ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wingman is the 2nd title in the Elite Ops series. It's best to read Aces Wild before this one. I am fan of Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker, and Lynne Ray Harris so I knew this book would be perfect for me. Plus I enjoyed reading Aces Wild.

Thankfully, Book 1, Wild Aces, was enjoyable because you have to go read that before you start Wingman. There is a big conspiracy going on at the Red Flag competition where all the best pilots in the world are invited to come compete against each other for fun, and these pilots find themselves unwitingly dragged into it.

This second book focuses on Missy and Conrad. Conrad is the pilot and Missy handles weapons and navigations. Missy and Conrad are both sexually attracted to each other and both know it is a very big no-no to sleep with your fellow officer so each handles the attraction very differently. Conrad pretends that he is sleeping with a different lady almost every night, inventing stewardesses and nurses and waitresses and all the naughty tales he tells Missy why he can't come hang out with her and the other pilots. Conrad doesn't want to spend time outside of the plane with Missy and also doesn't ask Missy questions about herself because he doesn't want to create a deeper attachment to her. This is a big problem later in the story.

Missy is going to request a transfer after the Red Flag competition because she knows her attraction to Conrad is a problem and she won't get anywhere with her own career if she stays in the shadow of the man she can't have. When she finally has a chance to tell Conrad about her transfer request, she knows she has made the right choice, because Conrad is shocked that Missy would leave him before he is ready to retire or move on. He expected her to be there for him for his career.

At this turmoil in their relationship, we have the happenings of book 1 and the issues created by Missy's friend Eleanor overhearing a conversation she shouldn't have. The conspirators believe that Eleanor shared the information on this convesation with Missy so they point fingers at Missy for Eleanore's plane crashing (see Book 1) and take her into custody. Conrad is frantic to help help Missy, but when he is questioned about what he really knows about Missy and her life before joining the air force, he realized what a selfish ass he has been and goes about trying to get Missy freed of the charges and to make up for his assedness.

In Wild Aces, I felt like the conspiracy issue wasn't explained enough, and in Wingman, we get more information about what is going on but it is hard to piece all of this together unless you are reading both books back to back (and I am certain the next book as well) since they are all happening at the same time. Some of what is happening in Wingman was all a big question mark in Wild Aces. It is very brave of the author to think we can all keep up with the little details months and months later.

Honestly, I didn't remember every tiny detail, but I did remember some things, like the men Eleanor and Missy saw in their hanger and Eleanor noticing that Missy and Conrad where not at their post when they were supposed to be watching over the planes one night before her plane crash, so there was a little "oh, yeah" on my part here and there throughout the story.

I enjoyed this story, almost as much as Wild Aces, but mostly because of Conrad and Missy. The problem is that it is a lot for the author to expect the audience to be able to piece together these two stories with a half a year separating the release dates and even worse when that third book won't be out until later this year, a year after the first book was released. At this point, I might suggest waiting it out for Free Fall to be released and then just read them back to back.

You'll definitely want to read the first book in this series before reading this one. The intrigue and drama were over the top and unrealistic, but the relationship was fun to read. Missy and Conrad were a good match, both in and out of the cockpit.

This is book 2 of this amazing new series. I think this book could be read as a standalone and be enjoyed as such. It explained the back plot that began in the first book quite well and had its own plot to work through. The back plot is moved forward and becomes even more exciting and I really have to say I loved this book more than the first. I connected with the characters right off and was deeply involved in their story. I know I met them in the first book but they really shined in this one.

I enjoy the writing and the attention to detail. This book was hot and full of some strong emotions. I highly recommend it and I can't wait for the next book.

Major Missy Malden and Lieutenant Colonel Francis Conrad both know that getting involved with each other could cause too much of a distraction, so they're determined to deny their feelings, even if that means that Missy does the one thing Conrad doesn't expect. However, when Missy finds herself in trouble in being accused of treason, Conrad is determined to do everything he can to protect her. Yet, keeping her safe will mean taking risks including the biggest -- putting everything on the line. Will Conrad be able to convince Missy that they're meant to be together; or will the danger be too much for the pair to handle?

Having really enjoyed the first book of this series due to the suspense, I was so looking forward to the next story of Ms. Curtis's Elite Ops series, and I've got to say that it was just as captivating as the first book with its fantastic main characters that prove distractions can prove costly in their line of work, but taking a risk is worth it. The way this story started had me intrigued by what the heroine is going through, as it's palpable she's in trouble and possibly in danger if she doesn't discover what's going on. Will she be charged with treason?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine, as she was given an ultimatum to enlist otherwise she could have faced a worse punishment in going to jail. What did she do in her younger years that led her to signing with the military? Yet, it was also intense due to everything this couple go through on their journey to happy ever after. Really, the fast-paced storyline left me very intrigued, as to what lengths the bad guys would go to in silencing Missy because of what they think she knows?

Both the main characters were brilliant and I really liked the heroine's back story, as it's made her the strong, independent woman she is. Moreover, she's sassy, confident and I liked that she was determined to do what was right for her, even if it might not be the right decision in the long run when she's so in love with Conrad. While the hero, he's confident, cocky and I liked the tight bond these two shared, which shows they work well together. I also liked how determined the hero was to protect the heroine, even if it means he could land himself in hot water with the information he's willing to spill to save her from being a scapegoat after what happens during a training exercise.

Overall, Ms. Curtis has delivered a very entertaining read from beginning to end where this couple charmed me with their playful banter and intense back stories; the chemistry was powerful; the romance was hot and showed how right these two are for each other; and the ending had me worried for one of the main characters because of what happens to them. Will the hero and heroine come out on top against the bad guys? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as readers learn something very interesting about the hero and heroine when it comes to their careers; and discover how far Conrad and Missy have come in their relationship. I would recommend Wingman by Emmy Curtis, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors Lynn Raye Harris, Misty Evans, Tonya Burrows and Maya Banks.

wingman picks up in the middle of the action for aces wild. eleanor's friend missy malden is accused of trying to kill her and is being framed for it. but her longtime pilot, francis conrad, the man she's been secretly in love with for years, will not let that stand. he knows missy is innocent. and he also knows that she is intent on making a change. having recently put in for a transfer that has him reeling.

she thinks he's reeling because he needs her as his weapons specialist and that it's all about his career, but she's wrong. it's about losing her. he's been so good at pretending to be a ladies' man, inventing these outrageous stories so that she wouldn't know how in love with her he was. and to keep her at a distance. it's possibly the dumbest, most arrogant reason to do something like that, but it's too late. because she thinks he's something he's not, and now he has to convince her that he's not just reacting like this because she's leaving, but that he's felt this way all along.

again the romance plays out against the backdrop of intrigue and suspense of the red flag exercise gone rogue. and even though missy and francis' story wraps up before the whole mystery is solved, the story continues to be intriguing for future books in the series, but is still an extremely enjoyable read.

Wingman was fast paced, suspenseful and sensual. It brings back what happened in Aces Wild, you don’t need to read that for this, and brings a twist to it. Now it is from the accusation side of what happened. We get twists, turns, reveals, danger, and romance.
Missy is great at her job. She has left behind a horrible childhood and made something of herself. Unfortunately she has also fallen for her partner Conrad. A man that she thinks is footloose and fancy free. At times he does stick his foot in his mouth and comes off as selfish but in reality he is a good guy. He did realize as he was trying to keep Missy from the brig and out of danger that he didn’t really get to know her in all the years he was her partner. He did, however, fall in love with her. But both were afraid to act on it. for so many reasons.

Now Missy is in trouble and Conrad must unravel the truth so she isn’t charged with anything. As he is digging into what is going on, Missy is exploring their relationship and trying to stay alive. Together they figure out who is behind the crashes but try to skirt their relationship. Or at least Missy does. Conrad goes headfirst into it when he can.

the story had Missy’s view mainly but you do see Conrad’s. You see two headstrong people that are in love with one another and not act on it. Who misunderstood how the other felt and suppress their feelings. You see Conrad discover who Missy is and admire, respect and love her more for it. He doesn’t look down at her because of her childhood but admire what it took to get to where she is. He helps her figure out the truth and get her out of trouble. As they think this is done tada don’t think so. That is where the danger truly comes in for both of them and we see Missy run from her feelings for Conrad.

Conrad though shows us he is a dog wanting his bone and doesn’t let her once he finds out she is in danger. At first he was due to him truly growing up. He realized that no matter how much he loved Missy she needed to figure out her future and what she wanted before they could be together. when they are together though it is explosive in so many ways. But once the danger is real he is protecting her like no ones business. Love this guy.

the story is explosive in the danger, suspense and romance. We have two people who suppressed their feelings learn and discover about the other and work together to find the truth. They at first run from their feelings but realize that they can’t and let them take over and we get a sweet fun HEA at the end. You do wonder what is going on with the Colonel and General though.

Major Missy Malden loves what she does, and is damn good at her job, and she'd never do anything to jeopardize it... so falling for her pilot would be completely out of the question. Problem is, that it has already happened, now she knows she needs to separate herself from him and the forbidden situation she has created, so she puts in a transfer. But will that really be enough, and what will happen when Conrad finds out the real reason why she is breaking up the indomitable partnership that they have created?

Lt. Col. Francis Conrad is a pilot, a damn good one at that, especially because of the woman who has his back and acts as his weapons specialist. They have a special bond in the air, know each other's moves before they make them, they worked together seamlessly, like a well oiled machine... but that is about to come to an abrupt halt. Missy has decided to put in a transfer, and Conrad can't fathom why she would want to leave behind what they have... there has to be another reason. But before he has a chance to figure out why, Missy finds herself in a bit of trouble and he knows he has to help her, knows she didn't do what she is being accused of...

Wingman is the second offering in the Elite Ops series, and an impressive one at that, it was sexy, suspenseful, and oh so enthralling!! Throughout of the pages of this one you will find a sweet romance story, with a mysterious backstory that continues to brew from the first installment, and it is all blended together seamlessly. Conrad and Missy were wonderfully crafted characters, their touching story drew me in and within the lines of their story I found moments of happiness, heartbreak, excitement and a even a few blush-worthy moments too! Highly recommend this series, Ms.Curtis's crafty story lines are packed with action (heated and non), and sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

This was the second book in this series. It's a standalone romance plot, but the suspense plot is ongoing throughout the books, and you only get to see the suspense plot from the main character's perspective in each book, so you learn different things along the way. It's quite a different way of writing romantic suspense. I like the style, but after the first book, there was no info about book 2, so the suspense plot felt unfinished, and I had no way of knowing if it would be finished down the line. I'm so glad that it is ongoing, and I'm looking forward to the completion of it in book 3!

Major Missy Malden loves flying in the Air Force. She's a weapons specialist on a fighter jet, and she's great at her job. She and her pilot know each other's moves and can anticipate any action. Only problem? She's in love with her pilot, and Conrad can never find out. Not only is it against the rules, even illegal, for them to be together, but he has no interest in commitment, and she knows she needs to let him go, without letting him know the truth. So, she's decided to ask for a transfer.

Lt. Colonel Francis Conrad is a great pilot, and he's made even better by Missy always knowing his next move when they're in the air. He wants her, but he's always kept that to himself, and kept himself apart from her, whenever they aren't in the air. He's blindsided by her transfer request, and he realizes he's about to lose her from his life altogether. He doesn't think he can live with that, but he isn't sure what to do about it. They're at a training exercise is the Nevada desert, and when stuff starts going crazy, and Missy is accused of a crime he knows she didn't commit, he's determined to not only help her, but make her his for good.

I loved the connection between Missy and Conrad. They already had great work chemistry together, but once sex enters the picture, their chemistry explodes. Neither of them had any idea the other was pining away for them, and they both worked hard to keep that info secret. They were both scared to take the next step, especially because both their careers could be at risk if they give in to it. But, the dire circumstances of their situation finally helped take the choice out of their hands. I loved how they worked together to help prove Missy's innocence, and how Conrad had utter faith in her.

The suspense plot is pretty detailed, and well done. A private tech company, with deep pockets, and deeper connections than they should have in the U.S. Government, is out to destroy anyone who gets in their way. We saw what happened to the main characters in book 1, and this was another piece of the puzzle that was going on concurrently while book 1's events were also taking place. It also started the threads for the final book, and made you anxious to know just what the heck was really going on. I loved how the pieces all fit together, and I'm so excited to get the conclusion in book 3!

If I had known how this was going to go, I might have waited to read the 3 books until they were all released, as I'm NOT a fan of cliffhangers. BUT, the romance plots are each concluded, including an epilogue, so it's only the suspense that's ongoing, and I can live with that! I recommend this series, and I can't wait for the final book!

WTH! Accusations are running wild. That's one way to keep everyone running chasing ghost. Or doing nothing at all.
Conrad thinks he is in love with Missy, but he doesn't know anything about her other than the skills she brings as his Wingman. So his little "getting to know you" date was so thoughtful. And the fact that Missy didn't hold anything back just shows her willingness to explore what they have.