During the Flight

A Small Town Hearts Novel

By: Emma Alcott

Narrated by: Michael Dean

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.

©2020 Emma Alcott (P)2020 Emma Alcott

DTF is definitely a NSFW listen: use headphones :)

During the Flight is one smokin’ hot story. Aptly initialed DTF (not sure if that was coincidental but I'm going with it), there are some crazy good steamy scenes fueled by hate (consensual) between two MCs with explosive chemistry. But amazingly, the author was able to weave a love story in with it, and convincingly develop a romance between two characters that vehemently hated each other at the beginning of the book. It’s a tricky balance and I was initially concerned with how the intimate acts performed with such hatred behind it could be consensual, but the writing was considered and careful and makes it very clear that while Chris was initially the aggressor, Warren was very much on board. It is also communicated clearly between the characters during these encounters that consent is always required and no means no - although there wasn’t any “no” being said here. Warren explicitly consented, in many cases he requested. You have to read the type of relationship Chris and Warren have as a type of kink, and I think it comes across very clearly that way. But if you can’t reconcile yourself with this interpretation, then this book is definitely not for you.

This book is not all about the steamy scenes though. There’s an authentic relationship that develops between the two MCs which is rooted in individual personal growth and acceptance of past wrongs and moving forward in a healthy way. There’s angst as well, but just the right amount, and it drives the plot forward to the inevitable HEA. The side characters are given dimension and the dialogue is funny and snarky at times and at others, poignant and loving. Overall, it’s a remarkable balancing act that the author has achieved here.

Michael Dean provides his exceptional narration to the audio. He is one of my favorite narrators for a number of reasons, but the one that is showcased best here is his how he translates the dynamics and mood of a story into his narrating style. This is an aggressive book in tone and in the steamy scenes. Here, his narration has an aggressive undertone to it that matches and helps drive that feeling through the events of the book and the dialogue. It’s a very active, energetic delivery with punchy words, enthusiasm and emphasis. Add to that his typical on point diction, pacing and intonation and you have a next level audiobook. I highly recommend reading this book, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t listen to it too.

Relationships are funny, y’know.

Not funny “ha ha”, but funny in that they’re often strange, frequently in comprehensible. It was amusing to watch the two major characters compete with each other

I have plug fantasies

Ahh .. enemies to lovers trope which is one of my favorites. And this audio is so good that I couldn’t help listen some parts several times.

To say Warren doesn’t like Chris would be the understatement of the century. But at the same time, he can’t help obsessing and lusting over Warren. They have a long history that dated back to their high school days. And now Chris is back in their little town, single, hot and as assho**ah as ever before. But this time Warren decided to take a chance with this cocky, insufferable man.

Sexy!!! Oh wow .. the sex in here is EVERYTYING! Lots of sizzling, hate/angry sex between two macho men! And I love for it. It started as scratching their itches and dousing the lust but turned out to be so much more. Michael Dean also did a great job narrating the story. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.

4.5 I have plug fantasies stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫




Audio rating

Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Change Flight to Fight

The strong personalities of both Chris and Warren bring strong characters to the table. Fueled by misunderstandings that date back to high school these two seem more likely to straggle each other than anything else. It was fascinating to watch our their feelings evolve and to see the way the energy of anger gets all turned around.

I listened to the audio version and it was well done and very enjoyable.

WOW!

This enemies to less than enemies to hookup enemies to so much more will leave your head spinning.
Chris and Warren grew up together but each has a different version of that reality. When they reconnect as adults forget sparks, inferno's fly!
Michael Dean does a tremendous job of bringing these characters to life. What a pleasure it is to listen to this story.
As things evolve and each adjusts to who the other is now that inferno starts to include some warm and fuzzy feelings.
This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster that will leave you very satisfied. Great addition to the Small Town Hearts series.

Great story

This story had tense moments and sweet scenes with kids involving cookies. The creative way they dealt with misunderstandings from the past made for a good read and listen.

Perfect audio by Michael Dean!

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 🔥🔥 and Michael Dean’s narration for those scenes extra 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.

. A HOT and sexy emotional 😭 listen 🎧
I’m definitely feeling the audio hang over already
🥴🥺🥺

Amazing narration for a seriously steamy romance!

I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book, but Chris and Warren's high-heat enemies-to-lovers romance was so much more than I was expecting: more steamy, more passionate, more intense, and more lovely. I am seriously blown away by how deeply emotional and intoxicating this story was. I couldn't get enough of Chris and Warren, and watching the two of them shift from lusty hate to something more was *everything*. Sure, at first it seemed like the rough, claiming hookups were just a way to get back at each other for past wrongdoings, but little by little a more intimate bond began to form between them. As Chris and Warren discovered more about each others' lives, it became glaringly obvious that Warren's perception of what happened in high school wasn't lining up with reality. As if that weren't enough to soften me up towards Chris, the way he interacted with Jack and how he pulled his family out of a tough situation showed me what a good heart he has. Just when these two had me completely under their spell of sensual pleasure, that heart-wrenching, life-threatening accident happened and I found out the real reason this book is called "During the Flight". Though I had faith that everything would be okay eventually, for a few heart-pounding chapters I was frozen to my seat as everything came crashing down. Michael Dean's narration was spot-on for all the ups and downs in this story, and I loved the choices he made for each character's voice. This is the first book I've listened to in this series, and now I'm really excited to listen to the rest!

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

Her BEST one!!

I seriously laughed so hard I cried!! And then I went and cried from all the feels! And good Lord the sex!! I'm over here fanning myself like a southern Belle it was so hot! Everyone needs to listen to this and just enjoy the heck out of it!

Enemies No More

Warren did not in any way like Chris. Leftover feelings from high school have left him not feeling very amorous towards him and when his best friend Libby ends up bringing Chris as well as Chris's son back into his life, Warren is not pleased to be facing his high school enemy again.

Poor Chris was at a loss with what to do with Warren. But, that quickly leads to passion and passion slowly leads to love.
Its enemies no more for these two characters as they navigate a new relationship as adults and discover new facets to each other and form their own little family.

This is a story filled with passionate scenes, an entertaining child and a snarky best friend.
The narrarion was done well and each character was easily identified.