Review by Heather C

TITLE: Pathfinder
AUTHOR: Faith Ashlin
PUBLISHER: Silver Publishing
SUMMARY: During the Second World War, two airmen from Texas join the Royal Air Force, while America is still neutral. The attraction between them is immediate. Bobby, a navigator, has given up on thoughts of relationships, concentrating instead on the war he fervently believes in. Lewis, his new pilot, is full of life, passionate about planes and playing his part in the war.

They connect immediately with intense, but furtive, sex. Their bond grows during many tough raids and passionate nights, until Lewis pushes Bobby to admit how he feels. Bobby didn’t think love was a possibility. But now Lewis is here, real and offering everything he could never admit he wanted.

Can they have a future together during the war?

REVIEW: Pathfinder tells the story of the love affair between Bobby Davenport and Lewis Winters, two American airmen fighting for the English in the RAF during WWII from 1941 to 1942.

This story is told in 3rd person from Bobby’s POV, an experienced navigator dedicated to the cause who believes in the fight against the Germans. Lewis soon arrives as Bobby’s new flight pilot. He’s pretty green and really just wants to get his hands on a Mosquito bomber plane. A discreet, sexual affair immediately ensues between the frequent bombing missions across France and Germany; risking their jobs and their lives in a place where life expectancy is already very short.

“You’re right, it’s not easy and I’m trying to make things sound that way. But, to me, they are. Either or both of us could be dead tomorrow so why worry about the future? You said everyone is living for today so fine, we’ll do that, because today I love you and it really is that easy.” ~ Lewis

My factual knowledge of WWII is pretty limited, so I can’t really comment on the historical accuracy of the events. Plus, I really don’t read much historical romance, but I still enjoyed it. I really liked both characters. Bobby was a bit stubborn and bull headed at times but he was consistent in his beliefs. Lewis was more carefree and enthusiastic. I really believed that they truly loved each other, and it saddened me that they could never be open and out in public about their feelings.

“I think I’m half way there already. But it’s all right, there’s no pressure, I’m happy with what we have. I’m not a fool.”

“Half way?” Lewis twisted to face him, his expression as open as always. “I hope you’re more than that, because I’m already full way in love with you and it’d be a damn shame if you didn’t love me back.”

Even though the sex wasn’t all that explicit, it was still pretty intense. I would have liked more sexual tension, but nope, these guys start getting it on from the very beginning. Some of the day to day bombing missions got a bit tedious but it was still pretty intense. And the ratio of missions to love scenes was probably about equal. So I thought the story was fairly fast paced.

I think my biggest problem with this story was that too much of it was told and not shown. I guess that can be expected with such a short novella, but I just wanted more. More depth. More insight into the characters. MORE!! Honestly, I’m ok with the HFN ending because I’m a romantic and want to believe in Lewis’s “lucky pair” theory:  as long as these two are together, they will be okay.

Another difficulty I was having was that it reminded me too much of Out of the Blue by Josh Lanyon and I kept trying to compare the two stories in my mind. Even though Pathfinder is set during WWII and Out of the Blue is set during WWI and the main conflict is entirely different, I still kept comparing them.

I enjoyed it though, and I think it’s for the readers who love reading military historicals. Faith Ashlin is a new-to-me author, and I remain open to reading more of her work.

Sid’s Rating:

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