Bit of an insta love story, kind of predictable and I didn't get the book escape feeling that I love to get. It wasn't a bad story, but I didn't really feel anything for it either!

Airin was free. No sign of her mom or anyone who worked for her mother. She was a few blocks from the hotel but she felt like she was in a different world. Someone bumped into her but a strong hand on her arm helped her recover her footing. She turned and was looking at a tall hot man. Airin wasn’t used to being touched by strangers, except for the medical professionals who’d drawn her blood and changed her IVS and poked and prodded her for so many years. But this was different , there was nothing professional or antiseptic about his man’s touch or the way he was looking at her. His gaze was neither blatant or furtive. This man was intensely alive with an energy that seemed to crackle in the air, He was actually flirting with Airin. The man’s name was Hunter and he was with Caleb- who was having his last night of freedom before marriage- and Stu. So Airin figures this must be a bachelor party. Airin had come out tonight looking to be part of normal life. She decided why not go in the bar and have a drink. She’d only been in bars in hotels and never had an alcoholic drink. It would count as a brand new experience, It was Hunter’s brother -Caleb’s bachelor party. Than the bartender Kaleo asked what Airin wanted and after he described a couple of drinks to her she said a Blue Hawaii. Hunter had offered to get the drinks at the bar so he could see Airin again. Than Airin said she was named after her grandmother who had been a refugee from Iran. Than an older man cut in and said wait a minute, you’re a refugee from Iran. A Muslim. But Hunter inserted himself between Airin and the man. Than the bartender kicked the man out of the bar and Hunter escorted him out. Than Caleb came to the bar and introduced himself and said she’d already met his brother Hunter, than he asked her to join them and Airin said he is making fun of her . caleb said no having a beautiful woman around for a bit will shut Stu up and Hunter had a hero complex and would worry about her and wouldn’t be able to enjoy himself. He had also told her he was getting married the next day. Than Caleb left to go back to the table and Airin said she wasn't even Muslim. But that shouldn’t matter . Should it? Airin had a heart condition and an overprotective mother but she was cured now. Hunter is an astronaut and is to be going on an eight month mission,Airin and Hunter have hot chemistry. Dira is Airin’s mother and is a near genius scientist and owns Del Ares and is trying to be the first on Mars. Once Airin and Ghuinter meet they can’t keep the other out of their heads. Airin is trying to break free of her mother. Airin thinks she will never see Hunter again. Later Airin goes to the same bar and sees Hunter again. They talk once more and she decides to go home with Hunter. . But they get in a car accident and she passes out and has lost her purse so she has no identification and he doesn’t know her last name or anyone to contact for her. So he does take her to his home and opts out of the program to stay with Airin until she recovers. Even though his dream was to go to space and he had vowed never to be on a relationship as going to space would make it basically impossible. After the accident Airin’s mother demands Hunter make a deal with her and than Airin gets a chance to stay in hawaii and take time to decide what she wants to do next without her protective mother Dira over her shoulder.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the information on space flight and NASA. This was a quick romantic read. I liked the pace and plot. I liked Airin and Hunter and how they interacted together. I didn’t like that Hunter made a deal with dura behind Airin’s back she is going to feel betrayed when she finds out. I really liked that Airn wanted to live life to the fullest now she isn’t sick anymore. I loved how both Airin and Hunter wanted to go to Mars. i liked seeing both Airin and Hunters POV. This caught my attention right from the beginning and kept it until the end. I liked Airin spoke her mind. I thought this was a little predictable. At times I didn't like Dira but I understood she was a mother. I didn’t like the insta/ lust, love. I liked the characters and the ins and outs of the book and I recommend it.

It was a nice book. A bit predictable, but it was a quick read. It would be better but if it wasn’t an insta-love story thought.

I got an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Synopsis: Airin is trying to break free of her mother after years of suffering from a heart condition. Her mother has kept her protected and cosseted, so Airin sneaks out of her hotel one night and heads to a bar, just to see what "normal" people experience. Once there, she runs in to Hunter. They talk a little, and she joins the bachelor party that he is hosting for his younger brother. She finds out that Hunter is part of the project that her mother is working on, and believes that she will never see him again.
A couple of nights later, Airin heads to the same bar, and runs in to Hunter again. They talk some more, and Hunter takes Airin home with him. Before they reach it, however, they have an accident, and are taken to the hospital. Airin is unconscious, lost her purse, and Hunter doesn't know her last name or how to contact anyone regarding her well being. As a result, he opts out of the project to stay with her until she knows that she is fine, even though all Hunter has ever wanted to do is to go to space.
Once Airin's mother finds out that she is hurt, she wants to put her back in her bubble. Airin is insistent that she be allowed some freedom, and Hunter volunteers the house that he is now sharing with the backup crew. As Hunter and Airin get to know one another, there feelings grow, but Hunter has vowed to never be in a relationship, as space travel would make it too hard, and Airin has never really been around people her mother didn't control since she was 13.

What I liked: that even though the romance developed relatively fast, in the space of a few weeks, it felt solid. Hunter and Airin listened to, and respected, each other. Even though Airin had never had a chance to do anything, really, Hunter recognized a fellow adventurer, and wanted her to experience everything that she wanted to. Even though Airin was very sheltered, she didn't come across as naive or young for her age. Everybody that she came in contact with in the "outside world" treated her as they would anyone else, which made Airin's transition easier for her. With the exception of one thing, Hunter was very solicitous and supportive of Airin, and she did the same for him.

What I didn't like: I've mentioned before how much I don't like the insta-love trope, and although the writing was solid and the story engaging, I'm taking 1/2 a star off because I didn't completely forget that it <i>was</i> insta-love.

Overall impression: this was my first experience with this author, and it definitely won't be my last. The characters were memorable and interesting, and there were no out-of-character moments for any of them. Hunter was a wonderful H who did everything that he could for Airin, and Airin was strong and loving.
Told in 3rd person POV, alternating between Hunter and Airin.

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars for Show me by Abigail Strom.
Whereas Tell me, blew my socks off when I read it, Show me was a really great and addictive read, but it wasn’t a book that really WOWED me, you know?
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It’s a matter of feelings in my case I guess as to why I give it a 3.5 star rating whereas Tell me got like 5+++ stars. To me, it felt like the romance was a bit superficial and not developed to it’s potential (view spoiler) so that kind of set me off unfortunately. But their was definitely some hot chemistry going on between Hunter and Airin and I did like the moments sparks flew between the two.

I would’ve liked it more if the mother-daughter-relationship with Airin and her mother had been more prominent though, instead of it being pushed to the background in the middle of the book. But at the same time.. it’d probably have stood in the way of Airin’s character development, which is more important in this story, I think -so I kind of have contradictive feelings towards this remark haha

Aside from the mediocre romance; on to the positive things about this book: there definitely was also a lot to really love about this book I think. Both main characters were really intriguing and interesting. I loved how different they are from one another on the surface, but how alike they are beneath it. I love how open and honest Airin is as a character and how she wants to live life to it’s fullest now that she’s able to. I love how real she feels, when she has her moments of doubts and insecurities.

And Hunter was a great counterpart to Airin. He’s this really attractive, charismatic astronaut when we meet him and seriously; what’s not to love about him being a sexy astronaut? Right! But I loved that while reading his POV, I got to know him so much better and I loved finding out he was magnificent from the inside out as well. Sure, he has issues and doesn’t always handle things perfectly but who does right? In his case, regarding romance and opening himself up to other people and sometimes making bad decisions when thinking you’re doing something good for someone. But at the same time, it made him feel very realistic; him wanting to do good for others and at the same time trying to fulfil his own dream. Overall, he was a really lovable character. I loved his ideals about the world and his views on what NASA and other research companies are doing in order to send people to Mars. I loved his dedication towards this goal of helping mankind to explore the universe and Mars in particular, but I loved his dedication towards Airin the most.

I loved reading about NASA, space exploration, research without it being ‘too much information’ that’s being thrown your way. It was perfectly blended into the story and it’s readable to anyone, it’s made recognizable to any reader out there, whether you know things about these subjects already or if you didn’t know anything yet. That’s thanks to the amazing writing skills of Abigail Strom.
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Overall, it’s a fun read that didn’t blow my socks off – but of course, that doesn’t mean that it won’t blow yours off, right? – but that was addictive and unputdownable. Abigail’s writing is great and she made these characters come alive. I loved the NASA, mars and research elements in the story – it always had my interest so that helps as well I think – and the romance was okay. Even though I felt like the romance wasn’t developed to its full potential, I really did like reading the development of it between these characters. I just wish it’d been more present haha. I loved the moments whenever Hunter and Airin gave in to one another – sparks flew off the pages! So yeah; it was a fun read and I’d still recommend it. These are my thoughts on the book of course, so that doesn’t mean you won’t give it a 5-star rating, right? 😉 I definitely want to read more by this author!

Show Me is a brilliant read. Abigail Strom made this such an amazing read. I love the Astronaut aspect because I don't think many have touched on it that isn't sci-fi. Show Me pulled me in and didn't let go. Airin stole my heart. I love how she finally is getting that chance to take her life in her hands. Hunter is amazing. I love that he's the Astronaut going after his dreams. Airin and Hunter have amazing chemistry and I love how he pushes her to realize her dreams can come true. I even love that there's that overbearing mom. This is an amazing read. I can't wait for more from Abigail Strom.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the start, this book had my attention. This book follows Airin, who really is seeing the world with a new and open mind. Having had reasons for being sheltered, she meets Hunter one night and they form an instant connection in the form of a one night no sex included, stand. Thinking about each other but under the notion they will never see each other again, Airin and Hunter run into each other the next day and that's when this story takes an unexpected turn. Unbeknownst to them, their lives are more intertwined than Airin knows, and Hunter takes on a new role in her life.

This book is captivating, with a fresh story line full of wonder, surprises, secrets, longing, and a female lead character who really is as innocent as she seems. While their relationship has many pitfalls, you can't help but root for them as independent people, as a couple, and hope that their goals are attained.

I highly recommend this book, and look forward to more from this author.

Let me start by first saying, this author presents a very well-written story with a lot of interesting facts. You can definitely tell the author did her homework. With that being said, there were some things about this book that bothered me. I did enjoy the two main characters, Airin & Dean. Dean is your typical "heartthrob" and works as an astronaut who is getting ready to head into a training mission for eight months. Unknown to Dean, Airin's mother is a scientist also involved in the training mission and he randomly meets Airin. While they have immediate chemistry and I did enjoy their happy ending. I did feel that Airin was just a little naive and she was very unrealistic at times. Regardless, still a good read.

This was my first book by this author. Really enjoyed it. Will read more

I love the fact that she has a heart problem! I have one also and understand how parents can be. this book is about love and self-discovery and although I understand the reason behind Hunter's deception I wish he hadn't done so

I had a hard time reading this book, it was too much on politics, controversies and religion talk. When I read a book, I just want to escape all that. I feel like enough of that is going on in our world. So I had to DNF this one, as much as I hated to do it.

I do like Daniel's character. Sure he had beliefs, but he wasn't one to judge others for their opinions. He was a very decent, nice guy. I might go back and read this in the future but for now. I'm done.

I really liked this story. Airin had a heart condition that sidelined her life for more than a decade. Her mother was overprotective and after her father died in the war she became even more controlling. Airin was now in her mid 20's and wanted some freedom. She met Hunter at a bar and they immediately hit it off. He was supposed to go into a biodome for 8 months preparing for a trip to Mars. Due to an accident and he didn't want her to be alone, he missed his opportunity to go. When Airin said she was not going home with her mother, her mother pretty much blackmailed Hunter to spy on her daughter for an opportunity to go to Mars 5 years earlier with her company than NASA. Lots of misunderstandings arise due to Hunter feeling guilty about the spying. This as an enjoyable story to read. The science aspect was interesting, the blossoming romance between Hunter and Airin was sweet and the mother finally understanding that her daughter was healthy. Very good reading. I got this book from Netgalley for an honest review. I truly enjoyed this authors way of writing. I will look for more of her books.

This was a different book to what I usually read and I really enjoyed it.It was a fun and romantic and I really liked the characters.A really well-written book I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future.It was both cute and steamy and I enjoyed it

This book contains both cursing and on screen sexual content. If those things will cause you to leave a bad review, you should probably skip this one. This is technically the second book of this beautiful series but you do not have to have read the first to enjoy this one – they both completely stand alone.

The story in this book was so unlike anything I have read in the genre before and although it wasn't something I'd normally seek out, it was an extremely interesting story line. The things that Airin and Hunter did to further their dreams were so interesting and so unusual that I found myself enthralled with the book. Their relationship was also really fun to watch develop, despite the fact that it wasn't an entirely honest one.

I loved Airin's innocence and her way of learning about “real life”. It could have been really ridiculous, but instead it was charming and endearing. I loved that she was a jumble of terrified, fearless, naive, and determined all at once – that made her very real to me. And Hunter's reaction to her “research” was nothing short of swoon-worthy. I adored him from the start, even if I struggled with his lack of truthfulness. The “show me what I missed” scene was absolutely gorgeous, and one of my favorites in the entire book. I also loved that the ending was sweet and hopeful without hyperbole or unlikely futuristic things happening. (being vague so as not to spoil)

Although you don't have to have read the first book, if you have, there is a fabulous cameo by Caleb (and Jane) that will make you smile and want to re-read that one when you're done.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written book about a young woman who is discovering how to live her life, or just a sweet love story between two people who are so perfectly matched for each other, you should read this book.

Less than two weeks into the new year, and I already have a contender for my Best Books of 2018 list! Show Me is a charming, heartwarming, and truly unique story the likes of which I haven’t read in a really, really long time. With an uncommon plot and delightful characters, I could hardly put this book down.

Airin Delaney had grand plans for her future when she was a young girl. But years and years of dealing with a serious heart issue resulted in squashed dreams, and an extremely overprotective mother. Despite the sheltered life she’s lived, she’s intelligent and curious about life. At the age of 24, she’s finally healthy and ready to spread her wings. Her first attempt at doing so lands her in the orbit of Hunter Bryce. Who happens to be an astronaut.

Besides her outward beauty, Hunter is completely enamored by Airin’s guileless charm. Together, they are endearing and sweet. Their conversations are witty and humorous. Airin’s lack of experience with life is amusing to Hunter, and as they spend more time together, Hunter begins to question the beliefs he’s firmly held in regards to his career, relationships, and his life.

Even though I could see the major conflict for this book coming from a mile away, I still loved this book. When things blew up, it was handled rationally and maturely. There was no angst. Just a couple who needed to figure out how to manage the twists and turns life can take you through. And I loved every single page!

*thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Show Me is the second book in the Me series. Show Me is about two very different people with similar interests. Airin has spent most of her life in a bubble to protect her and her health from risk. Hunter is a man that is getting ready to explore the universe. Thinking this might be their only night together, things looked to be heading one way. In this book you see them both grow and develop as the story progresses.

This is not the first book I have read by Abigail Strom, so when I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley, to read and review Show Me, I eagerly accepted. I appreciate the offer, and I’m glad I chose to read this book.

Airin Delaney is at last, ready to take over her life. After battling a heart condition for years, her last surgery was completely successful and her doctor declares her fully recovered. However, her mother is not ready to accept her changed health and tries to remain in control.

Airin sneaks out and goes to a bar where she meets, astronaut, Hunter Bryce and shared an amazing kiss. She is immediately attracted to him, but since he is scheduled to begin an eight-month Mars trial, she knows she will never see him again.

Fate has a way of intervening when an attraction is so strong. Circumstances throw them together again, and she plans to make the most of this second chance. Can she capture his heart, or will her controlling mother destroy what has just begun?

Airin’s character is enchanting. While living a sheltered life since her diagnosis, she is feisty and determined to find her way on her own. I thoroughly enjoyed her growth from such a controlled life-style to one where she can make her own choices.

Hunter’s character is all that I enjoy in a hero. Of course, he yummy and sexy, but he’s also an all-around good guy. He is considerate of Airin’s naivete. His struggle between his desire for her and his life-long commitments is well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed that.

The romance between Airin and Hunter is all that I could hope for in a contemporary romance. The sexual tension is strong from the first page and remains that way until the end.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable read with a great romance and engaging characters, then you will enjoy Show Me as much as I did. I do recommend this stand-alone novel. Happy reading!

The first book in this series really blew me away. It was one of my favorite reads last year so I was really excited to be granted access to an early copy of the book from NetGalley. Unfortunately, Show Me didn't quite hit the mark the way the first book did.

Airin and Hunter are perfectly fine characters with their own hopes and dreams. Airin is a well drawn character whose contentious relationship with her mother was the highlight of the book for me. I love the mother-daughter dynamics. There were times when I really didn't like Airin's mom but at the same time, as a mom, I feel for her and understand where she's coming from.

Hunter is good hero but not as fleshed out as Airin. He's likable enough but he's boring to read. I liked that he's an astronaut, which is quite unique in romancelandia, but I wasn't captivated by his character enough to care.

Aside from the lukewarm characters, I wasn't really thrilled by the insta-love, insta-lust, insta-connection they had. There's nothing wrong with this trope. In fact, lots of people love it. I'm just not one of them.

I did love how science-y this book is. Loved the references to it and how important it is to the characters. Other than that, this was disappointing.

This is just my opinion though. The things in this book that didn't work for me might work for others so don't count this book out yet. Who knows, you might end up liking it.

Fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars…
This was my first Abigail Strom book so I wasn’t sure what was in store for me. Sometimes going in to a book with no expectations can be pleasantly surprising. It was apparent to me that Ms. Strom did her homework. I thought the research about space, astronaut training and life, and Mars was fascinating. And it was evident that she really researched the science of the space program itself- from zero gravity, to funding and beyond.

Aerin Delaney has led a relatively sheltered life. Recovering from chronic heart issues, her childhood was spent mostly in isolation, and immersed in learning. This has made her somewhat socially awkward, and almost a foreigner to typical life.

Hunter Bryce is in Waikiki for his brother’s wedding and then to enter a bubble of sorts- an 8 month astronaut training program to prepare for an eventual flight to Mars.

A chance encounter outside a bar provides the meet-cute for these two. But, although sparks fly between them immediately, anything further is out of the question. Hunter will be out of communication shortly and Aerin will need to return to her placement under her mother’s thumb, and under the watchful eyes of bodyguards.

But fate has something different in store for these two. Hunter’s carefully laid plans are changed in an instant. And Aerin decides to try life outside of her mom’s shadow. The two bond over a love of space and science. But the physical attraction becomes the slowest of burns. What lies in store for these two? A future in the stars?

Ms. Strom does an excellent job of weaving the science into the storyline. Aerin is sweet, unassuming, but incredibly intelligent. Hunter is sexy, loyal and stubborn. They make a great pair. I felt the plot moved a bit too slowly at several points and I was disappointed with the ending. It felt kind of like a letdown after all the pair had endured. I think perhaps the POV made it difficult, at times, to connect with the characters and their emotions. But overall, it was an interesting read.

Dreams and goals, we all have them. What if something got in the way of those? An illness, an accident….falling in love? What would you do then? Show Me by Abigail Strom is a story of all of the above.

Airin (LOVE that name and spelling!!) has a medial past that is is harrowing. I have so much respect for her, learning her battles and how she has overcome them and now watching her be strong emotionally to experience things that we all take for granted each and every day.

“Hunter would never know her secrets, and she would never know his. They would never grow close, never become friends, never —“

Hunter (sexy astronaut? yes please!) is amazing from the get go. He is a gentleman and he is protective. He is sweet and passionate, in all that he does. Hunter has BIG dreams and goals for his career and he is determined to not let anything get in the way of that, maybe…

What the hell was it about this woman that made his willing to fuck up his life? That made him want to do anything — anything — to keep her safe?

These two were amazing on their own, yet together they were so much better. I watched as they fell, resisted, and eventually united. Their lives were so different from one another but so were much the same.

The setting, the story and the things that you will learn while reading this book all combine for a memorable story!