My In Flight Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
In Flight by R.K. Lilley is the first book in the Up in the Air series. It follows Bianca, a first-class flight attendant, who’s used to dealing with supermodels and celebrities but finds herself totally unprepared for the intensity of billionaire hotel owner James Cavendish. Their first meeting at 35,000 feet throws Bianca off balance. James is direct, dominant, and relentless in his pursuit, but Bianca is used to saying no and meaning it. Both characters carry dark pasts—Bianca survived a violent childhood and James has scars of his own. As Bianca is slowly drawn into James’s world of luxury and kink, she’s forced to confront both her trauma and her desire. The relationship pushes her boundaries physically and emotionally, while her loyal best friend Stephan provides grounding and support. This book blends luxury, longing, and power games with a sizzling pace and a thread of hurt/comfort running through each encounter.
Why I Love This Book
I love how In Flight dives into the messy side of trust and vulnerability. There’s no sugarcoating of trauma here—Bianca and James both have wounds that affect every decision they make. Bianca may get swept away by James’s relentless attention, but she doesn’t lose herself. I love that she has her own strength and isn’t just a blank slate for someone else’s fantasies. The chemistry is off the charts—this book doesn’t tease, it delivers. The power dynamic is always present, but never feels cruel for cruelty’s sake. The writing isn’t afraid to linger on the dark, controlling moments, but it also gives you real insight into why each character acts the way they do. Bianca’s friendship with Stephan adds heart, and the world of first-class flights and indulgent hotels is a fun escape. Every turn brings drama, angst, and steamy scenes that make the story hard to put down. I come away from the last page feeling wrung out but satisfied—and immediately ready for the next book.
Who Will Like This Book
If you want a steamy, high-angst billionaire romance with kink, darkness, and lots of open-door scenes, you’ll like this. The story works if you crave those complicated, slightly dangerous relationships where both people have something to hide and everything to lose. Fans of Fifty Shades or Crossfire will find lots to enjoy, but this book doesn’t hold back when it comes to explicit content or emotional messiness. If you’re sensitive to controlling heroes, BDSM elements, or power imbalances, this one may not suit you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains explicit sex, BDSM, controlling behavior, past abuse, stalking, and violence. If you have past traumas, check the content warnings before starting.
Tagged As
billionaire romance, bdsm romance, dark romance, controlling hero, trauma recovery, forbidden romance, power imbalance, luxury setting, open-door romance, tortured hero, strong heroine, angsty, first-person, kinky romance, found family, hurt/comfort, explicit, hurt hero, high drama, series, cliffhanger, kindle unlimited, indie romance
Steam Level
This book is extremely explicit. There are many detailed sexy scenes, BDSM play, and high heat throughout. If you want a story where the spice never stops, you’ll be satisfied here.
