A Whirlwind Romance, A Long Distance Relationship, and the 1980s

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Romance

SETTING: Anaheim, CA 1986

NOTE: This book was previously published under the title Songbird in 2013 and 1986

WHY I READ THIS BOOK: It isn’t Austenesque/JAFF, but Syrie James is the author of several brilliant Austenesque books and I love reading everything she writes. And just in case there are other readers who love both Austenesque and Syrie James, I thought I’d share my review here.

THE PREMISE: With the dependence on ratings, brutal night shifts, gender inequality and prejudices, and the need to frequently uproot and relocate – being a female radio deejay in the 80s is not easy. But Desiree loves her job, and after finally landing a dream job following seven years of midnight to dawn shifts she isn’t sure if she is willing to take a chance on a romance that might disrupt her career path. Long distance relationships and marriage didn’t work out so well for her before, is she willing to take a risk and try again…

MY THOUGHTS: Syrie James? ☑️ A contemporary romance set in the 1980s? ☑️ An independent and smart protagonist who admirably built a satisfying career and life for herself? ☑️ So many boxes checked! And this story’s setting in sunny Southern California makes this the perfect book to enjoy on the beach during summer. (which is exactly what I saved it for!)

The characters are what I loved most about this book. With both Desiree and Kyle I felt some Elizabeth and Darcy vibes. Desiree thinks for herself, speaks her mind, and has a talent for conversation (especially on air). Kyle is wealthy, powerful, and used to getting what he wants (boy, can he be persuasive!). And to top it all off, they both make a slightly unfavorable first impression on each other where Desiree makes e a faux pas that Kyle points it out to her on air!

I loved how Syrie James developed these characters and their relationship together. I was charmed by the details we learned about Desiree and Kyle – how Desiree had a special relationship with her great-grandmother and owns/wears a lot of her treasures, and how Kyle comes from a big family and couldn’t pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot or joining the Air Force because he is colorblind. So many scenes and moments shared between Desiree and Kyle were tender, heart-stopping, and memorable. I especially loved their date to Catalina Island and all the exquisitelyy passionate scenes this couple shared. (NOTE: some scenes are for Mature Audiences).

In addition, I also enjoyed the conflicts and obstacles this pair faced together. Desiree carries some baggage from a previous relationship, and isn’t quick to trust an out-of-town businessman who is putting the moves on her. Will their relationship last or will one of them get hurt? Can she have both a love life and a career? How can a couple who lives and works over a thousand miles apart create a future together? I appreciated the authenticity and timelessness of these obstacles and witnessing how Desiree and Kyle worked through them together. The ending was *chef’s kiss.* 🤌🏼😘

Floating on Air is a splendidly engaging and compelling whirlwind romance! If you are in the mood to see a deliciously ardent hero and an endearing and hardworking heroine fall irrepressibly in love with the backdrop of 1980s nostalgia, I invite you to treat yourself to this heart-melting and profound story about risking your heart and finding love!

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