Happy Publication Day! I adored this romance read that’s brimming with enthusiasm, wit and heart.

I think this was everything I wanted from a romance novel - humor, flirtation, vulnerability, tenderness, heat, risk. It was so genuine and felt real. I loved that the main characters are in their forties, mature and ready for a healthy relationship. They were well rounded and interesting and jumped off the page as if I could really know them and speak with them. They are the kind of people I want as friends, and so were their own best friends. The mother-daughter relationship was so good, honest and difficult, special and deep. I loved this novel and look forward to more from Dubb.

The bird watching descriptions were wonderful. They were meditative. I learned about birding without being overwhelmed. These scenes added so much depth and poetry to the story. I’m intrigued and will look up and pause more often when I’m outside. I’ll listen and “start with discovery.”

Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books publisher for my advanced digital copy.

I couldn’t fully emerge into the story. The insta-attraction with no context of the characters made it hard to keep going.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Following her divorce, Celeste embarked on a journey to recover all the parts of herself she lost in her marriage. She was determined to live out loud and alone, but a fake dating arrangement may complicate her plans.

I was hooked on this story from the very beginning. Here's Celeste thinking she was there to make John's ex jealous when what he actually needed was a partner for a birding competition. This turned into a wonderful twofer for them both, as John didn't have to face his ex alone AND Celeste was able to continue leaning into her search for new hobbies and experiences.

The friendship and romance that was born out of this situation delighted me. Here were two people with some relationship scars. People thought Celeste was "too much" while John was made to feel he was "too little", yet they seemed to see each other as just right. I loved that!

I also adored both these characters. First of all, a round of applause for a "mature" coupling. I constantly lament that all romance characters seem to be in their 20s and 30s. It's great to have a couple in a very different phase of their lives. Now, Celeste could be a bit frustrating at times, but only when it related to her quest to stay unattached. It was understandable given the damage done by her marriage, however, I couldn't help but want her and John to take that leap because they were so lovely together. And John was of the Order of the Cinnamon Roll Men. He was a quiet man with achievable dreams who was sweet and generous and excited about birds. A total gem.

Can we talk about the birding? I have never been in my life, yet I was captivated by that part of the story. Celeste and John had me excited and eager to learn more with each outing. I found the birding world quite intriguing as well. It was an original and nice touch for this stellar romance which was disseminated in just the right amount to enhance the story while allowing the romance to shine.

Overall, this fantastic debut was a hit for me. Great characters, a sweet romance, and a fun look into the world of birding had me feverishly flipping those pages with a smile on my face and lots of warmth in my heart.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

I was excited by this premise - and LOVED this cover. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. There wasn't much character development, so I found it quite hard to get invested in these characters and their story.

I absolutely loved this book! It provided a perfect blend of fun and smut, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing read. The storyline was engaging and had just the right amount of spice to keep me hooked from start to finish. The characters were well-developed and their interactions were both entertaining and heartfelt.

The progression of the friendship between the main characters into something more was beautifully executed, capturing the nuances of their evolving relationship. The slow burn and the moments of realization were written with such authenticity that I couldn't help but root for them. The chemistry between them was palpable, making every romantic scene all the more enjoyable.

The fake dating trope added a lot of humor and excitement to the story. The scenarios that arose from their pretend relationship were hilarious and often had me laughing out loud. It was a clever way to bring the characters closer together while providing plenty of comedic relief.

I also loved how birding was used as a unique meeting point for the characters. It added an interesting and unexpected dimension to the story. The scenes where they bonded over their shared interest in bird watching were some of my favorites. It was a refreshing change from more typical romantic settings and gave the story a distinctive touch.

The theme of friendship stood out beautifully in the narrative. The support, understanding, and camaraderie between the characters added depth to the story. It wasn't just about the romantic relationship; it was also about the importance of having a strong support system. This aspect made the story even more relatable and heartwarming.

This book was a delightful read that perfectly balanced romance, humor, and a touch of eroticism. The development of the characters' relationship, the hilarious fake dating situations, the unique incorporation of birding, and the emphasis on the value of friendship made it stand out. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, sexy, and heartwarming story.

Who knew that a book about birding could be so… romantic?



In this book we meet Celeste who after her divorce is in her year of saying yes to everything, this leads her to agree to be partners with John, a shy birdwatcher. She thought she was agreeing to be John’s fake girlfriend, but what she was actually saying yes to was being his partner in Tucson's biggest bird watching contest. After realizing what she actually agreed to and seeing some tension between John and his ex-girlfriend, Celeste decides to become his partner in the bird watching contest and his fake girlfriend around is birdwatching friends. What starts off as a great partnership becomes more as they spend more time together, but both have been burned by their respective past relationships. Can they find a way to move on from the fear of going back to patterns of their past relationships to give themselves a chance at a new one?



I think I was a little intimidated to pick up this book because of the bird aspect and as someone that knows nothing about birds I thought I would be lost while reading and wouldn’t connect with the book but I’m pleased to say that the author does a great job in incorporating them where it doesn’t feel overwhelming or underwhelming and the authors note at the end of the book makes the birds and the book much more personal.

Celeste as FMC felt so real her enthusiasm with her new direction in life to see and live new experiences and yet the fear of her daughter going to college and the fear of losing herself in a relationship again makes it so real and easy to connect with and root for her.

John as our male lead was perfect, a shy birdwatcher that just wants to watch birds and possibly make a living out of it, while also trying to overcome his own issues and insecurities.

And the way the romance is done in this book, in a way that the two main characters complement each other creating a slow build with subtle gestures of romance that makes the relationship grow from the strangers to friends to lovers (and yes there is spicy). It’s a romance book that I haven’t seen in a while.



I recommend this book that loves a good romance and birds.



Solid 4 stars



Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I *loved* this debut novel from Sarah T. Dubb! I've read this author's previous novellas/short stories, which were all so fun and hot, and was so excited for her first full length novel. It's a delight and all of the information on birding is wonderful - I knew nothing about birding and it was such a fun, different, new hobby to read about in a romance novel. The story is quirky while feeling real and grounded, and the main characters are fully grown adults who act like it. Their love is so romantic and sweet, and while there are a couple moments where you want to shake the two main characters, you're rooting for them and their love. The intimate scenes were beautifully done and so sexy. Highly recommend!

Many thanks to @netgalley @gallerybooks and @sarahtdubbwrites for the opportunity to review this AMAZING book. Below is my honest review.

Married young, Celeste felt like she had lost her identity to her marriage. Now in her early 40s with a daughter about to graduate from high school, Celeste has spent the last few years since her divorce embracing a quest to find herself through new projects, classes, and adventures. This “say yes” attitude is how she finds herself heading to a park to meet a stranger needing a partner. She could be someone’s fake girlfriend for an afternoon. However, John didn’t need a fake girlfriend. He needed a partner for the annual birdwatching competition. Quiet and contemplative, John wasn’t looking for a phony date, but when Celeste proclaims herself his girlfriend to his birdwatching ex, he can’t undo the lie without looking absurd - and he does need a birding partner. This is how Celeste and John find themselves on a 42-day birdwatching journey, which will become a transformative moment in their lives. Over the weeks, they grow from strangers to friends to friends with benefits and begin to explore if the walls they put in place for their protection keep them from the joy they desire.

If you are thinking, “Yeah, bird watching isn’t sexy,” I promise you that Sarah will change your mind. I can barely explain how much I loved this story. Celeste and John are both working through what they want from a “second act” after leaving long-term relationships that weren’t healthy for them. John’s quiet, reserved nature makes him fear that he’ll never be enough for anyone, and Celeste’s ex-husband always scolded her for being “too much” in their marriage. The gentle, caring (but make no mistake, SPICY) way that Sarah explores these characters will leave you aching for them to break through their barriers and find love. Please read this beautiful book about a bold woman and a quiet man who each sees in the other someone who helps challenge and unlock new aspects of themselves.

This book was really good and funny. You could really relate to Celeste. She is newly divorced and she's just seeking adventure. I really enjoyed this book and I would give it five stars. It release on 6/4.

This book was such a joy to read! I really enjoying the birding aspect of the book because I love watching birds on my deck. Especially hummingbirds-they are so fun to watch. It added a unique vibe to the story. I absolutely loved Celeste. She is so inspiring and brave as she navigates life after divorce and is determined to be adventurous and find herself again. And can we talk about John? His quiet confidence and sweetness is so endearing. There is lots of flirty banter and the spicy scenes are deliciously hot! What starts as a fake relationship quickly turns into something more. The ending was so adorable and left me all smiles!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Gallery Books for the arc!

A very enjoyable and cute book of opposites attracting, very different opposites. John is very much into birding (bird watching) and his friend Chris sets him up with a partner for a serious birding competition. Celeste thinks Chris wants her to be John’s romantic partner. He loves her exuberance and she loves his quiet manner. Their relationship grows but as fake lovers because she is not ready for anything after her divorce and is looking to find herself. John had a bad breakup and he is fine with the no relationship. But, chemistry is huge with them and benefits start to happen even with a set timeline. Will they be able to overcome their insecurities or will the timeline hold?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Celeste is a divorce mom that is learning to herself after the divorce and accidentally is paired with John in a bird watching contest. They are total opposites with Celeste being loud and fun and John being reserve. Their encounter with each birding was a lot of fun and I love the tension between them. The side characters added depth to the story and the author made me want to pay attention to the birds that I see.

Thank you @gallerybooks for a copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book and was surprised to learn that it’s a debut novel! There was great tension between the main characters right off the bat. It was so cute and sweet and felt like an old friend. I loved Celeste’s zest for life and John’s calming nature.

This book was a true rom com. The spice was SPICY but also sweet and fit into the story well. It’s about finding love while finding yourself. It’s about learning what is truly best for you rather than what you think you need. It’s about trusting your instincts and believing in yourself.

Overall, this perfectly book combined two things I love, birding and romance! Highly recommend!

Another book with midlife MMCs. So relatable. John with his “cinnamon sugar” beard and reading glasses. Celeste with stretch marks and a 17yo daughter.

Celeste is chaos. That friend you love to be around but is just exhausting at times. She’s lost and floundering.
And it’s like John was invented for me. Sexy librarian lumberjack. Strong and silent. THOROUGH. Passionate once you get past the quietness…..and not just about birds.

John made Celeste calm. Slowed her down. And birding helped a lot with that. She gave him gentle pushes to pursue what he wanted and force him outside of his comfort zone.

I love that he politely rejected Celeste’s delusion about FWB and put himself first. He was honest about what he was feeling and what he needed. Celeste just needed to sort herself out.

And I always enjoy a book that teaches something as part of the story. I have never once in my life thought of birdwatching as sexy. That is no longer the case.

This book will be one of my top reads for the year. Highly recommend everyone to get this one for the summer - a great beach read!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in order to share a review.

4.5

This book was so much fun! I loved that the characters were older and dealing with situations different from 20-30-year-olds. It felt like a breath of fresh air in the romance genre. I also loved the author's sense of humor throughout the book. The characters were so loveable and sweet, and I couldn't get over the situation they got themselves into. And strangely enough, I really got into the birding aspect of the book! I loved the passion the characters had for this underrated hobby

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.