When I first started this book, I didn't realize the FMC was going to be on the autism spectrum. But I guessed she was autistic in the first chapter. As a neurodivergent individual and someone currently being tested for autism, I immediately recognized the signs, although the author gave the character some of the more extreme spectrum traits that I couldn't relate with. So I'd first like to say kudos to the author for writing a character that is often unrepresented in romance books. But I can also see how someone who isn't familiar with autism could pick this book up and not like it since they can't relate or see themselves in this book.

As far as the writing, I found the first half seemed to drag, despite the humor thrown in. This book was the very definition of slow burn, which isn't always my favorite, so that first 60% was tougher to get through. The second half of the book is definitely a lot better and there's even some spice thrown in there (spice level for the book is maybe a 2/5). I found myself anxious to get back to reading the last 20% of the book and liked that we finally get some progress with the changing status of their relationship. Throw in some danger at the end and it makes things even more interesting. I loved Andrew and his dedication to Pippa. He didn't judge her, but understood her and accepted her as-is. He was pretty much the perfect 'boyfriend.'

Given all that's going on in the US right now with planes, the FAA and air traffic controllers, this book was even more relevant and interesting when it came to learning more about what ATC's do and how they communicate with planes.

This book was terrific! I haven't read something so different in a while. It was a fresh take on the standard Rom-Com. From the South Africn locale to the air traffice controller and pilot sub occupations, it was all so welcome.
Pippa may be on the spectrum, but that makes her the best air traffic controller around. She earns the respect of all pilots who fly through her airport, especially Andrew, who needs to get his family off his back for not having a girlfriend. Yes, the fake dating trope is center to the book, but the love story and the handling of Pippa's differences are off the charts.
Please, please, please let someone like Pippa be the air traffic controller when I fly next. Especially these days!!
I loved this...and I can' believe there aren't huge numbers of it at the wholesaler!!!

This is an absolutely adorable romance with all the tropes we earn for and the love we need. An absolute perfect read for our lovey month of February. Love it!!

i can appreciate what this was trying to do, but it didn't work for me. the setting was fun, there's autism representation, the premise is really great ... but it didn't work.

i actually didn't like either of the characters. i felt like the fmc specifically was just really naive and immature, and it was difficult to read in her pov. especially considering the long inner monologues, which i understand is a part of the autism representation, but when she's so fcking unlikable, i had to skim through so much of it. i also hated the writing. it felt very bland and, again, pretty juvenile.

i don't personally have autism nor do i know anyone on the spectrum, so i can't really speak on the accuracy of the representation in the book, but from what i do know i feel like the author did a pretty good job with it! again, i loved how different this book was from other romances but the execution was, for the most part, just not there.

This book was an absolute gem of a romance! I'd never read a story where the main character has autism before, and it really opened my eyes to how challenging things like clothing and relationships can be for someone with autism. It was so heartwarming to see Andrew understand her struggles so deeply—every time he said, "I know you, I understand," my heart just melted!

I loved all the laugh-out-loud moments and playful banter, but also didn’t shy away from more serious themes, like the pressure of societal expectations. And let’s not forget the South African setting—such a refreshing change, especially since I’ve never come across a book set there before!

Jo Watson has really crafted a feel-good romance that will have you laughing, swooning, and maybe even wiping away a tear or two. It’s a must-read for fans of fake-dating romances and love stories that celebrate all kinds of beautiful relationships. And the unexpected twist at the end? Absolutely blew me away in the best way possible.

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but it completely swept me off my feet. Two people working in the same airport in Cape Town, unknowingly crossing paths for years, finally meet—and from that moment, everything changes. Their connection is instant, something deeper than either of them anticipated, and watching it unfold was pure magic.

The fake dating trope was absolutely perfect. They set rules, thinking they could keep their emotions in check, but love has a way of rewriting the script. Every glance, every unspoken moment between them was filled with so much tension and longing that I felt it in my chest. Their chemistry was undeniable, and watching them navigate this unexpected journey had me smiling, tearing up, and holding my breath.

The portrayal of autism made the story even more powerful. It was written with so much care and honesty, showing how love isn't about changing for someone but about being seen and accepted exactly as you are. Every interaction, every struggle and triumph, felt so real and deeply moving.

I never wanted this book to end. It pulled me in, made me feel everything, and left me with a warmth I’ll be carrying for a long time.

This was a difficult read. The main character, Pippa was so hard to connect with that it made for a difficult and unenjoyable read. I felt like she was very juvenile in her thoughts or actions which didn’t align with her age. The writing style was also a bit off-putting as there were a lot of phrases that I would just sit there thinking “What? Who says that?” I was really excited for this book so I am a bit sad it was quite underwhelming.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am a total sucker for neurodivergent characters, especially autistic ones, since I have a son on the spectrum. I really appreciated the author’s insight into relationships (romantic, familial, friendship, etc) as a person who was recently diagnosed. I love a good fake dating trope and felt it was well done here. I liked that it wasn’t about getting back at someone or to prove something, rather to alleviate concerns and expectations from their families. Their meet cute was fantastic. I think something I really appreciated about this book was that even though there was initial attraction between the MCs, I think the reason it was successful was because of the friendship that they developed as well as mutual respect and acceptance. Neither was trying to change the other, but they were both better people because of their relationship. It was also fun to read something set in South Africa because I haven’t read many that do.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars rounded up.

First of all, I LOVE both the cover art and the premise!! So very cute and creative!!! I loved the representation of a neurodivergent female lead and her POV. And the male lead is the BEST book boyfriend, ever. Such a sweet story!

This novel has great pacing, a gorgeous and different setting for US readers (South Africa), and out of the box jobs for the MMCs. Pippa is an air traffic controller, and Andrew is a pilot. They commence fake dating to stop their families from hounding them about finding partners, and it goes exactly as you’d expect for fake dating (*wink). As a neurodiverse person, I think her depiction of autism is genuine and accurate. I wish there was a little more depth to the FMC’s main flaw - and maybe that it wasn’t her autism? It read as a little undeveloped, mainly because her flaw was actually that she would not ever voice her own needs. The spicy scenes are really fun though!

I was very excited to start reading this book solely because I had air traffic control training and upon reading the notice on the very first page of the book, became fairly skeptical going into it. The author, however, does a spectacular job with the amount of homework and research she has done to make the story extremely authentic. I did not once find myself thinking anything sounded out of place or weird at all.

That being said, the romance between Andrew and Pippa was very sweet and adorable. It was definitely a refreshing read. The autism representation within this story can truly shed some light from a first person perspective of a daily life. I loved this book and would most certainly recommend it to others. <3

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for granting me this arc for a review.

I loved this! Perfectly crafted romance highlighting the unique challenges those on the spectrum face when entering new relationships. I literally could not put it down and fell in love with the characters. I'll be buying a copy when it is published to share!

This book was fantastic! I zipped through it as it really held my attention. The story follows Pippa, an air traffic controller who starts fake-dating pilot Andrew. Both are getting hounded by friends and families for not settling down because they are very career focused. Fake-dating trope is nothing new, but what adds to this story is the point of view from Pippa, who is on the autism spectrum. It didn’t feel like a device plot, but felt very respectful to Pippa’s journey and navigating a relationship with Andrew. Speaking of Andrew, he’s the new gold standard for book boyfriends, right?
Definitely check this one out.

Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | W by Wattpad Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was so cheesy but SO good. I nearly read this book in one sitting and only stopped because I had to go to sleep. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has felt like they don't quite fit in, even if they are not neurodivergent like the main character, Pippa.

I could not get enough of the banter between Pippa and Andrew. There's nothing better than a book where the guy falls first, and this absolutely delivers.

While reading this book I related so much with Pippa's inner thoughts and feelings. Jo Watson perfectly captures the experience of what living with autism feels like.

Again, I would recommend this book to anyone if you are looking for a lower stakes cutesy rom-com!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pippa and Andrew have a lot in common. Both love airplanes and their jobs. And both need dates for upcoming events. They’ve only known each other’s voices over the past six months, but a chance encounter and frank discussion leads them to the perfect plan, they can each be each other’s fake dates. They make a pact and quickly embark on a joyful adventure as they get to know each other better.

Pippa is on the autism spectrum, and it was really interesting to read about how she navigates the world. She’s incredibly intelligent and brave, putting herself in situations that make her uncomfortable. She does the best she can to navigate a world that doesn’t make sense. I loved how Andrew accepted her for who she is and her unique way of viewing the world. He’s a kind and likable hero, and I really loved how enthusiastically he supported Pippa at her high school reunion.

I did find the pacing to be a little slow and at times the novel was a little flat. I think the book would’ve benefitted from having Andrew’s POV as well, and I would have loved to see Pippa through his eyes.

Despite the pacing issues, it was a cute book.

Love at First Flight was such a fun romance. I loved seeing a neurodiverse character who was fleshed out as the lead! This book had me hooked from the start as someone who loves fake dating!

Thanks to NetGalley and WattPad Book Group for the advanced reader copy.

I was curious about this book, given the neurodivergent main character and a setting that I don't often see in books (South Africa). While Watson did an excellent job of putting the reader inside Pippa's mind--the ways in which her neurodivergence is expressed--I found Pippa to be a tough character to connect with. This one just didn't work for me.

Did I originally select this book because the female protagonist is autistic?

Yes, yes I did. And I didn’t even make it through the author’s note before I started crying.

Now, onto the book:

It took me a bit to settle in, as I initially found Pippa’s internal dialogue to be lacking in depth. I’m so glad I pushed through. As the book progresses, her character unfolds in the most wonderful way, almost like the slow bloom of a flower. She becomes a well-developed and delightful, though occasionally cringe-worthy heroine. In fact, I found Jo Watson’s depiction of Pippa to be one of the best, most loving portrayals of an autistic character that I’ve ever read. You don’t have to be autistic to enjoy this book but if you are I suspect you will see parts of yourself in Pippa, much like I did.

Neurodiversity aside, this is a fantastic slow-burn, fake-dating, friends-to-lovers romance. The meet-cute? Top notch. Pippa and Andrew form a connection before ever coming face-to-face, so it’s not surprising when their fake dating scheme transforms into some very real feelings.

“My all-time favorite conversations have been with you.”

Andrew’s admiration of Pippa is present throughout the book. He doesn’t just tolerate her quirks and idiosyncrasies, but they are part of what he likes about her. There is something so wonderful about being truly seen and understood when that’s a rarity for many of us on the spectrum. The chemistry here is so well written, not comprised just of steamy scenes, but the small, subtle moments of connection in between that make a relationship feel real.

I could wax on and on, but I’ll spare you. Come for the completely adorable, occasionally awkward fake-dating romance, stay for the great side characters and authentic depiction of neurodiversity. I hope this comes out on audiobook, as I love to “re-read” my favorite novels by listening to them.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the advanced reader copy of this book, provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and
Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this eARC!

When I read the description of this book, I fully expected to read a cute story I enjoyed. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did!

Love at First Flight is a cute and witty story about Andrew and Pippa. Andrew is a dreamboat - a pilot who’s funny, kind and caring, patient, and takes care of Pippa so well. Pippa, an Air Traffic Controller, is an intelligent and independent woman who is on the autism spectrum and struggles with communication and relationships. The pair start “fake dating” to help solve each other’s problems when it comes to family and friends constantly harassing each of them about when they’re going to settle down. Watching them together is adorable. Synonyms include endearing, lovable, cute. (IYKYK). Being in Pippa’s head as she realizes she has real feelings for Andrew is so heartening.

While I cannot personally relate to being neurodivergent, I greatly appreciate the representation. I found it very interesting and educational to read from that POV! I highly recommend this book!

They first meet when Pippa Edwards air-traffic controller and Pilot Andrew Boyce-Jones communicate over the radio. After 6 months of working together they finally meet face to face they determine they both have a something in common, they both need a date. They decide to have a fake dating pact to help with both with their own situations.