Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

An Action and Adventure Romance Book published on (06/14/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“That was the fundamental difference between pilots and passengers—fear didn’t get a seat up front.”

A fiery enemies-to-lovers romance takes flight when a daring test pilot and a secretive tech heir are forced into a high-stakes mission that threatens not just their hearts—but the fabric of reality itself.

Keywords:

Romance, Pilots, Flying, Aliens, Encounter, Love Triangle

My Review:

The writing in this book is rich, emotional, and often poetic. The author blends sharp, realistic dialogue with thoughtful, reflective moments. The story feels deep and intense, with lots of vivid descriptions and strong word choices. These details give the book a dramatic, cinematic feel. But sometimes the writing gets so detailed that it’s hard to follow the plot. You really have to focus while reading, since the meaning is often hidden between the lines. This book is less like a fast-paced action story (Independence Day) and more like a slow-burning, thoughtful film (Nope). You can’t just skim or read without fully paying attention.

This isn’t a typical science fiction novel. It mixes elements of sci-fi, thriller, romance, and literary fiction. If you like stories that blend genres, you might enjoy what this one offers.

However, the poetic style has some downsides. The heavy use of metaphors can sometimes make the story harder to understand. The pace slows down in some scenes, especially during long inner thoughts. Some emotional moments like grief, fear, and wonder happen all at once, which weakens their impact. The dialogue sometimes feels over-the-top, and important scenes can be unclear because there’s too much focus on description.

Still, the book stands out for its ambition and depth. It explores big ideas such as identity, love, loss, and choice, presented in a thoughtful and serious tone. The final scene leaves a strong impression and hints that the story isn’t over yet.

On the other hand, the romance subplot doesn’t work as well for me. The writing feels slow and repetitive in the early chapters, and the emotional side of the romance is underdeveloped. The romantic tension shows up too soon, before we’ve had a chance to connect with the characters.

This book is a good fit for readers who enjoy poetic writing, exploring deep emotions, and engaging with thoughtful themes. But if you prefer fast pacing, strong romance, or a clear story structure, it might not be for you. It’s a bold book with flashes of brilliance.

This novel was published on 06/14/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads