Love At First Flight
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“It was as if the entire world and all the elements were involved in this moment, the stars and sky and clouds and wind and engine roar.”
☁️🛩️
How do I know a book is going to be a five star read? When I stay up until 2:30 in the morning reading, I did not want to put this book down and I think it should be on everyone’s tbr!! Let’s start with the easy things you’ll love…the authors note in the beginning sets the book up perfectly, it was authentic and kind, I always appreciate when authors share a piece of themselves with us. It’s funny, we get some spice, Pippa and Andrew will give you butterflies and have you smiling and giggling, it’s sweet, and just felt warm and glowy (just trust me lol). It is single POV, but I felt like Jo wrote in a way that we could tell how Andrew was feeling and what he was thinking along the way. We didn’t hear much about the setting, but it does take place in South Africa and I don’t think I’ve read a book that takes place there so I enjoyed that! I fell in love with every piece right away 🧡
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I loved the autism representation and I think the book does an amazing job at tackling autism / neuro-difference misinformation. Andrew and Pippa’s story came so naturally and beautifully. Everything that she questioned about herself were the things that made him fall in love with her 🥹
“When people get to know me well, they usually don’t like me.”
“That’s just not true. The more I’ve gotten to know you, the more I’ve liked you, no…no, loved you.”
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The air traffic control and pilot situation was not only very timely, but also kinda hot…I said what I said. “I trust you to help land my plane.” I mean come on?! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Thank you @jowatsonwrites @wbywattpadbooks and @netgalley for this e-arc, mark your calendars, preorder, do what you gotta do to get this book, it comes out March 18th!

[ARC review]
LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Jo Watson is the first of two ARCs I have with that title.

This one is about a nuerodivergent air traffic controller Pippa and Andrew, the pilot she convinces to fake date her for their various social engagements, to keep people off their backs about why they are still single.

Air traffic control is a fun deviation from the usual romance writer occupation, and the setting in South Africa was a first for me. It was cool to see someone in a high stakes job with career ambitions, none of which had to be tempered because of her relationship.

It is #OwnVoices, as both the author and main character are autistic, and Watson says in the author's note that she gave Pippa some of her own characteristics and interests, along with others that are common amongst those with autism. But obviously one character cannot encompass the full scope of what it is to be on the autism spectrum, which is exactly why we need lots of books about diverse experiences. Because it's still necessary to show and remind people that everyone deserves to be loved, and that the right person loves you for who you are.

This is a contemporary romance featuring Pippa Edwards, a neurodivergent air traffic controller, and Andrew Boyce-Jones, a pilot. Their daily professional interactions take an unexpected turn when they finally meet in person and agree to a fake dating arrangement. As they spend more time together, real feelings develop, leading to a heartfelt and humorous love story.

Set against the unique backdrop of the aviation industry, the novel explores themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and unexpected love. With its engaging characters and slow-burn romance, it’s a charming and uplifting read for fans of romantic comedies.

Love at First Flight is a wonderful fake dating. romance. This story is told from Pippa’s perspective. She loves fish, planes and synonyms; and is fed up with her family wishing she had a boyfriend. She then strikes up a fake dating plot with “Flightbird Six Zero Zero”. Fake dates lead to real friendship, and then the sparks come. I loved Pippa and I loved Andrew and they were so special together. I appreciate how Andrew made it clear that he treasured everything about her, especially the things that she had come to believe make her unloveable. An open door romance filled with humor, tenderness, and the type of communication where people feel accepted for who they are and. can imagine a bigger future than they previously thought possible.

Oh my word!

I loved this one!

He’s a pilot and she is an air traffic controller. They meet through work and decide they could both benefit from fake dating.

She is on the Autism Spectrum and he is just the absolute best with all of her sensory processing needs. This is so sweet and quirky and all the things!

I read this all in one day which I NEVER do! It was a super fun romance and gets all the stars from me!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this as an ARC!

While I can seriously appreciate the representation of a neurodivergent person on the spectrum, this book didn’t really do it for me… the setting was great (Helooooooo South Africa), the premise was good, but dang, the writing left so much to be desired. At times it felt quite juvenile, and at times the inner monologue of the FMC was so long that I found myself skipping large chunks of the chapters. I do understand this to be part of the autism representation, but at times felt too information overload and it took me out of the story itself.

While others may love this book, it just wasn’t it for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Right from the start, the author’s note set the perfect tone, helping me understand the heart behind this story. As a neurodiverse reader, I truly appreciated the thoughtful and authentic representation—it meant so much.

And then… we get the cutest meet-cute EVER! Pippa is a force to be reckoned with, but watching her be her true self around Andrew? Absolutely heartwarming and so relatable. And Andrew? The ultimate book boyfriend—kind, patient, caring, and completely dependable. Their connection is pure magic.

And just when I thought I had this book figured out—that tear-jerking surprise ending! I was not ready! This is an absolute must-read—add it to your TBR now!

Easy four stars! Slow to start, but really cute once I got into it. Good autism rep, fun fake dating trope, and the aviation/airplane part of this was so interesting to me!

What a fun, romantic travel themed book!

It’s everything a rom com should be. It was a fresh take on “fake dating” to cope with pressures from friends and family.

While the formula may sound familiar, these two characters keep you interested and entertained. The author’s first hand take on being on the spectrum is realistic, unfiltered and endearing.

As someone who reads a lot of romance novels it is always nice to find one that stands out against the "typical" romance book. I loved the representation of autism in this book. I did find the start a bit slow and it took me some time to get into the plot but by the end I enjoyed it! Overall it was not my favourite romance book, but I would recommend it to those who like to have more relatable representation in romance novels!

Wow. I haven’t read such a beautiful romance in a while. This isn’t your typical romance, but thats exactly what makes it so special. It’s an authentic portrayal of what it means to love someone who is neurodivergent.

I absolutely loved the banter between Pippa and Andrew! They fit so well together! And Andrew? He was so WHOLESOME!!

The autism representation was beautifully done, making this novel a sweet, (neuro)spicy, and cozy read.

This was such a good book that includes true representation of autism. I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters. Watching the character development was fantastic!

Interesting read for sure. The story was slow at the start and is alittle too long for my taste in romance books. But overall good book to read.

Thanks Netgalley and author/publisher for the ARC!

This was cute but a little long and a slow start. I have never read anything like it so it makes it stand out and feel unique in that way!

Love at first flight is possibly the worst book I have ever had the displeasure of reading.

I was excited for this book there is so little Autism representation in books but this book was impossible to pallet .

The MC constantly droned on and on and there was so much over explanation that I was constantly getting bored .

This book ended up being a hard no for me, despite a few cute moments neither character where likable and no matter how hard I tried to get into the story I couldn’t

Thank you Netgalley Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | W by Wattpad Books for the arc

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was a fun and quick read! I read it in less than 24 hours. I loved the autism spectrum rep, the banter between our main characters, and the ATC and pilot romance. I am also an aviation nerd and appreciated that about this book.

This was maybe more 4 stars but rounded up because it was the sweetest, easy read love story (plus some spice) with my favorite type of protagonist & I also learned about air traffic control? Thanks NetGalley & Wattpad Book Group for the ARC!

4 stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group & NetGalley for the ARC! 💌

Okay, fake dating + a pilot + a neurodivergent heroine = the kind of rom-com magic I LIVE FOR. ✈️💕

Pippa & Andrew’s love story? Adorable. Hilarious. Unexpectedly deep. It starts with witty intercom banter (yes, they’ve been talking for months but never met!) and turns into an airport meet-cute that is honestly straight out of a movie. Both of them need a date—Pippa for her dreaded high school reunion and Andrew to stop his family from matchmaking him into oblivion. The fake dating pact? Genius. Until feelings start getting involved (because of course, they do!).

Pippa is a force. Neurodivergent, insanely smart, obsessed with airplanes, and socially awkward in the best way. She blurts out random facts when nervous, has a list of things she hates (school reunions are at the top!), and struggles with change. I LOVED her. Seeing her navigate life, relationships, and self-acceptance was heartwarming and eye-opening.

And Andrew? Absolute golden retriever energy. 💕✨ Patient, charming, and completely in awe of Pippa from the get-go. He respects her quirks, supports her without trying to change her, and falls for her in the most soft and swoony way. Their chemistry? Off the charts. That slow burn tension had me screaming internally more than once.

The rep in this book? So well done. Pippa’s autism is portrayed authentically and with so much heart. Her struggles with social cues, textures, and sensory overload felt real and relatable rather than just a plot device. Seeing her find someone who truly gets her? Pure magic. ✨

Why not 5 stars?
1️⃣ Single POV. I NEEDED to be in Andrew’s head. Desperately. Give me his thoughts, his realizations, his love-sick moments. Please, Jo Watson, drop a bonus chapter from his POV ASAP.
2️⃣ Pippa’s brain = chaotic. Which makes sense, given her character, but whew it was A LOT. Her inner monologue is jam-packed with thoughts, facts, and overanalyzing, which sometimes made my own brain short-circuit.

Tropes & Vibes:
✈️ Fake Dating
💙 Airport Romance
✈️ Neurodivergent Heroine
💙 Golden Retriever x Grumpy
✈️ Slow Burn
💙 One POV Only

Final verdict? If you love fake dating, quirky heroines, cinnamon roll heroes, and airport romance with a side of heartfelt self-discovery, this is YOUR book. It’s funny, charming, and lowkey made me emotional. READ IT.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for this E-Arc, in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished reading Love at First Flight by Jo Watson, and this is exactly what I call a feel-good book!

The book follows Pippa, who is under the autism spectrum (loved how autism was represented in this book) and works as an air traffic controller. She’s amazing at her job but struggles when it comes to relationships. One day, she meets Andrew, a pilot she’s been talking to over the radio for a while. He’s a really nice guy who’s just hoping to find someone special.

They come up with this funny idea to pretend they’re a couple because their families keep pushing them to find love. But, as you can guess in a romance, things start to get real between them.

I truly loved how Andrew truly understood Pippa and how accepting he was. He didn’t try to change her or make her fit a certain image. He accepted her for who she was, idiosyncrasies and all! It was so sweet and heartwarming. If you’re looking for a light, fast read, feel-good book that’ll leave you smiling, this is definitely one to read!
4 Stars!
#NetGalley, #HeadlineEternal, #LoveatFirstFlight, #JoWatson, #Neurodivergent

It's not very often neurodivergent protagonists are romantic leads and Love at First Flight seemed like it could be that gateway book. I really wanted to like this novel, but I suffered from secondhand embarrassment at every turn. Pippa is an air traffic controller and has a crush on a pilot she's never met. She also has no filter and says whatever thought pops through her head. I know this is typical for autistic individuals, but I couldn't stop cringing. I understand it was reflective of the author's own experience on the spectrum, yet the literal interpretations took a toll. I couldn't stand Pippa, but thankfully the pilot made up for her less than palatable personality.

Andrew was the best part of this book and the ultimate saving grace for my composure. He was utterly charming. He made me smile and I was thankful whenever he was on the page. He helped dim the awkwardness and lighten the mood. He was a wonderful love interest. While Pippa rattled my nerves, Andrew helped calm them. I wish there were more heroes who were pilots or even had a quarter of the charm that he possessed. To misquote Elton John, he can lead me through the chamber and take me to the pilot anytime.

Love at First Flight was a valiant attempt to bring neurodivergence into the romantic sphere. It didn't quite mesh with me, but I'm sure it will resonate with other readers. While I didn't care for the heroine, the hero took me high in the sky. It may not have been Love at First Flight, but those airline cookies looked mighty appetizing.