Flying by the Seat of my Knickers is the first book in a series by new to me author Eliza Watson. Please note this series is best read in order as each book follows our main character, Caity Shaw, on her travels. This story is set in Ireland and I found it to be well researched and illustrated in my mind so eloquently that I really need to get myself over to the Emerald Isle. Note to self: update bucket list.

Upon first meeting Caity, the first thing I noticed is she’s a hot mess. She is newly single, after leaving an abusive relationship with her narcissistic ex who was stalking her. It got so bad that her performance at her job suffered and she was fired. Now, she’s working for her sister, Rachel’s events planning company, trying to prove to herself and everyone around her she can be a functioning adult. She is struggling to learn her job, not mess it all up, not make her sister regret hiring her all while trying to figure out what her next step will be. Now that her car has been repossessed back in Wisconsin and the only job prospects sitting in her email inbox is a seasonal gig as an elf and working at the local motor mart convenience store, let’s just say that Caity has hit rock bottom and the only direction for her is up.

In addition to this, yes there is more, Caity learns that her grandmother came from Ireland and in between doing her job and getting information from her mother, she is tracing her genealogy to find out where her grandmother came from and discover if there are members of her family left in Ireland. I found this bit quite interesting as I am experiencing this with my husband who is researching his family tree and finding relatives he never knew he had. I am hopeful that there will be more time spent on this in future books.

Caity works with Declan and Gretchen. I thought Declan was a great character and though there is some hint of attraction, nothing happens, but the relationship may develop over the series. On the flip side, Gretchen was a complete witch. I found her to be condescending and full of herself. When she isn’t flipping her hair and making pouty lips and fluttery eyeballs at Declan, she’s trying to sabotage Caity in front of Rachel.

My Final Verdict: It appears that each book in this series features a new travel destination, so readers who love stories set in interesting locations will enjoy this series. I liked Caity for the most part, but she needs a lot of work. She needs to grow a spine, stand up for herself more and take her power back. There wasn’t a lot of time spent on the abusive relationship, but I had a good sense that she is terrified of her ex showing up and this detour pulled me out of the overall story a few times. The next book in the series takes place in Paris and it will be interesting, if not entertaining, watching Caity try to make her away around. Hopefully, Declan will be there to offer a hand.

A lovely read that I found myself not being able to put down. It was a complete refreshing change from my usual genre of crime thrillers.

Thanks to Eliza Watson for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Why run from your troubles when you can fly instead?

When Caity Shaw is fired from her first job that doesn't require an elf uniform, her older sister, Rachel, an event planner, hires her to work a meeting in Dublin. Caity jumps at the opportunity to travel abroad and escape her pathetic life. However, even four thousand miles from home, there's no avoiding debt collectors, an overbearing mother, and haunting memories of a controlling ex.

While in Dublin, Caity suffers a series of humiliating mishaps, causing her to lose even more faith in herself. Caity struggles to earn Rachel's respect--and to keep Declan, her hot Irish coworker, at arm's length. Declan repeatedly saves Caity's butt and helps boost her self-confidence, making it difficult to keep her distance from the charming womanizer. When Declan helps her research her Irish grandmother, Caity discovers the mysterious past of the courageous woman she barely knew might hold the answers to her future.

Oh gosh - romance and chick-lit set in Dublin? Yes please! I loved this book, it had a lot of twists and turns and I just want to read it again.