Afraid to Fly by L.A. Witt
Review by Lauren
source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Once a fearless fighter pilot, Commander Travis Wilson is now confined to a desk. It’s been eight years since the near-fatal crash that grounded him, and it still rules his life thanks to relentless back pain.
Lieutenant Commander Clint Fraser almost drowned in a bottle after a highly classified catastrophe while piloting a drone. His downward spiral cost him his marriage and kids, but he’s sober now and getting his life back on track. He’s traded drones for a desk, and he’s determined to reconcile with his kids and navigate the choppy waters of PTSD.
Clint has been on Travis’s radar ever since he transferred to Anchor Point. When Clint comes out to his colleagues, it’s a disaster, but there’s a silver lining: now that Travis knows Clint is into men, the chemistry between them explodes.
It’s all fun and games until emotions get involved. Clint’s never been in love with a man before. Travis has, and a decade later, that tragic ending still haunts him. Clint needs to coax him past his fear of crashing and burning again, or their love will be grounded before takeoff.
Review: Afraid to Fly is the second book in the Anchor Point series (first book is Just Drive – my review here) and it’s just as enjoyable as the first book. The book switches between the perspectives of Travis Wilson and Clint Fraser, allowing you to get to know both men really well. They have gone through a lot in their pasts, so when they find a mutual attraction, they don’t really put a label on things right away.
Travis has PTSD from a plane crash that almost killed him and another man, while Clint has PTSD from a drone accident he was involved in. Both men were previously married to women and have children. They have a lot in common and once they start opening up to one another, they realize they have finally found someone that can understand them. Neither of them are bothered by the others PTSD- related nightmares, because they both have them. They seem like a good match.
Regardless, it wouldn’t be a romance book without some “drama” if you will. Don’t worry, it’s not drama that makes you want to yell at the characters. It’s all very realistic. Both of these guys have other people in their lives to worry about, and Travis is holding onto a secret that worries him about a future romance.
I loved both of these guys. It was heartbreaking to read about all the things they have had to endure due to the military. While they loved their jobs at the time, and are still in the military during the book, they know that it screwed up their lives in a lot of ways and that’s hard to deal with. L.A. Witt has written another great read and I’m curious to see who she focuses on next in the third Anchor Point series (I assume there will be a third). Oh, and the two main characters from Just Drive make some appearances throughout, which is always fun!
Interested in reading Afraid to Fly? Check it out on Amazon (I’m an associate – I get a small percent for any sale). Want to read Just Drive first? Find it here.
Lovely! I know it will probably break my heart, but that's not going to deter me. I love LA Witt!
I haven't read anything by this author yet but this series sounds good.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Whilst I'm always intrigued by novels featuring characters with PTSD, alas I'm afraid this is the only aspect of the story that jumps out at me.
I am sure it was eye opening and sad to see everything these military men endured.
Sounds like a great but heartbreaking read!
This one sounds so good. I like the fact that it's dual POV (my favorite). It sounds like they are both dealing with so much and could possibly be the perfect support system for one another. Great review, Lauren!
Ooo, I'd not heard of this book or author! I love military romances. That's so interesting that both men were married and had children. I'm not a fan of that type of romance (too much "baggage"). It's good that the drama isn't obnoxious – I hate drama and it often ruins romance novels for me.
I'm glad you enjoyed this book! Great review. Have a wonderful weekend. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Pretty cover! PTSD is always interesting in a romance. I've read one other where they both suffered from it though only he was in the military.
This sounds both interesting and heartwarming, Lauren! And I love a good romance that also includes the military in some ways. The guys sound like they're realistically depicted, which is always a plus 🙂
Great review!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Ahhh… military guys! Now who wouldn't love that? Sounds like the PTSD was handled well in this story.