THE REALITY OF EVERYTHING (Flight & Glory Book 5) by REBECCA YARROS

‘She had a broken heart, and I had a kid whose heart I couldn’t risk.’

Wow! What a fabulous read! We loved this story of second chances with one of the most gorgeous book boyfriends you could meet! Single dad Jackson Montgomery swept us off our feet, with his patience, strength and understanding wooing us completely!

‘What we have is something worth fighting for, and I’m climbing into the ring, ready to take the punches, but she’s already left the arena.’

The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros was…well…everything! We fell in love with Jackson (how could we not) our hearts ached for Morgan and we were regaled with the antics of gorgeous five-year-old Finley Montgomery. We love books with children but have found some to be unbelievable with the child coming across anything but childlike. Not so with Finley, Rebecca Yarros wrote this little lady to perfection, and the love between Finley and her Coast Guard pilot Dad was beautiful, sweet and funny. As we said, perfection, and now we want to read all of this standalone series!

“What exactly do you want from me, Jackson?”
“You, I just want you.”

This was a story of friendship, grief, second chances and about living life and facing obstacles head-on. For Morgan Bartley, the past 22 months have been a struggle. After losing the man she loved in Afghanistan, Morgan has to deal with the memories, the fallout and the anger and pain she experienced in the aftermath of Will’s death, something this author handles brilliantly.

Throughout the story, Morgan slowly processes and faces her grief with the help of a therapist, and the way in which it was written ensured we felt Morgan’s pain every step of the way, right up until the emotionally brutal moment Morgan releases her pain and the animosity she harbours.

Deciding to buy a fixer-upper from the money left to her by Will, Morgan takes on more than she bargained for with the dilapidated house, but she’s up for the challenge and manages to embarrass herself on her first meeting with the deliciously handsome Jackson. Morgan is definitely not looking for a relationship, and Jackson has his hands full with his daughter Finley.

From the tragic start to the nail-biting finish and right up to the epilogue we devoured this story. We loved the characters, the setting, the beautifully descriptive prose and the friendships felt real and raw. The coming together of the house coincides with the emotional outpouring and healing of Morgan.

“I’m not about to be one of your regrets when I have the option to be your choice.”

Morgan is smitten with Jackson, and in return, Jackson can see a future with Morgan, but there is a huge obstacle (or two) standing in their way. Can Jackson compete with a ghost and will Morgan accept his job – we know she’s had enough of the worry and pain, loving a flyboy can cause her. Will she take the leap?

‘God, I didn’t deserve this man who held me carefully as I cried out my grief for another.’

This story had us engrossed all the way through. We loved the friendships – every girl should have a friend like Sam – we loved Jackson’s candour and we loved how our emotions were constantly tested – whether we were knotted with angst, feeling devastation at Morgan’s loss or swooning with romance, Rebecca Yarros brought it, and we ate it up! What a fantastic story!

“I’m not going anywhere,” he promised. “I’ll wait forever if it means I get the chance to kiss you again.”