pretty good but it was way too short - all of 34 pages, so says Kindle. Lots of potential to expand on the storyline but alas... just wishful thinking at my end on that expanded storyline
September 7, 2020
2.5 stars - short story with promise
It has the bones to be an interesting story but for me it doesn’t quite work as-is. I don’t really have a good idea of the relationship between the ice queen and her asst beyond the broad strokes of the trope. Since I have no emotional investment in their relationship I don’t really care what happens. Yes, I know it’s a short story but still.
The asst seems to flip flop between lust and anger. I found it annoying. And ye old miscommunication chestnut rears it’s grizzled head.
I think there is a good story in here, it just needs work.
It has the bones to be an interesting story but for me it doesn’t quite work as-is. I don’t really have a good idea of the relationship between the ice queen and her asst beyond the broad strokes of the trope. Since I have no emotional investment in their relationship I don’t really care what happens. Yes, I know it’s a short story but still.
The asst seems to flip flop between lust and anger. I found it annoying. And ye old miscommunication chestnut rears it’s grizzled head.
I think there is a good story in here, it just needs work.
May 2, 2020
A wonderfully written short story with two likeable characters, even though one is a bit of an ice-queen, lol. Monroe is the first ice-queen I've liked! Can't wait for Lucy's next story!
April 3, 2020
Grabbed a copy of this as soon as it came out and I wasn't disappointed! I read this short novella in one swoop while my coffee went cold beside me and I loved it. Bexley has a knack for dialogue and characterisation that hooks you in and makes you laugh out loud. Funny, clever and sexy all in one, this is definitely worth a read. I only wish it has been longer!
July 31, 2022
This is a very, very short read but very interesting at the same time. It was my first time reading something that short and definitely I'm not sure I enjoy them as much as a book because for obvious reasons you don't develop the characters or the story although it was enjoyable.
So, this story follows: Chloe , an executive assistant for Monroe; there's a lot of tension between them and they explore the possibilities ahead of them.
So, this story follows: Chloe , an executive assistant for Monroe; there's a lot of tension between them and they explore the possibilities ahead of them.
May 1, 2020
Great first story
I hope we see more of Monroe and Chloe. They have a nice power dynamic going on. I look forward to more from this author.
I hope we see more of Monroe and Chloe. They have a nice power dynamic going on. I look forward to more from this author.
February 24, 2021
There were some very promising elements in this FF contemporary romance but I think the choice to make it a short story ultimately did it a disservice. When reading a workplace romance, I need to see both characters deal with the power imbalance—and in a timely manner. That was not the case here and things went a predictable route as a result. More than that, I wasn’t clear on what Chloe saw in Monroe, her ice queen boss. She is attracted to Monroe but hates her. And Monroe really does seem like an awful boss. I was basically picturing Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada so I didn’t buy that a) a business trip to India would be enough to make her un-quit or b) that she’d let her lust override her hate when there’s an “only one bed” situation. Monroe never explains why she treated Chloe the way she did either.
The other piece I struggled with is the external conflict of their plane needing to make an emergency landing because someone on board has tested positive for the virus. (The author’s note makes it clear this isn’t COVID but it is something contagious.) I had a lot of questions: how was this person allowed on the plane to begin with and once in the air, how did anyone know they’d tested positive?? It’s not clear what’s happened or why but the passengers do need to remove their clothing to…be decontaminated? It’s not clear. And for unknown reasons, Monroe and Chloe undress in the same room. Now look, there is no way in hell I would undress in front of my boss that I hate/lust over and especially not with some sort of conversation beforehand, e.g. if this is the only room, then we’ll undress with our backs to one another. I just kept picturing this happening with a male boss and getting creeped out. It’s not more justifiable in an FF romance! Chloe and Monroe don’t know they’re in a romance when this is happening. It’s a huge violation of privacy for both women. But whatever, I rolled with it. I was basically pretending Chloe was having a sex dream about her boss at this point and it was pure fantasy. However, after they sleep together, they get into a fight the next day because Chloe jumps to conclusions and runs off to the airport. And I was pure confusion because I thought the whole point of them getting off the plane, decontaminating their clothes, and going to an inn for an unknown amount of time was because they needed to quarantine. So now she’s just breaking protocol completely because she can’t handle having an adult conversation? No thank you. Also I didn’t like that Monroe said Chloe was “way too smart” to be an assistant, as if being an assistant doesn’t require intellect. I was rather insulted.
Despite all this, Bexley shows promise as a writer and I’ll certainly try something else from her. I really believed the chemistry between these two women and there were some clever lines and great snark.
CW: fear of flying, virus (not COVID but someone on the plane has it; main characters are tested and declared asymptomatic)
The other piece I struggled with is the external conflict of their plane needing to make an emergency landing because someone on board has tested positive for the virus. (The author’s note makes it clear this isn’t COVID but it is something contagious.) I had a lot of questions: how was this person allowed on the plane to begin with and once in the air, how did anyone know they’d tested positive?? It’s not clear what’s happened or why but the passengers do need to remove their clothing to…be decontaminated? It’s not clear. And for unknown reasons, Monroe and Chloe undress in the same room. Now look, there is no way in hell I would undress in front of my boss that I hate/lust over and especially not with some sort of conversation beforehand, e.g. if this is the only room, then we’ll undress with our backs to one another. I just kept picturing this happening with a male boss and getting creeped out. It’s not more justifiable in an FF romance! Chloe and Monroe don’t know they’re in a romance when this is happening. It’s a huge violation of privacy for both women. But whatever, I rolled with it. I was basically pretending Chloe was having a sex dream about her boss at this point and it was pure fantasy. However, after they sleep together, they get into a fight the next day because Chloe jumps to conclusions and runs off to the airport. And I was pure confusion because I thought the whole point of them getting off the plane, decontaminating their clothes, and going to an inn for an unknown amount of time was because they needed to quarantine. So now she’s just breaking protocol completely because she can’t handle having an adult conversation? No thank you. Also I didn’t like that Monroe said Chloe was “way too smart” to be an assistant, as if being an assistant doesn’t require intellect. I was rather insulted.
Despite all this, Bexley shows promise as a writer and I’ll certainly try something else from her. I really believed the chemistry between these two women and there were some clever lines and great snark.
CW: fear of flying, virus (not COVID but someone on the plane has it; main characters are tested and declared asymptomatic)
June 4, 2022
A lot of what I'd like to say about this story has been said in other reader reviews I saw after finishing. There's a good story idea in here somewhere, but the execution was lacking. I knew next to nothing about the characters and what made them tick. Chloe is Monroe's assistant. But Chloe continues to say she should be more than an assistant, but never elaborates on what they means. Did she have a better job before? What was it? What is she good at? Monroe treats Chloe like crap and Chloe hates Monroe for it. But they both secretly have desires for each other? I've read enemies-to-lovers before. This isn't that.
There wasn't enough meat to the characters and even less to the plot. I don't want to get too far into the strange handling of a major new virus that was both serious enough to ground a plane and take everyone's belongings while also allowing them to go to lodgings with no other information, assistance, or monitoring. This is a pre-COVID story in a post-2020 world, but it's still weirdly handled.
There are little nuggets of good writing throughout the story. I feel like the hype I see around Bexley's other work will get me to reading it. I've even bought a few of her books recently before reading this. I'm hoping some more experience writing will have helped some of those nuggets I read grow to their full potential.
There wasn't enough meat to the characters and even less to the plot. I don't want to get too far into the strange handling of a major new virus that was both serious enough to ground a plane and take everyone's belongings while also allowing them to go to lodgings with no other information, assistance, or monitoring. This is a pre-COVID story in a post-2020 world, but it's still weirdly handled.
There are little nuggets of good writing throughout the story. I feel like the hype I see around Bexley's other work will get me to reading it. I've even bought a few of her books recently before reading this. I'm hoping some more experience writing will have helped some of those nuggets I read grow to their full potential.
January 4, 2023
Flying First by Lucy Bexley This book is a longer story than book 2. The characters of Chloe and Monroe now have some flesh but not completely. The book is humorous. There is a bit of angst. I like these 2 and I love what I see in their relationship. It's fun. I would give this 4 stars. It is short only 36 pages. If you read enjoy
July 14, 2021
Short and sweet. Just what I needed. I’d love to see these characters again though!
September 3, 2020
Short and to the point. Could have been longer but very enjoyable.
March 26, 2021
This was a mess
This was a glorious mess. I loved it. Had me smiling and laughing. It was so light and lighthearted.
Definitely will read again. HEA
This was a glorious mess. I loved it. Had me smiling and laughing. It was so light and lighthearted.
Definitely will read again. HEA
December 28, 2020
I decided to read everything from Lucy Bexley and I'm very glad I did.
April 11, 2020
This short story is a delight to read. You really get a good sense of the characters backstory without being force fed, saying that I would have loved it to be a novel. There is a great sense of humour behind the the mask of professionalism for Chloe regarding the undeniable attraction to her boss. This story is fun and sexy, and coincidentally timely with what the world is united over right now. Can’t wait for more writing from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2020
Short, fun & sexy!
Lucy Bexley brings humour, sass and sexy together with both characters in this short story.
I always enjoy strong female characters and the author does not disappoint.
I look forward to seeing more from Lucy in the future.
Lucy Bexley brings humour, sass and sexy together with both characters in this short story.
I always enjoy strong female characters and the author does not disappoint.
I look forward to seeing more from Lucy in the future.
Read
February 1, 2021We’re not quite sure why this one has been published. Don’t get us wrong, it is not entirely bad but it strictly belongs to one of the amateur fiction sites. As an amateur, first attempt, this would be one of the better attempts but as a published novelette it fails.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
May 4, 2020
Chloe hasn't been enjoying working for Monroe as her assistant. It's demeaning and a step down from her previous career, and her new boss is a pain in the arse.
On the brink of storming out, she is bribed to stay with the promise of a business trip in first class to India. Sitting beside her ice-queen boss, who looks like a supermodel, on a fifteen hour flight from Boston is far from appealing.
Except it is. There's something about Monroe, despite her terrible attitude, that Chloe is magnetically drawn too.
The tension between the two builds slowly, with expertly seeded hints of their hidden desires, and the reader is asking themselves from the first pages if it will explode into passion.
Does it all come to a head when there's a problem on the flight?
You'll have to read it to find out but I'm pretty sure you'll be satisfied with the outcome. I know I was. There are .
I loved the book and will definitely read more from this author. :)
On the brink of storming out, she is bribed to stay with the promise of a business trip in first class to India. Sitting beside her ice-queen boss, who looks like a supermodel, on a fifteen hour flight from Boston is far from appealing.
Except it is. There's something about Monroe, despite her terrible attitude, that Chloe is magnetically drawn too.
The tension between the two builds slowly, with expertly seeded hints of their hidden desires, and the reader is asking themselves from the first pages if it will explode into passion.
Does it all come to a head when there's a problem on the flight?
You'll have to read it to find out but I'm pretty sure you'll be satisfied with the outcome. I know I was. There are .
I loved the book and will definitely read more from this author. :)
March 14, 2021
Ice Queen
The boss (Ice Queen-Monroe) and her secretary (Chloe). Chloe, fed up with being treated with no respect she told her boss she quit. Monroe was quick to ask her to come on a business trip with her. Chloe agreed as long as they flew first class. Monroe said done.
Monroe was petrified of flying. Chloe was trying to be cold like she had been treated by Monroe, but seeing Monroe's fear was genuine, she saw a crack in her ice demeanor. Chloe didn't want to appear vulnerable. She tried to keep up her cool facade afraid to open.that window more than a crack. Monroe had Xanax and Chloe told her.to take it. Problem was their flight had to make an emergency landing. Monroe under the influence of her sedative could not be woken.
The series of events that follow are a mix of humor, angst and something else.
It was a quick read with only two characters. The author did a good job playing them off of each other.
The story was enjoyable.
The boss (Ice Queen-Monroe) and her secretary (Chloe). Chloe, fed up with being treated with no respect she told her boss she quit. Monroe was quick to ask her to come on a business trip with her. Chloe agreed as long as they flew first class. Monroe said done.
Monroe was petrified of flying. Chloe was trying to be cold like she had been treated by Monroe, but seeing Monroe's fear was genuine, she saw a crack in her ice demeanor. Chloe didn't want to appear vulnerable. She tried to keep up her cool facade afraid to open.that window more than a crack. Monroe had Xanax and Chloe told her.to take it. Problem was their flight had to make an emergency landing. Monroe under the influence of her sedative could not be woken.
The series of events that follow are a mix of humor, angst and something else.
It was a quick read with only two characters. The author did a good job playing them off of each other.
The story was enjoyable.
September 4, 2020
When Chloe, stuck in a go-nowhere assistant’s job with a fussy, slightly provocative boss, decides she’s had enough, Monroe convinces her not to leave by offering her a company trip to India.
As much as Chloe finds Monroe completely maddening, the idea of spending several hours in the air, sitting right next to her, is very appealing. But, when a virus hits the flight and the plane is diverted, will Chloe and Monroe survive, and will their nervous energy bring them together?
Whip-smart dialogue and a crackling dynamic between the main characters. I loved it.
“‘Is that what you’re wearing?’
I liked her so much better when she was silently glaring at me like a beautiful pi**ed-off statue.”
Chapter Two, Flying First by Lucy Bexley
As much as Chloe finds Monroe completely maddening, the idea of spending several hours in the air, sitting right next to her, is very appealing. But, when a virus hits the flight and the plane is diverted, will Chloe and Monroe survive, and will their nervous energy bring them together?
Whip-smart dialogue and a crackling dynamic between the main characters. I loved it.
“‘Is that what you’re wearing?’
I liked her so much better when she was silently glaring at me like a beautiful pi**ed-off statue.”
Chapter Two, Flying First by Lucy Bexley
May 17, 2020
Amazing
The dedication page "anyone who is funnier online than in person" had me grinning from ear to ear and it only got better from there. I'm pretty sure I read this without blinking for fear that I'd miss a quick witted barb or retort. The MCs chemistry was palpable. The could be bickering, staring at each other in silence, or clinging together in sex and you could feel the passion leaping off the page. It was all insanely well written.
The dedication page "anyone who is funnier online than in person" had me grinning from ear to ear and it only got better from there. I'm pretty sure I read this without blinking for fear that I'd miss a quick witted barb or retort. The MCs chemistry was palpable. The could be bickering, staring at each other in silence, or clinging together in sex and you could feel the passion leaping off the page. It was all insanely well written.
April 26, 2020
The odd couple
Talk about the odd couple. The main characters and really the only characters were at both ends of the spectrum. They really were funny in their interactions with each other and their love scene was very erotic. Apparently ms. Monroe was quite impressed by the love making. Overall a very well written story.
Talk about the odd couple. The main characters and really the only characters were at both ends of the spectrum. They really were funny in their interactions with each other and their love scene was very erotic. Apparently ms. Monroe was quite impressed by the love making. Overall a very well written story.
May 23, 2021
Good short story
Too short! Wanted more. Even though it was short, it still had 2 great characters, angst, passion, steamy. I went on to read the 2nd book, “First Day” and have to say I was still left wanting more. The 2nd is a continuation of the 1st and could potentially be a really great romance novel.
Too short! Wanted more. Even though it was short, it still had 2 great characters, angst, passion, steamy. I went on to read the 2nd book, “First Day” and have to say I was still left wanting more. The 2nd is a continuation of the 1st and could potentially be a really great romance novel.
April 27, 2020
So freaking cute
In the midst of everything going on right now, this is exactly the kind of short story everyone needs to read. It’s so freaking cute. Trust me when I say it’ll make you smile.
In the midst of everything going on right now, this is exactly the kind of short story everyone needs to read. It’s so freaking cute. Trust me when I say it’ll make you smile.
May 5, 2020
Sexy, fun novella.
We've all had a boss where our biggest desire, was to tell them to "f*** off". But what if they so incredibly hot your body betrayed your head?
The sex is hot, the temperature is not but will it end happily? This is worth your time.
We've all had a boss where our biggest desire, was to tell them to "f*** off". But what if they so incredibly hot your body betrayed your head?
The sex is hot, the temperature is not but will it end happily? This is worth your time.
May 8, 2020
This was OK for a short. There were a couple of typos, but not a big deal. The story was cute in a plot what plot kind of way. If you are after a very quick read to make you smile, this will do the job.
May 10, 2020
Good Start
I did like this story...enough that I wanted it to be longer and more fleshed out. I wanted more! So I'll be watching for more (and hopefully longer) stories by this author. Good job!
I did like this story...enough that I wanted it to be longer and more fleshed out. I wanted more! So I'll be watching for more (and hopefully longer) stories by this author. Good job!
June 24, 2020
Beautiful to the point story
A beautiful story about two people who want to be with each other and wait the correct moment of time, during difficult circumstances to admit their feelings and their love to each other. Easy to read book and enjoyable.
A beautiful story about two people who want to be with each other and wait the correct moment of time, during difficult circumstances to admit their feelings and their love to each other. Easy to read book and enjoyable.
August 29, 2020
Short and sweet
This was an enjoyable novella, a sweet romance with some nicely added heat. It was well written and I liked the dynamic between the two women. Look forward to more from this author.
This was an enjoyable novella, a sweet romance with some nicely added heat. It was well written and I liked the dynamic between the two women. Look forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews