Thank you, @jowatsonwrites, @wbywattpadbooks, and @netgalley for my free book.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Love at First Flight by Jo Watson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 432 / Genre: Romcom
Release Date: March 18, 2025
🥳Happy Pub Week!🎉

Used to being teased and side-eyed over her awkwardness and on-the-spectrum ways, Pippa stays in her safe bubble of work as an air traffic controller and very small group of friends. But that all changes when she meets her favorite pilot in person for the first time after speaking over the air for the last six months. They both lament about the pressures they face from friends and family over being single when they prefer to focus on their careers. They make a pact to fake date their way through a few upcoming social events to avoid the typical unpleasantness they usually have to face. Getting out of her bubble exposes Pippa to new experiences and interactions, which gets her thinking about what more she wants out of her life.

I loved this fake-dating romcom! It was funny, touching, romantic, thrilling—synonyms have a big role in this book. My favorite romcom of the year so far.

Unfortunately I DNFed this book. While I liked the FMC, and love that her special interests are aviation and marine biology, the writing of this book was really hard to get through. I found myself constantly asking "Is this how the author writes, or is this an attempt to emulate the thoughts of someone with autism?" If I have to question it, then I don't think it's effective.

I LOVED THIS ONE!

I went in this blind and was so obsessed with all of it. Pippa’s character was everything. She’s on the spectrum and even the way this book was written truly makes me feel it. Her love for synonyms and quirky traits just solidify her character. And Andrew! He’s the absolute best for her!

I loved this being set in South Africa. Even their jobs just works so well for them and their relationship. I don’t know much about it but their conversations over the radio are just fantastic! I will recommend this over and over again!! So fun and unique!

What an adorable book!! I loved the neurodivergent main character. I enjoyed seeing her from the outside and also learning about what she thinks, feels and why. I found it both fascinating and heartbreaking all at the same time. I loved the chemistry, the banter and the workplace, friends to lovers, fake dating tropes. I thought that the romance was really well done and fun to read. I laughed out loud during parts, I cried, I was fully invested in the characters both personally and as a couple. I truly wanted to become friends or relatives of the main characters - to witness their love, support and commitment was amazing. I loved the slow burn, the growth and change. It was all just really well done. I think my only complaint was that in parts the book dragged on, it probably could have been about 50 pages shorter.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great palate cleansing read for me and genuinely had me in all of the romantic feels. As someone who is on the autism spectrum myself I want to say I feel very seen with the way Pippa is described as well as her natural struggles/traits. This workplace romance with some fake dating had me laughing at many parts, swooning at others and even fanning myself off at times. A great read for sure and I’m excited to pick up a physical copy.

I enjoyed reading Love at First Flight by Jo Watson. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

This was an entertaining book. It was fun, sweet and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

“I know everything I need to know about you, Pippa.” 🥰

This book was a fun fake-dating romcom with a unique twist. Pippa is on the spectrum and I think the representation through her character was beautifully done. The story is written from her POV and getting that perspective during her interactions, especially with Andrew, was wonderful.

Pippa and Andrew have an adorable in-person meet-cute, recognizing each other’s voices after talking over the radio many times while at work. Their banter and watching their feelings grow and change throughout the book was really enjoyable.

I wasn’t quite sure where this story was headed at first, but to my surprise, it turned out to be a good read! In the beginning, I found it challenging to connect with Pippa. Her neurodivergent perspective definitely played a role in that struggle, but as the narrative unfolded, I discovered layers to her character that made her increasingly enjoyable.

Then there’s Andrew—he struck me as a pretty average character. Nothing stood out as spectacular, yet nothing was particularly off-putting either. One of the highlights was his effort to understand Pippa, which I appreciated. However, there were moments when he seemed to forget her struggles, leading to misunderstandings that were quite painful for both of them.

Ultimately, my perspective on the story shifted, revealing a more captivating and entertaining narrative than I initially anticipated. It was a journey worth taking!

Thank you, Wattpad and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of Love at First Flight.

Oh my goodness! I loved this book so much. The MCs were perfection! And I'm a sucker for a fake dating trope. This was laugh out loud funny in parts. I could not put it down. If you love a good cinnamon roll hero and an FMC that's different but oh so lovable, this is the book for you!

Pippa is an air traffic controller, and Andrew is one of the pilots that she gets to help when he flies into her airport. When they meet by happenstance at an airport cafe, they figure they have even more in common like how they're tired of everyone asking when they're going to settle down. Armed with a plan to get everyone off their back, the two takeoff for Pippa's school reunion and to get Andrew's family off his back for a while as well. Fake dating always stays simple, right?

This is a story about air traffic controller Pippa and pilot Andrew, who, after communicating through the radio for months, recognize each other’s voices in an airport café while Pippa is waiting for her flight to her hometown for a class reunion. After an interesting conversation, they agree to be each other’s fake dates to stop their families from pressuring them about dating.
This is a new to me author, I hadn’t heard of or come across any of their books before, but the cover of Love at First Flight caught my attention. I’m really glad I decided to give it a try.
The novel is well-written and kept me engaged throughout.
I loved Pippa and was rooting for her the whole way. She’s on the autism spectrum and very blunt, which I found refreshing. I admired how she knows exactly what she wants and what she likes, never settling for less. Through her obsession with synonyms, I even learned a lot of new words and their alternatives.
I also enjoyed the unique setting of South Africa. The fake dating trope was developed beautifully, and I really enjoyed that too!

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the ARC!

This was a sweet, light read with minimal conflict making it the perfect book to indulge in and escape to for a mental break. I really enjoyed the setting and aviation elements in this story. I've read a lot of romance but both of those things felt different and fresh. I also appreciated the author's thoughtful representation of Pippa's autism. I wish there had been a little less internal narration at the start of the book, but the characters' chemistry comes through and I will be on the lookout for more from this author.

Thank to #NetGalley and #WattpadWebtoonBookGroup for the book #LoveAtFirstFlight by #JoWatson. This is such an entertaining book about planes, relationships and falling in love. Pippa is an air traffic controller and single with the ten year reunion coming up. Andrew is a pilot with a nagging family about him being single. Together, they hatch a plan to fake date each other when needed. But then something called feelings breaks through. Could this turn into something else?

The story was fun and lighthearted and I had a good time reading it.
This was a wonderfully written romantic comedy.
I absolutely loved these characters and really enjoyed getting to know them.
A sweet, funny and heartwarming read!

Thanks to Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the E-Book. In this story we see Pippa (ATC) and Andrew (a pilot) decide to do this whole fake dating to get family and friends off their back. This is the cutes story and a little spicy ;) of fake dating that Ive read in a minute. Andrew is the ultimate book boyfriend the patience and care and understanding he had for Pippa was just chefs kiss.

Love at First Flight was one of the most distractingly interesting books I’ve ever read. I’ll warn you: don’t read it on an electronic device with internet access because, like me, you might find yourself constantly tempted to Google things like underwater villas in Dubai (gorgeous, by the way), Helios Airways Flight 522 (the tragic plane crash in 2005), and a plethora of other fascinating facts that the main female protagonist casually throws into the story. (I don’t think I’ll ever look at Greek sculptures or think of mermaids the same way again!)

Things that Pippa Edwards liked: fish, patterns, synonyms, and anything aviation-related. Things that Pippa didn’t like: tight clothes, surprises or unpredictable situations, and her upcoming 10-year high school reunion.

Still trying to figure out how her friend Jennifer managed to talk her into it, Pippa reluctantly waits for her flight, challenging the universe to show her three signs to prove that attending the reunion is a bad idea (despite not believing in the concept of semiotics). After three consecutive letdowns, Pippa is convinced to cancel her trip - until a familiar voice in her favorite airport coffee shop, one she’d only ever heard through her headset, sets the stage for an awkward yet intriguing encounter and a potentially flawed but brilliant idea.

As Flightbird Six Zero Zero (now known as Andrew Boyce-Jones) and Pippa discuss their shared frustrations with their families’ well-meaning but relentless harassment about their dating statuses, they come to a mutually beneficial agreement: Andrew will accompany Pippa to her reunion as her fake boyfriend (as well as her cousin’s wedding), and she will join him at his mother’s sixtieth birthday celebration. The arrangement would protect them from unwarranted relationship-status questions and provide them both the breathing room they crave from their intrusive families.

Neither of them wants a relationship - both happily married to their careers - so there’s no risk, no chance, and absolutely no opportunity for this to develop into anything more.

Or so they thought…

The characters spread throughout the book - whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, positive or negative, influential or damaging - created such a vast array of impacts on who Pippa was, how she viewed the world, and how the world viewed her. Then, being able to see that same world through Andrew’s eyes added even more depth and perspective.

As much as you might want to find Pippa’s long rambles annoying, you can’t help but be entranced by them! Initially, I felt like she was a bit long-winded and wasn’t sure where most of her mental dumps were headed, but after reading for a while, I couldn’t help but find them incredibly fascinating. As you continue to read, you adjust to the nuances that make Pippa who she is. There are even moments where her impressive introspection makes her extremely relatable.

Jo Watson elaborates on this in the Author's Note, sharing that many of Pippa’s traits, behaviors, and idiosyncrasies mirror her own, as she was recently diagnosed with Autism. At the same time, Pippa’s experiences might resonate with those who may be introverted, experience social anxiety, or feel easily overstimulated by certain sensory situations (such as how clothing feels, or specific sights and sounds). Watson’s candid explanation allows readers without a diagnosis - or those who may not yet have one - to feel a stronger connection not only to the female protagonist but to the author herself.

This level of relatability and vulnerability - not only from the character but from the author - was delicately balanced by the subtle humor, which keeps you smiling and chuckling throughout. I learned SO much from Pippa’s character that I found myself eagerly awaiting the next interesting fact to come out of her mouth! I challenge you not to catch yourself using synonyms for common, everyday words.

I was surprised to find the book steamy - it even bordered on spicy. The intimacy between the two characters was heightened by the understanding of how connection and emotions affected Pippa. In these moments, she was able to let go, feel, and simply be in the moment - absorbing the intensity for what it was, without a care for the consequences. Her mind shut off, and in those moments, she was free.

Even though this was definitely a love story, I also felt it was a book about self-discovery. Pippa didn’t need to change who she was, but she did need to learn to accept that some people in the world truly believed she was enough exactly as she was.

While I didn’t feel like there was any profound lesson or central focus to the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the natural evolution of Pippa and Andrew’s relationship.

This is my first book by Jo Watson, and I feel like I am walking away more enlightened and open-minded than I had expected. The thought, time, and care she put into creating this story were evident, and I hope those who read it find the same sense of joy and satisfaction that I did.

~ All Spoilers have been removed

"Love at First Flight" is a rom-com with wonderfully deep and complex characters with diverse family systems. The FMC is on the autism spectrum and is written so perfectly; the MMC comes from a non-traditional family with his own stories to tell. Together, they just might be a perfect fit. I read this book in one sitting, is was THAT good! This would have been a 5-star read for me, but the spice level was too much. I was disappointed in that aspect of the book, because the FMC was written so well that I can see this book being used as an inspiration for younger teenage girls who might be neurodivergent, feeling like they don't fit in. If this book were closed-door, I would feel like I could recommend it to them. If spice is your jam, then you this will be a plus for you. 4/5 stars for me. *I received a complimentary copy from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Huge thank you to Wattpad Books and Jo Watson for this ARC! 💙

Growing up, I always wanted to be a pilot—who doesn’t dream of flying, right? So, when I saw “Love at First Flight,” a workplace romance between a neurodivergent air traffic controller and a pilot, I was instantly hooked. If you love romantic comedy books with heart and depth, this one’s for you!

💙 What I loved most:
Pippa is one of the best-written neurodivergent characters I’ve read in a long time. Her autism representation is done authentically and beautifully—from her blunt honesty to her habit of spouting random facts when nervous (relatable, anyone? 🙋‍♀️). I adored her inner monologue, and she easily became one of my favorite romance heroines this year.

💫 What to expect:
✔️ Workplace romance ✈️
✔️ Fake dating trope 💍
✔️ Autistic main character 🧠
✔️ Cinnamon roll hero 💕
✔️ Single POV (but you’ll wish for dual!)

💘 How was the romance?
There’s something truly magical about a relationship where two people accept each other fully. Andrew is patient, kind, and utterly respectful of Pippa’s quirks—never once trying to change her. Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. 🔥 Watching their relationship blossom with every interaction had me grinning like a fool.

⭐ Do I recommend this book?
Absolutely! If you love fake dating romance, quirky heroines, and slow-burn love stories, this book is a must-read. While I loved Pippa’s POV, I’m begging for Andrew’s side of the story—because trust me, you’ll want all of his thoughts too.

If you're searching for romance novels with autistic characters, feel-good love stories, and a hero who truly sees his girl, “Love at First Flight” will steal your heart. ❤️

3.75 stars This book is sweet, delightful and adorable (Pippa the FMC loves synonyms). I have not read a Jo Watson book before, and I didn’t know what to expect, and what I got was a slow burn, he falls first that made me giddy, and characters I fell completely in love with.

It took me a bit to get into this book, but once I got to know the characters, it really took flight. Pippa is autistic and is a brilliant air traffic controller. Andrew is a pilot who frequently lands at her airport. When they recognize each other’s voices at an airport restaurant, they get to talking and realize they could help get their families off their backs by fake dating at special functions.

In her forward, Jo Watson mentions she received her autism diagnosis later in life, and how much it helped her understand herself. That understanding is made so clear in Pippa’s character development. As the mother of a neurodivergent son, I can tell you that Pippa is so authentic, and she clearly exemplifies the very best characteristics of high functioning autism, while also showing the struggles.

The slow burn of this book felt like an old fashioned love story. I couldn’t wait for their quick conversations as she gave him his landing instructions. Just the looks, smiles and slight touches had me wanting more. She has to get use to hugging and starts off just giving him a quick hug with a tap on the back which they call pugs, so cute. The spice is light, but so rewarding.

Pippa is literal, doesn’t understand sarcasm, can only socialize in small amounts, and doesn’t handle change easily. She also makes inappropriate but often hilarious comments. I love that Andrew not only accepts Pippa’s quirks, but loves her more for them.

I loved that the message for this book is that everyone is worthy of love. Love at First Flight will lighten your mood and leave you feeling good about life. I highly recommend

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Wattpadbooks for the ARC in return for an honest review

This book was so sweet! I absolutely adored Pippa, and being on the autism spectrum while also being an air traffic controller and how she navigates her life was such an interesting read. And pilot Andrew was so good with her, though I do think his character could have been fleshed out a bit more. It’s only from Pippa’s POV though so I get why it wasn’t. Also love that it takes place in South Africa, and gives a new twist on the fake dating trope.