Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Thunder in the Skies

Rate this book
Francois Akolo and Tristen Suddreth survived the brutal heat of combat in Afghanistan, and now, a decade later, they’ve been given the honor of joining the elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Together, they defy gravity as they perform jaw-dropping aerobatic displays for audiences around the world, their bond forged in battle and tested by the sky.

But when global tensions erupt and the world teeters on the brink of a third world war, their carefully constructed lives—and the fragile love between them—are thrown into chaos. Forced to fly through life-threatening missions and face unimaginable danger, Francois and Tristen are pushed to their limits, their emotions tangled in the high-speed thrill of combat and the aching distance between them.

As the threat of war grows ever closer, the two pilots must navigate deadly skies, the weight of duty, and the lingering hope that someday, somehow, they’ll find their way back to each other—before it’s too late.

Thunder in the Skies is a high-octane, emotionally charged story of love, loyalty, and survival. With heart-stopping action and the unbreakable camaraderie of brothers in arms, it’s a tale of two men who risk everything to serve their country—and discover that love is worth fighting for.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2024

2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read

About the author

Trina Lane

35 books74 followers
Trina is a scientist with a passion for history, music, and photography. She loves to travel and experience new places but is terminally shy around people she doesn't know. When the zombie apocalypse occurs, you'll want to find her because she's a crack shot, and promises to take out those nasty decomposing flesh-eating vermin before they have a chance to make you their snack. Her favorite aunt gave Trina a sultry romance novel to read while they were on vacation together back when Trina was in middle school and made her promise not to tell her mother. She's been hooked ever since! Her choices in reading and writing material are as diverse as her Apple Music library, which contains music from Mozart to Metallica. Her one concession is all stories must have a happily ever after ending-did we mention she's incurably romantic? She's the mother of a very strong-willed and sweet little boy who frequently makes her smile and grimace within seconds of each other. She firmly believes that the sweetness comes from her, and the other part is her husband's fault. She loves to hear from readers, and her greatest wish is that we all strive to achieve bigger dreams.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (62%)
4 stars
9 (31%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,540 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2025
Becoming a Thunderbird takes a lot of skill and experience, and François is excited to be leading a team who will perform for the next year together all over the continent.

He’s also excited to see his old friend, Tristen, since they flew together in Afghanistan a decade earlier. He’s never forgotten him because there’s an attraction brewing between them.

Tristen is new to the team as well, and can’t wait to get going. He’s stricken with feelings once again when he sees François, and soon their reacquaintance turns into more.

They’re happy, the team is accepting, and they train and start their shows. Then an attack by China on Taiwan leads everyone to combat missions, and Tris and Framçois are off to Japan.

They fly ships needed by Taiwan and train people on them, facing their own enemy planes en route that don’t fire, but play games with them in the air.

While finishing up training, Tristan’s base is attacked and he falls, getting a mild concussion. A marine helps him to a rendezvous, but they’re turned back to the base and Tris has to fly them out of the danger zone.

Meanwhile, François is safe in Okinawa, waiting to go back to their meeting place and fly home, stuck due to bad weather. He doesn’t hear from Tristen for 24 hours because of bad connections from the cyclone, but finally, he knows his love is OK.

They reunite and pick up their shows, but after a harrowing experience, and it makes them both sure they want to stay together through wherever life takes them.

What a cool adventure! I love all the descriptions of the flights, how they work in tandem in the air, and the lingo they use to communicate. The glossary was helpful in deciphering that.

Both guys are interesting, but François’ background and experience coming to the US with his parents was notable. I also loved the scene where Tristen works at the community centre on Thanksgiving. A few times there was too much patriotic stuff, but that’s understandable with the military story.

I received this ARC for free and am providing my honest review with gratitude.
Profile Image for Amanda Winter.
867 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2025
Thunder in the Skies by Trina Lane is the third instalment in the Got Your Six series, and while each book can stand alone, why not dive into the whole series for the full experience? This story focuses on Francois and Tristen, two elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilots, and it’s an absolute thrill ride from start to finish.

I adored this book! Trina Lane crafts a compelling blend of heart-pounding action, authentic military details, and a deeply emotional romance. Her ability to delve into the nuances of military life and the intense camaraderie of the Thunderbirds is impressive and adds a sense of realism to the story.

Francois and Tristen’s journey is both exhilarating and heartfelt. Their shared passion for flying and the challenges of being part of such a high-stakes team create a powerful backdrop for their growing connection. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their relationship evolves in a way that feels organic and deeply satisfying.

The plot moves at a great pace, balancing high-flying action with quieter, more intimate moments that allow you to really connect with the characters. Trina Lane’s writing shines in the way she captures the intensity of their missions alongside the vulnerabilities and emotions of her characters.

This is a must-read for fans of military romances, action-packed plots, and stories about love forged in high-pressure environments. I truly hope more books are on the horizon in this series because I’d pick them up in a heartbeat. I highly recommend Thunder in the Skies and the entire Got Your Six series—it’s a gripping, emotional, and unforgettable ride!
Profile Image for Kate.
2,627 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I’m new to Trina Lane’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I thought that it was another good addition to the Got Your Six Series. I loved the Francois and Tristen finally get their chance at happiness, after both having feeling for each other that were forged 10 years prior while flying in combat together in Afghanistan. They both didn’t realise that their feelings for the other were returned and it isn’t until they’re both part of the US Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds, that they realise their attraction is returned.

Francois is the commander of the Thunderbirds and it’s technically frown upon that him and Tristen are together, but I’m glad that they’re of the same rank, not lesser as there would be a major power imbalance. I thought their chemistry was completely off the charts. The secondary characters made the story that much more interesting. I’m also looking forward to reading more books by Trina Lane in the future, even if they’re not from this series. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
215 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2025
This captivating story follows Francois and Tristan, former fighter jet pilots in Afghanistan, who reunite a decade later as members of the elite US Air Force demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds. Their unspoken attraction from years ago reignites and they realize that their feelings have endured over the years. Their potential relationship faces professional challenges from the beginning since Francois serves as the commander of the squadron. The story takes a thoughtful, slow-burn approach as the two navigate their feelings, balancing their deepening connection with the demands of their military roles. Despite their efforts to keep their relationship private, their chemistry is palpable and noticed by those around them who turn out to be extremely supportive. The communication and trust between Francois and Tristan shined throughout the story, built on the foundation of their mutual respect and love. With a strong focus on their relationship and sprinkled with action, the narrative engaging. The book’s meticulous research and authentic military detail immerse readers in the world of fighter pilots, adding depth and realism to the romantic storyline. A beautifully crafted tale of love, loyalty, and resilience.
171 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2025
Thunder in the Skies is book 3 in Trina Lane’s Got Your Six series. Francois Okolo and Tristan Suddreth flew numerous missions over the skies of Afghanistan as Air Force Pilots. The two developed a friendship but were eventually separate as they deployed in different directions. Ten years later as Lt. Colonels, they are both tagged for the Air Force Demonstration team, The Thunderbirds. With the military being more tolerant, the two quickly develop from friendship to lovers.
The demonstration season is seven months and pulling tremendous Gs during knife edge maneuvers day after day puts a lot of pressure on the team but they are rock solid in their friendship and their faith in each other’s skills. Taken out of the today’s headlines, the team is reminded that they are active duty pilots when China attacks Taiwan and they are sent to different stations around the globe.
The action is furious and like her first two releases in this series, Trina’s meticulous research really shows. Through love and loyalty our MCs will get their HEA. This can be read as a standalone but the first two in this series are well worth reading
781 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2025
Book three in this series continues to set a high bar in being so dang good. This one is about who military men (crushing on one another but neither knows that) who served in Afghanistan together and now ten years later are serving in the US Air Force Thuderbirds and finally honest about feelings Suddenly however their lives go from entertaining audiences with aerobic air displays to flying life threatening missions. The story works because they have off the chart chemistry but also because they communicate and trust one another as the story is not driven by angst, miscommunication, or outside forces. It is solely about these two men and their love for each other and their country. Counting the trends of romance and action, this series is top notch. I will say be prepared for some detailed military writing that shows the author hard work in researching this life. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review. .
830 reviews9 followers
January 6, 2025
Deranged bobblehead, moambe chicken, unagi nigiri, AIM-9 Sidewinders, brown tree snake, F-CK-1 plane, takoyaki

What a thrilling and engrossing story! This book is so well-written, and I couldn't put it down. That's how compelling it is. The details conjured spectacular imagery. It's the author's knowledge of technical terms, body responses, and aircraft mechanisms that bring the story to life. The steam level is high, and the exciting action is nonstop.

The military branch represented is the USAF. More specifically, the Thunderbirds. The MCs are François 'Ozone' Akolo and Tristen 'Sudds' Suddreth. It opens 11-years ago in Afghanistan during active combat. Then, in modern day, the story picks up at Nellis AFB, LV, Nevada, the Thunderbirds home airbase. I don't want to spoil the rest of the book, I'll stop here.

I devoured this book and absolutely enjoyed it. I enthusiastically recommend this.
3,059 reviews21 followers
January 21, 2025
​Two men who are consummate professional pilots who put their lives on the line for their country. Both are quite good at what they do and they have earned a place among the elite Thunderbirds. They also have harbored a long sizzling crush on one another that neither revealed until they find themselves among the Thunderbirds and finally reveal to one another how they feel. These men are all in, in their service and once they realize that their feelings are mutual, they are all in, in relation to their chance to build a relationship and grow their feelings. This story had it all - exciting descriptions of their missions and the danger that they can find themselves in when called to serve as more than demonstrators. There was also a sweet and spicy love story between Francois and Tristan and the comradery that helps to solidify the team as it trains and serves together. This story was well done from beginning to end. I could not put it down.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for REKH.
395 reviews9 followers
January 15, 2025
ARC
Known-to-me author
Diversity = 2 Gay MCs: 1 MC, Black immigrant from the DRC who speaks 3 languages

At this point, I’m fully committed to the got your six series. This installment is a years long story about two Air Force officers. I’m a sucker for a Second Chance romance, and for the found family that we see in their flight demonstration team. If there’s a knock against this book, it’s that Trina‘s research is excellent, and there’s a quite a bit of jargon and specifics about military equipment. I love that, but it’s not for everyone and I know some readers can get bogged down in that. The best thing about this book aside from the main characters happily ever after, is the story of immigration and assimilation that is core to one of the main characters. That is so well done, and it adds a unique and interesting depth to the story.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,325 reviews18 followers
January 3, 2025
Thunder in the Skies is the third book in the Got Your Six series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story of Francois and Tristen who have joined the elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. I loved this book so much. It has a great plot with plenty of action. Trina Lane does an amazing job with military type stuff. I hope more books come out in this series because I would definitely read them. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
4,923 reviews18 followers
January 19, 2025
Exciting! Francois and Tristan are Air Force Vets who are now reassigned to the Thunderbirds, an elite flying demonstration special duty. They each had secret crushes on each other, then they finally communicated. World circumstances change missions and our guys get a bit of action. Trina does a great job with her realistic writing of the action and lifestyles of AF Pilots. You can feel as if you are in the cockpit and feel the adrenaline rush. Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,596 reviews12 followers
January 11, 2025
Francois and Tristen have a long association and in the military it can take years to cross paths with posting all over the world. They happen to be two elite fighter pilots, but it's peacetime now, or is it. This is a very humanised story, it had a lump in my throat more than once and tears in my eyes at times. It felt real and I loved it! The secondary characters were all super great and made a great addition to this story! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,560 reviews48 followers
January 19, 2025
Another winner from this author. Francois and Tristen may have thought that flying in Afghanistan was their biggest military challenge, but after being chosen as members of the Thunderbirds aerobatics squad they aren’t able to enjoy it for long before tensions between Taiwan and China erupt and they are sent back into the fray. Lots of wonderful details about flying both for fun and combat and a great couple in this one.
Profile Image for Trina Lane.
Author 35 books74 followers
December 22, 2024
authentic service and endless love

This 3rd book continues the excellence of the series! Trina Lane has the ability to write authentic military experiences with epic love stories. She is an instant buy when I find out about a new book! I really hope there’s more to come but I can guarantee I’ll be re-reading every book in this series.
2,362 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2025
This is book three in the got your six series and it is another great addition, I really liked Francois and Tristan as characters and thought there chemistry and communication was great and I felt the author give us a beautiful, well written, action packed story that kept my interest from the beginning to the end.
Profile Image for Kelsey Rhodes.
2,010 reviews33 followers
January 13, 2025
4.25/5 stars! This is the third book in the Got Your Six series. It is a super solid entry, but doesn't quite take over my heart from Northern Currents (book 2). This is the story of friends and fellow combatants to lovers and it it was beautiful to watch how Francois and Tristen developed their love story over time.
16.8k reviews159 followers
January 18, 2025
They had come through the heat of war and now they are a part of a flying team showing their skills off. A love blooms between them but life is going to throw a curveball as a third world war may just be coming. They will be called up and their lives and love will be more complicated. See just how life will go for them
Profile Image for Malia Winger.
704 reviews47 followers
January 26, 2025
Francois Akolo and Tristen Suddreth are two of the Air Forces top pilots. They are highly trained, battle tested and they share a bond that reaches beyond the camaraderie of war. Now after a decade apart they have been reunited at Nellis AFB as Thunderbirds. I loved how the story was able to combine action and the warmth of a new family being formed
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,681 reviews38 followers
January 2, 2025
Thunder in the Skies is the third book in the Got Your Six series, each can be read as a standalone but I think it's better in order. This has wonderful characters and an action filled storyline that I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,501 reviews8 followers
January 16, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So well written and found the author had done their research so the military aspect was completely believable. The storyline was so captivating I was completely hooked! Highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Kamila Mykhailiuk.
1,449 reviews12 followers
December 31, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,270 reviews26 followers
January 17, 2025
This is another interesting and entertaining story in this series. I enjoyed reading it just as much as the previous story.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Reatha Klein.
518 reviews16 followers
January 24, 2025
This was my favorite one in this incredible series so far! I absolutely loved these two.
Profile Image for Natasha Lynn Harris.
1,976 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2025
Good

This is the story of Francois and Tristen who have joined the elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. I liked this book, it
has a great plot with plenty of action. 
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.