1.5 Stars

I really enjoyed Just Drive. Sean's and Paul's story grabbed me right from the beginning. So when I saw Afraid To Fly pop up on NetGalley! I jumped right on it! Unfortunately I wish I could say that I loved this book and connected to this book as I did the first one in this series. But, I can't. This book was so different from the first one. Night and day from the first book.

I had a really hard time connecting with these main characters. There was a lot going on. Travis's chronic back pain and Clint night terrors and their PTSD. I felt over shadowed the whole story. I mean even Travis's daughter had PTSD! It was just too much.

Every time the were together Travis's pain was always there. I mean... I understand he has pain and he has limitations. But there was never any balance. I was starting to feel sick to my stomach with all the pain he was feeling. I mean there's only so much TENS & Motrin one person can take.

Then we have the no need drama at the 87% mark.Travis doing what he did. Why? It just felt like it was thrown in there just because.

I'm sorry... but this book wasn't for me. It took me days to read this book. I kept putting it down. So different from the first book. I couldn't put that book down!

Hopefully the next book in this series is much better for me.

Commander Travis Wilson, United States Navy, was once a fighter pilot, until an accident on the flight deck of a carrier left him behind a desk and guilt ridden over the outcome of the final flight that ended the career of a good friend. But Wilson did not walk away unscathed, either. Along with his guilt, his spine was severely damaged, leaving him with bouts of mind-numbing pain.

Lt. Commander Clint Fraser use to remotely pilot drones in the Middle East. The incident that took him away from that part of his Navy career was classified more than top secret, meaning Clint cannot discuss the incident and its aftermath, even with Navy psychiatrists. The fallout wrecked his marriage and left him nearly an alcoholic and suffering PTSD for being the cause of a horrible mistake.

When the two meet at a Navy celebration, they are each with other people and convinced the other is out of reach. In the post DADT Navy, you can be gay, but cutting in on another officer’s territory is still a no-fly zone. After a few silly misunderstandings, the pair begin a relationship that is meant to be fun, casual, and a distraction for the things that live in both their minds. But love grows in even the driest desert. These men must negotiate their own guilt, their own fear of bringing another man into their past mistakes, and the deep emotional bond they clearly feeling for one another.

This is the second book in the Anchor Point series, but you need not have read the first to enjoy this story. Nick J. Russo returns to narrate Afraid to Fly, and his performance is just as wonderful as in Just Drive. The characters here are fully fleshed out by his expert voice acting. Both male and female voices are done with care, and each character has their own consistent voice.

This book is a great buy, and the series has the promise to continue for some time. We can only hope that Russo returns each time there’s a new story to tell. Buy this book, buy book one (if you haven’t already), and be prepared for a treat. While the characters are not perfect, their obstacles are not impossible to overcome. Russo tells us this in moments of tenderness, anger, and pure joy. You will be glad you entered this world with these men, and you will be glad that this voice is the one picked for the narration; they are perfectly paired.

Audio Reviewed by Mike

Reviews posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and V's Reads: https://vsreads.com/2017/02/22/living-past-being-afraid-to-fly-a-review/

Commander Travis Wilson pilots a desk instead of fighter jets, ever since the crash and ejection that rattled his spine and left his radio-operator confined to a wheelchair. It was excellent skill that kept them both alive, but Travis’ back and nerve damage takes a constant toll–one he doesn’t want to medicate, or he’ll be relieved of duty. Let’s not forget that Trav’s a proud man, too, and unwilling to relent his position or admit he should be on disability. He’s bisexual, but more attracted to men, than women–and the only person he ever loved was a fellow pilot who couldn’t out himself before he was tragically killed.

Lt. Commander Clint Fraser is rebuilding his life after suffering PTSD over a drone mission gone wrong. Unable to speak about the super-classified mission, he treated his nightmares with liquor until his wife left, and too the kids with her. Clint hasn’t had a drink in two years, but his “coming out” at the Navy Ball is all kinds of messed up when Clint’s date shows up roaring drunk. The up-side? Travis Wilson noticed that Clint’s bisexual.

Travis and Clint work in the same building, but aren’t in the same chain of command. When they recognize that spark building between them, they keep it mostly quiet, so they can see if it builds or fizzles. Trav’s sure it’ll fizzle, as he’s not fit for the kind of sexual activity most gay men enjoy. Clint’s not put-off though, because he likes the rapport they build, and he’s not picky regarding his sexual activity; if everyone is satisfied, it’s fine to keep it a little less physically-challenging.

I liked how Travis’ adult daughter plays a role in the book. She’s got PTSD from being a family member of an actively deployed airman, and I thought that was a unique perspective to experience. Clint’s family situation is a messed up, with Skype visits and supervised visitation, and that seemed excessive. I was glad that Clint started to stand up for himself by the end of the book. Travis and Clint claim to want to keep things light, but they keep reaching out for one another, emotionally and physically. I liked the way their relationship built. The sexytimes are nice and sensual, even if they aren’t filthy-raw, and the accommodations they make to keep Travis from experiencing heightened pain were clearly defined. It felt very realistic, and sweet. The deeper their bond grows, the more Travis begins to freak out. It was good he got some sense smacked into him by his daughter, friends and Clint–who isn’t willing to take a brush-off. The end is an HEA.

I enjoyed this a hell of a lot more than Just Drive.

I really liked the pairing of Clint and Travis, and liked that there was a character that had a bad back, and how that was portrayed in a relationship (it happens in real life too!). I read a review saying that because of that it wasn't sexy, but it's a romance, it doesn't have to be sexy. I think that's the difference between a gay man reading a gay romance, and a woman reading m'/m romance. I enjoy sex in romance, but I'm not gonna be cut up if there's no anal in it because a character has a medical issue.

I'd like to see more of this pair, and glad to see Sean and Paul from Just Drive's wedding!

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.............. (1 John 4:18)

I really, really enjoyed this because it is a story of how perfect love drives fear away.

I read the first book in this series and felt that it was so-so but this was totally different and I am so pleased that I didn't give up on this series.

In this story we have two middle aged men who are both dealing with life and brokenness. Painful pasts, traumatic experiences and ongoing health challenges have marred the lives of both men. When Travis and Curtis first meet they are attracted to each other but Curtis has a boyfriend and Travis doesn't appear to be gay. In one evening they each realise that Travis is gay, Curtis is bi and the so called boyfriend is a non-starter. They are both single, the attraction is live and the pieces fall into place very quickly. Curtis quickly dusts his drunken ex off his shoulders and both men are good to go.

They tentatively reach out to each other and bang! We have lift off!

Or do we?

In strides fear and there are lots of issues. There are the physical injuries and pain. There are traumatic events and ongoing PTSD. There are painful relationships from the past which have echoes in the present. Both men have children and Curtis doesn't get to see his often and then there is the issue of disclosure.

Each man fears that if he reveals his pain and fears, if he reveals his weaknesses and trauma, that the other man will then head for the hills and disappear. But courage comes in and slowly they take steps to reveal who they are and support each other.

I loved this because it is just so real and also beautifully moving. It is a story about a journey towards love and life, and how love can overcome hurdles and difficulties but only if we have the courage to allow this.

A perfect love can overcome fear and Travis and Curtis come to understand this.

I loved the way each man allowed himself to be vulnerable to the other and the way they gave each other support and courage and care. I also liked the fact that they weren't perfect. They were bruised and battered but still hopeful. It is refreshing to read a story with older men and real life problems.

This was also a real step up from the last story which felt the same as every other romance. This felt different, so much deeper and a story that quietly grabbed me, held my attention and took me in a journey through a difficult terrain and eventually I sailed into a safe harbour and exhaled.

It is a beautiful story and one that will stay with me.

Many thanks to Riptide Publishing for letting me have this book via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the second book in this series though it is a complete stand alone. I loved it just as much as I did the first. It focused so much more on a relationships emotional connection rather than a sexual one. That was such a beautiful and unique angle. The non sex made their romance stand out from a lot of books I had read lately. Though they did have some pretty hot encounters that will certainly bring up anyones temperature it was not the focus of their relationship. PTSD is a huge topic in this book, and I thought the way it was laid out was well done.

Travis is a strong man who we read a tiny bit about in the previous book. Clint is broken and just beginning to function again. Their relationship heals new and old wounds, but can it conquer fears and an uncertain future? This beautiful and emotional book is the perfect comfort read. I highly recommend it

Afraid to Fly is the second book in the Anchor Point series by author L.A. Witt. I really think this book is a stand alone. You can read this if you have not read the first book and not be lost.
Travis has had a crash that has left him with debilitating back pain. He is stuck at a desk job now. He does not want anyone to know the extent of his pain. I loved how Ms. Witt handled this. Coming from a person with chronic pain I could really super relate to this character. I really felt connected to him and his struggles with it.
Clint has PSTD. He takes a date to the Navy Ball in hopes of making his coming out easier. Who knew his date would turn out to be a lush who embarrasses not only himself but Clint too… Well Clint got to really think about his life and if he wanted that kind of person in his life. I like that he decided he was worth more. He comes back to the ball even after that which to me shows guts. I liked this character's charm and back bone a lot.
Over all really great story about two broken men who fit together. Maybe not perfectly at first but enough that they each can help the other with their flaws and love them anyways. I love the emotion, and connection in this book, and I cannot wait for more from this series in the future.

Five Shooting Stars

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.

Source: Advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Clint and Travis have each been through a lot. Both are struggling. Struggling through each day to make it to the next. When each finds out the other bi-sexual their appreciation for the other turns into something more. But neither really thinks the relationship can be more than sex given their respective issues.

What Afraid to Fly really comes down to is two messed up guys who struggle a little less together, but who are afraid to make the leap, and end up getting in their own way. This one has a lot of angst and feels y'all, so read at your own risk. If you dig the angsty feels, you will love Clint and Travis.

I have become a fan of this author. The books are well written. It is about really life struggles. You will not be able to put the book down. You have to find out what happens next.

Afraid to Fly is the second book in L.A. Witt’s Anchor Point series and I loved this intelligent, emotional and sexy story of two older Navy officers finding each other and love despite the baggage and pitfalls between them. This wasn’t an easy romance, both men had ex-wives, children, PTSD, and seemingly impossible issues to deal with on their own and when you put them together it is multiplies, but they also give to each other something no one has been able to and that is a feeling of safety and security neither one has experienced in quite some time.
That look across the room when you realize that the man you’ve noticed for the last several months is gay or at the very least bi-sexual, and the excitement that builds even though he’s with someone else, that sets the tone of this book and it was very clear in that moment that Commander Travis Wilson was extremely excited to find out that Lt. Commander Clint Fraser likes men. The same could be said when through conversation during the evening Clint realizes that Travis is not the heterosexual man he thought him to be. I love that these two men had been secretly checking one another out since Clint transferred to the Anchor Point base, but watching them fall for one another was even more entertaining.
Let’s just be honest, these two went from zero to sixty and it was fueled by attraction and lust at first, but as they began to open up about their issues, what they saw as their failures, about their insecurities they forged a pretty strong bond. It was not easy between them for the majority of this book, they both had too much baggage for either one of them to believe they could be happy or let someone in to their lives again, but to those around them and to the reader it was easy to see that in each other they found someone they could absolutely be themselves with which of course scared the crap out of both of them.
What I loved is that their emotions and fears were real, that events from their past had made them wary, and that they were very flawed in their thinking because of it. I will say that on Travis’ side there was a bit more angst than I normally like and while it may have been warranted, it also made me a bit crazy that neither he nor his good friends or his daughter had seen that he really needed some counseling to move past it, but that is my one complaint about this book.
I’ve always appreciated that L.A. Witt writes characters that feel real and she absolutely succeeded with the two men in Afraid to Fly then she added in an intricate plot and intelligent dialog and turned out one amazing romance.

As much as I loved the first book in the series and will reread it, Afraid to Fly left me feeling as though there was too much missing.

Again we have two 1st person points of view and I kept having to remember who’s POV the particular chapter was in. I was popped out of the story several times because of that.

One thing I do love about these books is what feels like reality of the lives of two men who have been in the Navy for a long time, for whom it is their life, and yet who also have lived through DADT as well as all the other insidiousness from a military organization and yet are finally able to be out.

However, unlike with the first book where I felt after the first half that the characters got more involved outside their relationship, this book kept to the same issues all the way through. Travis felt Clint would walk away at some point due to his pain and Clint was afraid due to his PTSD and his recent issues that any false move on his part and his kids would be taken away forever. While both worries were valid, I did become tired of having them hit over my head constantly. I would have liked to see more of their world that had nothing to do with their relationship. I like to feel as though I’m living the life along with the characters, and if everything is colored by their relationship, I don’t feel as though I’m seeing them in their life. But as more of a cutout of their life. As such, I feel like I’m watching a very narrow view and can’t get emotionally involved.

So the book has a solid 3 stars.

**Please Note this review will be cross posted at my blog Bayou Book Junkie

Travis and Clint are both very damaged. After a near miss while flying a plane Travis was left with both physical and emotional scars. He suffers from chronic back pain, as well as PTSD. Clint also suffers with PTSD, after a terrible catastrophe while flying a Drone. They have been crushing on the other, but both men assumed the other was straight. At the yearly Navy Ball they discover that isn't completely true, but are they too damaged to make something work?


This was a hard read. Not because it wasn't a good book, but because I ached throughout for the constant pain Travis was in. My heart broke for him. He carried so much physical and emotional pain, along with so much guilt. It was soul crushing at times to watch him suffer. I absolutely LOVED Clint. I loved that even though he was emotionally damaged he was so compassionate and caring of Travis' emotional state as well as careful and understanding of his physical limitations. I loved the support they offered one another. Because they dealt with similar afflictions, they understood each other better than anyone else could.

This was a well-written story that flowed well, and kept me turning the pages. It was an enjoyable read, filled with heartache and pain, but also sweetness, understanding, friendship and love. Very recommendable!

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.*

1...2...3...
*rips off band-aid*
I didn't like this book.
I simply can't believe I'm saying this about an L.A. Witt book but...there it is.

I'm not sure what bothered me most but I was bothered nearly the entire time.
I LOVED the first book in this series and didn't recognize this as it's sequel.
It was looooong, repetitive and dragged.
Not only was the dialogue constantly echoing but the content spun in circles too.
It felt at least 100 pages too long and even then, it still wouldn't have matched the greatness of the first book.

Which leads me to...what happened with the editing?! The pace was off...quick start, draggy middle and the ending felt chopped.
I'm really shocked that this was the final product.
I pray this isn't a first Witt book for anyone, it's such a far cry from her capabilities.

Putting those disappointments aside...the sexuality part of this story drove me nutty.
Bisexuality was treated like a split personality.
I didn't like how it was handled. At All.
And this was the bulk of the story. Well, the disabilities both men suffer from was the other 40%. But between the sexuality frustration and their health problems...I couldn't find the romance or the relationship. The sex was subdued but that wasn't a problem for me. I enjoy reading YA and don't need slapping skin in my romance stories but I DO want romance. I missed the romance here.

And since I'm laying it all out there...the back injury was poorly done in my opinion.
I am no expert but unfortunately I am acutely aware about back injuries (we even have an inversion table in my house) and I thought it was askew in many aspects.

Another thing that rubbed me wrong was Kimber's PTSD. Was it really necessary to classify it as PTSD? It seemed more like a form of anxiety disorder and labeling it PTSD felt out of place.

The four bisexual men in this story were all married and had children before identifying with their attraction to the same sex? Whaat!?!?

Travis near the end? *headdesk* The drama was unnecessary. There was enough by this point.

Seriously, I could go on and on...but I've said enough.
I believe I was just so disappointed and bored...that I picked at it. Like a depressing meal at your favorite restaurant. *sigh*

I need one of those coveted memory erasers. Since that's not an option, I'm going to quickly leave this one behind me and move on.
It will be better next time. I must be positive that this was a one time fluke.
Still love Witt though...just not this story.

Afraid to fly is another winner from L A Witt
This story involves two senior naval officers both with their own demons. Travis was a naval pilot involved in crash whilst trying to land his plane on an aircraft carrier which has left him with crippling back pain and PTSD. Clint was a drone pilot and after a disastrous mission he was involved in, was left with severe PTSD which left him an alcoholic and broke up his marriage of 16 years.
Both now working from behind a desk they see each other by sight regularly as they work on the same corridor although in different departments. Each of them has a 'crush' on the other, travis had not realised Clint was gay until he turned up at a naval dinner with his partner. To cut a (wonderful) story short they get together and boy do they!!
This is a great tale of the developing relationship between the two and how they each support each other through their problems. The condition of PTSD is accurately and extremely well described especially the mention of how just the smallest trigger can cause so much turmoil and suffering for that person.
I also enjoyed the previous book Just Drive very much and it was lovely to catch up with Sean and Paul again.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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!

I really liked the first book in this series. Just Drive was the perfect introduction to Anchor Point. I was hoping that the second book would be just as strong and Afraid to Fly did not disappoint.

Readers met Travis in Just Drive. He was and still is Paul's best friend, which is great because readers also got to check in on Paul and Sean. ;) Paul returned the favor of being Travis' sounding board and boy did he have his work cut out for him. The cards were stacked against Travis and Clint. Travis put up his own walls because of a tragic relationship in his past. Clint couldn't afford to give his ex-wife any more reasons to keep him away from his kids. He was also shouldering a lot of unnecessary guilt because he was ordered not to talk to anyone about the events that led to his PTSD. Once again L.A. Witt made the impossible probable. She really made these two work for it though.

I'm really enjoying seeing how these couples face what they've been through head-on. They make mistakes and come close to losing even more than they've already lost. They're men who put their life on the line and are used to having each others' back, but find it hard to depend on anyone or show any weakness. I can't wait to see what's next in Anchor Point.

I very happily devoured the first book in the Anchor Point series and of course I just had to have the next one. So here it is Afraid to Fly. I read it and, well, I was a tad disappointed in it. Now don't get me wrong, it was a good book. I'm a fan of the author and have several of her books under my belt. I have fairly high expectations now, and I just can't help but feel for me, it missed the mark by that much *pinches fingers closely* Here's why.

You have two men who have issues. Clint has PTSD, a classified mission, which has caused his marriage to fail and now he can't see his kids. Travis is a former pilot who survived a near-fatal crash but at the price of his back being messed up and in constant pain. Both have physical as well as emotional baggage that, while it's okay for them to have physical fun, said emotional baggage keeps getting in the way. The story is about how they get around the physical issues, deal with the emotional issues, and slide into HFN-land. Everything works, the story has a nice fluidity to it as well as several secondary characters both new and old to the series that add a nice flavor. I really enjoyed how Travis and Clint manage to work things out between them as well as deal their personal issues. What kind of killed the buzz for me was their issues, or more importantly, how often it was mentioned thorough the book. I get it. They have problems. It just felt their issues just took over too much of the story and ended up being more of a distraction for me than it should have.

When it comes to the sex, set you expectations low. If you are like me and want your M/M romance hot, spicy and need a change of panties, it ain't going to happen here. As it is mentioned over and over (and over!), Travis has a bad back from an injury. Don't expect any wild monkey sex because of that bad back, he can't do any hot bump and grind. Not to say there isn't any action, plenty of stroking and oral to be had, just no bow-chica-wow-wow romps.

So now that I've read several books by L.A. Witt, it's fairly safe to say she is one of my top ten M/M romance writers. Great characters, great story, great sex have me stalking this author in anticipation of her next release. Though I wasn't as thrilled with Afraid to Fly as I was by some of her other titles, it still made for a good read. If you're looking for a tamer versus of her outstanding stories, this is the book to read.

reviewed by Jac

3.5, rounding up, but it's likely higher for most other readers. The first of this series was really great and I've been looking forward to more stories, but this one was a harder read for me. Travis's battle with constant pain hit a little too close to home, though, thankfully, my challenges are not the equal of his -- but it made it really hard to sink into the story. L. A. Witt is a fabulous contemporary writer who writes very real characters that are emotionally complex and mature. Even when Travis does something utterly stupid, it's still believable. And Clint's reaction was a welcome change from the angry acting out he could have responded with. I recommend not only this book, but this series wholeheartedly.