Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Samantha Young for the advance reading of Fight or Flight, for an honest review.

There’s a flight home to Boston. One upgrade to business seat left, Ava, a young, successful, beautiful woman, loses it to handsome businessman, Caleb Scott. Not too nice words are exchanged. Oh yes, instant hate-ons, but can anyone resist a gorgeous Jamiesque Highland accent? Um, no.

A crazy, sexy one night stand starts the universe throwing them together at every turn of the earth’s axis. The two agree to be friendefits. As their arrangement moves forward full force, they share a super-hot passion. Super. Hot. Lots. Then, one of them wants more. Love. Uh-oh.

The story building and characters grew on me. I loved Ava - beautiful, successful Ava with her dispirited past. Guarded hot Scot Business Bad Boy Caleb’s intensity. You know he’s hiding a hurt, but I found his character was just too hurtful for the intimacy they share.

Still, I really liked the book and I would highly recommend it.

Fight or Flight is an absolutely perfect title for this book. First, because of how Ava and Caleb met, and second, because just about every character in this book struggles with fight or flight for much of or at some point in the story.

I really enjoyed this book a lot, which I am more than happy about considering I’m not overly familiar with Samantha Young. It immediately hooked me from their first meeting, and I ate it up until about 40%, at which point it kind of snoozed a bit. The intensity that I had been enjoying just seemed to dull, but it did pick back up in a big way. And maybe that was the point – to lull me into a false sense of security so it would hurt more? If so, mission accomplished.

I couldn’t believe that I went from sort of dull interest to damn-near-tears, and how quickly. There was a lot of conflict in this book, and it all kind of culminates in this unexpected storm of emotions. I wouldn’t say that a lot of books bring out emotions in me, but this one did and I was totally caught off guard. Because it definitely didn’t strike me as a book that would, so my guard was down.

Overall, I think this book is really well done. It wasn’t a literary masterpiece or anything, but it’s not trying to be, and it’s really great for what it is. I loved Ava and Caleb more than I expected to, the story got to me more than I expected it to, and I think many will enjoy it.

P.S. As I currently write this review, I don't see anywhere that a second book or series are in order. I hope she decides to write another book about Jamie and Harper. Dear Samantha Young, did you get that?

4.5/5 stars

I am not really a fan of alpha males. However, this story was really good. It dealt with some really difficult subjects. But it was also sexy, funny and totally enjoyable!

Fight or Flight is a contemporary romance. The narrator of this book is Ava (30 years old). She works in Boston as a designer at Stella Larson Designs (an interior design company).

The book begins with Ava flying home from a funeral. At the airport she comes across a man named Caleb. I honestly really did not like Caleb at first. He was rude and arrogant. And these types of characters usually drive me crazy. But I guess he sort of grew on me.

In contrast I did love Ava right from the start. And her best friend was amazing. I also really enjoyed Ava's backstory. It was extremely interesting, especially everything about her parents and her friends Nick and Gemma. I also loved Ava's job and her boss.

This book was very sexy, yet not that sexy. There was a lot of romance. Yet there were also a lot of fade to black and less detailed scenes (which I actually prefer).

This book was much more substantial than I was expecting. But it was also fun and funny and extremely enjoyable. I really liked this book!

“The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort…” It keeps placing her in the direct path of a gorgeous Scottish curmudgeon. From high stress moments at the airport, to an extended argument on their flights, to a one-night stand, followed by an almost immediate run in back home in Boston. There’s humor but also a whole lot of intense angst which made this title hard to put down. Two damaged souls need to figure out how to let down their snarky guard and let the other in. This one could potentially require a hanky.

I liked this book well enough, but felt a little betrayed by the summary I read beforehand. I thought it would be a little more light, It ended up being a little darker than I expected.

"Being underappreciated is like being a ghost. They know once upon a time you were there, that you made a mark, but they already topped caring before you even said good-bye."

"You win when you realize that anyone can hurt you, even those you never expect it from. Once you know that...you'll never be knocked off your feet long enough to lose."

"It hit me like a hammer to my chest. I loved him. His pain was my pain. I was in love with him."

Ahhhh!!! I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. This book was so incredibly good. So unexpected, a total gem of a read. This story is everything that you could want, need and ache for in an enemies to lovers romance. 

When I first picked up this book, I just knew this was going to be a good read. I am sucker for the rude, frustratingly blunt hero and Caleb does not disappoint. Add in his sexy good looks and accent and he is trouble with a capital T! And Ava...she's got some baggage, but she's worked hard to get where she is and she dishes it out and can certainly take it. So, when these two strangers who can't stand each other are stuck on a plane together, the banter between them is just off the charts. The tension is so intense, so strong. You can feel it just oozing off the pages. You just know if these two got together that they would just be explosive. So from forced interactions and chance meetings, fate sure seems to be telling these two something. And while Caleb and Ava can't stand one another, that doesn't mean that they can't have sex right?! We all know this isn't going to end well. Soon enough, lines will be blurred and feelings will come into play. But, that doesn't stop me from hanging on to each word, living each moment and anticipating just how Caleb and Ava's story will play out....What I can tell you is to just sit back, relax and enjoy this crazy ride.....

Fight or Flight is brilliantly written and is a story that is just going to knock you off of your feet. It grabs you from the very first page and keeps you wanting more. From broken and frustrating characters to steamy hot sex and incredible angst, this book has it all. I loved the enemies to lovers story-line. I won't lie to you, Caleb is one of the most frustrating characters I have ever read. He was such a jerk and there was many times that I just wanted to grab him and shake him. But, there is so much more to him than meets the eye. If you're lucky enough to be around when his guard is down, he's actually a really nice guy. He's sweet and caring. He's protective and jealous. He can be a total alpha male. He's been hurt before and has his heart firmly locked up. And Ava....Her life has been anything but easy. The only people she calls family is her uncle and her BFF. She's smart, beautiful and talented. She's the kind of woman you'd be lucky to have in your corner. All the more reason that I found myself rooting for these two. They were perfect for one another whether they wanted to admit it or not. 

Fight or Flight is so much more than a enemies to lovers romance. It is a story filled with heart, and frustration. A story of letting go of the past and fighting for the future. It's a story of finding love when you're not even looking for it. It's a story of friendship and second chances. It's a story that is at times heavy and filled with so much emotion. The angst so intense it feels as if it is your own. In fact, there was a moment, somewhere around the 85% mark, where my heart was just broken. Ava's hurt and pain felt as if it was my own. I didn't know how she could come back from it or how Caleb was going to redeem himself. But, it's moments like that, that I just ache for, that I just can't get enough of, that will have me glued to the pages right until the very end.

There is so much to love about Fight or Flight, I could seriously spend all day just gushing about it. I loved every moment of this story from beginning to end. There were so many wonderful characters that I grew to love, two in particular that I'm hoping we will see again. This story was truly special and just a total treat. My emotions are still a total mess and I couldn't be more happier about it. Fight or Flight is my new favorite by this author and I couldn't be more excited to see what lies ahead for us next.

I had low intentions going into this book. The only other book I’ve read by this author was On Dublin Street and I really didn’t enjoy it. However, this one, I actually liked.

We meet Elise coming from a funeral in her hometown trying to get home to Chicago. While trying to get her flight upgraded she runs into very rude and arrogant scot, Caleb. These two have crazy chemistry but they can’t stand each other. They have a one night stand thinking that they wouldn’t see each other again. WRONG!

I hope you’re sitting down because I’m going shock you. The romance wasn’t my favorite part of this book. Honestly, it was my least favorite part.

I adored Ava! She was a pleasure to read about, she was feisty and strong. I loved reading about her overcoming her past and letting her hair down. She was loyal and wouldn’t let anyone disrespect her.

My other favorite part was the friendship between Ava and Harper. They had a friendship that could stand the test of time. I loved the friendship between then these two! You don’t get a friendship like theirs too often in a book.

Now I’m not going to say that I didn’t like Caleb, but he will never make my book boyfriend list. Some of his actions towards Ava I can’t believe or forgive. I don’t mind a character pushing someone away because their scared, but they way he did could have been so much better. I feel like the author was trying too much to make come off as a bad boy. He came off arrogant and I wanted to slap him something fierce.

This could have easily been a five star read for me if the romance was done differently. I’m hoping that maybe she does a book about Jaime. I’d be willing to read more about him!

I received this ebook novel from the author and Edelweiss. This is my honest review.

Ava has a very sophisticated and professional job and lifestyle now. She dresses fancy with suits and stilettos and she is an interior designer and creates wonderful products for both professional and personal reasons. When she has to go back home for funeral for her once best friend, she is desperate to come back to Boston and get back to her life that she created rather than the chaotic mess that she had to grow up with in Arizona.

But when the weather causes cancellations for her flight Eva is determined to get back to Boston as quickly as possible. Unfortunately at all brooding handsome Scotsman keeps getting in her away by taking a seat that she wanted and ends up on another flight to avoid the bad weather. Then she has to sit next to him and the plane and during all of this he is treating her like she is a bug on his shoe.



When they keep bumping into each other, the Scotsman, Caleb, suggest that maybe they should have a one night stand to get the tension between them dissipated. At first Ava was not interested but the more she thought about it the more intrigued she was by it. However after their night together, she finds out that she will be seeing the Scotsman more and more than she thought she would.

Eva usually doesn't do things like this because she loves structure and routine but she is slowly starting to enjoy having Caleb around. That's a problem though because Caleb is very Stern on the fact that they are just friends with benefits and won't be anything else.

Soon everything starts to explode with their plan and Ava signs that her heart might be broken for the second time. She's just not sure if she'll be able to recoup from this broken heart in the end.

I love this book! The tension between the two characters was off the charts and flying off the pages and I loved how they bantered and argued at every turn when you knew that they were attracted to one another. I also loved Ava especially because she is such a strong determine character who is making a name for herself spite the fact that everyone that she grew up with failed her in some way.

I also love Caleb who was obviously tortured by something in his past. I also wouldn't mind having my own Scotsman who was attracted to me haha. I wouldn't even mind his bad attitude because I can dish it right back to him! Not that Ava didn't do that because she's certainly gave Caleb a run for his money.

There were moments when I found the characters to be too stubborn to look at what was really happening but honestly that happens in real life so it was very realistic and easy to relate to. I wanted to strangle them at moments and then other times I was just living in their life full of romance and chemistry.

I am so so so glad that I was able to get an early copy of this book because I knew just from reading the description that I was going to fall in love with it. I almost wish that there was another book coming to continue Ava and Caleb's story but maybe Samantha Young will do a spin-off or a companion book perhaps with Ava's friend Harper or Caleb's brother Jaimie? :)

I know that's the main thing fans will love this novel and hopefully new fans will pick it up to and see what they're missing with her books!

I Hate Myself For Loving You...

You remember that old Joan Jett song? Well that's what kept running through my mind (regarding the characters) while I was reading this book. Never had I read such animosity between the hero (businessman Caleb) and heroine (interior designer Ava) in a romance book. Yes, verbal sparring and snark, but this out and out rudeness and asshole behavior from the hero... jeez, I hated myself for continuing with this jerk! How are these two ever going to get along? Well, start with a good case of physical chemistry...

So continue I did, and I'm glad I did! Samantha Young has written one of my all time favorite romances (On Dublin Street) so I happen to trust her ability to make me like the characters. Eventually. Surely there was a reason for Scottish businessman Caleb Scott's boorish behavior...and I wanted to know!

After a shaky start when I thought 'how am I ever going to like, let alone love, this hero" I started to get on board. The story was actually riveting--I didn't want to put it down. Samantha Young fully fleshed out the characters and gave them wonderfully detailed back stories (I love details!) and made me feel like I really knew them. Ava was a woman who was led to believe that her beauty was all that she had to offer. She liked to be in control of all things in her life and I was glad to see that she was eventually able to loosen up. I loved her relationship with her best friend, pastry chef Harper (can she please get a book?) and her past with her ex Nick and best friend Gem nearly broke my heart.

All in all, a great read for me. While not my favorite Samantha Young characters ever, the story still packed a punch. Lots of angst, lots of hot sex, and some very, very emotional moments. I can easily recommend this one.

I'm pretty conflicted on this one. The chemistry between the two main characters was pretty good, and I liked it when they actually became friends. I also liked the female friendship! It was a big part of the book and that was really refreshing. But the love interest was a dick. Like, a straight up dick, not (in my opinion) a charming one. He also doesn't get redeemed quite enough for me. He's rude to customer service workers! Constantly! Instead of him learning that hey, saying please and thank you is common courtesy, the main character instead comes to LIKE that he doesn't bother with that with customer service workers. I really didn't like that. So yeah, I liked the little bit where Caleb and Ava were friends and had honest conversations, but it's a little too overshadowed by Caleb's general personality. I seem to be in the minority with this one so far, so give it a shot if it sounds interesting to you, but it definitely wasn't a new favorite for me.

Also, a warning: at one point while they're having sex, Caleb forgets to put a condom on and when Ava tells him, he continues to have sex with her and acts like he's not going to stop to go put one on. He does eventually, but it happened after a little too much hesitation for me to be completely comfortable with it. There's also a discussion of abortion at one point and Caleb describes that particular abortion as "murder." It's a pretty personal moment, but still. Ehhhhhh.

It took me awhile to warm up to the main characters. Caleb seemed a bit too rude and mean to Ava at the beginning, and although she was having travel difficulties, she could have been nicer as well. When they started to form a deeper relationship, I began to like the characters. I thought the relationship development progressed nicely. However, something he said to her at the end did not sit well with me. It would have taken me longer to forgive someone who said something like that to me.

➳Sometimes, banter with mixed with some fun sexy times create one of the ideal romance novels filled with so much emotional depth that one craves, and Samantha Young has done it again...

➳Someone help me, because Samantha Young has made a weak person out of me when it comes down to banter romances between two individuals who not like each other at first, and end up loving each other at the end. There is a lot to say about these kinds of romances, and I have been blessed to actually enjoy it since my type of romances that have been my favorites have been acute in a way that makes me question what is wrong with me. I have not read a Samantha Young novel in YEARS, since the DUBLIN STREET series and when requested this one, I was hesitant at first to dive in but also with an opened mind of trying to see what is to come. Thankfully Samantha did not disappoint as my adoration for this romance novel is off the roof.

➳Caleb and Ava first encountered upon an unfortunate (but one soon learns to realize it is fortunate) scene of not liking each other. When getting their anger in place, both learn soon to realize that their sexual chemistry is one that will not diminish. Keeping that alive for one un-forsakened night was not tough on them since the sparks were also flying from left and right. After said night, that's when destiny decided to come into place and kick them both in the ass...

➳When Ava is introduced to a friend of a friend, she soon learns to realize that her inner empowering woman is not going to turn down how her body's reaction towards Caleb, being that mystery friend of her friend. Everything that they both go through is just hear warming, caring, and touching in all retrospectives that an ideal romance novel should have. No matter what turn Ava would make, destiny would put Caleb in her path for her to truly question what is going on with the universe. The truth from both their pasts is revealed and my heart could not have been broken more and more after reading Ava's side of things. Seriously, my pillow was damp from all the tears running down my face making me realize how much I missed those sappy, emotional romances I used to read back in the day...

➳Overall, because I do not want to say a lot about this novel because every twist and turn is something new that everyone who is a romance reader will truly enjoy. No matter what kind of banter Caleb and Ava have, and no matter what quirky thing Ava does, these twi will always come together as one and enjoy each other deeply and passionately. Thank you for Berkley Romance for sending me a copy, I cannot wait for everyone to dive in this October!

I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review!

Two stubborn strangers are seated next to each other on a plane where snarky barbs and sexual tension are exchanged, and later lead to a completely consensual, sexy as all get out, sex-a-thon.

Ava detests the arrogant, tattooed, and bearded Scotsman who appears to be rude and cold to most everyone he encounters, but still manages to turn her on more than anyone she's ever met. When he propositions her for a sex-only arrangement, she cannot resist having hate-sex with the bastard, but eventually catches feelings as one does when it turns out he's actually kind of perfect for her.

Young is excellent at writing angsty, tempestuous romance, and this is no exception. That said, I felt a bit betrayed by the light-hearted cover and description promoting this title, as there are some very difficult and triggering topics covered, including miscarriage, death, abortion, and cheating. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I had just a little more forewarning, so here's yours!

Also, I'm just not really in the mood in 2018 for an asshole rich guy. I never really grew to like Caleb throughout the story. I often wanted to punch him in the face. The conflict between the characters mostly stems from them not getting along at first, and just a whole lot of secrets and lack of communication.





Also, SPOILER ALERT> Caleb does not put on a condom during one of his and Ava's sexual interludes, and when Ava alerts him to the fact he isn't wearing one, he continues to have sex with her and almost refuses to stop despite her insistence. That didn't sit well with me, especially when the reader later finds out a lot of Caleb's "issues" stem from the fact he got his last, awful girlfriend pregnant and in his words "murdered" his baby without his consent.. I'm not here for the abortion shaming.

Enemies to lovers is a trope I can get behind. Especially when it's executed by a perfectionist interior designer and a rude Scottish CFO. Ava and Caleb meet in an airport in a series of events that cause them to hate one another. Of course,with author Samantha Young at the helm, that means that they'll end up being seatmates for their flights, and then maybe something more. Not quite friends with benefits, maybe just benefits? I don't know, but it's hot. Fight to Flight tells the story of what keeps Ava and Caleb so closed off while keeping their door open to their undeniable chemistry.

I liked Fight of Flight a lot, but without getting spoilery, the motivations for Caleb's backstory turned me off and knocked a few stars off for me. I would have preferred pretty much any other motivation for his otherwise great character. Other than that, this was a fun read. Samantha Young never disappoints.

4.5 Stars!

Caleb Scott had me at hello…or in his case he had me at “You. Are. A. Nutjob.” Caleb is a Scottish Neanderthal with no sense of manners around his anonymous travel nemesis, Ava. They find themselves in a variety of situations, of which finally ends in a layover (<< pun intended) in a hotel bedroom.

I chose a seriously sexy (if unlikable) man to sleep with, he gave me the best sex of my life, and the cherry on top of the icing on that cake? He was from an entirely different continent, and after this flight I would never see him again in my life.

The joke’s on you Ava! You will have to see him again in your life…like on the next flight…and again…and again. The universe has a sick sense of humor!! With all these encounters and the sexual tension emulating from each of them, it made for a very enjoyable read. Caleb is HOT and oozes sex appeal. He covers it up with business suits during the day, but once he’s out of the office, he becomes a showcase of tattoos.

Caleb and Ava have the perfect plan: sex while he’s in town and no strings attached. Ava has become his booty call. They have agreed to call these scheduled sexual endeavors exclusive amongst them, but these sexscapades have turned into a developing friendship, and we all know when that happens somebody is going to get hurt.

“I’m so in love with you,” I whispered. Sadly. My heart breaking because those words should be whispered in elation. Not in sorrow and regret.

Oh Caleb…please, please say it back to her. I know you love her. You need to forget about your past that ripped you apart. You need to go to Ava and tell her that you care for her and there is a future for you two. You need to realize that muttering the words “I love you” will not be equivocal to the time you had your heart shredded. Ava is your future. Embrace it.

I absolutely adored this book. Caleb provided me with the perfect amount of angst. I have to wonder if there is a series in the future as there were a few character developments that peaked my curiosity. I’m looking forward to reading more Scottish hotties.

*sniffling noises* Why oh why Samantha have your books been so sad lately!!! They're getting to my black little shriveled up heart. Ava and Caleb are probably some of favorite characters Young has made to date. This will be spoiler free review but to sum this book up, you'll probably need tissues and lots of chocolate.

I want to first start off saying that I was drawn to this book because I love the cover. Beautiful covers that are colorful and eye catching always make me want to read a book even if I haven't read the blurb yet. This my friends, is one of those books. I went into this one knowing a little about the author and her previous book but am ashamed to say I haven't read many. This will change after I flew through this sizzling little romance. It stole my heart and now I am an instant fan girl! I very much recommend Fight or Flight by Samantha Young. It's one of those books you will regret if you miss it!

Went into this one blindly, and I must say, I really liked it. I am a big fan of Samantha Young. I have read all of her books, so I knew there was a pretty good chance I would like this one too.

My favorite part of the book was that it was set in Boston. Being from Boston, I am harder on books set there because most people get everything wrong. To my delight, this was 100 precent on point! I was so happy!

Loved Ava and Caleb!!

Fight or Flight was a brilliantly executed story that was filled with so much passion and emotion, I honestly couldn't put it down. I was mesmerized by the intriguing and complicated characters. A truly amazing read!

From the second Caleb and Ava met, I was 100% invested. I wanted to know everything about them. It was crazy and intense in the beginning with their hate-lust attraction but it completely drew me in with this antagonistic banter and I wanted to know why they were the way they were. I was so hooked! I am a huge fan of animosity between characters but these two took it to a whole new level.

I love how the story was laid out, there was spectacular character development as we learn about Ava, her past and struggles. Ava was tough, loyal, and in pain and I felt like I experienced it all right along with her. As for Caleb, he was gruff, brusque, and hard. The man has a series edge to him. There are all these small, building moments with vulnerability and openness and the more I learned about him, the more I loved.

​I thought the build and pace to the story was amazing and the descriptions were spot on. There was emotion and drama, heat and love. The push and pull Caleb and Ava had between them was tense and hot all rolled into one. In addition, there were truly wonderful secondary characters making the story even richer. I thought it was all really thought out. Sometimes I'd have to take a deep breath while reading because I was so caught up in everything. And that ending, I was so stressed out waiting for these two to get their HEA. And all the emotion... it was killing me in a fan-freaking-tastic kind of way.

This book honestly consumed me and almost felt like an indulgence. I was so caught up in Caleb and Ava's relationship, hooked on the drama, emotion, and passion. I couldn't get enough. Loved every second! One of my favorite reads of the year!

Samantha Young writes the best characters with snarky fun dialogue. I certainly hope this is the first book in the series. Want more stories about the rest of the Scott brood.