A slow burn novel about a couple dealing with issues and building a relationship. Lanie and her cousin Gemma- what a pair. Gemma's about to marry Lanie's long time love in London and Lanie is hopping back and forth from New York to do maid of honor duties when she meets Ridley, a widowed physician raising a teen daughter. Yes they have a spicy encounter (there's more spice than I expected throughout) but is there more? This is all about their journey. It's also about Lanie and Gemma and their family. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. While it's not the rom com you might be expecting from the cover, it's a good read about a romance.

thank you netgalley for the e-arc. my issue is with the author comment on goodreads. she wants to warn us that its not a romcom. then why is the title line "catch flights, not feelings"? why is the cover bright colors and 2 characters looking at each other to make us assume there is interest between the two?

however, the story kept me engaged and i liked the look into laine and ridley's lives and the problems they face/solve.

This book was really good. It was steamy and romantic. This is the first book I have read by the author, and I plan on reading more. The ending was better than I thought it would be. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

DNF 18%. I was really excited with this, but it was a mixture between a slow start and the formatting of the e-ARC being fucked up that made it impossible to keep going.

This book was great. Lanie flies home for her cousins wedding, but she’s taken aback when she finds out who her cousin is marrying. It’s her lifelong crush. To make it worse, she’s asked to be her cousins maid of honor and her her crushes best mate.

A very cute contemporary woman fiction that focuses on finding love unexpected friendship when two people are on a flight between a widowed dad and a woman very much in love with her best friend who is set to marry her cousin. We get to watch them navigate parenting, wedding prep, and how their friendship slowly turns to more.

I did struggle a bit at about 40%-60% but the side characters also helped keep me interested to keep going. Slow burn also usually is not my jam, but this was done very well.

Frequent Fliers starts with our main character, Melanie aka Lanie on her way to her cousin’s engagement party in England. Before she can even make her flight, she ends up running into a jerk on the way there and as you might guess, he ends up being in her row. While they seem like an unlikely pair, the two end up talking and having fun on the flight despite their tough start.

Lanie even confides in him that she’s not as happy as she should be about learning her cousin and her best friend are engaged. We quickly find out that Lanie has been pining for Jonah and feels more hurt than she’d like to say. Things get even more complicated when she ends up becoming his “best mate” and her maid of honor for the wedding.

Meanwhile, Lanie’s seatmate Ridley has to travel back and forth for business. Since she’s helping plan the wedding, the two end up seeing each other again and again. As much time as these two spend together, feelings grow between them but this is definitely a slow-burn.

What I loved most about Frequent Fliers was just how much these two had going on. Ridley and Lanie were such complex characters. Ridley is a single father, trying to raise his daughter and reeling after the loss of his wife. He’s also dealing with some custody issues and honestly, it’s a lot to try to handle. Lanie has a lot of complex feelings about Jonah and Gemma getting together plus she’s dealing with some other family issues, making choices about her career, and figuring everything out while helping to plan the wedding.

Frequent Fliers does veer into familiar territory with the third-act conflict but it was also so juicy and dramatic that you won’t be able to put this book down. There are also some great steamy scenes, too. While the book was a little long for my tastes, this would be a solid pick for those wanting a long read while on vacation.

Frequent Fliers by Noue Kirwan
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 8/13

Thank you so much to Harlequin and Netgalley for my complimentary copy! After reading and loving this author’s first book, Long Past Summer, I was so excited to get an early copy of this one.

Lanie Turner finds herself in a tricky situation when she heads to England. She’s been in love with her best friend, Jonah, forever, only to find out he's engaged to her cousin, Gemma. To make things more complicated, she's asked to be the maid of honor and best "mate" at their wedding.
On the flight over, Lanie meets Dr. Ridley Aronsen, a widowed single dad. There's an instant connection, but it gets awkward when she sees him wearing a wedding ring. It turns out that Ridley's not married; his life is just complicated. As Lanie travels back and forth to England to help with wedding planning and Ridley navigates single parenthood, they slowly get closer.

The book does a great job of showing two people figuring things out as they go. Lanie's unlucky in love and has some issues to work through, while Ridley's learning to open up again. It’s a very slow burn, and these characters have a LOT going on. They spend a lot of time living separately, and I would have liked to see them spend more time together.

Lanie is hard to like at times, and I wasn’t able to connect with her character as much as I wanted to. There were some entertaining side characters, but I’m not a fan of Lanie’s cousin, Gemma. And while I liked Ridley, I feel like he was very one dimensional. The ending wraps up too quickly, and there are a few parts that feel unrealistic.

Overall, this is a sweet story about finding love and healing. If you like a slow-burn romance, you should check this one out!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Frequent Fliers by Noué Kirwan is a third person dual-POV contemporary Black romance. When New Yorker physicist Lanie runs into London-based doctor Ridley, sparks fly in a series of disagreements and then into a friendship. They begin to schedule their flights between the US and England together and start to develop romantic feelings for each other.

There’s a lot of really cool stuff in here that I don’t see often in romances. Lanie is in her early thirties while Ridley is in his forties and is also a widower raising his step-daughter. There’s a custody battle in Ridley’s plotline as he tries to hold what’s left of his family together and he’s the one that has to navigate having a romantic relationship with a grieving daughter. Lanie and Ridley also discuss how Ridley was a bit of a ‘nice guy’ to his wife and was waiting for her to see that she was the better choice over her ex. I liked seeing all of this; it feels modern and current and doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of dating that become more and more common the older you get.

For Lanie’s part, she’s going over to England multiple times specifically to help out with her cousin’s wedding to her childhood best friend, who Lanie also was in love with for years. There’s a lot of mess in that situation and the handling of it felt realistic. Lanie won’t say anything about her feelings to anyone, but she still has those lingering feelings until her feelings start to drift over to Ridley. She also has insecurities relating to her other previous relationships, including a former partner who said it was wrong of her to not state that she was bigger below the waist. While Lanie doesn’t have body insecurity issues, I did really enjoy seeing that glimpse into her dating history and then later have Ridley celebrating her body exactly how it is.

Lanie has anxiety and Ridley struggles with change, pushing and pulling the two of them apart as they fall into a comfortable routine and start to rely on each other but are afraid to make a lot of changes to that routine. They open up to each other about things such as Ridley’s given name (his parents were horror movie buffs) and Lanie’s family history with dyslexia and slowly build up to Ridley talking about his ex-wife. It felt organic in how it was built up.

I would recommend this to fans of romances with leads past their twenties, readers looking for a romance with a female lead who has a bigger body, and those looking for a contemporary romance with a widowed lead.

Came for the cute cover, and Black characters, stayed for the character growth and drama.

I did see some other reviews saying that this wasn't the cute little airport romance that they wanted, and to which it makes me believe that they don't like the drama or the growth that these characters go through. The setup for the meet cute and their prospective lives, was messy. They were both in pretty untenable situations, that were going to have to get rectified. With Lanie, I really felt for her, because although we may not have all been in a similar situation, it read as really authentic, and you could feel for her, even through some of her flawed decision making. And same goes for Ridley, he was all hands on deck, and burning the candle at both endds, and then really had to sit with himself on what he was doing and the frame in which he was thinking things.

Flawed characters, doing flawed things. So I appreciate that we were told a very real story.

If I could point out a tiny, wee, little issue was with pacing, but the character growth was still where it needed to be for this book to be as successful as it was, and I feel thats a pretty great feat.

All in all, it's worth your time, and allthough it may not be the fluffy meet cute heavy book that the cover implies, it is a very good time.

Thank you to Harlequin and to Netgalley for an early copy.

This was so cute! Both characters were lovable, and the chemistry was just…my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Solid. Liked the characters. The families and their drama felt real. The romance felt earned.

The pacing is maybe a little off. There are parts that drag on or sections where the details feel fiddly and tedious, and then big moments happen fast. I liked it enough to read more Kirwan though. Her style is engaging and thoughtful.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This was an enjoyable, slow burn, long distance romance. I enjoy reading books with characters with diverse identities, so a book about two STEM professionals - one a Black/Caribbean American woman/PhD dropout and a British clinical scientist/single dad, made for a refreshing pairing. The characters had their own voices, identities, experiences, and challenges in this book, and every character had their own backstory. All of the characters, especially the main characters, were likeable in their own way. I also enjoyed the variety of loving relationships captured in this book - relationships between lovers, parents, family, and friends. It took a while to get to the actual romance portion of the book, but I appreciated learning about who the characters were, what they were bringing to the relationship, and an exploration of the general anxieties and commitments involved with long distance love. I would definitely recommend, especially as an e-book or print book experience.

Flying can sometimes hold surprises. Will you find yourself in a row to yourself, next to a chatty pal, ahead or behind schedule? For Lanie, she is surprised when she and her seatmate Ridley seem to have a connection and meet on frequent flights. Lanie is on her way from New York City to London to visit family and friends. This trip, though, continues the surprises for Laine as, come to find out, her cousin and her former boy-next-door crush are engaged. To pile it on, they want her to be their best mate- that is maid of honor and best man, at their wedding. The flights back and forth for wedding prep have Lanie and Ridley, who is traveling for work, meeting time and again. A bit of forced proximity romance, I enjoyed the alternating perspectives that highlight both main characters and show the flaws, conflicts, and growth of both. Seeing real family struggles and finding room for love again after loss, added more layers to the story. Sprinkled with light, travel fun, this romance features some great character development, despite the less than supportive friends and family surrounding Lanie and Ridley. This slow burn romance is a great pick for fans of drama-filled storylines.

"Frequent Fliers" by Noue Kirwan is a captivating blend of romance and women’s fiction, whisking readers into a world of love, travel, and emotional complexity. Follow Lanie, a resilient jet-setter caught between New York and London, as she navigates wedding preparations and unexpected sparks with Dr. Ridley Aronsen, a widowed father. Their evolving relationship unfolds amidst the whirlwind of international airports, highlighting the challenges of long-distance love and the journey towards healing past wounds. Kirwan’s vivid storytelling and engaging characters make this novel a heartwarming and thought-provoking read, perfect for anyone who enjoys a blend of romance and real-life drama.

Frequent Fliers was okay. I liked the premise of the story with two people meeting on a plane. I enjoyed how Kirwan set up the first meeting scene between the main characters. I thought Lanie and Ridley were alright. I wished Lanie had more of a backbone, especially with her family. I didn't like how the family side characters treated Lanie. I wasn't 100% convinced on Lanie and Ridley. I thought their beginning friendship was cute. As they started to develop feelings for one another, I just didn't feel the chemistry. By the time the slow burn was notching up, I didn't feel any sparks. I also think the many little miscommunications between Lanie and Ridley didn't help with the chemistry. There were a lot of side characters in this story. I didn't really care for the family side characters. I didn't care for how quickly Lanie was to forgive some of them. For how much of a key role Jonah plays in the story, there was very little on his character. Kirwan could have done a better job convincing readers why Lanie fell in love with him in the first place. Perhaps this will change with the published book, but there were a lot of scenes that jumped around with no page breaks. This led to a confusing reading experience. Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

3.5 stars
I liked this author’s first book and I will continue to read her books because she writes romance NOVELS. By this I mean that the main female characters often have a lot more life issues than just the romantic relationship and maybe one other problem as seen in most of the romances I’ve read lately. I also appreciated that this was a lot more of a slow burn than an insta love romance.
I didn’t give it a higher rating because I felt like Ridley, the male main character was more one dimensional than I would have liked- the sections told from his point of view were often short recaps of an interaction with the main female character that didn’t allow the reader to really get to know him. I also felt like the resolutions between the main female character and her family were all very rushed to closure at the end of the book.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one at all. The premise looked so good. When I tell you I didn’t like a single character in this book except Bea… I’m so sad things went this way.

Noue Kirwan’s "Frequent Fliers" is a delightful entry into the world of Women's Fiction and Romance, a genre where emotions and real-life complexities blend to create compelling stories. In this novel, Kirwan takes readers on a journey that’s as turbulent as it is thrilling, filled with heartfelt moments and the glitzy allure of jet-setting between New York City and London.

The story centers around Lanie, a vibrant and resilient protagonist who is frequently flying between JFK and Heathrow airports to assist with wedding preparations. During one of her flights, she encounters Dr. Ridley Aronsen, a widower and single father who initially comes off as a bit chilly and aloof. However, Lanie’s spirited nature manages to chip away at Ridley’s defenses, reminding him of a more carefree time in his life. Their connection deepens during a steamy layover in Iceland, transforming them from mere seatmates into lovers. Ridley even agrees to be Lanie’s plus-one for the wedding, making everything seem like it’s finally falling into place for her.

However, life at thirty-five thousand feet can be deceivingly different from life on the ground. The novel dives into the complexities of maintaining a long-distance relationship, especially when both parties are carrying emotional baggage. Lanie is no stranger to heartbreak, and Ridley struggles with opening up.

The setting of the novel plays a crucial role, with JFK International Airport and London Heathrow serving as more than just transit points. These bustling terminals symbolize the crossroads of Lanie and Ridley’s lives, reflecting the excitement and uncertainties of their budding romance. The thrill and chaos of airports perfectly mirror the exhilarating and often turbulent journey of their relationship.

Lanie stands out as a breath of fresh air with her vivacious personality and unwavering resilience, making her a protagonist easy to root for. Ridley, on the other hand, is a complex character whose transition from a guarded widower to a man rediscovering love adds significant depth to the narrative. Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter is delightful, and their emotional struggles are portrayed with authenticity, making their journey relatable and engaging.

At its core, "Frequent Fliers" explores themes of love, loss, and the courage to take risks. It delves into the intricacies of long-distance relationships and the challenges of overcoming past traumas. The novel beautifully captures how love can often feel like flying – exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and sometimes, bumpy. Kirwan’s exploration of these themes is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, making for a rich and immersive reading experience.

Kirwan’s writing style is engaging and witty, perfectly capturing the whirlwind romance between Lanie and Ridley. The dialogue sparkles with humor and warmth, while the emotional moments are handled with sensitivity and grace. Her knack for blending light-hearted scenes with deeper emotional undercurrents keeps readers hooked, and the steam from the spicy scenes had me in a choke hold!

Overall, "Frequent Fliers" is a romance that will make your heart soar. Kirwan has crafted a love story that feels both contemporary and timeless, filled with characters you’ll care about and moments that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a homebody, this book will remind you that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones we take with our hearts.

I highly recommended this read for those who believe in the magic of love, no matter the distance. So, pack your bags and fasten your seatbelts – this high-flying romance is ready for takeoff. Bon voyage!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Lanie and Ridley. Lanie works as an assistant at a college. Ridley is a doctor, widow, and a father. They meet on a flight from New York to England. Lanie is going to an engagement party for her cousin. Ridley is flying home after a business trip. There is an instant attraction. They meet several more times on flights. They start dating. They have some issues but together they work them out and fall in love.