I can honestly say I've never read a romance that features birding before, and I was excited to see what it was all about. This book had a few of my favorite things - older main characters, fake dating, and a spunky female lead. Unfortunately, I just did not love this one as much as I wanted to. I really could not connect with the characters - they didn't read like mid life adults to me - they felt more 20s. I also just didn't connect with their romantic energy either. The story itself dragged and by the end I was paying more attention to my page number than what was happening on the page.

Phenomenal! Lots of fun to read, loved both main characters personalities and how they were honest about their trauma. Do not sleep on this book, it's a good one!

Thanks to netgalley for the free ARC. This is my honest opinion.

A standard opposites attract pairing elevated by witty writing and the spotlight on a unique field. I enjoyed both Celeste and John as main characters, especially appreciative of the fact that they are in their 40s to represent middle-aged romance for a change, and both are undergoing interesting personal journeys when their paths cross at the beginning. It was fun to learn details about birding as well as see how the connection between the two grew through their involvement in the competition; John referring to every new nugget of information that he learned about Celeste as something he tucked away in a guidebook devoted to her in his mind is a particular element that I greatly cherished. There was a lot more spice than I was expecting here, and while I didn't mind the multiple inclusions, the scenes had a tendency to be on the long side and at the expense of quieter moments that would have deepened the romance. The conflict in the final act unfolded a little differently than I expected, but I liked how it was resolved and where the book leaves everyone. I can't deny how gorgeous the cover is, perfectly conveying the feel of this story with a perfect collection of details in its image.

Really enjoyed this read from Sarah T. Dubb! Received this book to review through NetGalley.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Celeste and John. I thought the story line was fun and liked the element of the birding as a way of bringing the two characters together, but also providing some great parallels to the story. Character development was good for both main characters. I think the first chapter/introduction chapter felt a smidge clunky but smoothed out pretty quickly.

Both of them coming off of long relationships/divorce did provide some good context and I think the descriptions of the feelings or those reactions as a result were well described by Dubb and didn't feel too out there or cliche. Would happily recommend this book to other romance readers and great debut novel for Dubb.

Tropes: fake dating, divorcee FWB.

What a fun book! BIRDING WITH BENEFITS is the latest romance novel featuring mature main characters. Celeste and John are both single after ending long term relationships and neither is looking to start a new one. Celeste is still rediscovering who she is after her recent divorce. After many years of being told she is "too much" and molding her personality to make her husband happy, she has promised to pursue her dreams and let her true self shine. John is the opposite. His former long term partner regularly told him he was not enough and he shrunk into himself thinking he was a disappointment personally and professionally.

John, an avid bird watcher, finds himself needing a partner for the annual birding competition when his friend recruits Celeste to fill the role - except Celeste thinks she is there to pretend to be his new love interest. Their partnership of convenience quickly becomes one of undeniable chemistry and physical attraction and, boy, who knew birding could be so steamy?!?!?! The book is practically smoldering from the heat generated by Celeste and John.

Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read with plenty of spice and relatable issues.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Birding With Benefits by Sarah Dubb is a cute and fun fake dating rom-com.

Celeste is a divorced single mom who is trying to find herself and her own interests after years of being a wife and mother.

Celeste agrees to help out John, a quiet avid bird watcher with a bird watching competition and as his fake girlfriend. In return John agrees to be her fake boyfriend at some work events.

A relatable and sweet book full of the birds (and the bees)

Celeste was married to Peter at a very young age, she spent too many years moving around with him and ensuring his career was on the right path. Their loveless marriage wasn’t worth the heartache, so she decided to divorce him and live life to the fullest.

Now she’s newly divorced and they’re co-raising their daughter until she leaves for college, so her new motto in life is “yes!” She wants to fulfill her life with anything she’s offered, so when she meets Chris at a painting event who feels bad because he cannot attend a Bird Watching event with his best friend, John, he asks Celeste if she would be willing to take his place. Celeste agrees to be John’s partner, but Chris didn’t specify what kind of partner she would be.

When Celeste meets John he’s tall, ruggedly handsome with the sexiest body and beard that she’s ever seen. She cozies up with him almost immediately because Chris mentioned that he’s newly single and desperately needs a partner, but left out the part about birding. When John springs the birding competition on Celeste, she enthusiastically accepts the offer because she’ll learn more about birds and get the chance to spend more time with John who sends butterflies throughout her body.

I devoured this book in two days! I couldn’t get enough of John and Celeste’s Birding with Benefits relationship, and wasn’t prepared for all the spicy scenes! 🌶️ 🤭
I cannot believe this is a debut book, it was a quirky romcom that I couldn’t put down! This would be the perfect summer book to read poolside with a drink in hand. 🧉

This was so good! If you love a fake romance and also are interested in birding (as in, what does that even entail?!), you will absolutely devour this book. I loved the characters, the setting, the birding . . . I wished Celeste would have gotten out of her own way a bit but it made sense in the end. Super satisfying ending and just delightful!

Birding With Benefits comes out next week on June 4, 2024, and you can purchase HERE!

She tugged on his arm hard, pulling him toward her as questioning eyes swept her face. "Or we make sure it's all worked out, and kiss one more time." She knew that if she didn't kiss him again-alone, on the street, without an audience, on their own terms-she'd never close this short, complicated chapter between them. "Maybe it won't even be good, and we can just relax."

The smile that lifted his lips was new. She'd seen his quiet, thoughtful smiles as his mind worked, and his quirking grin as he took in her excitement about a bird. But this one-just the slightest twitch on one side—was knowing, wicked. "It'll be good, Celeste."

Hell, yes, it would be.

"So we confirm the theory and move on," she said, her breathing shallow. "I don't want to risk the contest with this stuff, especially when your future is riding on it and when we know this won't go anywhere."

After a quiet moment of deliberation, John spoke. "All right, if you think it'll help." His free hand hung suspended between them for the length of his exhale. "One more, then we put this behind us."

A streetcar clanged past them as a stream of giggling women walked by. Everything was fuzzy around the edges, her only point of focus John's thumb ghosting a spiral on her cheek.

"I'm going to kiss you now." John moved in, so close she felt his hot breath on her cheek. "You're sure this is okay?"

"Yeah," she gasped. "Super okay."

I know the title has the word “Benefits“ in it, but wow was I not prepared for the level of heat! This story felt light on the romance too- it reads more like steamy women’s fiction. And, unfortunately, I just did not buy what little romance there was. John was a sweet character and Celeste was super fun, but, other than their physical chemistry, I wasn’t entirely convinced they would work together. If you like opposites attract, though, you may enjoy this!

I enjoyed the unique plot line with the birding, but I started to lose interest in the story about halfway. Though I was excited to read a book where the characters were older (in their forties), Celeste often acted much younger, and that inconsistency kept taking me out of the story.

I’d still recommend this book, though, if you’re looking for something lighthearted and steamy with characters who are working towards self-discovery and self-acceptance.

2.5 out of 5 (rounded up to 3 on Goodreads) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Birding with Benefits comes out June 4, 2024. Thank you, NetGalley for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. It was adorable and so much fun. I really liked seeing the transitions in John and Celeste's relationship. It was very believable to see it from the fake relationship to friends to friends with benefits to the something more. It was nice to see instead of there just being instant feelings. I also love the complete opposites attract relationship they have.

While the birding might have been interesting in the book I can't say that this book made me all of a sudden want to go bird watching though. But I would one hundred percent give another book by this author a try.

4/5 ⭐️, 3.5/5 🌶️, 0/5 💧

I read this because I was influenced by Jessica Joyce (I loved YWAV so I trusted her taste. I don’t think I would have picked this up otherwise as birding is not of much interest to me.)

This was a mature romcom, where two divorced characters fall in love. It felt a little old for me, but the fmc sometimes reminded me of the quirky young Lynn Painter character - which was a confusing.

It started off with a little too much birding for my taste (personal preference) and was a little slow but then as I started to get to know the characters, I started to enjoy bits her and there and found myself chuckling along.

Overall I thought it was pretty well written, the character’s struggles and growth were well developed. There were certain parts here and there where I just felt like there wasn’t enough or like it came out of left field or it just felt incomplete. I ebbed and flowed between really appreciating it and trudging along.

If you’re looking for a light romance that developed a bit of depth along the way for a couple in their second act after overcoming a broken first marriage and also enjoy birding and discovering new hobbies, this might be a good one for you.

Sarah T. Dubb is a MASTER at the romance genre. I adored this book through and through, and learned something along the way. This is one not to be missed.

Birding with Benefits is a women's fictional novel with a romance and some very funny comedic moments and just enough angst to give it tension, but not overdone. Celeste is recently divorced and nearly an empty nester when she decides to start living her life for herself. She pairs up with John for a birding competition after a friend asks her for a favor. It is what I would describe a perfect summer read!

I just reviewed Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb. #NetGalley

Bird watching and romance? Definitely! But you do not need to be a bird enthusiast to enjoy this book. The author cleverly weaves in the hobby of birding, using it as an impetus for the characters' journeys and the beauty they discover in unexpected places. I know little about birds, but that did not impede my reading enjoyment. It made me want to take a moment and notice the beauty of nature in my everyday surroundings.

One of the most endearing aspects of this book is the relatability of the characters' transitional periods. Life is full of unexpected changes, and the author skillfully captures these moments - from navigating the complexities of single life in your 40s, to the joys and challenges of new motherhood, to the daunting task of career change in your 40s, and even the bittersweet transition of a teen's senior year and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The first half of this book may have been a bit slow, but it was merely setting the stage for the unexpected turn of events. Once the flirting and the romance kicked in, the pace picks up and the story becomes unexpectedly spicy - quite a surprise! The romance between Celeste and John was a slow burn, but their chemistry was undeniable, drawing you in with their opposites attract dynamic.

This was a great debut, and I recommend it if you love - well - love! The author's writing style is engaging and the narrative approach is a mix of introspection and dialogue, which adds depth to the characters and their relationships.

This has to be one of the most unique romances that I have ever read, and it was such a delight! Yes, this really is a romance centered around bird watching, and it totally works! I also thoroughly enjoyed that the main characters are a couple that's older, in their early 40s. So many romances have characters in their 20s/early 30s. It was SO refreshing to read older characters at a different stage of life.

Besides the - very steamy - romance, it is also a lovely book about finding yourself, finding a partner that celebrates you, and starting the second chapter of your life.

Bottom line: Highly recommend!

3.76 stars

Story of a 42 year old woman Celeste who has been divorced for 2 years and is the mom to a teen daughter. Celeste meets a guy at a paint night who talks about how he has to bail on his friend John at something John's ex will be at and he feels bad, so Celeste volunteers to be this stranger's friend's (also a stranger) fake girlfriend. John is quiet and deliberate. He is also quite the birder. And the event Celeste has shown up to is a birding challenge that takes place over 6 weeks. Celeste is very determined to be *alone* and not lose herself in another relationship so when their chemistry can no longer be denied, they decide to be birders with benefits.

Ok, not gonna lie, Celeste's energy - meeting a stranger and volunteering to hang with his friend and then cheering for said friend in his birding business pursuits - felt very me. I was happy to see this 42 year old single mom having that bright energy and for her to have some really really great spice. John is meticulous and attentive in all things and he really brought a lot of care to the sitch. The situation with the daughter didn't quite land for me but I enjoyed the rest.

I had a really good time, it was low angst, high bird content.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Birding with Benefits is out June 4, 2024.

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First, the cover is the cutest! It’s definitely what caught my attention. The title and the unique premise were also perfect. I loved that the main characters are 40+, and the birding was so interesting to me. What kept me from falling in love with the story was the lack of chemistry. It was missing something, idk. I’d still recommend giving it a try though.

Who knew a book about birding could be so passionate?!?! Sarah T. Dubb's debut romance has such an original premise centered around a birding competition and I'm here for focusing on the older hero and heroine.

Read this for:
- Fake dating
- Forced proximity
- Just a hookup
- Opposites attract
- Single Mom
- BIRDING!

Celeste is looking for new things in her life. She's been divorced for awhile and it's her daughter's last year of college, and she wants to keep experiencing life. When her friend Chris suggests she help out his friend John, she jumps at the opportunity to save John from being in a birding competition all alone with his ex.

John is quiet and reserved and when the big ball of energy Celeste bursts into his life, he's immediately attracted her and her energy. As John teaches Celeste how to be a birder, they grown closer and realize how intense their chemistry is.

They decide that they should be Birding with Benefits friends while the competition is going on and things get heated very quickly once they cross that line. The two spend as much time together as they can, knowing that they have a deadline on their relationship. The only problem is that they didn't expect to fall for one another and neither of them feels like they are in a place for a real relationship.

I loved that this book focuses on an older hero and heroine falling in love. I enjoyed seeing their challenges from the past relationships they had been in and how that effected them with one another. It was sweet to see how they could bring out the best in one another. The support John gave Celest when she had all the issues arise with her daughter was so tender. These two were living their lives and had okay lives, but the way that their lives expanded so much being together was wonderful to watch grow.

I enjoyed this debut and look forward to future books from Sarah!

Thank you to Gallery books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book!! I picked it up because I am a novice birder and I thought the concept sounded really cute, but I was blown away by the fact this is the author's debut novel. The writing is FANTASTIC! Some of the plot was a little cheesy, like John's ex who seemed a little too jealous to be true, but I really appreciated how adult the characters were and how open to every new experience Celeste was after her divorce. I would absolutely recommend this title to anyone looking for a cute romcom and some birding knowledge too!

3 ⭐️. I picked up this books because the cover is just so amazing and adorable… it’s honestly a great representation of what this book is about.. which is lust and birding! I think the story is pretty standard and predictable. My middle of the road rating comes from the predictability and my lukewarm feelings for such long open door spice. Some is fine but this was a lot and found myself missing the story and skimming the incredibly long and frequent open door chapters. So if you like your spice, pick this up! The story was cute, fake dating trope between two people who start off as strangers set up between a mutual friend, Celeste shows up thinking he needs a fake girlfriend when really he needs a birding partner for a 42 day birding competition. It was cute, I learned a little about birds. Celeste is also older, in her 40s, with a teenager graduating and a divorcee, so I liked the more mature fmc but honestly you couldn’t tell she was older. John was also your stereotypical hot lumberjack nerd who loved birds and solitude. Overall, this was a standard romance with lots of spice and unique premise about bird watching.

Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and Sarah T. Dubb for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.