Ava and Caleb meet by chance and immediately do not like each other. Caleb is an asshole, and at first, not a likable one. Ava is sweet but strong. The universe keeps throwing them together, and despite their disdain for each other, they have great chemistry. They have both been hurt in the past which causes them to keep walls up. I loved seeing their relationship evolve. Although the ending felt a bit rushed, this was a very satisfying read.

Who doesn't want to end up sitting next to sexy Scotsman on a flight? Ava Breevort is having the worst trip ever. All she wants to do is go back home to Boston and forget her trip. But having an sexy and arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, is not helping her. Caleb has been a thrown in Ava's side since the moment she step foot in the airport.

But by chance, Ava and Caleb were destined to meet everywhere they turned in Boston. Their dislike for each other is there, but it's flirty and their chemistry is undeniable. I do wish it was also told in Caleb's POV!

I loved Fight or Flight by Samantha Young!! Enemies to lovers stories are my jam and I couldn’t put this one down! Caleb and Ava literally run into each other at the airport. Or more like Ava gets mowed down by the rude Scotsman at the ticket counter. They loathe each other instantly. Their hate at first sight increases as they end up stuck next to each other on a flight. But there is also this undeniable chemistry there, it’s sizzling, crackling, pulling them toward each other. Their first impressions of each other—let’s just say they’re judgmental and negative. Their banter is entertaining as they hurl insults at the other while failing to resist the temptation of their sexual chemistry. They both have their personal baggage and we quickly learn all about Ava’s history and past. I loved her and how far she came from her upbringing and pain. Because we don’t get Caleb’s point of you, we missed out on his inner thoughts and feelings. How I craved to be in his head and hear it all from his side!! Some may think Caleb is an a$$hole, but I loved him!! He had a way of bringing out the best in Ava—helping her grow and see herself in a different light as they got closer.

“Caleb continued to study me, his eyes taking in every detail of my face until I shifted uncomfortably. “Why are you staring at me like that?” Lifting his head away from his hand, he shrugged. “Nothing else is worth looking at when you’re in the room.””

As they go from enemies to friends with benefits and you learn more about them, I devoured the pages of this book. It just had that perfect amount of angst that I’m addicted to. I was consumed with Ava and Caleb’s story, thinking about them even when I had to put the book down to do real life stuff 🙄😏.

“There are many different kinds of love in this world. I knew that. Silly me, however, to think I could control my complex heart by telling it what kind of love it was allowed to feel. You’re not allowed to love a man romantically, I told it. I’ll do what I want, it eventually replied.”

I smiled, I swooned, I even teared up at times. This story was unexpected and an elaborate love story of two people who are not looking for love, yet sometimes love finds you when you’re not looking and takes you on a ride of a lifetime. I loved the secondary characters, and I so hope that Ava’s BFF, Harper gets her own book!! Pretty please Samantha…❤

4.5 Stars * Top Pick

I am a huge fan of Samantha Young books, I know every time she has a new book out it will be good. Fight or Flight is no exception to this rule. Right from the first paragraph the characters and story draw you in and won’t let go until you’ve exhausted yourself trying to finish the book in one sitting. On Dublin Street is still my favourite Samantha Young book but Fight or Flight has moved up to a very close second.

Fight or Flight is an enemies to lovers romance starring Ava Breevort, a classy Boston interior designer, and Caleb Scott, a somewhat rude and arrogant tech CFO from Scotland. Ava and Caleb run into each other (literally) several times at the airport while trying to catch a flight to Boston. They start off on the wrong foot, and stay there for the majority of their initial interactions with an underlying physical attraction. Another chance encounter at a restaurant lead them to address the sexual tension between them for one night – which both quickly realized would not be enough to get each other out of their system. As Caleb is stuck in Boston for the immediate future, they strike a deal to have a friends with benefits type of relationship. Neither of them want to be in a serious, committed relationship and so this works out for both of them. As you can imagine, things don’t really go as planned and as they get to know each other more they each start to develop feelings which leads to a lot of confusion and jealousy.

I really liked Ava as the protagonist, she had a tough past but overcame it to build a great career for herself. She is also just a very nice person who cares about her friends and family, I loved her relationship with her best friend Harper and hope to see a Harper book out next. Ava was a great example of a woman making it on her own while still remaining true to her values and morals.

I have mixed feelings about Caleb, I’m not 100% sure he was deserving of Ava. He did have a bad relationship in his past that has made him wary of new relationships, but I felt that he really let his past affect the way he interacted with Ava. Caleb, and his brother, would often focus on Ava’s looks and even once they got to know her better still hold her polished appearance against her. I can understand judging someone by their looks initially, but this really needs to stop once you get to know a person. I just think that Caleb was a bit of a grump for a tad too long, and he only really wanted Ava once he clued into the fact that she would be moving on without him. I knew he really did love her because of the full story, but if I had just read the ending it would almost seem as if he just wanted Ava because he didn’t want anyone else to have her.

With all that being said, this was a really good read and I couldn’t put the book down. The story line was great and the characters had a lot of chemistry. I always appreciate how much Samantha Young develops her characters with a full backstory. I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers book.

~ Harshita

Samantha Young is one of my favourite authors and I love her books mainly because the way she portrays her characters as normal, flawed human beings is very refreshing. That being said, this book somehow failed to impress me like all the others. I struggled very hard to finish this book mainly because I was unable to connect with the characters. I like arrogant characters but Caleb just took it to a level in which I was not very comfortable. Ava also failed to elicit any feelings in me. The relationship seemed more toxic than healthy. So regretfully I have to give this book 1/5 stars

Absolutely loved it!! I cannot wait to read it again, I feel like the second time I will be able to soak in the amazing banter between the two main characters. Caleb is mysterious and even though I don't normally love when the male is fairer in complexion, I really could envisage him and was on board with the whole look and feel of the characters and their stories. The book is flirtatious and hilarious which is amazing and a testament to Samantha Young's writing and skills. For me it was channelling a lot of Hero vibes! If you're a big fan of Hero then you will definitely love this one! It is a very enjoyable read.

I loved the book as well because I really could relate to the main character Ava. I was so excited when I found out that she is an Interior Designer, because that is what I do and what I love to do, so it was thoroughly enjoyable for me as I could really put myself in Ava's shoes, more than usual. I loved the way SY portrayed this as well, she was accurate in her descriptions and relationships between Interior Designer and client. It is sometimes truly like that.

I also really enjoyed the character development between Ava and Caleb, despite the romance side of it, it was really enjoyable reading and seeing their actual friendship build. The novel has it all, including SY's famous best friend of the main character and the story of truly strong women, who are dealing and address actual real life issues. This makes it so relatable but also just love the friendship, their devotion to one another. It is uplifting and heart warming. I really love how SY does this an incorporates this in most of her novels as well as bringing in other key characters that add to the story and make it really feel like a whole picture and real life scenario.

Caleb is book boyfriend material and you will not be disappointed with their dialogue and relationship journey! Cannot wait to read it again!!

I adore Samantha Young’s storytelling and the way she creates such dynamic heroes and heroines, and I also love a good enemies-to-lovers’ storyline. So, with the release of Fight or Flight, I was able to get my Samantha Young fix as well as experience a passionate, emotional, and witty story that pits an intelligent and driven American against an arrogant Scotsman and all the ways that fate intervenes to keep these two in one another’s crosshairs despite their antagonistic encounters.

Ava Breevort is an intriguing heroine - one whose past dictates her present more than she would like; in fact, the reason she crosses paths with Caleb is because she was at a funeral for a childhood friend and had a series of misfortunes on her way back to Boston. I think a lot of readers will relate to Ava and the way she deals with the lack of love she’s had in her life from the people who were supposed to love her most, and we will also cheer her on as she works to find her voice in all situations and give as good as she gets, not just from her ex, but from her cranky and downright mean, at times, sex buddy. Ava definitely seems to come into her own as the story progresses and even though there were times that I felt she gave into Caleb too easily, especially when he didn’t seem to deserve it, there’s a reason she feels so strongly connected to him…now, she just needs to figure out if she continues to fight her feelings for him or let them take flight, risking her heart
and perhaps her sanity for a shot of something real with this moody Scot who has past issues of his own to sort through and confront.

It’s extremely difficult when the hero is an extremely flawed one, like Caleb seems to be, and what makes it even harder is when readers don’t get his perspective…aren’t allowed inside his head to understand what lead him to who he is today; I think that would have gone a long way in helping readers warm up to Caleb a bit more. What does become quite clear, though, the further into the story I read is that there’s more to the Caleb Scott Ava and readers first meet, and even though he left me feeling quite conflicted, not knowing if I wanted to kiss him or throttle him, the way Young reveals Caleb’s full personality helps us to understand the complexity of this rather difficult man. That being said, there will be readers who won’t be able to see passed some of Caleb Scott’s actions, especially those times when his flippant attitude and lack of filter cause more harm than good, which means that he will be a point of contention for some romance readers, causing them a disconnect that they might not be able to overcome.

It’s hard to say if Ava and Caleb’s connection is a healthy one; without a doubt, their physical chemistry is electric, but the deeper these two get with each other, when neither seemed to want anything more than a release and a bit of passion for as long as it lasts, the more improbable a long lasting connection is because unless their respective pasts are dealt with, there’s no way they’ll be able to fight for something they didn’t seem to want in the first place.

Fight or Flight is quite the angst riddled journey, and while I’m usually averse to such storylines, my love of Samantha Young’s storytelling definitely drew me to Ava and Caleb’s book, and while I felt emotionally overloaded for much of it, I also didn’t want it to end because that’s how much I adore being in the worlds that Young creates.

4.5 Poison Apples

<strong>Fight or Flight</strong> is a standalone contemporary romance by Samantha Young that had me thinking I would DNF it right at the very beginning but I am so glad that I didn't. The story starts off with the hero and heroine meeting at the airport. They both want to upgrade their seats on their flight and the hero does not make a good first impression on the heroine, nor did he leave a good impression on me. I honestly wanted to punch him in his junk and make sure he hurt before I moved on. But Ava can't shake the asshole that almost ran her over to get to the counter because, after that, she sees him in line for coffee, he shows up to "save her" at dinner, the spend a very intense night together and to top off her already shitty week, she's stuck sitting next to him on the flight home.

Ava wants to get home too much to put much effort into her seat partner but for some reason, he brings out the worst in her and they clash at every turn. When she gets home and she continues to run into her seat partner around town, they figure they're not done with each other.

Our hero, Caleb Scott is from Scotland but is in Boston on business. While he's in town, he's interested in keeping the naked party going with Ava and our heroine Ava figures, why not? They continue on as they've been going for the past few weeks with the knowledge that as soon as Caleb's business in Boston is at an end, so is whatever is happening between them. They're both going through some serious issues, both avoiding rather than dealing and seeing them both come to terms with those issues and fix them made reading this book just that much more enjoyable.

Caleb struggled with his ex-girlfriend, and because of that, he struggles with commitment and relationships. Ava's issues were more outward then internal as her struggles came about from outside sources and seeing her really come into her own, really own her future while letting go of the past brought me such joy.

Caleb and Ava together were such a great source of entertainment. Their bickering and their chemistry leaped right off the pages and I thought Samantha Young crafted a delightful romance between two people who were right for each other and came to love each other in a very organic and believable way. After that shaky start with Caleb, I came to love him so much over the course of the book.

I also really enjoyed the friendship between Ava and Harper. It made me appreciate my friendships and how I have the same support system that they have with each other and that made me happy. This was a fabulous stand-alone romance that did its job. It made me laugh, it made me sigh and it also made me hopeful for the human race after certain current events. I definitely recommend this one if you're in the mood for a hate to love romance with a super sexy hero and a heroine that will have you cheering for her to come out on top. So good.

<strong>4 out of 5</strong>

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young was a fun read about chance encounters between two people who do not like each other…at first. But when life keeps throwing them back into each other lives, what can you do? Ava Breevort is on her way back home to Boston when she meets the insufferable Caleb Scott. Though they do not like each other, they somehow unexpectedly end up in bed together.

Then they move on never expecting to see each other again. Or so they thought! But life definitely had other plans for these two. Though they appear to dislike each other with every encounter, their chemistry is undeniable. I was drawn in by their interactions and absolutely loved their banter. When this temporary situation turns into something more permanent, will they fight for what they can have or will they walk away from all they can be?

I truly enjoyed reading Fight or Flight by Samantha Young. I loved the back and forth between Ava and Caleb and their unquestionable connection. This enemies-to-lovers romance was funny and engaging and one I highly recommend.

Happy reading!

Caleb Scott is a broody Scotsman, who is definitely easy on the eyes. But it is clear to see that there is something brewing below the surface. The more we get to see him, we see that he is not only the grumpy man that he likes to come across as. In fact I think he is fighting his feelings for the beautiful woman from a day of chance meetings. Someone has hurt this man and he is forming an arms length reach at all costs.

Ava has had her share of heartbreak and having to go to her hometown to say goodbye to her used to be best friend has been the icing on the cake. Here parents were less than supportive while she was there, her ex-boyfriend freaked out on her in front of everyone. She is so thankful to be headed back home to normalcy. She was not prepared or did she have the strength to deal with the Scottish man in her paths.

Can sex with no feelings actual work? When you don't like the person, how is that possible? But when it is burning up the sheets hot, can you give it up and walk away? Is it possible to change your perception and find so much more than you bargained for?

The push and pull of these characters was like nothing that I have ever read before, but behind it all there seemed to be a hidden sincerity that kept me reading, hoping that maybe there would be some love to find it's way to the surface. It is witty and original.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

4.5 ‘Easier to love you’ Stars!
ARC kindly provided by the the publisher.

An absolute winner by Samantha Young! I was so excited when I discovered about this book because if you know this author, then you know about her Dublin Street series, which is full of love stories featuring Scot hunks (and the amazing women that change their lives forever). So when I read about Fight or Flight and I saw we were getting a new and exciting story with a grumpy and sexy Scotsman, I was all over it! Especially when I saw it was a hate to love story between two people who start knowing each other in a flight to Boston.

So, Fight or Flight is Samantha Young’s upcoming standalone release and it’s an enemies to lovers romance. Caleb Scott and Ava Breevort meet in an airport in an unfriendly encounter where both want to get a first class seat on their next flight. Well.. circumstances put them next to each other on said air travel. And it’s pretty obvious these two can’t stand each other. However, there is a lot of sexual tension between them too and they finally share an unforgettable one-night stand that later becomes a no-strings attached relationship. Do Ava and Caleb really hate each other? Will love get in the way? Will they forget their difficult pasts together? Read it and find out!

“You”—I gestured to him, saying the word slowly so his tiny brain could compute—“Stole. My. Seat.”
“You”—he pointed down at me—“Are. A. Nutjob.”

In my opinion, the Dublin Street series by Samantha Young is one of the best in the romance community. The woman knows how to write one emotional and sexy love story with complex and lovable characters. And Fight or Flight is no exception. This book has a gripping and entertaining storyline, outstanding and deep main and secondary characters, a good dose of sexual tension, lots of sexy moments and emotions running high. I was hooked to the story from the very start to the very end: all because of Ava and Caleb’s chemistry and also because of the amazing secondary characters in the novel (especially Harper and Jamie).

Somehow, impossibly, I’d developed feelings for my Bastard Scot.
Feelings plus sex?
Bad idea.

Because let’s talk about these two. Ava Breevort and Caleb Scott have pasts that stop them from really committing to anything serious. Both affected on their last relationships, decide to embark on an only-sex and friendship agreement. Obviously that happens after they see they do not really hate each other that much! And said common ground works for a while. The chemistry between them is stormy and combustible and I mean.. who complains on having a hot Scot dirty talker? Not me! But, obviously, feelings do get in the mix and the story gets extremely emotional too. And it’s so heartbreaking but also an absolute delight to read. I am just so glad Ava and Caleb found each other because their love story is just fantastic!

“Only you,” he suddenly whispered. […] He rested his forehead against mine, holding me tight. “You have the power tae hurt me. Only you.”

Thefore, I am rating Fight or Fligth with 4.5 STARS because every aspect of the story was on point for me. Yes, I do have to say I wished the epilogue was a little more extensive but everything else was perfect for me. I was addicted to the story, how it developed, the main couple and their chemistry, the secondary characters and all those feelings as well. I loved it so much! The Bastard Scot and his wee yin *sigh* I am just so happy and I do hope Samantha writes Harper’s story too because I want it so badly (and I hope she falls for Caleb’s brother, Jamie lol). Highly recommend!

I simply loved Fight or Flight. I will admit I wasn't sure at first what I thought of both Ava and Caleb. These two don't hold back. Not one bit even when they are verbally sparring with a stranger. From the first time they meet in a crowded airport, both trying to get back to Boston, a spark ignites that is definitely full of venom and vitriol. And yet, somehow, whatever they say just fuels the fire even more and what ultimately occurs is a kind of heat neither of them ever expected. Nor wanted for that matter.

But make no mistake, the 'friends with benefits' arrangement that Ava and Caleb decide upon as fate decides to keep putting them in each other's paths, is much more than either of them ever wanted. And I just loved their wicked banter. I loved Caleb's Scottish brogue. His brazen attitude and they way he makes Ava feel. I loved Ava's take no prisoners kind of attitude and they way she ultimately tames the Scottish Bastard! Caleb is gruff and unapologetic and full of bluster. Ava calls him out constantly on his attitude and his brashness. And it's that glorious heat that is masked behind their hard words that is almost impossible to resist.

This book is filled with the most divine sex, erotic trysts and witty dialogue. But for both Ava and Caleb, there are long-held decisions to not get involved with someone other than physical in nature and I was thrilled that that notion is blown all to hell as they share secrets that have not only defined them but have held them back. And it's most definitely that need to be honest during their many pillow talks that leads to a longing that neither can deny.

The Author definitely takes her time in crafting this story, giving us many detours along Ava and Caleb's possible road to happiness. There are some truly heartbreaking moments that show the vulnerability each of them try so hard to mask from the world. In addition, there are some great secondary characters in Harper, Jaime, Patrice, Stella and even Leo who make this story complete. Getting to see all sides of Ava and Caleb only made them more attractive to me as a reader and I was able to really enjoy their story that much more.

To think I couldn't stand either of these two main characters at first for me to then fall in complete lust with both of them shows you just how talented a writer Samantha Young truly is. She gives us the entire story, not leaving anything to chance. I thoroughly enjoy her writing style and the way she blends her Scottish roots with a bit of the American way for a compelling and wonderfully romantic story.

Fight or Flight deserves no less than 5 huge ayes!

✦Review & Giveaway: FIGHT OR FLIGHT by Samantha Young https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aUg
►Enter Giveaway (Paperback) ➢ http://bit.ly/2QIDxGH
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
Kindle $5.99 http://amzn.to/2Fhnzhk

Oh, how I loved this fun story. Ava was one of those women that I connected to, despite her hang-ups. Even though it was written first person from her perspective, Caleb was easily understood as well. It made for a fun beginning and never seemed like a clichéd screw-buddies to love story. Their emotional dance blended so well with the sexual heat, that the HEA touched me. The people around them opens a door to the possible stories to come, and I can’t wait.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Unfortunately, this book just didn't do anything for me. I didn't like it or dislike it. There were parts I liked, parts I disliked.
I am not fond of the characters. For me, that is where the story ends with me. If I can't connect to either main character, nor feel a real connection between them, I have a hard time following the story.

3.75 stars--FIGHT OR FLIGHT by Samantha Young is a contemporary adult, stand alone romance story line focusing on thirty-five year old CFO of Koto Technologies Scotsman Caleb Scott, and thirty –year old, interior designer Ava Breevort.

Told from first person point of view (Ava) including memories of the past, FIGHT OR FLIGHT follows the enemies to lovers relationship between thirty-five year old CFO of Koto Technologies Scotsman Caleb Scott, and thirty –year old, interior designer Ava Breevort. The death of a former friend, a series of mishaps, a volcanic eruption in Europe, and several flight delays eventually find Ava Breevort facing off against a belligerent and hostile Scotsman slash Viking, who pushes all of our heroine’s buttons. From one unexpected delay to another, and an overnight stay in Phoenix, Ava’s frustration mounts as Caleb Scott becomes the proverbial thorn in her side, and vice versa. Not that Caleb is thrilled that his business plans have been placed on hold but the continuous reappearance of the beautiful but presumably high-maintenance Ava Breevort begins to chafe at Caleb’s growing anger towards a woman he perceives as all kinds of wrong. A one-night stand, and another round of run-ins in Ava’s hometown of Boston, Massachusetts continues to pull at their mutual attraction but equally mutual hatred for one another. What ensues is the agreed upon friends with benefits arrangement between Ava and Caleb, and the potential fall-out as Ava ‘apparently’ pushes too hard forcing Caleb to hurt the woman with whom he is falling in love.

Caleb Scott is a sexy, brooding, and antagonistic male whose dislike of Ava is immediate and aggressive. Unable to let go of the past, Caleb is unbending in his friends with benefits-only arrangement, an arrangement that is about to destroy the heart of our story line heroine. Caleb’s initial assessment and treatment of Ava is embarrassing and exasperating, as our heroine questions if she has done something wrong, a question that has Ava giving as good as she gets. Ava Breevort knows love and loss, a loss that has affected Ava’s self-esteem, and scarred our heroine to the possibility of future love, another betrayal, and issues of trust. Falling for Caleb was never on the radar but having her heart ripped out meant Ava needed to reassess what she wanted in her life.

The relationship between Ava and Caleb is an enemies to lovers/friends with benefits arrangement that leads to something more. For weeks Ava and Caleb will be both friends and lovers but jealousy, heartbreak and memories from the past are but the tip of the ice-burg that is slowly collapsing their hard-fought friendship. Caleb wants to know everything about the woman he refuses to love but isn’t capable of talking about his own embittered past. The push and pull of jealousy is immature and sophomoric in the face of Caleb’s inability to feel something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Ava’s best friend, executive pastry chef Harper Smith whose own life experiences are painful and hard –there is a small plot development focusing on Harper, and the fall-out of her own relationship disaster; Ava’s bosses Stella and Patrice; and Caleb’s brother, artist Jamie Scott. I am hoping for a storyline focusing on both Harper and Jamie, but more importantly Harper and Jamie together.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT is a story of pain and heartbreak, and tainted perception. Caleb struggles in the face of former betrayal, and paints Ava with the same judgemental brush. The premise is inviting; the characters are dynamic, flawed and broken; the romance struggles in the face of preconceived notions, and demons from the past.

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OK … I feel like I’m at war with myself because I absolutely wanted to love this book so much because I love the author soooo much, but it wasn’t quite there for me. I’m fairly new to Samantha Young’s books and I loved the two that I’ve read by her.

I truly love reading enemies to lovers romances, but the hate was more strong in the beginning than I expected it to be. And most of it was coming from the hero, Caleb. It’s to be expected with this trope that the hero is usually the a-hole, but his hate was nearly on a level of its’ own and that had me completely appalled by him. It’ll keep you wondering how the heck he’ll be able to redeem himself by the end, so that was a huge factor that made keep going as well because I wanted to know how Ava would completely capture his heart. There’s hope for everyone, even this major [ insert whatever word seems fitting ].

Once you get past their many unexpected encounters and their spitfire towards one another, we dig deeper into each of their stories. And they’re both extremely heartbreaking in different ways. Ava and Caleb are no strangers to heartbreak and that pulled at mine completely. With Ava being betrayed by the two people that she loved the most in her life and essentially building this huge barrier between everyone she has known in her life. And don’t even get me started on her parents who were never there for her.

I think this was one of my turning points for Caleb’s character was when we learn a bit more of his backstory, but it still wasn’t enough for me to forgive his rudeness. But you can definitely sense the bitterness that he has taken on from his past. Sadly, it was enough for him to treat every woman that looked like his past like trash.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Ava and Harper’s friendship! It’s definitely something everyone should have in their life, a solid support that will always be on your side. And they would also be your voice of reason. I know I’m not alone on this, but I want Harper to have her own book. I loved her character a lot!

I have no idea how Ava was able to deal with Caleb antics and how she was a bit quick to forgive him, when he essentially hurt her in such a way that seems nearly impossible to forgive.

Despite certain things that I didn’t like here and there, Samantha has a way with her words that keep you absolutely addicted to everything on the page. I still finished this in one sitting and found myself completely enamored the whole time. I just couldn’t find any redeeming qualities in Caleb.

This may not have been my favorite of Samantha’s, but you may love it, so I’d still give this a try!

Everything about this book just screamed my name. First of all, the cover is adorable, then there’s the synopsis that hints at all of the potential banter and angst that I adore, and finally, it’s written by Samantha Young! I’m just going to get right down to it and say that I LOVED this book! I thoroughly enjoyed every second that I spent within these pages. Fight or Flight ended up surpassing my already high expectations. Don’t let that cute, whimsical cover fool you, this book packs a punch that you will feel in the pit of your stomach and right down to your toes.

I am always drawn to the antagonistic nature of an enemies-to-lovers romance. There is just something tantalizing about them, and this one is done to perfection. I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a fictional character quite as rude, boorish, or brooding as Caleb Scott. Every word that he said sent my emotions into a tailspin. My blood boiled and my heart rate spiked. He infuriated me to the point that I could feel the color rise into my cheeks. But with that being said, I still couldn’t help but be intrigued and, yes, smitten with him. His accent didn’t hurt, either.

Ava Breevort was a fantastic character. She was spunky, spirited, and didn’t back away from Caleb’s biting words and actions. She was a spitfire who could get under his skin just as easily as he had embedded himself under hers. She didn’t understand how he could have such an adversarial reaction to a complete stranger, but for some unknown reason, she just aggravated him. To make matters worse, she couldn’t seem to escape his wrath, as they just kept bumping into one another. With every glimpse and interaction, their attraction grew stronger, but there is so much more to both of them than meets the eye.

It was so easy to just let myself get swept up in this story. The story is told completely from Ava’s perspective. Since I was only witnessing the events from her point of view, I didn’t know what was going on in Caleb’s head, and it made the butterflies in my stomach flutter all the more. Ava’s worries were my worries, her concerns were mine, and her feelings became my own. I felt as though I was right there with her, experiencing everything right alongside of her. This only helped to build my anticipation.

Fight or Flight had all of the tension, intensity, angst, heartache, humor, and romantic chemistry that I crave. The push and pull between the characters was some of the best that I’ve ever read. I wanted to lose myself in this story and not resurface until I reached the final page, but I also didn’t want to see it come to an end. I could have easily spent another few hundred pages with them. This book is definitely one that I will be wanting to re-read at a later date when I am searching for that all-consuming reading experience. Reading Fight or Flight has been a highlight of my reading year. It will certainly be on my list of favorites for 2018!

*5 Stars

The things that you experience in your life, especially in the younger years, can often play a big part in shaping who you are now. Sometimes for the better. Some people carry the hard times around with them, that's why we often call it baggage. However, it is easy to judge people on their behavior without knowing where it stemmed from. This is told very well in this story that had me laughing out loud one moment and then crying the next - sometimes both at once.

Ava grew up in a home where she basically wanted for nothing, except her parents attention. They had a free spirited approach to life and it was almost like having a child was a bit of an inconvenience. This childhood made her crave control in her life, she set rules for herself and in an effort to be the opposite of her parents. After returning to her hometown to attend the funeral of an old friend Ava finds herself on a flight sitting next to the most arrogant man she has ever met, Caleb Scott.

Caleb is a devastatingly handsome Scotsman and he knows it. He is also arrogant, rude, impatient and sitting next to the most irritating woman he has ever met. Sure, she is beautiful but she is so annoying. She is also very easy to wind up so he enjoys playing with her just a little, purely for his own entertainment. The banter between them was absolutely fantastic. To him, Ava seems so uptight and he is the complete opposite. However, he does enjoy her company, even if he would never admit it.

When they end up on the same layover their paths seem to keep crossing and thanks to a bit of alcohol Ava finds herself opening up to Caleb about her reason for her return home. There is a definitely a very heightened level of attraction between them and they can both feel it so when Caleb proposes they spend the night together, the usually in control Ava agrees.

'I reached up and ran my fingers over the prickle of thick stubble on his face and whispered, 'Will it tickle my thighs?'

Ava has never done something like this before but tired of confining herself she decides to do what she wants to do, for once in her life. Having a wild night with a practical stranger couldn't be more spontaneous right? No strings sex with a man she will never see again may be just what she needs. I don't think that either of them expected just how incredibly intense it would be between them, as in the best sex of their lives. However amazing it was, they part ways and are left with lingering memories.

Therefore, when Ava attends a lunch with one of her clients she is shocked to see Caleb at the table. It seems that fate is not done with them yet. Just looking at him gives her warm tingly feelings in her hoohah but she knows that crossing that line again will not lead anywhere. She is a relationship sort of girl and he is only in town for a few days. He doesn't do relationships and seems to be able to separate emotions from sex. However, Caleb Scott can be very persuasive...

'You're not my type. Your hair, your makeup, your clothes, your attitude. You're too beautiful and you know it. And yet I'm desperate to have you again.'

What has Ava got to lose, just a few more days of the hottest sex of her life with the gorgeous Scotsman? Over the edge she goes and the thrill of it feels amazing. Until the really do part ways and she is left feeling like if he stayed they could have had something special. Or could they? Caleb Scott has his reasons for being the way he is, like Ava, he has put rules in place to protect himself. He is not prepared to break them for anyone, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

'I'd never been around a man who at once made me feel emotionally secure and insecure.'

Ava often thinks of Caleb, usually in x-rated day dreams but being with him was a bit of an awakening and gives her confidence to make some changes in her life. However, just when she thinks she is taking some good steps forward, Caleb Scott walks back into her life.

This is the point in this story where Samantha completely played with my emotions. I went through every conceivable one, it was exhausting! But, I loved every moment of it. I love how she took these two very different but complex characters and showed me how beautiful flaws can be. I did not expect to feel so much, the tears rolling down my cheeks were unexpected but were also reflection of how much I came to love Caleb and Ava. Loved this!

Ava has not had a pleasant trip home. Burying her childhood best friend was only part of what made her quick trip home unpleasant. But the promise of a first class flight home helps her relax, until she learns her connection in Boston has been canceled. Through a series of unexpected inconveniences, Ava finds herself continually running into an irritating Scotsman on the same flights.

This series of run-ins fuels some powerful dislike and equally powerful chemistry. They may not like what they think they know, but Caleb and Ava hit it off in the physicality department right away.

Ava thinks everything will settle down once she finally makes it home, only to find one of her top clients is trying to set her up with the very man who infuriated her (and fueled one very fantastic night) through her recent layover.

They each have walls up in defense of their pasts. Though they don’t have a shared past, they were both hurt immensely and carry the baggage with them. They will need to figure out how to deal with the past if there is any possibility of a future.

I loved the banter between these two. They are both quick witted and don’t mince words when they are riled. There were times I wished one or the other would slow down and listen, or actually share what was on their minds, but their actions fit with who they were and the situations in which they found themselves.

I was further entertained by this book as I read it while taking my own air journey. It was so much fun to imagine those early scenes in the air while sitting in an airplane seat myself. I have to say, I’ve never had a seatmate as irritating or entertaining as Caleb ended up being! This was sweet, fun, surprise filled drama that turned adversaries into lovers into something so much more!

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Whenever I read a Samantha Young book I am genuinely impressed. I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I have to say that I LOVED it! This is a book that I will have to read over and over. I loved it so much that I'm tempted to sit down and read it again.

Samantha Young is able to create characters that just inspire you. The characters feel real, they feel raw, and when they cry it makes me want to cry. I love how in depth the characters in Fight or Flight are. They seemed so real to me. One thing that I absolutely loved about this book is the banter between the characters. The bantering just set this book apart. It's witty, and touching at moments.

The plot line was really interesting and something that I haven't read before. I loved how touching it was and I even loved how frustrating the plot line became. I wanted to scream at the characters at points which shows me just how invested I was in the characters.

Ultimately, this book captures the magic that Samantha Young had with "On Dublin Street" and added some amazing bantering. This is one of my favorites by her. If I could give it more stars, I would.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.