Fight or Flight

Young (On Dublin Street) weaves a melodramatic tale of incompatible strangers who can’t fight the physical attraction between them. When Ava Breevort is nearly knocked down by the tall and brusque Caleb Scott in the Sky Harbor Airport, it sets off a chain of unfortunate events that tests believability. Soon the two of them are having altercations and public dressing-downs from the Sky Harbor coffee cart to the first class seating section to a layover in O’Hare Airport. That layover turns passionate, and then into a week-long arrangement while Caleb is in Boston for work, which becomes semipermanent. Eventually, romantic feelings start to form. Caleb’s curt arrogance makes him a difficult character to sympathize with, especially given Ava’s history of emotional neglect and trauma. By contrast, Ava is a kind and sympathetic heroine who is not afraid to speak up for herself. Ava’s best friend tells her that she deserves better, and that the way Caleb treats her is unacceptable; readers will agree. Titillating sexual chemistry and strong female friendships are the true strengths of this wild, implausible ride of a story. Agent: Lauren E. Abramo, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary. (Oct.)