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Small Town Hearts #3
During the Flight
They say joining the Army changes a man... too bad Chris never got the memo.
Sure, his battle-sculpted body and brooding blue eyes are hotter than asphalt in summer, but he's still every bit the jerk he was before leaving their small town for the military years ago. Pompous. Arrogant. Cocky as hell… and constantly on Warren’s mind.
It should be easy to ignore him. Straight single dads aren't worth pining over, and straight a*holes even less. If only Warren could stop dreaming about the way it would feel if Chris were to grab him by the hair, rake his teeth down his neck, and—well, you get the point.
The problem is, Warren’s fantasies aren’t likely to dry up, because something about Chris did change while he was away… and the glint of desire in his eyes when he argues with Warren now? There’s nothing straight about that.
During the Flight is the hot and hilarious third book in the Small Town Hearts series, but no knowledge of previous books is needed to fall in love with this one.
Sure, his battle-sculpted body and brooding blue eyes are hotter than asphalt in summer, but he's still every bit the jerk he was before leaving their small town for the military years ago. Pompous. Arrogant. Cocky as hell… and constantly on Warren’s mind.
It should be easy to ignore him. Straight single dads aren't worth pining over, and straight a*holes even less. If only Warren could stop dreaming about the way it would feel if Chris were to grab him by the hair, rake his teeth down his neck, and—well, you get the point.
The problem is, Warren’s fantasies aren’t likely to dry up, because something about Chris did change while he was away… and the glint of desire in his eyes when he argues with Warren now? There’s nothing straight about that.
During the Flight is the hot and hilarious third book in the Small Town Hearts series, but no knowledge of previous books is needed to fall in love with this one.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 30, 2020
137 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Emma Alcott
13 books218 followersShould you ever find yourself traveling down the gravel street of a quiet forest community in the Midwest, you may come across Emma Alcott--suburbanite by birth, but small-towner by choice.
Emma loves all things doctors say you should only enjoy in moderation, writing the stories of her heart, and traveling. Once upon a time, she fell in love with a man from another country and moved mountains in order to be with him. They've now been married for half a decade and have far too many fur-children.
Seriously.
Do you want a dog?
To stay up to date with Emma's new releases, follow her on Amazon and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter.
If you love Emma's books, you might also enjoy her work as her alter-ego, Piper Scott!
Emma loves all things doctors say you should only enjoy in moderation, writing the stories of her heart, and traveling. Once upon a time, she fell in love with a man from another country and moved mountains in order to be with him. They've now been married for half a decade and have far too many fur-children.
Seriously.
Do you want a dog?
To stay up to date with Emma's new releases, follow her on Amazon and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter.
If you love Emma's books, you might also enjoy her work as her alter-ego, Piper Scott!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
October 25, 2020
For me, the enemies to lovers is the most difficult trope to buy. So many authors 'manufacture' these relationships which I just can't believe and then the characters magically fall out of hate and into deep and devoted true love... yeah, right.
Emma Alcott breaks through all the barriers with During the Flight. Enriching the plot with some smoking hot angry sex, and embellished with nicely defined D/s roles, the gradual progression of Chris and Warren's attraction for each other really works. Their mutual hatred is honest and true, and the way they fit back into each others lives is believable and works in this storyline.
Between the emotion, the wealth in the variety of the characters, and (most especially) the graphically erotic scenes in During the Flight, I wouldn't have wanted anyone other than Michael Dean to perform this one for me. No narrator on the planet could sell this one as brilliantly.
Be prepared for something different. During the Flight is not your typical romance novel, but damn, it is so worth it!
an audiobook copy of During the Flight was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Emma Alcott breaks through all the barriers with During the Flight. Enriching the plot with some smoking hot angry sex, and embellished with nicely defined D/s roles, the gradual progression of Chris and Warren's attraction for each other really works. Their mutual hatred is honest and true, and the way they fit back into each others lives is believable and works in this storyline.
Between the emotion, the wealth in the variety of the characters, and (most especially) the graphically erotic scenes in During the Flight, I wouldn't have wanted anyone other than Michael Dean to perform this one for me. No narrator on the planet could sell this one as brilliantly.
Be prepared for something different. During the Flight is not your typical romance novel, but damn, it is so worth it!
an audiobook copy of During the Flight was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
October 12, 2020
UPDATE Audio book review: October 11, 2020
Michael Dean did a good job with his narration . His portrayal of 8 years old Jack was spot on as well as his portrayal of quirky , OTT Wren , overwhelm single dad Chris and flighty super aunt Libby.
Enjoyed so much , that read it twice in a row!
Yep, that's right ! As soon as I finish reading During the Flight ; went back, to page 1 and began reading it all over again.
I was/am so enamored and so emotional involved with the lives of Wren and Chris , the heroes, with adorable 8 years old Jack , Libby, Peter and the entire cast of quirky secondary characters. I just couldn't let these wonderful new friends go ; I still can't.
Sweet, heart-touching , romantic, lots of snarky banter, humor , intimate, gut wrenching, dramatic, angsty well describes this story.
As well as , really -and I mean really - fucking hot . I suggest having an ice cold glass of water and your fire extinguisher near by , while reading this book; because HFS this is one steamy, raunchy , sexually explicit and delicious story.
I feel , should mention for those with triggers , During the Flight is a true enemies to lovers ; there are plenty of push/pull and hate-sex scenes To me, it falls into the dominance/submission and very lite rape fantasy kinks . Also, there is one almost fisting scene.
ALL scenes are consensual.
#ReadOn2020 #KU #BooksILove #Amazon #GRR #KindleFire
Michael Dean did a good job with his narration . His portrayal of 8 years old Jack was spot on as well as his portrayal of quirky , OTT Wren , overwhelm single dad Chris and flighty super aunt Libby.
Enjoyed so much , that read it twice in a row!
Yep, that's right ! As soon as I finish reading During the Flight ; went back, to page 1 and began reading it all over again.
I was/am so enamored and so emotional involved with the lives of Wren and Chris , the heroes, with adorable 8 years old Jack , Libby, Peter and the entire cast of quirky secondary characters. I just couldn't let these wonderful new friends go ; I still can't.
Sweet, heart-touching , romantic, lots of snarky banter, humor , intimate, gut wrenching, dramatic, angsty well describes this story.
As well as , really -and I mean really - fucking hot . I suggest having an ice cold glass of water and your fire extinguisher near by , while reading this book; because HFS this is one steamy, raunchy , sexually explicit and delicious story.
I feel , should mention for those with triggers , During the Flight is a true enemies to lovers ; there are plenty of push/pull and hate-sex scenes To me, it falls into the dominance/submission and very lite rape fantasy kinks . Also, there is one almost fisting scene.
ALL scenes are consensual.
#ReadOn2020 #KU #BooksILove #Amazon #GRR #KindleFire
December 27, 2021
*tries to hold back tears* well, that was good. a complete shocker. a grower. i may have underestimated it at first but damn it kinda blew me away. love warren and chris! and this time chris' kid, jack. as for the whole main trilogy still 4 stars because these books got really draggy. you could feel the finality of the mcs' story at some point only to find out you have like a long way to go before the end.
August 6, 2020
Best one in the series
Oh lordy that was fab. A real enemies to lovers romance packed with all the feels and some incendiary moments.
I loved everything about this book, the background to the hatred between Chris and Wren, the friendship between Wren and Liberty, the ridiculously cute Jack.
A wonderful way to wrap up this set of small town lives.
Oh lordy that was fab. A real enemies to lovers romance packed with all the feels and some incendiary moments.
I loved everything about this book, the background to the hatred between Chris and Wren, the friendship between Wren and Liberty, the ridiculously cute Jack.
A wonderful way to wrap up this set of small town lives.
Read
August 3, 2020So I’m not going to rate this book, but I will put my review. Warning is very key to writing books. This one did not come with one. Maybe I should have read more reviews, but I shouldn’t have to do that before a book. That first sex scene almost took me out. Have I read some hard core bdsm and liked it hell yes. But I was warned that it’s in there before hand so I’m ready. This first scene didn’t make me feel well and border line gave me an anxiety attach. I sat there afterwards trying to figure out why I felt this way because I’ve read harder things and realized it’s because I had no warning to ready myself. Thank you other reviews for showing it wasn’t just me. R*pe scenes are not my kink and are triggering for me. And from the reviews this continues through out the book. I don’t know if this is the last book of the series but for the future please warn your audience so we that we can have a choice.
Now you know those sugary sweet books that give folks sugar comas? This is the perfect time for me to read one, because it’s gonna take me a min to regroup.
Now you know those sugary sweet books that give folks sugar comas? This is the perfect time for me to read one, because it’s gonna take me a min to regroup.
December 21, 2021
Story 3.8 Stars
Narrator 3.4 Stars
Warren and Chris have been enemies years ago. They learned to hate each other. And all the hateful things they said and did to each other will make sure that will never change. But then Chris comes back to his hometown divorced with a 8-year old boy in tow. In a small town like this they can't avoid each other and the old hate immediately flares up again. But when a challenge turns into a blow job suddenly something else enters the equation. First it's lust. The surprise that they speak each others language as far as sex is concerned. Exactly meet each others kink. But then how often can you be pleasured by a guy until you ask yourself if this is really still hate?
It's really difficult for me to rate this book. There were moments when I had to squeeze my eyes shut and swith my brain into off-mode for the ludicrous plot. And then there were moments were I felt with the characters as I only do in a book well written and everything just clicked. There is a lot of kinky hate sex that felt inside the range of bdsm. That is something that works for me maybe in 3 out of 10 cases and it did here - most of the time There were one or two moments were it was a bit too much for me but there were also moments when I thought it was hot to read.
This was the first audio book narrated by Iggy Toma that I ever listened too. I heard the audible sample first and thought it was horrible. The narrator was overplaying too much, too quick and I did not like his intonation. I got the book anyway. And there still were several places that were just as horrible but there were also moments when he was good. Very good even. I guess he could be really good if he left out some of the dramatics.
Narrator 3.4 Stars
Warren and Chris have been enemies years ago. They learned to hate each other. And all the hateful things they said and did to each other will make sure that will never change. But then Chris comes back to his hometown divorced with a 8-year old boy in tow. In a small town like this they can't avoid each other and the old hate immediately flares up again. But when a challenge turns into a blow job suddenly something else enters the equation. First it's lust. The surprise that they speak each others language as far as sex is concerned. Exactly meet each others kink. But then how often can you be pleasured by a guy until you ask yourself if this is really still hate?
It's really difficult for me to rate this book. There were moments when I had to squeeze my eyes shut and swith my brain into off-mode for the ludicrous plot. And then there were moments were I felt with the characters as I only do in a book well written and everything just clicked. There is a lot of kinky hate sex that felt inside the range of bdsm. That is something that works for me maybe in 3 out of 10 cases and it did here - most of the time There were one or two moments were it was a bit too much for me but there were also moments when I thought it was hot to read.
This was the first audio book narrated by Iggy Toma that I ever listened too. I heard the audible sample first and thought it was horrible. The narrator was overplaying too much, too quick and I did not like his intonation. I got the book anyway. And there still were several places that were just as horrible but there were also moments when he was good. Very good even. I guess he could be really good if he left out some of the dramatics.
August 9, 2020
I've had quite the luck lately in the last few books I've read, because I absolutely loved this one as well. I will say it is my favorite book in this series so far, I just absolutely adored it.
Warren and Chris knew each other from elementary school all the way through high school. Warren thought he was bullied by Chris - but that he would act like he didn't do anything to get away with it - and the "final straw" for him is when Chris sit next to him in their biology class and gets the same high grade as Warren on their biology final. Chris is known to not take school as seriously as he should, so Warren assumes he cheats by lookin at Warren's test.
But Warren can't fight Chris, who is bigger, and he can't do much because he's more popular, but what he does do is make an urban dictionary entry about Chris being a "doucheweasel" and doesn't expect it to get more than a like or two before it fades into obscurity, but it makes Warren feel better at the time. Only, the entry goes viral, and it's all over, and their whole senior year there's like a cold war between Warren and Chris before they go their separate ways.
12 years later, Warren walks into the house he shares with his BFF Libby, who is the sister of Free, who was with Chris is high school and up until they got divorced recently, and sees a child on his couch that looks like a clone of Chris, whose name is Jack.
Turns out Chris, who went into the army after graduation, is now out and back in his home town, and he needs Libby, Jack's aunt, to look after him sometime while he gets work and then when he has work.
And since Warren lives with Libby, these two can't avoid each other forever. There's bad blood between them, but it definitely more understandable on Chris's side. But Warren didn't hate Chris intentionally, it was more like he always had feelings but didn't know they feelings and though the feeling was hate and so...yeah.
But, because there's that hate, they're able to discover that they both like it...a little rough - or more, a lot rough - during sex, and so starts their "hate" sex with each other.
But it doesn't take long for Warren to start to see that maybe he was wrong about Chris, especially when they finally have it out. Chris, for his part gets to understand why Warren hated him so much when he didn't understand what he did wrong, and gets to understand Warren in the process.
I loved these two together so much. They had scorching chemistry and the sex was, of course, hot AF, but we also saw the sweet moments underneath, until they became more apparent later on as they lost the walls around them.
I just adored this this installment, absolutely loved it. And Jack, Chris's son, was so sweet and adorable. I absolutely loved him and fell for him the way Warren totally did but would not admit for awhile because Jack was Chris's son lol. I loved Libby too, Warren's BFF and Jack's aunt, and all the other cast of characters we got to see.
I highly recommend this. It was my favorite of the series so far and just adored it. Two massive thumbs up from me! I can't wait for more in this series! 😁
Warren and Chris knew each other from elementary school all the way through high school. Warren thought he was bullied by Chris - but that he would act like he didn't do anything to get away with it - and the "final straw" for him is when Chris sit next to him in their biology class and gets the same high grade as Warren on their biology final. Chris is known to not take school as seriously as he should, so Warren assumes he cheats by lookin at Warren's test.
But Warren can't fight Chris, who is bigger, and he can't do much because he's more popular, but what he does do is make an urban dictionary entry about Chris being a "doucheweasel" and doesn't expect it to get more than a like or two before it fades into obscurity, but it makes Warren feel better at the time. Only, the entry goes viral, and it's all over, and their whole senior year there's like a cold war between Warren and Chris before they go their separate ways.
12 years later, Warren walks into the house he shares with his BFF Libby, who is the sister of Free, who was with Chris is high school and up until they got divorced recently, and sees a child on his couch that looks like a clone of Chris, whose name is Jack.
Turns out Chris, who went into the army after graduation, is now out and back in his home town, and he needs Libby, Jack's aunt, to look after him sometime while he gets work and then when he has work.
And since Warren lives with Libby, these two can't avoid each other forever. There's bad blood between them, but it definitely more understandable on Chris's side. But Warren didn't hate Chris intentionally, it was more like he always had feelings but didn't know they feelings and though the feeling was hate and so...yeah.
But, because there's that hate, they're able to discover that they both like it...a little rough - or more, a lot rough - during sex, and so starts their "hate" sex with each other.
But it doesn't take long for Warren to start to see that maybe he was wrong about Chris, especially when they finally have it out. Chris, for his part gets to understand why Warren hated him so much when he didn't understand what he did wrong, and gets to understand Warren in the process.
I loved these two together so much. They had scorching chemistry and the sex was, of course, hot AF, but we also saw the sweet moments underneath, until they became more apparent later on as they lost the walls around them.
I just adored this this installment, absolutely loved it. And Jack, Chris's son, was so sweet and adorable. I absolutely loved him and fell for him the way Warren totally did but would not admit for awhile because Jack was Chris's son lol. I loved Libby too, Warren's BFF and Jack's aunt, and all the other cast of characters we got to see.
I highly recommend this. It was my favorite of the series so far and just adored it. Two massive thumbs up from me! I can't wait for more in this series! 😁
November 23, 2021
OH GOD that was some next level smut there. I couldn't decide if this one was fluffy or heavy to be honest. I loved Chris and Warren.
Although, I kept getting confused between Wren and Jack, like, I imagined Jack when I read Wren and Wren when I read Jack. Which was very weird considering Wren was the boyfriend and Jack was the son. Very bewildering, believe me.
Although, I kept getting confused between Wren and Jack, like, I imagined Jack when I read Wren and Wren when I read Jack. Which was very weird considering Wren was the boyfriend and Jack was the son. Very bewildering, believe me.
August 6, 2020
This is a book of two halves. 60% to the end is the book I was promised by the blurb.
Unfortunately the first 60% needed trigger warnings that weren't provided. This is enemies to lovers which I normally adore but for me the start of the relationship was just too much.
TW: Hate sex, dub con, r*pe fantasy, barebacking without discussion, no aftercare, no safe word/action until 4 or 5 interactions in, fisting.
I wasn't enamored with Warren for quite a while, I found him petty and desperate to hold on to a grudge.
On a positive note, I liked the last 40% and I adored Jack, Chris' son. Not every book child feels real. Jack does.
Unfortunately the first 60% needed trigger warnings that weren't provided. This is enemies to lovers which I normally adore but for me the start of the relationship was just too much.
TW: Hate sex, dub con, r*pe fantasy, barebacking without discussion, no aftercare, no safe word/action until 4 or 5 interactions in, fisting.
I wasn't enamored with Warren for quite a while, I found him petty and desperate to hold on to a grudge.
On a positive note, I liked the last 40% and I adored Jack, Chris' son. Not every book child feels real. Jack does.
July 29, 2022
I tagged this "dnf for turning my stomach," meaning literally: I thought I might lose my breakfast.
The first thing to know is that this book isn't billed as dark romance, rapey-alien-smutfest, or what have you; it's supposed to be a realistic (well, realistic as far as romance novels go) story of a former bully & his former victim. I adore this trope (looking at you, Pansies) and During the Flight is well written, so I was really enjoying myself till I hit the hatesex.
Hatesex is such a bad idea for 99% of writers, because it's almost impossible to make it convincing. "Yeah, yeah, I hate you but you make my dick hard." Surejan.gif -- because one reason it's almost impossible to write credible hatesex is that if you really hate someone, no amount of physiological arousal is going to overrule that hatred, I don't care how big the enemy's biceps are.
Additionally, hatesex is a super lazy way to bring enemies together -- every time I read it, it seems like just the writer's way of avoiding the work of seeing the characters through resolving their issues. God love Greg Ashe, whose Hazard and Somerset series has the protagonists still dealing with the fallout years after they become lovers, and even that only happens several books in.
So when I realized that hatesex was inevitable, I started cringing, because I could see right away that the scene was going to throw me out of a book I was having quite a good time with, and it was an open question whether I'd be able to get back in. And then: glurg. Chris, the ex-bully, says to Wren, the former victim, "Get on your knees, Reaves. You're going to suck my dick for what you said about me."
Ohhhhhkay. It's been established that Wren is conveniently really subby and likes rough sex, so he's turned on because Chris is hot blah blah. Too bad about how actual living subs (unless desperately self-destructive ones?) generally don't get turned on by threats from genuine enemies, too bad if Wren has made several serious efforts to escape at this point. Alcott's handwaving that. Here's the bigger problem: Chris is essentially threatening Wren with rape -- and yes, it's rape even if Wren has a hard-on. Wren even keeps his teeth clenched for a while after Chris forces him to his knees. Is your stomach roiling yet? How would you feel if you were reading this and the character of Wren was female?
I kept reading, hoping something would happen in the next few paragraphs to redeem the characterizations, but no, suddenly Wren opens his mouth and since we were hitting every cliche in the hatesex book at this point, to say nothing of the bonus rapeyness, I checked out.
Apparently it needs saying that physiological arousal is not the same thing as consent. One reason this trope infuriates me so much is it's often used against real-life rape victims: the body can respond even when the spirit is very much not willing and the person is making that clear in so many words.
I love a dubcon stroke book, like Daniel May's Cleanfreak, which for my money is the gold medalist in this category: the narrative makes no excuses for Isaac (Isaac makes excuses for himself, of course), he's a psychopath, end of story. But this ain't that; this is just rape culture masquerading as heartwarming romance. It's rape culture because it's masquerading as a heartwarming romance, and I say the hell with it.
The first thing to know is that this book isn't billed as dark romance, rapey-alien-smutfest, or what have you; it's supposed to be a realistic (well, realistic as far as romance novels go) story of a former bully & his former victim. I adore this trope (looking at you, Pansies) and During the Flight is well written, so I was really enjoying myself till I hit the hatesex.
Hatesex is such a bad idea for 99% of writers, because it's almost impossible to make it convincing. "Yeah, yeah, I hate you but you make my dick hard." Surejan.gif -- because one reason it's almost impossible to write credible hatesex is that if you really hate someone, no amount of physiological arousal is going to overrule that hatred, I don't care how big the enemy's biceps are.
Additionally, hatesex is a super lazy way to bring enemies together -- every time I read it, it seems like just the writer's way of avoiding the work of seeing the characters through resolving their issues. God love Greg Ashe, whose Hazard and Somerset series has the protagonists still dealing with the fallout years after they become lovers, and even that only happens several books in.
So when I realized that hatesex was inevitable, I started cringing, because I could see right away that the scene was going to throw me out of a book I was having quite a good time with, and it was an open question whether I'd be able to get back in. And then: glurg. Chris, the ex-bully, says to Wren, the former victim, "Get on your knees, Reaves. You're going to suck my dick for what you said about me."
Ohhhhhkay. It's been established that Wren is conveniently really subby and likes rough sex, so he's turned on because Chris is hot blah blah. Too bad about how actual living subs (unless desperately self-destructive ones?) generally don't get turned on by threats from genuine enemies, too bad if Wren has made several serious efforts to escape at this point. Alcott's handwaving that. Here's the bigger problem: Chris is essentially threatening Wren with rape -- and yes, it's rape even if Wren has a hard-on. Wren even keeps his teeth clenched for a while after Chris forces him to his knees. Is your stomach roiling yet? How would you feel if you were reading this and the character of Wren was female?
I kept reading, hoping something would happen in the next few paragraphs to redeem the characterizations, but no, suddenly Wren opens his mouth and since we were hitting every cliche in the hatesex book at this point, to say nothing of the bonus rapeyness, I checked out.
Apparently it needs saying that physiological arousal is not the same thing as consent. One reason this trope infuriates me so much is it's often used against real-life rape victims: the body can respond even when the spirit is very much not willing and the person is making that clear in so many words.
I love a dubcon stroke book, like Daniel May's Cleanfreak, which for my money is the gold medalist in this category: the narrative makes no excuses for Isaac (Isaac makes excuses for himself, of course), he's a psychopath, end of story. But this ain't that; this is just rape culture masquerading as heartwarming romance. It's rape culture because it's masquerading as a heartwarming romance, and I say the hell with it.
August 1, 2020
3.5 stars. Alcott has definitely hit her stride in her contemporary writing. This one was amazingly written, extremely funny, and had a whole cast of characters that I adored (seriously, I love Libby so much). It was definitely an extremely true enemies to lovers; and even when they were a-loving, it was pretty hate-filled (consensually though). It’s incredibly hot and steamy, while also having some scenes that pack a definite emotional punch. I didn’t necessarily find the romance all that believable though. They definitely had the chemistry, and when they came together it was explosive, but aside from that I didn’t really see why they fell for each other. It still worked for me though, and I’m a little sad it’s the last in this series
March 15, 2023
4.5
Questo libro mi ha sorpreso. Divertenti i botta e risposta tra i protagonisti, hot per buona parte della lettura per finire poi in dolcezza.
Questo libro mi ha sorpreso. Divertenti i botta e risposta tra i protagonisti, hot per buona parte della lettura per finire poi in dolcezza.
April 18, 2023
Tre stelline e mezzo.
October 13, 2020
I read this book and couldn’t finish it. This was my first ever hate sex read and I found it to be too rough and harsh, so I put it down. I hadn’t realized this was the same book until I reached the same scene in the audio version, but it’s Michael Dean narrating, so I dealt with it. Once the first few scenes were over I really started loving the story, falling hard for Jack, and I ended up listening to the entire thing today. Will I listen again? For sure. I’ll just fast forward those scenes. I’m so glad I gave this another shot, even if by accident!!
July 27, 2020
Warren hated Chris, it was more obsessed hate for him. They had 'history' at school and Warren hate hate hate Chris. Period. On the day he put #doucheweasel on the internet to described Chris, it's a forever and ever hate. Or so he thought.
Until twelve years later when Chris was finally back to the little town with an eight year old son, and divorced, Warren started to questioning his hate for Chris.
Of course he still hate Chris, pfftt!
During the flight is an enemy to lovers with a steamy hate sex, like, a lot of hate sex and hate messages to each other.
But there's Jack, a cookie lover that like it or not, made Warren slowly falling in love with that boy.
Jack is adorable, I liked it how Emma Alcott described Jack. He's so a kind of kid I wanted to be mine.
Warren and Chris cannot denied their attraction to each other, it was lust but then after the flight that gambled with their life and future, they realized that all this time, it was a denial all along.
I really liked this story, though there was one scene that cringed me (their sex life is not my style, lol), this was enjoyable. I also liked Chris's ex-sister in law, Libby, she's hilarious.
This was a fun read, low angst, and helluva lots of hot hate angry sex between Warren and Chris.
Looking forward to read the next one in the series, or more :)
November 7, 2020
4.5*! Hot and funny! Very enjoyable
November 17, 2020
This was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me. I loved the first two in the series and figured I’d get more of the same – a fairly low-angst romance between sweet guys in a small town. And that is what I got. Eventually.
Warren and Chris were kind of enemies in high school and those feelings of animosity have not changed when they meet again years later. They try to avoid each other but that is made particularly difficult when Chris’s son, Jack, involves himself to try to find a friend for his dad (Jack really is the sweetist kid ever).
So of course they end up having sex. Of the angry kind, naturally, since they do still hate each other. And this is where things went really downhill for me. I don’t mind angry sex. I have no problem with rough sex, and I am completely on board with one partner dominating the other as long as everything is consentual. But it was all wrong here. This was just one of those times when you know these two guys should not be having sex with each other at this point in time. And most certainly not like this.
We had been in Warren’s head and knew he was attracted to Chris, but there had been no indication that Chris had any interest in Warren besides hating him. So the sex was not a dominant guy putting his partner on his knees because he knows his partner likes it and he cares about his pleasure. This was all “I’m gonna f... show you”. It almost felt like Chris was using Warren’s preference to be submissive during sex against him. It was just so wrong and left me extremely uncomfortable about the whole thing.
Their next physical encounter was only moderately better.
After that, their relationship thankfully started to evolve towards being an actual relationship and I could start enjoying the story again.
I have now spent several lines on this particular part of the story, but it really did not take up much of the book. It might not even bother you, so don’t let it keep you from giving this book a try. Me, I had to put it aside for three days after that first scene, but once I picked it up again, it just kept flowing the way it was supposed to; Warren and Chris got closer, and not just physically, the other characters in the book were totally awesome and I found myself laughing out loud several times.
And is it just me, or is Michael Dean getting better and better?
Warren and Chris were kind of enemies in high school and those feelings of animosity have not changed when they meet again years later. They try to avoid each other but that is made particularly difficult when Chris’s son, Jack, involves himself to try to find a friend for his dad (Jack really is the sweetist kid ever).
So of course they end up having sex. Of the angry kind, naturally, since they do still hate each other. And this is where things went really downhill for me. I don’t mind angry sex. I have no problem with rough sex, and I am completely on board with one partner dominating the other as long as everything is consentual. But it was all wrong here. This was just one of those times when you know these two guys should not be having sex with each other at this point in time. And most certainly not like this.
We had been in Warren’s head and knew he was attracted to Chris, but there had been no indication that Chris had any interest in Warren besides hating him. So the sex was not a dominant guy putting his partner on his knees because he knows his partner likes it and he cares about his pleasure. This was all “I’m gonna f... show you”. It almost felt like Chris was using Warren’s preference to be submissive during sex against him. It was just so wrong and left me extremely uncomfortable about the whole thing.
Their next physical encounter was only moderately better.
After that, their relationship thankfully started to evolve towards being an actual relationship and I could start enjoying the story again.
I have now spent several lines on this particular part of the story, but it really did not take up much of the book. It might not even bother you, so don’t let it keep you from giving this book a try. Me, I had to put it aside for three days after that first scene, but once I picked it up again, it just kept flowing the way it was supposed to; Warren and Chris got closer, and not just physically, the other characters in the book were totally awesome and I found myself laughing out loud several times.
And is it just me, or is Michael Dean getting better and better?
August 6, 2020
Amazon
Neither Warren nor Chris has ever gotten over their dislike of each other, that significant time in high school when one (both) treated the other horribly. Fast forward years later and Warren and his best friend, Libby, share a home. Unfortunately (fortunately), Libby's former brother in law just happens to be Chris, and she shares a nephew with Chris. Now that said nephew and Chris are back in town, she's agreed to babysit her nephew, Jack, she just has to make sure Warren and Chris never cross paths in hers and Warren's home. Yeah sure...
But when the two do see each other again for the first time in years, let's just say the meeting is explosive - filled with the pent up aggression and hate formed over decades. The way that meeting ends? Whew! Now the two will have to decide how to channel all that chemistry - in the same manner of their reunion? Or will the hate fucking flip to lovemaking?
The chemistry between these two is positively smokin. That being said, I can't say I was all that comfortable with how negatively the two interacted with each other for most of the story. I do think they always had strong feelings for each other, I just wish they had turned more positive sooner rather than later. I like the story, though, and the secondary characters and am looking forward to more of this series.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
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November 7, 2020
Ce troisième opus peut bien évidemment se lire indépendamment des deux autres, puisque ces trois romans ont seulement en commun, deux trentenaires qui se sont connus adolescents et qui se retrouvent dans leur petite ville traditionnelle de l’Amérique profonde. Cette histoire se démarque vraiment des deux autres pour une bonne raison : Chris et Warren se haïssaient… une escalade de malentendus (et de bêtise profonde !) et ils sont toujours la bête noire l’un de l’autre. Warren, pilote ambulancier a désormais une vie de gay assumée qui multiplie les mauvais plans d’un soir, alors que Chris, ex-militaire, père d’un petit garçon est revenu pour commencer une nouvelle vie d’opérateur radio à la police municipale.
Ce roman est nettement plus drôle que les précédents, car les deux hommes, pourtant intelligents, redeviennent des fous furieux dès qu’ils sont en présence l’un de l’autre. Bien évidemment, les hurlements vont se transformer en tension sexuelle. On ajoute un gosse craquant, un copain blagueur et une ex-belle sœur new age folle dingue et on a une histoire, là encore d’une simplicité confondante. Plus hot que les deux précédents (les deux hommes aiment le sexe pimenté par une violence contrôlée). Une fois encore, on sent bien que l’autrice souhaite réconcilier les deux Amérique. Le seul rebondissement entraînera une vraie émotion qui sonne très juste.
Et puis, comme pour les deux autres romans, si l’histoire paraît très simple… même du déjà vu, il y a toujours un petit moment original, une scène qui fait la différence… et qui fait aussi qu’on s’attache profondément aux personnages. Une autrice qui pour moi a confirmé… et que je vais suivre !
Ce roman est nettement plus drôle que les précédents, car les deux hommes, pourtant intelligents, redeviennent des fous furieux dès qu’ils sont en présence l’un de l’autre. Bien évidemment, les hurlements vont se transformer en tension sexuelle. On ajoute un gosse craquant, un copain blagueur et une ex-belle sœur new age folle dingue et on a une histoire, là encore d’une simplicité confondante. Plus hot que les deux précédents (les deux hommes aiment le sexe pimenté par une violence contrôlée). Une fois encore, on sent bien que l’autrice souhaite réconcilier les deux Amérique. Le seul rebondissement entraînera une vraie émotion qui sonne très juste.
Et puis, comme pour les deux autres romans, si l’histoire paraît très simple… même du déjà vu, il y a toujours un petit moment original, une scène qui fait la différence… et qui fait aussi qu’on s’attache profondément aux personnages. Une autrice qui pour moi a confirmé… et que je vais suivre !
July 24, 2020
There is a lot of angry, forceful but consensual hate filled sex in this book so be aware if that is not to your liking.
Chris and Warren truly despise each other over incidents that occurred many years prior in school and when they cross paths again, those emotions still run high but it doesn’t stop Warren having lustful thoughts about Chris.
It did take me some time to warm to Chris as I found his treatment of Warren after the first few sexual encounters very dismissive but that was my issue, and certainly not Warrens. Their chemistry together is beyond doubt and in the high heat range. I love the connection that Chris has with his young son Jack and how that shows a completely different side to Chris.
There’s some wonderful side characters that added to the story and kept things interesting and be prepared for lots of feels when Warren’s paramedic training is put to the test.
Overall this did challenge me in the beginning but I’m glad I continued on to see how Chris and Warren got their HEA.
August 26, 2020
Packed full of laughs, love, and serious hate sex, I really liked this book. I thought the chemistry between Chris and Wren was off the chart, and Liberty was just a hoot.
One thing I really enjoyed was how we got to see things in the past from both Chris and Wren and how perspective changes everything.
There are also moments which nearly broke my heart, but were so worth it.
One thing I really enjoyed was how we got to see things in the past from both Chris and Wren and how perspective changes everything.
There are also moments which nearly broke my heart, but were so worth it.
August 9, 2020
Whoa...
Have to admit, this wasn’t my favorite of the series. However, it was still good. I think what threw me was the first sexual scene—a little too insta and what-the-what-what 😳 for me. But the more I got to know the characters, the more the book fit them.
Have to admit, this wasn’t my favorite of the series. However, it was still good. I think what threw me was the first sexual scene—a little too insta and what-the-what-what 😳 for me. But the more I got to know the characters, the more the book fit them.
August 24, 2020
I love this series
This was super funny, pretty filthy, kinda sweet, and kinda emotional. It's enemies to lovers, featuring a hot single dad, a guy who hated him in school, and his zany roommate. I enjoyed this in many ways. So hot. Oh and I laughed AND cried.
This was super funny, pretty filthy, kinda sweet, and kinda emotional. It's enemies to lovers, featuring a hot single dad, a guy who hated him in school, and his zany roommate. I enjoyed this in many ways. So hot. Oh and I laughed AND cried.
July 24, 2020
They grew up together but were definitely NOT friends, quite the opposite.
This book will take you on a VERY emotional journey. My stomach dropped like I was on a roller coaster 🎢 many times. Warren is very prickly 🌵and will not make things easy on Chris. Chris is equally hostile.
Hate sex at its finest ensues. Super HOT 🔥🔥
Then some unexpected things happen and their relationship really changes.
The secondary characters really shine in this book too. Including, Chris’s child (mini-weasel) Jack.
I loved Liberty as well. Free not so much, for reasons.
Just when you think you know how this story will shake out, things go topsy-turvy.
This book was very unexpected and I loved every moment. A HOT and sexy emotional read.
I’m definitely feeling the book hang over already
🥴🥺🥺
This book will take you on a VERY emotional journey. My stomach dropped like I was on a roller coaster 🎢 many times. Warren is very prickly 🌵and will not make things easy on Chris. Chris is equally hostile.
Hate sex at its finest ensues. Super HOT 🔥🔥
Then some unexpected things happen and their relationship really changes.
The secondary characters really shine in this book too. Including, Chris’s child (mini-weasel) Jack.
I loved Liberty as well. Free not so much, for reasons.
Just when you think you know how this story will shake out, things go topsy-turvy.
This book was very unexpected and I loved every moment. A HOT and sexy emotional read.
I’m definitely feeling the book hang over already
🥴🥺🥺
July 30, 2020
Sooo hot and it was a believable enemies to lovers story! This is now one of my favorites this year!
February 29, 2024
È stata una serie tanto divertente e magnifica.
Mi è piaciuta tantissimo!! 💖💖💖💖💖
Mi è piaciuta tantissimo!! 💖💖💖💖💖
October 14, 2020
Wow this book packed a powerful punch and I am here for it!
This is a enemies to lovers and then some, Warren and Chris hate each other due to things that went down in high school, however that doesn’t stop them from embarking on a high powered, intense relationship which is scorching hot. There’s forced used but it’s completely consensual, Emma Alcott writes the intensity brilliantly and I was totally swept up with seeing how’s things we’re going to develop.
This books is an emotional roller coaster ride which you won’t want to get off.
This is a enemies to lovers and then some, Warren and Chris hate each other due to things that went down in high school, however that doesn’t stop them from embarking on a high powered, intense relationship which is scorching hot. There’s forced used but it’s completely consensual, Emma Alcott writes the intensity brilliantly and I was totally swept up with seeing how’s things we’re going to develop.
This books is an emotional roller coaster ride which you won’t want to get off.
August 2, 2020
Almost DNF
The first 55% of this book was hard to read. There’s no indication in the blurb about dubcon, but that’s what the interactions between Chris and Warren turned out to be. The hate s*x was uncomfortable to read. Their first intimate moment felt like reading a ra*e scene. It was awful. The last 25% of the book was the story I was expecting, but it wasn’t enough to save the book. I finished, but it’s super disappointing. Love Piper/Emma so much, but this book is a hard nope from me.
The first 55% of this book was hard to read. There’s no indication in the blurb about dubcon, but that’s what the interactions between Chris and Warren turned out to be. The hate s*x was uncomfortable to read. Their first intimate moment felt like reading a ra*e scene. It was awful. The last 25% of the book was the story I was expecting, but it wasn’t enough to save the book. I finished, but it’s super disappointing. Love Piper/Emma so much, but this book is a hard nope from me.
August 16, 2021
DNF at 24% major content warning issues.
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