What happens when you get someone with severe anxiety and overwhelming family issues while grieving for her brother, and you make her go to Disney only to be rescued by a dashing airline pilot with a fear of relationships, but desperately needs a date to get a promotion? My favorite kind of Ephron-esque plot, that's what.

The characters are fun and honestly really easy to relate to, which is hard when the plot is kind of a crazy fake dating premise. There was great balance between the characters and the different subplots. Sometimes it ventured a little saccharine for me, but that's true of many rom coms.

Overall, I really enjoyed it, and am excited to read more by this author. A really strong showing for a debut.

I really loved the description and cover. I heard someone on TikTok talking about this book and how cute it was. I was let down unfortunately. There was nothing to this book in my opinion. I was bored the whole time. I honestly just read it to get it over with. I wanted to DNF this around 50 pages but I kept pushing myself.

This was my last read for Pride Month and I really wanted to love it, but it wasn't what I was expecting. I liked the main characters. Both Olive and Stella feel real, genuine and complicated, just the way I like my protagonists. We only have Olive's point of view of the romance which, while it's not my favorite, I didn't feel like it detracted from the story. I really connected with Olive's anxiety and her worries about her self-image. Stella was also someone I could connect to with the way she hyperfocused and organized her life with a single goal. However, I definitely felt like the story was too sexy too soon; I couldn't understand Olive's immediate obsession and need for Stella's body and it kept taking me out of the emotion of the falling. My biggest issue was the pacing of the story. It felt both too long and cut short. There were several moments where time skipped ahead and the reader was informed of things that happened that I felt would've worked better as scenes. Yet at the same time, it felt like it took way too long for the characters to actually fall for each other/admit their feelings compared to the actual length of the story. There were some repetitive descriptions that didn't work well for me. I also felt like a lot of the plot focused on the characters' personal lives apart from each other and these things didn't end up having a resolution, particularly for Olive. It ended up overwhelming the beauty that the romance was trying to portray. I definitely think this story could find its readers, it was just too much for me. I'm interested in what else the author releases, but actually picking up a next book will depend on synopsis.

I needed a good book to dive into for the fourth of July weekend and this one really hit the spot. I will be reading any books by this author from now on because I don't believe she could write a bad book, plus we NEED more queer love stories. (ALSO- more books set in the DC/Maryland area. I loved recognizing places that the author mentioned. )

Olive and Stella's love story was definitely not an easy going and chill journey. They experienced so much hardship and pain but were able to work through it together and grow into good partners for each other. It felt realistic- life is messy and things don't always work out the way you expect them to but keeping the faith and surrounding yourself with good people makes it worth living.

I really enjoyed Olive speaking up for nurses whenever people misrepresented them in the book, nurses are actual heroes and they don't get enough credit for their tireless work. Literally telling all the nurses in my life that I'm proud of them.

So happy I got to read an ARC of this book and will be telling all of my friends to read this as soon as it comes out.

Is there anything more fun than reading a book that takes place in the town you live in written by an author who lives there too?
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Fly With Me is more than just your average, queer, rom-com. It starts you out feeling like a book written for a Disney Adult (in the best way) and takes you on a complex ride from there.
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There are important lessons on fears, grief, and decisions that fear families apart. A huge message I took from this story is that everyone who is out and openly queer all have different experiences with being out.
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I loved Olive and Stella and Derek. A big f you to Lindsay.
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This debut novel was a great one! I can’t wait until it is published!

Fly With Me by Andie Burke is a delightful Sapphic romance that left me with a swooping feeling in my heart. This book is filled with banter, heartwarming moments, and an unexpected love that blooms in the most unlikely of circumstances.

The main characters, Olive Murphy and Stella Soriano, are undeniably cute and instantly captivate your attention. Olive, an ER nurse with a fear of flying, is a relatable and endearing protagonist who shines with her bravery and selflessness. Stella, the type A copilot, exudes confidence and charm, making her an irresistible match for Olive. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, and their witty exchanges had me grinning from ear to ear.

Andie Burke skillfully tugs at your heartstrings with each character's background, providing depth and emotional resonance. I found myself rooting for Olive and Stella, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs. The author deftly explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming fears, grief and the transformative power of love.

The ending of Fly With Me was satisfying and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. However, I couldn't help but crave more resolution and closure for the secondary characters who made the main characters' lives difficult. While the focus remains primarily on Olive and Stella, I would have loved to see a deeper exploration of these secondary characters and their eventual redemption, closure or growth.

Burke's writing style is a true gem, combining humor, heartache, and tender moments in a harmonious blend. The story effortlessly navigates between funny and sad moments, leaving me both laughing out loud and shedding a tear. The author's ability to evoke such a range of emotions is a testament to their talent and skill.

Fly With Me is an absolutely beautifully written novel that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Andie Burke's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a world that feels vibrant and alive. The book's message of love, acceptance, overcoming grief and the power of human connection is truly heartwarming.

In conclusion, Fly With Me is an enchanting and memorable Sapphic romance that will make your heart flutter. The adorable main characters, combined with the author's ability to tug at your heartstrings with their backgrounds, make this a must-read. While I yearned for more resolution for the secondary characters, the book's funny, sad, and beautifully written narrative more than makes up for it. Andie Burke's Fly With Me is a gem.

Let me start by saying that I never would have guessed this book to be a debut. These characters were well developed and well written.
I fully understand the people who thought the love story came too soon because I also expected to hate this, however, there is enough growth in the story that I no longer felt I was missing out. The story was less about their love and more about how that love nurtured specific situations, relationships, and insecurities. This seemed to be a story about how the right person can entirely change how you carry yourself through the rollercoaster that is life.

this book is one of the first queer books I've read that didn't involve a coming out story. While they are an important part of queer lives it is a small moment compared to the rest of their lives. It was very refreshing to read a book with queer characters just living their normal lives. The characters grew so much and both discovered how to be vulnerable after being in unhealthy relationships. I think it is incredible to read books with such incredible characters that are so easy to relate to.

4⭐️

This book had me in my feelings and I loved every second of it. I related so much to Olive in how she feels like she’s too much for anyone and really struggles with her mental health. My heart ached for what she was going through.

I loved how she and Stella helped each other improve themselves and become better partners. I also agree with Olive that a woman in a pilot’s uniform is very sexy.

If you’re looking for a sweet sapphic read that touches on some heavier topics such as grief and loss, this is the book for you.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free arc.*

A fun sapphic romance with anxiety rep and the ever popular (for good reason!) fake dating trope. I definitely enjoyed my time with Stella and Olive.
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I adored this book. It was pure sapphic perfection. Stella and Olive have become one of my absolute favorite f/f couples and I will always recommend this book.

Fake dating with gays is neeeever fake. But that’s the best part about it! Fake girlfriends kiss. And make out. And take care of each other when they’re sick. But it’s still fake, of course! They are idiots to lovers coded and it was glorious. On a more serious note, I also loved that they helped each other heal from their past toxic relationships. Lindsay was the absolute worst! And Stella’s past attitude towards relationships felt so real. Now knowing how to navigate someone else’s feelings and expectations is okay as long a you acknowledge it. Romance books never show this side and I loved getting it.

This book also deals with grief and pain in a complex but caring way. Grieving someone who’s not gone yet, being a caregiver… the emotional load was heavy but truly beautifully written. I loved every part of this book.

TW: Loss of a loved one, Parkinson’s disease, toxic past relationship

Rating: 5/5
Steam level: Open door, 2-3 scenes, high level of detail

ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!

This book was so good. It was sweet and caring, and the main characters were just perfect. Pilot Stella, and ER nurse and flying-phobic Olive. Fake dating. Olive saving someone on a plane. The whole journey with Olive’s brother added an amazing element to the story. It was phenomenal.

I wanted to like this book so bad but it just didn't hit for me. I didn't really like the characters all that much and I feel that the book moved way to slow for my liking. The point of a book is to enjoy it, but I felt like I was waiting for the good part to come the entire time I was reading it. I cannot say that I wouldn't recommend this to someone but I would have to make sure they enjoyed this type of book before I would do it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

i wanted to love this so much, but it was a SLOG. pacing was so slow, and not in a fun "slow burn romance" way but in a "once the plot was set up, nothing happened until the last 20% of the book" way. the book tried to do too much but ultimately did nothing. i'm so disappointed.

This is a story about Olive Murphy who is an ER nurse and decides to fulfill her brothers list of things to do before you die.. Olive suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. But despite her fears gets on a plane and flys to Disneyworld to run a half marathon to honor her brother. While on the plane she assists another passenger who has a near death experience. The pilot of the plane is Stella Soriano and she ends up befriending Olive and driving her the remainder of the way to Orlando.

Olive has an instant attraction to Stella and spends 1/2 the book internalizing her feelings and thinking she's not good enough for Stella. Stella also keeps her feelings hidden, because she feels that she is not good girlfriend material because she is caring for her ailing father and works long hours.

I liked the first half of this book very much. Then middle dragged with constant self doubts from both MCs. And eventually the breakup occurred at the 80% mark. The end came quick with a HEA. I would have liked more couple time. Despite this I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.

I will be following Andie Burke and look forward to more books from her in the future.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

FLY WITH ME was such a fun summer-y read that still perfectly tackled tougher issues. I loved Olive, but Stella was the real standout for me (a female pilot! Can I get a hell yeah!) as was the way they supported each other. Definitely recommend this one!

Do you like to be reminded you're reading a fake relationship trope every so many paragraphs because the characters love to repeat the words "fake girlfriend" ad nauseam? If so, you're in luck!! Again, I have no issue at all with this trope; I think it could actually be a lot of fun. I just didn't care for the writing style which I'm categorizing as "trying too hard" to be cute/clever/funny. The story is solely from the point of view of Olive, a charge nurse with a host of family and personal life drama, who saves "Mickey Mouse" (recurring joke that isn't particularly funny) on an airplane, and whose story goes viral. The other half of this fake relationship is Stella, the pilot of the aforementioned airplane, and concoctor of the relationship scheme. While Stella does have a few nice moments, it's overshadowed by the flat out condescending insinuations about Olive's career as "just" a nurse, which happens multiple times throughout the book mind you, and the feeling that she may have just been devising her scheme much sooner in the story than she admitted to. The chemistry didn't work for me, nor did the reason as to why the fake relationship is happening, which had too many layers of "ick" to get past. There is also far too many subplots, useless friend characters that do not move the story forward, and the tacked on Epilogue that was wholly unnecessary. It's a way to pass a few hours but not a strong enough execution of the story to be satisfying.

As a queer Disney adult who has run many RunDisney races this book was PERFECTION. I loved everything that took place at Disney and was very happy with how accurate it was. The spice in this book was fantastic and I loved the character development. Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone and I cant wait to purchase a physical copy to re read!

Okay so this started off a bit slow for me. I wasn’t finding the characters likeable I wasn’t really understanding what was going on in the book. It started picking up about 25% through and then I couldn’t put it down.

At first Stella seemed like a robot and really closed off I wasn’t sure how to feel about her until she started opening up and we saw her true colours.

Once they started their fake dating which clearly would turn into falling for each other- as every fake dating does. Stella becomes the cutest thing taking care of her when she’s sick and caring so much you can tell how big her heart is.

Not only was their relationship cute but also they both had their own family issues. With sicknesses that made it easier for them to relate too. They both have stressful, time consuming jobs and aren’t great at dating. But they just worked together and turned into a beautiful story.

Really really cute I’d recommend this book for sure. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc! Loved that it was lgbtq+ 💕

Source of book: NetGalley (thank you)
Relevant disclaimers: None
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author.

This is a charming, heartfelt romcom that perhaps wears its influences a little too heavily. I personally found it at its most engaging when it had confidence in its own identity, rather than cleaving so tightly to the tropes and beats of the genre.