Lauren is a former army pilot forced to retire due to a war injury. When she gets a job as a helicopter pilot for the Nashville police department, she meets training officer Kim. Both women have a common past, a deceased army pilot called Courtney who was Kim’s best friend and Lauren’s ex girlfriend. Courtney had accused Lauren of cheating and Kim isn’t happy to have Lauren in her workplace. Can they go past their conflict to forge a friendship and maybe something more?
I have read a few of Erin Dutton’s books and I found her work a bit hit and miss. I absolutely loved ‘Capturing forever’ (see my review here) but not so much the rest. Unfortunately I found ‘Landing zone’ on the average side. Ms. Dutton researched helicopters well, the flying scenes are entertaining and believable. I also liked the landing zone metaphor that gives the title of the book. Having said that, when it comes to the portrayal of the characters, I found the author telling the reader more than showing their feelings. I think that Lauren’s PTSD is a bit unrealistic and treated too lightly. The main characters’ chemistry works fine and the intimate scenes are well written but their conflict is a bit rushed. It’s a pity because the plot had so much potential but, in my opinion, failed short in the execution. However, it’s still an enjoyable novel.
Overall, an ok read, specially if you enjoy a women in uniform romance. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.