Youngest F-35 Pilot Straps Into the Cockpit...And SHE Finds Love

I had tits in a testosterone world and showing any sign of weakness was not an option.

I have some seriously good things to say about this story and some not so great. It's one of those tales that you could say has me on the fence.

First, the good: we have a totally kick-ass, feisty, strong heroine here. She's a fighter pilot--a good one--and she stands her own against all the guys and earns their respect. She must be bright too, because at just 22 years of age, the Air Force is letting her fly the brand new F35.

The group chatter/ribbing among the pilots is awesome. As a woman in a male-dominated profession, I work with guys like Mojo and the author captured this lifestyle to a T. I laughed and smiled and felt like I was there, among this easy camaraderie. I took a real liking to Ash and Mojo and Stitch.

As an aircraft mechanic who has worked on a variety of planes, I very much appreciate the little details the author put in the story about the faulty environmental systems. There were some instances I found myself nodding my head in agreement over some little technical thing.

However, the story never gets overly technical, just in case anyone doesn't like that stuff. It's "layman" speak, nothing that won't be easily understood. You don't have to be an aircraft mechanic to get it.

I also absolutely love how the heroine gets her call sign. That was probably my favorite part of the story.

What I didn't like was quickly the heroine and the hero sleep together, before 8%, before he even knows her name. And I do realize this was necessary for the rest of the storyline, for the awkward situation between them to exist, but I'd rather it have gone differently. This situation also made me dislike the hero from the very get-go because the heroine was a bit drunk. He should have known better.

I also didn't like the lack of detail about the heroine's flight history. The USAF isn't going to just let a 22 year old go straight from simulator to million-dollar jet. What did she fly before? What was her training like? Pilots must have a college degree. She did four years of college and flight school/private pilot's license by 22? Doable? Yes. But lemme have the data, 'cause I like that stuff and it would help with her background.

And hey--everyone throws up the first time. She can't be that perfect. LOL

It's a good romance if romance is what you're looking for. I just would have preferred she hook up with Ash. LOL But we're left in enough suspense that we begin to doubt that HEA will come. Good job with that! I also appreciated the theme about hurting before healing, especially in regards to the loss of a loved one.

I have a feeling this may be the first in a series.

Def an author to keep an eye on.

I received this via Netgalley.