Skip to main content

Member Reviews

I loved this! Perfectly crafted romance highlighting the unique challenges those on the spectrum face when entering new relationships. I literally could not put it down and fell in love with the characters. I'll be buying a copy when it is published to share!

Was this review helpful?

This book was fantastic! I zipped through it as it really held my attention. The story follows Pippa, an air traffic controller who starts fake-dating pilot Andrew. Both are getting hounded by friends and families for not settling down because they are very career focused. Fake-dating trope is nothing new, but what adds to this story is the point of view from Pippa, who is on the autism spectrum. It didn’t feel like a device plot, but felt very respectful to Pippa’s journey and navigating a relationship with Andrew. Speaking of Andrew, he’s the new gold standard for book boyfriends, right?
Definitely check this one out.

Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | W by Wattpad Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so cheesy but SO good. I nearly read this book in one sitting and only stopped because I had to go to sleep. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has felt like they don't quite fit in, even if they are not neurodivergent like the main character, Pippa.

I could not get enough of the banter between Pippa and Andrew. There's nothing better than a book where the guy falls first, and this absolutely delivers.

While reading this book I related so much with Pippa's inner thoughts and feelings. Jo Watson perfectly captures the experience of what living with autism feels like.

Again, I would recommend this book to anyone if you are looking for a lower stakes cutesy rom-com!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pippa and Andrew have a lot in common. Both love airplanes and their jobs. And both need dates for upcoming events. They’ve only known each other’s voices over the past six months, but a chance encounter and frank discussion leads them to the perfect plan, they can each be each other’s fake dates. They make a pact and quickly embark on a joyful adventure as they get to know each other better.

Pippa is on the autism spectrum, and it was really interesting to read about how she navigates the world. She’s incredibly intelligent and brave, putting herself in situations that make her uncomfortable. She does the best she can to navigate a world that doesn’t make sense. I loved how Andrew accepted her for who she is and her unique way of viewing the world. He’s a kind and likable hero, and I really loved how enthusiastically he supported Pippa at her high school reunion.

I did find the pacing to be a little slow and at times the novel was a little flat. I think the book would’ve benefitted from having Andrew’s POV as well, and I would have loved to see Pippa through his eyes.

Despite the pacing issues, it was a cute book.

Was this review helpful?

Love at First Flight was such a fun romance. I loved seeing a neurodiverse character who was fleshed out as the lead! This book had me hooked from the start as someone who loves fake dating!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and WattPad Book Group for the advanced reader copy.

I was curious about this book, given the neurodivergent main character and a setting that I don't often see in books (South Africa). While Watson did an excellent job of putting the reader inside Pippa's mind--the ways in which her neurodivergence is expressed--I found Pippa to be a tough character to connect with. This one just didn't work for me.

Was this review helpful?

Did I originally select this book because the female protagonist is autistic?

Yes, yes I did. And I didn’t even make it through the author’s note before I started crying.

Now, onto the book:

It took me a bit to settle in, as I initially found Pippa’s internal dialogue to be lacking in depth. I’m so glad I pushed through. As the book progresses, her character unfolds in the most wonderful way, almost like the slow bloom of a flower. She becomes a well-developed and delightful, though occasionally cringe-worthy heroine. In fact, I found Jo Watson’s depiction of Pippa to be one of the best, most loving portrayals of an autistic character that I’ve ever read. You don’t have to be autistic to enjoy this book but if you are I suspect you will see parts of yourself in Pippa, much like I did.

Neurodiversity aside, this is a fantastic slow-burn, fake-dating, friends-to-lovers romance. The meet-cute? Top notch. Pippa and Andrew form a connection before ever coming face-to-face, so it’s not surprising when their fake dating scheme transforms into some very real feelings.

“My all-time favorite conversations have been with you.”

Andrew’s admiration of Pippa is present throughout the book. He doesn’t just tolerate her quirks and idiosyncrasies, but they are part of what he likes about her. There is something so wonderful about being truly seen and understood when that’s a rarity for many of us on the spectrum. The chemistry here is so well written, not comprised just of steamy scenes, but the small, subtle moments of connection in between that make a relationship feel real.

I could wax on and on, but I’ll spare you. Come for the completely adorable, occasionally awkward fake-dating romance, stay for the great side characters and authentic depiction of neurodiversity. I hope this comes out on audiobook, as I love to “re-read” my favorite novels by listening to them.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the advanced reader copy of this book, provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and
Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this eARC!

When I read the description of this book, I fully expected to read a cute story I enjoyed. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did!

Love at First Flight is a cute and witty story about Andrew and Pippa. Andrew is a dreamboat - a pilot who’s funny, kind and caring, patient, and takes care of Pippa so well. Pippa, an Air Traffic Controller, is an intelligent and independent woman who is on the autism spectrum and struggles with communication and relationships. The pair start “fake dating” to help solve each other’s problems when it comes to family and friends constantly harassing each of them about when they’re going to settle down. Watching them together is adorable. Synonyms include endearing, lovable, cute. (IYKYK). Being in Pippa’s head as she realizes she has real feelings for Andrew is so heartening.

While I cannot personally relate to being neurodivergent, I greatly appreciate the representation. I found it very interesting and educational to read from that POV! I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

They first meet when Pippa Edwards air-traffic controller and Pilot Andrew Boyce-Jones communicate over the radio. After 6 months of working together they finally meet face to face they determine they both have a something in common, they both need a date. They decide to have a fake dating pact to help with both with their own situations.

Was this review helpful?

Love at First Flight tells the story of Pippa, a nuerodivergent Air Traffic Controller who is anxious about her High School Reunion. She cross paths with a handsome pilot named Andrew who, after a conversation over coffee have decided that they can help each other. They both agree to be each other's date to reunions and family parties so that their loved ones can stop talking about their love lives.
I really enjoyed this book! It was nice to see a book that is from the perspective of a character on the spectrum, written by someone who is also on the spectrum. It makes is much more authentic. The characters were cute together and the plot was sweet. Definitely a recommended read for sure.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher Wattpad Web toon Book Group for the E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#Netgalley #LoveatFirstFlight

Was this review helpful?

5 stars!! I loved this book! I will be reading this author's entire backlog.

Pippa and Andrew's story is so cute. This book was one of those books that just made me so happy. Andrew is a real gem. Pippa, to me, is quite relatable. I loved all the random facts scattered throughout this book.

Pippa's internal dialogue reminds me of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine which I also loved.

Was this review helpful?

I found this story to be quite cute and different, with spice but what i love was the representation of autism. It gave a different perspective that i enjoyed and the fake dating trope was big in here.

Was this review helpful?

Although I really liked the plot line, I think this book would have benefitted a lot by being a dual pov. I feel like Pippas inner monologue didn't add to the story line at all times but kind of just dragged out the story. The banter between Pippa and Andrew was really cute and I enjoyed that. All in all, feel like this book could have used some more editing.

Was this review helpful?

Air-traffic controller Pippa Edwards and pilot Andrew Boyce-Jones have spent months speaking over the intercoms. When a chance meeting brings them face-to-face, they discover not only do they work at the same airport, but they also share a common plight: relentless family pressure to settle down. With Pippa dreading probing questions at her ten-year school reunion in Cape Town and Andrew desperate to get his meddling family off his back, they strike a deal—a fake dating pact to keep everyone at bay. But as their staged romance unfolds, the line between pretense and reality blurs. Andrew’s charm and Pippa’s wit spark a connection that feels all too real, leaving her to question everything she thought she wanted—and whether love might be worth the risk.

I absolutely adored this book! The representation was fantastic, beautifully showcasing diverse and unique romantic relationships. The airline industry setting added a fresh, relatable layer. Though the chemistry between Pippa and Andrew started subtly, the slow burn worked perfectly as their backstories unfolded. The well-developed characters, with their distinct and compelling backgrounds, made the story feel authentic and emotionally rich. This book struck a perfect balance between romance, individuality, and depth—a memorable read I’ll cherish for a long time.

Was this review helpful?

3.75 stars


I was thoroughly impressed by the author’s note and her vulnerability in discussing her autism with humor. I found her insight to be truly insightful, and I was delighted to discover that she had also created the female protagonist as autistic as well. Initially, I was a bit skeptical when I read the first few chapters, as I wasn’t sure where the story was headed. However, I decided to give it a chance, and I was pleasantly surprised. The book provided excellent autism representation throughout, and I truly appreciated that. I also thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Andrew and Pippa; their interactions were hilarious. Additionally, I appreciated that Andrew remained unphased by Pippa’s blunt comments, even though she didn’t mean to say them. Andrew’s character was portrayed as a sweet and gentle soul, reminiscent of a golden retriever. I was also intrigued by the setting of the book in South Africa’s, as I had never read a book set there before. I found it fascinating to gain a glimpse into the local culture and experiences. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to continue reading more of Jo’s work in the future.

Was this review helpful?

The absolute chokehold this book had on me, ugh! So cute, charming, enlightening and steamy!

Pippa is a very successful Air Traffic Controller and she is also on the autism spectrum. She is extremely direct, loves synonyms, and knows a lot of information about very niche topics.

Flightbird Six Zero Zero is Pippa’s favorite pilot to work with because he has *the* perfect voice. After an adorable meet cute where they recognize each other by voice alone, they strike up a fake dating arrangement to help Pippa at her school reunion and to help Andrew get his family off his back. After all, they’ve already been “talking” for the past six months.

Pippa’s past relationships haven’t made it longer a few dates but since this is a fake relationship, she feels she can be more herself and show her quirks. It just so happens that these things Pippa is usually self conscious about are the things Andrew loves most about her.

Andrew is so accepting of Pippa’s quirks and attune to her needs. He is patient and so charming. And the pilot talk and aviation banter is so fun and flirty 😍

I loved all of the detail of this story and getting to be in Pippa’s head. Andrew’s family completely stole my heart and I only wish there were more of Blessing and Leroy sprinkled in. Maybe in a sequel?? A girl can dream. The last portion of this book also gripped me and gave me all the feels and the ending was totally perfect. The author notes that all aviation information was based on her own perceptions and research but it felt authentic to me as an aviation outsider myself.

The author, Jo Watson, also shared that she was recently diagnosed with autism so she wrote this story with first hand experience. It’s such an informative glimpse into the mind of someone on the spectrum.

Highly recommend grabbing a copy of Love at First Flight when it’s released on March 18th!

Also a BIG thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

"Love at First Flight" is a fun and fluffy read with a charming premise. I loved the aviation setting – it gave the story a unique vibe. Pippa is a hilarious character, and I totally get her aversion to repeating patterns and tight clothes.

The fake dating trope is classic, but the banter between Pippa and Andrew kept things interesting. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I was rooting for them from the start. However, the plot was a bit predictable, and some of the character arcs felt a little rushed.

Overall its a cute and enjoyable rom-com, perfect for a lazy afternoon. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's a lighthearted and entertaining read.

Was this review helpful?

“Love at First Flight” allows readers to step into the shoes of a character on the autism spectrum in a fun, light-hearted romance. Pippa meets Andrew, a work colleague, and finds they similarly need dates for certain functions without all the complications. They decide to make a fake dating pact. However, during their pact, they veered off their plan, complicating things.

I loved how Author Jo Watson pulled me in and almost let me experience Pippa’s thought processes as she interacted with others, from her friends, family, and Andrew. Jo made it funny, and the secondhand embarrassment kind, too. The text exchanges were hilarious. It wasn’t all light and fun; there were some sad and touching moments, too, and I also loved how patient and understanding Andrew was with Pippa.

“Love at First Flight” was an enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

While I loved Pippa and Andrew’s banter, the inner monologue felt like it dragged the book out more than it needed to be. I wished it would have been dual POV. Overall I did enjoy Andrew loving Pippa exactly how she is.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Jo Watson’s Love at First Flight is an absolute delight—equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply relatable. This story takes a classic rom-com setup (fake dating, anyone?) and gives it wings with its charming airport setting, quirky characters, and the perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments. It’s like a warm hug disguised as a book, and I couldn’t put it down.

Let’s talk about Pippa Edwards, our adorably awkward and fiercely competent air-traffic controller. She’s a breath of fresh air (pun intended)—smart, self-aware, and unapologetically herself, even when society seems determined to misunderstand her. Watching her navigate her struggles with social cues while maintaining her professional confidence was equal parts inspiring and endearing. She’s the kind of protagonist you want to root for because she feels so real. And Andrew Boyce-Jones? Let’s just say I’m ready to book my next flight if it means running into someone like him. Charming, patient, and a little bit cheeky, he’s the perfect counterbalance to Pippa’s straightforwardness.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. From their witty intercom banter to their hesitant first face-to-face meeting, every interaction crackles with energy. The fake dating trope shines here, with all its glorious awkwardness and simmering tension. Favorite moment? When they practice being “believable” as a couple, complete with staged hand-holding and painfully bad flirting—it’s both hilarious and impossibly sweet. And let’s not forget their mutual realization that the fake part of their arrangement is feeling very, very real. Swoon.

Beyond the romance, Love at First Flight explores themes of self-acceptance and connection. Pippa’s journey to embrace her uniqueness and find someone who values her just as she is struck a powerful chord. The contrast between her supportive relationship with Andrew and her strained interactions at her high school reunion is so well-done—it’s a reminder of how far she’s come and how much further she’s willing to go for love and happiness.

The book also touches on complicated family dynamics, particularly Andrew’s well-meaning but intrusive family, who can’t seem to stop pressuring him to settle down. These moments added depth to his character and made his partnership with Pippa feel all the more satisfying—they’re both figuring out what they want, and they’re doing it together.

If I have one small critique, it’s that the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly. I would have loved a few more pages to fully savor their resolution and see Pippa’s continued growth. That said, it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise fantastic read.

Love at First Flight is perfect for fans of fake dating, opposites-attract dynamics, and protagonists who learn to embrace their quirks. With its sharp humor, emotional resonance, and swoon-worthy romance, this book is a first-class ticket to a thoroughly enjoyable escape. Safe to say, Jo Watson has earned herself a permanent spot on my radar.

Was this review helpful?