4.5/5

this is the most obscure romance i’ve ever read but i loved it!!!!

i saw this cover randomly one day and then decided to head over to netgalley and see if i could request the arc and i just went right into this book with no expectations. i’ve never heard of anyone writing a book revolving birding but it was such an amazing surprise! every aspect of this book was so pure and sweet and i just had the best time!!

john and celeste were so adorably sweet! i don’t usually read books where the main characters are in the forties but there was something so heartwarming about two people who had struggled with love finding happiness in mid life. i also loved how the two of they had such childlike joy about birding. i love seeing people having fun when they’re doing something they love and i’ve never really been around someone who is into birding so it was also fun for me to learn about it at the same time as celeste. i really liked celeste because i too have been told that i’m ‘too much’ so it was wonderful to see her find a group of people that loved and supported her without fail!! i also relate to john because i like to be alone. seeing them with eachother and being happy and lovey made me want to cry and i love them!!!

this is a great debut from this author and i can’t wait to see what she does in the future!! i will be expecting another romance with a random ass hobby because now i low key want to a birder!! i’ve been influenced!! definitely go pick this book up in june!

*thank you to NetGalley for the ARC*

“I consume romance novels for the same reason I watch birds—for the sparks of joy, because I prefer to be happy when the world gives us so many reasons to be sad.”

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.


This was heartwarming and definitely a plot you haven’t read before which I loved. The FMC Celeste and MMC John have serious chemistry but also baggage that you can tell heavily impacts them and their actions. The relationship between Celeste and her daughter Morgan was my favorite aspect of the book because of the relatability of it. I think most readers would agree Morgan said what we were all thinking to her mother, though not with the best delivery. I did take away .5 ⭐️ because of the scene between Celeste and John after the art show fiasco. Just wish it had been written differently to reflect more depth in their relationship emotionally as opposed to physically. 🌶️ level felt appropriate while more on the v@nilla side. All in all — HIGHLY recommend and DEFINITELY a book I would gift or recommend to friends/people I think would relate to the overall message. Beautifully done Sarah!

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from “Birding with Benefits” by Sarah T. Dubb. I mean, birding and romance - I guess it goes hand in hand, but … yeah. For a debut novel, I’m impressed with how Ms. Dubb has combined these two main topics so well. The meet cute is different - because it’s obviously a meet cute but the set-up happens, for the most part, off the page. I also liked the complete miscommunication about that meet cute. I think the two main characters were solid and, for once, mature in their outlook of life in general and with what was handed to them during this book. Both main characters grew over the course of this book, which I also liked. There’s steam - in fact, I was a bit taken aback by just how much steam. There’s humor, along with good supporting characters (though I felt that the ex-girlfriend’s apology was a bit out there - and luckily not the drama it could’ve been, thank goodness!). Even if you’re not into birding or live in Arizona, where this book takes place, it’s a very enjoyable read with a bit of information tossed in (I’ll never be a fan of Emily Dickinson, but I love the appearance that she makes in this book).

Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb was blissful! I loved this slow burn with a mature female lead. Seeing romance play out while also learning about birding was so fun. I’ve never been interested in the hobby before, but this book made me want to pick up a guide of my own and hit the trails!

BIRDING WITH BENEFITS by Sarah T. Dubb is adorable. Books about wedding planners or authors are great and all, but birding? So original!

I give this book 7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the automatic star bump of having characters over 40 and being set in Arizona. Sorry, but I make the rules! Maybe I'll award an extra half star for the brilliant cover!!

Plot-wise, we've got the tale of an exuberant, recently divorced novice birder who kind of accidentally becomes the partner of a quiet, reserved experienced birder. And also his fake girlfriend. But they also are really drawn to each other. It's a bit of a slow burn in the first half, but whew, it burns hot as the Arizona sun 🔥.

I was very annoyed that I was reading it during the week, because I didn't want to work, I just wanted to finish it! I stayed up late because I was so close to the end and I couldn't wait!

A very lovely debut, BIRDING WITH BENEFITS is out June 4. Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC.

Instant favorite. Celeste and John were such sweet characters that were a bit flawed, and they had both been burned in the past. They grew and developed so much while spending time together competing in a local birding contest. John was a quiet, bearded, aspiring bird guide that exuded such calm confidence while birding, but was much more timid with other humans. Celeste was a whirlwind that may have had a touch of ADHD, but they made a great team while also pretending to date since John’s ex-girlfriend was a fellow competing birder. Chris and Maria were such good friends and side characters. I am a birder and highly competitive, but I absolutely loved John’s dedication to slowing down and showing Celeste the wonders of birding. There are so many things happening before our eyes that we don’t see until we start paying attention, and that’s such a profound part of being a birder. This story really captured that feeling, along with so many others. There is no need to have any prior knowledge or experience with birdwatching to enjoy this story though, and I am impressed with the author’s ability to slide in so many little facets of the hobby without making it too intimidating for romance readers. I’d already preordered this book before requesting a copy through netgalley, and I can’t wait to force it upon people when it releases.

Sarah T. Dubb's debut romance, BIRDING WITH BENEFITS, is AMAZING!!!!!!! The characters in this book are handled with such care as they grow and find each other. I absolutely loved reading about character's in their 40's. The honesty, communication, and trust they share was so raw and real. And the birds!!!!!! This book makes me want to buy some binoculars and go figure out which bird is singing at the park. READ THIS NOW!!!!!!!

Heads up this book is spicer than I imagined. I love the main character Celeste though. Quirky, fun and clever.

I loved this one from start to finish. I loved the birding. I loved the Tucson setting. I loved the gentleness and the theme of cherishing discovery. I loved the sexiness. I loved having older protagonists, including a woman with a teenaged daughter. I loved the writing. This is a beautiful book, and it made me feel at home.

Birding with Benefits by Sarah Dubb is a delightful romantic escapade that takes readers on a journey through the Arizona wilderness, blending humor, heart, and a touch of birdwatching. Newly divorced Celeste, embracing the spirit of adventure, finds herself in an unexpected partnership with John, a bird enthusiast with dreams of starting his own guiding business. The story unfolds with a mix of hilarity and tenderness as Celeste and John navigate the complexities of their fake relationship turned genuine connection. This book is a feel good read that explores love, friendship, and the unexpected paths that lead us to happiness.